Features of air travel with children

The upcoming flight with small children or older children causes quite a few fears among parents.
Will the load during takeoff and landing affect the baby's condition? How to feed? How to dress? And if the child is older: What to do? And how to harness the energy of little explorers and fidgets?
However, today a flight with a child has ceased to be a rarity. And all serious airlines are trying to make the flight as comfortable and safe as possible for both children and their parents.

Let's consider some of the features of air travel with children using the example of some Russian airlines.

The only restriction on traveling with an infant is the age of up to 7 days.
Otherwise, there are no restrictions.
Airlines such as Transaero and Aeroflot have the opportunity to provide children under one year old (weighing no more than 11 kg) special baby cradles (depending on the type of aircraft and the availability of special mounts). If you wish to use the carrycot during the flight, please advise when booking and ticketing.

An adult passenger can carry one child under two years of age free of charge and without issuing a separate ticket without placing him in a separate seat.
Some airlines charge 10% of the basic fare on international flights, even if a separate seat for the child is not provided.
If the child needs a separate seat on the plane, it is necessary to issue a ticket at special fares with discounts of 25-50% from different airlines, depending on the conditions of the flight.
Also, if an adult passenger is carrying two or more children, then it is necessary to issue tickets for the second and subsequent child with the provision of a separate seat, but with 25-50% discounts.

Children 2-12 years old

When traveling by plane with children 2-12 years old, you also enjoy discount rates ranging from 25% to 50% with different airlines. The amount of the discount can also be determined by the route of travel.

Usually, families with children should be provided with the safest and most comfortable seats on the plane.
These are the seats with increased legroom in the front of the passenger compartment.
In order to be guaranteed to book neighboring seats on the plane for yourself and your child, check in for the flight in advance. To do this, you can use the services of online registration on the airline's website.

When checking in for a flight, please note that the child's age is not taken into account at the time of purchase of tickets, but at the time of the start of the trip. So if on the day of departure the child turns 12 years old, he will need to purchase an adult ticket.

Children from 5 to 16 years old traveling without parents

Children from 5 to 16 years old can travel without parents. Airlines provide escort service.
Registration of an escort service when issuing a ticket for an independent flight of a child is compulsory for children from 5 to 12 years old. At the request of the parents, accompaniment can be provided for children under 16 years of age.
In this case, a prerequisite is the presence of the accompanying and meeting parties.
To arrange an escort, you must fill out an application to the airline, samples of which can be found on their websites. This can be done either at their representative office, or directly during check-in for the flight, however, it is necessary to inform that the child is flying unaccompanied when booking the ticket.

What to take on the plane for a child

Make sure that your carry-on baggage contains everything you need for a comfortable flight with your child.
For the little ones: a pacifier (nipple) and a bottle with a drink.
For older children, lollipops (help with ear-blocking).
For a snack, nuts, dried fruits, baby food.
At Aeroflot, you can order food for babies in advance (at least 36 hours in advance), and this service is completely free.
Don't forget to take medications if needed.
Take a laptop or tablet to entertain your child with interactive educational games or cartoons.