You are planning to make a flight with your small children? There is so much to organize and you don't know where to begin? No problem. Here we have compiled the most important tips for you.

Choice of destination

Good preparation for a journey begins with the choice of a suitable destination. Because of the different environment in an aircraft, we recommend that you keep long, strenuous trips with children to a minimum. Introduce your children gently to the adventure of flying so that it's fun for them and arouses their curiosity for further journeys of discovery with the giants of the skies.

Health check by a pediatrician

Do consult your family pediatrician before your planned flight. The doctor can not only advise you on required inoculations but also determine whether your child is fit enough to fly. It's also best to make another appointment a few days before your scheduled departure. That will enable the doctor to react in good time if any complications from inoculations have cropped up.

Don't forget your ID and/or passport!

On journeys abroad children need their own ID document. But they can also be included in their mother's passport. If you are planning a vacation in a foreign country we recommend that
you check in good time if your country's travel documents are recognized there. For instance, a list of the countries that recognize German children's ID only partly, or not at all, can be found on the homepage of the German Foreign Office (www.auswaertiges-amt.de). Ask your Foreign Office for further information.

Flight booking and seat reservation

Night flights are especially suitable for journeys with small children because they maintain their accustomed daily rhythm and can sleep. Please tell your travel agency when you book your
flight that you will taking a baby with you. This will ensure that baby food will be available on board your aircraft. Reserve a seat in the first row, because cots and baby seats can be installed there with no problem. In addition, you can reserve special baby tubs that can be fastened at certain
places in the aircraft. They are suitable for babies aged up to six months, and are provided by Lufthansa free of charge. We also offer children's menus on many of our flights. In Germany, you can order these when you book your flight, or at the latest 24 hours before your scheduled departure via the Lufthansa Call Center:Tel. 0180-5 83 84 86

A small extra tip:

Let your child have a window seat. There are not only a lot of exciting things to see from it. You also have your child in sight and don't have to worry that he or she has gone off on unaccompanied exploration tours.

Curiosity against fear of flying

Arouse your child's curiosity about flying – for when he or she is excited they have less fear of it. Tell them interesting stories about flying, or take a trip together to an airport where they can see the big aircraft coming and going. Also, prepare your child for the coming journey by telling him or her about what takes place on the flight, how long it will be, and the special conditions on board. Children can cope with a new situation easier if they know in advance what they can expect. But the most important thing is that you are a positive model for your child. If parents show that they are calm and relaxed about a flight, children feel secure – and fear of flying has no chance of affecting them.

Tips for cabin baggage

Cabin baggage is an especially important travel companion when you fly with children. All the things you should by no means forget are listed below.

Favorite soft toy to cuddle
Thick socks to prevent cold feet
Favorite blanket against cold air from the air-conditioning
A change of clothes for babies in case of bowel problems...
...and the same for Mom
Moist tissues for the hands
A small toy that won't be missed if it is lost
A picture or coloring book against boredom
Non-sticky nibbles
Diapers and pants
Bottle and pacifier
Medications

Travelling with Small Children - At the Airport

Long waiting times at the airport can quickly spoil the mood of young travelers. Or their desire to explore their surroundings can hardly be controlled. Parents sometimes have problems keeping a tight rein on them.

How you can use your time at the airport so that children don't get bored is recommended here:

Make waiting times go faster

There are many ways in which you make unexpected waiting times go faster. For instance, you and the children can visit the observation terrace for an especially good view of the big aircraft taking off and landing. Also, many airports have special children's play corners where they can romp around. Our staff will happy to tell you where these play areas are located. Or take a look at one of the
many airport restaurants. They have not only long set up special play corners for young guests, a snack there also does much to lighten young spirits. Some airports also have exhibitions you can visit. If all that is not enough to make waiting time go faster for your children, you can still read a book to them or play a game with them. Whatever you decide, you'll see that the time until your flight will fly.

Tips for baggage check-in

Air travel with babies or infants doesn't have to be stressful. When you fly with Lufthansa you can take your baby carriage or buggy right up to your aircraft. So you don't have to hand it in as a baggage item. Shortly before you board the aircraft a flight attendant will take it from you and return
it to you after you land. You should also know that babies and infants have a free baggage allowance of up to 20 kg in Economy Class. So don't worry about packing plenty of diapers and baby food, and so
on!

A cordial welcome – you board first!
With Lufthansa, families with children are among the first
passengers to board the aircraft. Our flight attendants are
happy to help you find your seats, stow your baggage and
assist with fastening children's seatbelts.

We wish you a great flight!

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