Does my child need a passport/ID card?
Nowadays, every child, no matter what age, needs its own passport to fly to another country. In the past, an entry in the passport of the parents was sufficient. Since 2012 children need their own passport.
Depending on the country you travel to, a passport or identity card is required. The passport can easily be applied for at the city or municipal office. Children under the age of twelve will receive a children’s passport. This is valid for six years and can be extended once until the age of 12. To apply for the passport, a photograph of the child is required.
Will my baby fly free of charge?
For children up to 2 years of age, there is usually no need to buy a separate flight ticket. This also means that the baby has no seat entitlement and must travel on the lap of the parents. However, most airlines still charge for the child travelling with the baby.
However, this is usually a small service charge, which can amount to up to 20% of the airfare, depending on the airline. However, the price can also depend on the length of the flight route. If a separate seat is booked for the baby, the full ticket price must be charged, depending on the airline.
What do you have to consider?
For a relaxed flight with baby there are only a few important things to consider. The health and satisfaction of the baby is the first priority. Therefore, it is advisable to have a health check by the pediatrician shortly before the flight, including a check of the vaccination protection (also of the parents).
Important medication should be obtained before the flight. A mosquito net protects against mosquito bites, especially in tropical countries. The mosquitoes in other countries can transmit diseases like zika, malaria and dengue fever.
Furthermore, it makes sense to check the medical care at the destination before you travel. In order to provide a comfortable flight for the child, a night flight should be chosen if possible to make time adjustment easier. In order to be allowed to enter some countries at all, a separate passport, sometimes even a visa for the child is necessary.
