Traveling with a little one can feel like a major expedition, especially when you're dealing with the unique logistics of a boutique airline. Advanced Air offers a more personalized flying experience than the major carriers, but their smaller aircraft mean the rules for infants and toddlers are specific and strictly enforced for safety.

If you're planning a trip with a baby or toddler, understanding the Advanced Air infant policy is the first step toward a smooth journey. From lap child rules to stroller gate-checking, here is everything you need to know about navigating the skies with your youngest family members.

Understanding the Age Tiers

The first thing to clarify is how the airline categorizes young travelers. Generally, an "infant" is defined as a child under two years old. Once a child hits their second birthday, they are considered a "child" passenger and different rules apply.

• Infants (Under 2 Years): These little ones have the option of flying as a lap child or in their own ticketed seat.

• Toddlers and Children (2 Years and Older): Per FAA and airline safety regulations, anyone two years of age or older must have their own purchased seat and be secured in a seatbelt or an approved restraint system during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is on.

The Lap Child Option: Flying for Free

One of the perks of traveling with a baby is the "lap child" policy. On Advanced Air, infants under the age of two can travel on the lap of an adult at no additional cost for domestic flights. This is a great way to save on airfare, but there are a few "fine print" details to keep in mind:

• One Adult, One Infant: For safety reasons, each lap child must be accompanied by a separate adult. If you are traveling alone with two infants, you will be required to purchase a seat for at least one of them.

• Reservation Requirement: Even though the seat is free, you still need to notify the airline. Make sure the infant is added to your reservation so they are included on the flight manifest.

• Proof of Age: It’s always a smart move to carry a copy of your child’s birth certificate. While you might not always be asked for it, the airline reserves the right to verify that a "lap child" is indeed under two years old.

Purchasing a Separate Seat for Safety

While the lap child option is budget-friendly, many safety experts and the FAA recommend that infants have their own seat. If you choose this route, you will need to pay the applicable fare for that seat.

When an infant has their own seat, they must be secured in an FAA-approved Child Restraint System (CRS). This is typically a standard car seat that is certified for aircraft use. Look for a sticker on your car seat that explicitly states, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Car Seat Guidelines

• Width Restrictions: Because Advanced Air often operates smaller aircraft (like the King Air 350 or PC-12), seat widths can be narrower than those on a large Boeing or Airbus. Ensure your car seat is no wider than 17 inches to guarantee a fit.

• Placement: Car seats are generally required to be placed in window seats so they don't block the exit path for other passengers in the event of an emergency.

• Rear-Facing vs. Forward-Facing: You can use the seat in whichever direction is appropriate for your child’s age and weight, provided the aircraft seat allows for a secure installation.

Strollers and Car Seats: The Baggage Breakdown

One of the biggest stresses of family travel is hauling the gear. Advanced Air is fairly generous when it comes to baby equipment.

Free Checked Items

Most families are happy to hear that strollers and car seats do not usually count toward your standard checked baggage allowance. You can typically check one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge.

Gate Checking

If you want to use your stroller to navigate the airport and get all the way to the plane door, you can "gate check" it. When you arrive at the boarding area, ask the agent for a gate check tag. You’ll leave the stroller at the bottom of the stairs (or the end of the jet bridge), and the ground crew will stow it in the cargo hold. When you land, they will bring it back up for you so you can wheel your sleepy toddler through the terminal.

Packing Essentials for the Cabin

Since Advanced Air flights are often shorter, point-to-point hops, you won't find the massive galleys or overhead bins seen on jumbo jets. Space is at a premium, so packing your "go-bag" strategically is key.

Diaper Bags

You are allowed to bring a diaper bag in addition to your standard carry-on. In this bag, you should prioritize:

• Liquids: Formula, breast milk, and baby food are exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce liquid rule. However, you should declare these items at security.

• Changing Supplies: Pack more diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need. Delays happen, and you don’t want to be caught short at 10,000 feet.

• Clothing: A change of clothes for the baby (and a spare shirt for you) is a lifesaver in case of a mid-air blowout or a spilled bottle.

Comfort Tips for Little Ears

The change in cabin pressure during ascent and descent can be tough on tiny ears. Since babies can't "pop" their ears on command, the best strategy is to get them swallowing.

Try to time a feeding (bottle or breast) for takeoff and landing. If they aren't hungry, a pacifier can also do the trick. For toddlers, a chewy snack or a sippy cup of water works wonders. If your child has a cold or an ear infection, it's worth checking with your pediatrician before flying, as the pressure changes can be significantly more painful with a blockage.

Boarding and Onboard Experience

Advanced Air is known for its "private-feel" service, which often means shorter lines and a more relaxed boarding process.

Pre-Boarding

Families with small children are usually invited to board first. Take advantage of this! It gives you those precious extra minutes to get the car seat installed, stow your bags, and get the baby settled without a line of people huffing behind you.

No In-Flight Changing Tables?

On smaller aircraft, the lavatories are very compact and may not have a fold-down changing table. It’s a good idea to change your child’s diaper at the airport terminal immediately before boarding. If an emergency change is needed during the flight, talk to the flight crew; they are usually very accommodating and can help you find the best way to handle it safely.

Final Checklist for Your Flight

Before you head to the tarmac, run through this quick list to make sure you’re prepared for the Advanced Air infant policy requirements:

• [ ] Did you add the infant to your reservation?

• [ ] Do you have a copy of the birth certificate?

• [ ] Is your car seat FAA-approved (if using a separate seat)?

• [ ] Have you packed extra formula/milk in your carry-on?

• [ ] Is your stroller small enough to be gate-checked?

Flying with a baby doesn't have to be a nightmare. By knowing the rules ahead of time and packing with a "plan for the worst, hope for the best" mentality, you can enjoy the view and the destination while keeping your little traveler happy.