Any experience of flying alone with baby??

I am very keen on traveling to different countries in the world. I have a disabled son aged 3 and 3/4 years old and a daughter aged 21 months old. Since they were born I have taken them on several trips. We have traveled short haul on low cost airlines and long haul on scheduled airlines. When I was pregnant with my daughter my disabled son was 20 months old. We got a 5 hour delay and then a 12 hour flight from London to Cape Town. He was 3 years old and my daughter was 11 months old when we flew from London to Vancouver. On our latest trip we flew from London, England to Cartagena De Indias, Colombia via Madrid and Bogota. We took a Phil and Ted's buggy, a harness for my daughter, three cabin bags, two holdall bags for the hold and one backpack for the hold. With our hold luggage going out there some of it got lost and most of it got delayed. We also had a delayed flight leading to a missed connection. We were given a hotel due to the missed connection. The airports were excellent for changing the diapers but the washroom on board the planes had too tiny fold down change table. In my experience a baby likes being held by mom and hates being in the bassinet. It is best to take the stroller with you. In my case with my son not walking the airline keeps the buggy on the plane and gets it off for me to use it as soon as the plane lands. Good luck with your flight.

Hi mermaidivy, it is very stressful. I can say that much. I have never flown alone with a baby though. I usually have someone to fly with me. I have taken 12 hours flight with my first daughter when she was just 2 and half months old. My mother-in-law flew with me that time. Oh Wait, I just realise I did fly alone with my older daughter when she was 3 and half months to go to Dubai. That was a very short flight though, only 2 and half hours. I think I can qualify as frequent flyer when it comes to flying with babies - I did take International flight a few times with my daughters. First thing first, you don't need to buy an extra seat for your son, though you need to buy a ticket. Infant below 2 years old are not given a seat. Most of the international airlines will have bassinet seat and they will provide bassinet as well. If nothing is not written on their website, you can ask them by phone at the time of booking and also remind them when checking in. If your baby likes to sit in a stroller, yes, it is good to take a lightweight along with you. If he does not like it very much or is going to fret seeing strangers, it might just be a burden for you to lug around stroller. What with having to carry a baby and pushing a stroller...lol... There usually is changing table provided on the aeroplane's toilet. If there is not, don't hesitate to ask the stewards/stewardesses where you can do nappy change. They are used to people travelling with baby. In the airport, there usually is changing room provided in the ladies toilet. Of course, if you are travelling alone, it would be a bit of a problem when you need to go to the toilet. You can always ask the people sitting next to you to watch him or ask the stewards/stewardesses in the plane, though you will have to take him with you in the airport. I would not feel comfortable leaving my baby with strangers. Finally, make sure that you have small cans of things for him to eat during journey. Remember that security is very tight and they will not let you take liquids, including baby food. They will let you take a small quantity - opened. They once asked me to taste one of the baby food in front of them. Best to take a small quantity. You can always buy something and the airlines will have food for the baby anyway. Anything else I can help you with, just let me know. I'd be happy to share my experiences.

I think my son was a little over a year old when I took him for a 17-hour flight. There was no seat for him, so I had to carry him all the way. Good thing the flight stewardess took pity on me and moved me up to the front of coach. Just behind the wall separating first class. And there was a folding table there where I could put my baby on top once in a while if my arms got tired. He slept most of the way which was a relief. And I only had to change his diaper once, which was an adventure to say the least, inside the cramped airplane washrooms. Where are you going? Goodluck!

I've travelled several times with my son but never alone and never on a 12 hour flight! I suggest you get the bulkhead seats, we always reserve the front row seats when we travel. So we are near the restrooms/lavatories.

I've never flown alone with a baby, but I am actually curious how you are able to fly on your own. You must be an amazing mother, to be able to fly online with a baby. Did you wait a few months before flying with the baby? I would think it is easier after the baby is at least 6 months older because it is easier to handle.-

none but definitely love to have the same experience soon. i know theres a lot of hassle but what is a hassle just to have a baby with you. specially if its your own child. happy trip