The topic is seemingly eternal and very confusing. However, we assure you, there is nothing complicated about it. Once you figure it out and understand the essence, then you can even advise your loved ones about required documents when flying with children.
The main question is whether the flight is domestic or international, in other words, you are flying through the territory of a country or flying to another country.
Domestic flights
On domestic Russian flights, you do not cross the state border, and therefore do not go through border and customs control.
Up to 12 years of age, a child can fly only with the accompaniment of an adult passenger (that is, an adult or a citizen who legally acquired full legal capacity until the age of majority, hereinafter referred to as "adult passenger"). The degree of relationship with the child does not matter. On domestic flights, a child can travel with any adult passenger. No permission from parents or anyone else is needed.
Over 12 years old, a child can fly on their own at all, without any accompaniment.
Required documents:
Regardless of whether the child is flying with or without an accompaniment, during the flight he needs to have with him the original identity document:
- Child's birth certificate - for children under 14 years old;
- Internal passport of the Russian Federation - for children who have reached the age of 14;
- Temporary identity document - if a temporary identity document was issued to the child instead of a birth certificate or passport.
It's important to know! You must check in for the flight and board the plane by presenting the exact document for which the ticket was purchased. It is a frequent case when you indicated the details of one document when issuing a ticket, but you are going to fly by presenting another identity document. In such cases, you need to contact the airline in advance to enter the details of the new document into the ticket. The airline must do this.
1. Is it possible to board a plane, having a color copy of it instead of a child's birth certificate?
No! Original required. However, if you have some kind of emergency and there is no other way out, try contacting the airline. Since this domestic flight If you do not cross the border, then it is only the airline that decides whether to let you on board or not. Perhaps they will meet you halfway.
2. The child has international passport, is it possible to issue a ticket for a domestic flight, specifying its details?
A foreign passport certifies the identity of a person abroad. Whether it can be used for domestic flights or not is not regulated anywhere. In practice, there are a lot of such cases. If, when booking, the system provides an opportunity to choose a passport as a document, then you can choose. For your peace of mind, you can additionally call the airline and clarify. So the answer is rather yes.
3. When buying a ticket, the child was not 14 years old, so the ticket was issued with a birth certificate. But upon departure, he already has a passport. How to be?
After receiving your passport, you definitely need to contact the airline with a request to enter the passport data on the ticket. They must do it. You need to fly by presenting the child's passport, with a birth certificate you will not be allowed on board.
4. The child is 14 years old, but he has not yet received a passport. Can I fly with a birth certificate?
No. The day after the birthday, the birth certificate ceases to be a document proving the identity of the child. Within 30 days of turning 14, you must apply for a passport. If, prior to receiving your passport, you were issued a temporary identity document by the relevant authority, you can issue a ticket for this document and present it at check-in and boarding. If you bought a ticket in advance by specifying the data of the birth certificate, and you plan to board the plane with a temporary identity document, then, as in the previous example, you should contact the airline in advance with a request to enter the data of the new document into the ticket. The airline must do this.
International flights
On international flights, everything is much more complicated, since you are crossing the state border of the Russian Federation. You must have not only the documents required for registration and boarding the plane, but also documents for passing the border control.
Immediately, we note that a citizen of the Russian Federation, regardless of age, can go abroad only with a foreign passport. That is, the child must also have a foreign passport. When booking, tickets are issued specifically for a passport. You cannot fly abroad with a birth certificate, internal passport or other document that does not prove your identity abroad.
Before coming of age, a citizen of the Russian Federation can fly abroad:
- When accompanied by at least one of the parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees;
- When accompanied by another person or independently with a notarized consent to his departure from at least one of the parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees.
Important! A child can leave only if the other parent (adoptive parent, guardian or trustee) has not announced in advance about his disagreement with the child's departure. If there is such a ban, then the question of leaving is decided by the court.
We also remind you that it is compulsory to accompany a child during the flight only up to 12 years old.
So, let's list all the possible options for leaving with a child.
1. One of the parents can fly with a child (no matter what age) abroad. This does not require the consent of the other parent, even if the parents are divorced. A child cannot go abroad only if the other parent in advance, in accordance with the procedure established by law, has declared his disagreement with the child's departure.
Required documents:
- A document proving your relationship with the child, namely, the child's birth certificate, where your data is indicated as a parent exactly as they are indicated in your passport;
- If your data in the child's birth certificate does not match the data of your own passport (for example, you changed your last name), you must also have a document confirming the fact of changing your full name. This often happens when a woman, after giving birth to a child, gets married and takes her husband's surname. The child has one surname, but the mother's surname is different. In this case, you need to have a marriage certificate with you, which indicates the fact of a change of surname. In any other cases of changing the name, you must have with you the appropriate document confirming the fact of the change.
