What documentation is needed for a child to travel by plane?

Traveling with children could be a way to collect lifetime memories. Flying could add some more to it. However, airlines only have certain restrictions or limitations for ensuring the safety of children. In order to bypass the same, you get to complete their documentation procedure, which could vary from airline to airline. Moreover, it could also depend on the age of the children, and the common regulations that one could face are as such:-

• Birth certificate
• Mother discharge summary
• Photo identity card
• Boarding verification document 
• Vaccination certificate
• Passport and visa (traveling internationally)

Are there any airline-specific policies regarding the minimum age for children to travel by plane?

Yes, specific policies regarding the minimum age for children to travel by a place exist. So, the rule for children or infants for traveling is that “ Any child below 7 days may not travel unless they obtain a doctor's letter stating that they are clear for travel. “ Furthermore, the policies could differ for international and domestic route travelers depending on the airline. But the provision concerning age restrictions of a child is as such:-

• A child younger than four or five years old is not suited to travel alone. They need an adult of at least 15 or 18 years old.
• Children aged five to fifteen could travel under accompanied minor or solo travel features only.
• A child younger than 15 or 18 could not require any facilities and travel alone. But they could be asked to present a photo ID or birth certificate showing their age. 

What are the rules and regulations regarding the minimum age for children to fly?

Traveling with children on air transport is not as easy as it looks. This is because there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed to board a flight. Further, those policies could be alike as:-

• When an infant travels with an adult, the infant can sit on the adult's lap throughout the journey and is not mandated to purchase flight tickets. 
• The maximum number of infants allowed on a flight is 12. So, it runs on a principle of first come and first serve. 
• But when an adult travels with more than one infant, then they have to purchase a ticket for them. 
• A child traveling alone could not be eligible to board a connecting flight. 
• If an infant is younger than 2 years and weighs within the set limit, then a bassinet feature could be applicable to them. 
• Any children traveling alone need to report at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 4 hours before an international flight departure. 
• When a child is using the “unaccompanied minor or solo travel” feature then an adult needs to escort them to/from the airport. But the identification of the adult needs to be submitted, who will receive the child at the destined city. 
• In a condition where you failed to prove the age of the children then a full fare could be charged, and the seat could be subject to availability. 

Can a 2 month baby travel on a flight?

Yes, you can book 2 month baby travel on a flight. In an airline, an infant from 7 days and above could easily board a flight. Further, if you are looking to travel with a child below that age, then you may get to submit a doctor's certificate allowing them to travel. Moreover, sometimes it can be free, and others it could apply changes to it. 

Do I need to book a separate seat for an infant?

No, you might not need to book a separate seat for an infant. But this could apply only if a single adult is traveling with one infant. However, when someone is already sitting in the lap then you get to pay for an adjoining seat. The cost of that could depend on the airline. Read in detail about the child policy in Philippine Airlines.

Bottom Line

Furthermore, when you read over here, then you can identify various terms related to child travel on airlines. Further, these regulations are not definite and could be changed depending on the circumstances. So, to confirm the same, you can get to reach out to the particular airline customer service team.