2. In the case of adoptive parents, guardians and trustees, the rule is the same. One of the adoptive parents (guardians, trustees) can go abroad with the child without the consent of the other adoptive parent (guardian, trustee), but only if the other adoptive parent (guardian, trustee) has not legally imposed a travel ban in advance child.
Required documents:
- Foreign passports for yourself and your child;
- A document confirming adoption, guardianship or guardianship, in which the full name coincides with the full name of your passport;
- As in the previous case, if you changed your full name after adoption (guardianship or guardianship), you need to present a document confirming the fact of the change in your full name;
- additionally, it would not hurt to have a child's birth certificate with you.
3. A child can go abroad accompanied by any other person (grandmother, uncle, just an acquaintance, etc.) only if there is a notarized consent of at least one of the parents (adoptive parents, guardians, trustees) for the child to travel abroad, and only if the other parent (adoptive parent, guardian or trustee) has not declared a prohibition on the child's departure in advance. Formally, a child crosses the border on his own, but if he is less than 12 years old, he is not allowed to board without an adult.
Required documents:
- Foreign passport of the child;
4. A child who has reached the age of 12 can fly abroad on his own if there is a notarized consent of at least one of the parents (adoptive parents, guardians, trustees) to leave the child abroad, and only if the other parent (adoptive parent, guardian or trustee) a ban on the child's departure was not declared in advance.
Required documents:
- Foreign passport of the child;
- Notarized consent of at least one of the parents (adoptive parents, guardians, trustees) for the child to leave, indicating the date of departure and the state (states) that he is going to visit.
Some subtleties and practical examples.
1. The child is not a citizen of the Russian Federation, what documents are needed to leave Russia?
In general cases, you need the same documents with which you entered the Russian Federation. In difficult cases, contact the consular section of the embassy of the country of which the child is a citizen.
2. I am a citizen of Ukraine, and my child is a citizen of the Russian Federation. Do I need to issue a passport for him?
A child, a citizen of the Russian Federation, must have a passport to leave the Russian Federation. In addition, you must have documents proving that you are the parent of the child.
It should be noted that in this article we have only touched on the procedure for leaving the Russian Federation. But to enter the country you are traveling to, or the country through which you are traveling to a third country, you may need additional documents (such as visas).
Memo online registration for flight:
Now passengers can avoid wasting their time standing in line at the check-in counter at the airport. Anyone can check in for a flight even before arriving at the airport using a personal computer, mobile phone, tablet or smartphone.
Checking in online is quick and easy and takes one to four minutes. In addition, you have the opportunity to independently decide on a seat on the plane. Upon completion of check-in, you will receive your boarding pass on your mobile phone (SMS) or email.
Currently, the online registration procedure is very popular. This service is provided by the majority of Russian airlines, saving customers from the lengthy check-in process at the airport.
The relatively recent appearance of this service did not prevent it from gaining high demand among passengers of airlines making both domestic and transatlantic travel in such a short period of time.
Main advantages electronic registration:
Significant time savings, since there is no need to stand in line for the check-in of passengers, and the opportunity to choose better place in the airplane.
Self-service baggage check-in. Upon arrival at the airport, the actions with checked baggage will be clear and simple: either hand it over at the check-in counter (skip the line), or leave it at the counter.
24/7 availability: at any convenient time, the passenger can check in for the flight.
What do you need to have on hand to register online?
Passport data (full name, series and passport number, by whom and when issued).
Booking / flight number.
E-ticket number.
If you are traveling with an infant, the choice of seat on the aircraft will be limited.
After entering all the necessary data in the form, an electronic boarding pass will open. Save and print it as it is shown when boarding the plane. Moreover, registration hand luggage not required. But it is worth paying attention to the rules for registering cargo, which may differ in different airlines. If you are traveling by air for the first time, check out what applies to carry-on baggage, as well as the list of allowed and prohibited items and weight standards.
It is worth noting that the online check-in procedure, its restrictions and rules are in most cases almost the same in all airlines, but nevertheless, it is better to resolve the issues that arise in advance to avoid unpleasant situations.
If you received an SMS with a check-in notification on a tablet or mobile phone in the form of a barcode, then upon arrival at the airport you can go to the self-check-in terminal equipped with a scanner, present the barcode for scanning and print your boarding pass, or go to the check-in counter and get your boarding pass ...
If you received your boarding pass by email, you just need to print it out. Even if you do not have this opportunity, do not worry. Upon arrival at the airport, go to the check-in counter and inform that you have already checked in for the flight. Your data is already listed in the airline's database, and for printing boarding pass it will take a few seconds.
How, then, can you check in your baggage?
Most passengers who have resorted to online check-in have the following question: "What should I do with baggage check-in upon arrival at the airport?" It turns out that by going through the online check-in, you can immediately check in your luggage, indicating the number of bags that will be taken with you on the flight. Also, many airlines provide passengers with the opportunity to pay for baggage check-in through their official websites. Having checked in your ticket and luggage online, upon arrival at the airport, you should go to the “Drop Off” counter, where you can leave your luggage. The airline employee will print special tags, attach them to the bags, and then place them on the conveyor belt.
Online registration requirements and conditions:
Check-in must start at 23 hours and end 2 hours before departure.
Before proceeding with online registration, you need to make sure that you have completed e-ticket and the booking is confirmed.
Online check-in is available for all passengers, except for the following categories:
Passengers traveling with infants (up to two years old) who do not occupy a separate seat;
Passengers advised of what they may need health care or special services;
Passengers under 16 years old who travel without an accompanying person;
Passengers with pets;
Passengers who have booked tickets through travel agencies;
Passengers carrying special or dangerous cargo;
When buying group tickets (more than nine people).
The weight and dimensions of carry-on baggage must not exceed the established norm.
If you are planning to travel with luggage, it is best to check it in at any check-in counter or bag drop counter. You must present your boarding pass upon check-in.
You must arrive at the boarding gate no later than the time indicated on your boarding pass.
Documents must be presented before boarding.
Do not forget that in order to pass the check passport control and on aviation security and also before boarding you need to show your passport and printed boarding pass.
The mere thought of flying with a child can be stressful for parents, especially if this is their first trip. There are indeed many potential difficulties and problems, ranging from flight delays, queues at check-in and customs, fears about how the child will reschedule the flight, and ending with questions about what or what to do with the child during the flight.
We hope that our tips will help you start your journey in a great mood and avoid many, perhaps minor, but unpleasant moments.
So, welcome aboard the plane!
Buying an air ticket
The easiest and fastest way to purchase tickets is on the carrier's website. Most airlines provide the option to immediately reserve seats when buying a ticket online, which is very convenient. Also . They will allow you to choose the best route and fare, book and buy a ticket directly on the website, or after choosing a flight, they will redirect you to the airline's website. To buy air tickets on the Internet, you must have bank card, preferably Classic class and higher, since some airline sites may not accept Electron / Maestro class cards for payment, national maps Domestic or cards without a CVV code and indicating the name of the cardholder (special Internet cards or cards issued by banks during promotions).
When a child under 2 years of age travels (without a seat), usually 10% of the corresponding standard or reduced fare of an accompanying adult passenger is paid, unless there are special conditions for the application of this fare.
For children between 2 and 12 years of age, the applicable child fare is paid with a discount of 30% to 50% of the standard fare for an accompanying adult passenger. A regular passenger ticket is issued, and the child at this rate takes a separate passenger seat.
Arrival at the airport, check-in
Registration for international flights starts, as a rule, 2-2.5 hours before the departure of the aircraft, for domestic flights - 1.5 hours. It is advisable not to be late and arrive at the beginning of registration in order to get seats in the first row of the salon (they are more comfortable and spacious). Better - use online check-in on the airline's website which usually starts 24 hours before departure. Its convenience is that you can choose and book yourself. But even in this case, upon arrival at the airport, you will have to spend a little time checking and dropping your baggage.
Airlines often check in passengers with small children out of turn. If there are huge queues at all the check-in counters, go to the check-in counter without luggage and ask for help - they will check you in either there, then giving your luggage to the regular check-in counters, or they will call the hall administrator and he will take you to one of the check-in counters out of turn.
If you are traveling with a stroller, the baggage screening belt will most likely ask you to fold the stroller out of it and roll it through the strap. At check-in, the stroller may not be checked in as checked-in baggage... Just be sure to put a tag on it with your name and flight number. In this case, you will be able to use the stroller until boarding the plane. Near the plane's ladder, the flight attendant will take her to the luggage department, and upon arrival you will receive her back right at the ladder. A cane stroller will be indispensable and most comfortable for travel - it is light, folds in one movement and takes up little space.
Infants can be provided with a cradle on board the aircraft (you can find out about the availability of such a service and restrictions on the age and weight of the child when booking tickets). Alternatively, you can take a carrycot with you on the road - it fits with any amount of free space in the cabin, you can fasten it, and then the child may not be and sleep in your arms all the time. Again, check in advance if you can use your bassinet during the flight, as not all airlines allow this option.
Clothes and things that will come in handy when flying with a small child
- Sling.
- Plaid (if you did not take it with you, ask the flight attendant immediately upon boarding, as the number of them in the cabin is limited, and temperature drops during the flight are guaranteed).
- Diapers.
- For babies who no longer use diapers, there is a folding pot or a special toilet attachment.
- Changeable set of clothes for the child.
- Change of clothes for mom.
- Wet and dry wipes.
- Disposable diaper (in case the child changes clothes in the salon).
- Toys (preferably new and different to attract the child's attention for a longer time). The only thing worth considering is that toy plastic or metal weapons will not be allowed on board the aircraft.
- Feeding utensils, pacifiers, teether.
- Vasoconstrictor to avoid unpleasant ear blockages or nose problems.
Meals on board
When buying a ticket, ask if the airline provides a special menu for infants and older children, and what exactly is included in it.
If such a service exists, you can order a separate meal for your child (most importantly, inform the airline about this no later than 36 hours before departure). If your child is picky about food, prepare food and drinks that are usual for him in advance (it is allowed to take baby food on board the plane). This can be canned food, compote, juice or water, dried fruits, fruits, dry cookies, mixture or instant porridge (in this case, a flight attendant will help you prepare a mixture or porridge).
Waiting to board the plane
Check if there is a mother and child room in the waiting room - there you can always relax before departure, feed and change the child's clothes. After passing through all the control zones and moving into the hall, give the kid plenty of fun (if he already knows how to do it :)), because then he will have several hours of restriction of freedom of movement. Perhaps, having played enough before the flight, the child will get tired and oversleep during the entire flight. Today, in almost every major international airport there is a special room, family area or playground where the child can play before the announcement of boarding.
There are similar play areas at the airports of Domodedovo (right wing, 2nd floor), Sheremetyevo (in each of terminals B, C, D, E, F), Vnukovo (terminal D, 2nd floor), Pulkovo-1 (zone B, 3rd floor). To get to the children's rooms in Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo, you need to take a certificate for the child at the airport medical center. At Boryspil airport (Kiev), you will find a mother and child room and a play area on the second floor of the departure hall in Terminal F. But most of all, parents who fly from airports such as Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland), Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Denmark) will be lucky. , Schiphol (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Madrid Barajas (Madrid, Spain), Heathrow (London, UK), Paris Orly (Paris, France), Letiště Praha Ruzyně (Prague, Czech Republic), San Francisco International Airport(San Francisco, USA), Changi International Airport (Singapore), Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong). These airports rightfully occupy the leading positions in the ranking. best airports world for traveling with children thanks to the variety of play areas, entertainment, attractions and comfort that are offered to young travelers. The main thing is that the parents themselves do not get carried away and do not miss the landing announcement :)
In the airplane
We offer you some simple rules that will help you to spend time with your child on the plane comfortably and without any problems.
Dress your child in layers. V different time during the flight, the temperature in the cabin changes, and if necessary, you can "adjust" temperature regime for your child by taking off or putting on one of the items of clothing. You can take off your shoes, leaving tight socks. It will be easier for the child, and it will be easier to run around the cabin.
When taking off and landing, it is better to offer a breast or a pacifier to babies, and a bottle or candy to older children. This will prevent the ears from sticking, the child will more calmly endure both takeoff and landing. Apply vasoconstrictor nasal drops before takeoff - they will significantly reduce the unpleasant process of ear plugging.
Have your baby sit in the middle of the chair. The aisle seat is dangerous because the child can be accidentally pushed, dropped on him, or spilled hot tea or coffee. And at the window it can blow.
If your child needs to change a diaper during the flight, this can be done in the washroom. In domestic aircraft this is quite problematic, but in Boeing and Airbuses everything is much more comfortable and even a folding changing table is provided. The stewardess will tell you how to find it. Just in case, take a disposable diaper with you to the salon if you have to change your baby's clothes in the salon.
In one of our posts, we shared ideas during the flight. Think about the options for entertainment and you.
And do not forget that there is a person on board who will always come to your aid and will be able to advise you on any questions - whether you need to warm up baby food, change the baby, take a blanket or do something else. Flight attendants are always very friendly with little travelers, so don't hesitate to contact us!
Arrival airport
Upon arrival, you will have to go through one of the most difficult tests - baggage claim. You will have to wait for your luggage on a par with everyone else. If you are traveling with the whole family, it is better with a child to immediately leave the baggage holding area, or move away from the crowd of passengers, hoping for the suitcases that fall onto the baggage belts, and entrust dad with getting the baggage. If the mother travels alone with the child and the greeters are waiting for her, then it is better to first go out and give the greeter the baby, and then return for the luggage, notifying, of course, the airport officials of their intention.
Happy all the way and pleasant flight!
