When you decide to fly private, you are usually looking for two things: time and comfort. When you add a baby or a toddler to that equation, those two things aren't just luxuries—they are necessities. NetJets understands this better than most. The NetJets Infant Policy is designed to take the edge off the logistical nightmare that traveling with little ones can sometimes become.

Unlike commercial airlines where you are squeezed into a narrow seat with a restless one-year-old, flying private offers a level of flexibility that changes the entire experience. From the moment you arrive at the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) to the time you touch down, the focus is on making the cabin feel like a second home.

Understanding the Age Tiers

The first thing to get a handle on is how ages are classified. In the world of aviation, including NetJets, an "infant" is generally defined as a child under the age of two. Once a child hits their second birthday, the rules shift slightly.

For those under two, the NetJets Infant Policy allows for "lap children." This means your baby can travel securely in the arms of an adult. However, just because they can sit on your lap doesn't always mean they should. Many parents prefer to have a dedicated seat for their infant, especially on longer hauls across the Atlantic or down to South America. If you choose this route, you’ll just need to ensure you have a flight-approved safety seat.

Safety First: Car Seats and Restraints

Safety is the non-negotiable part of the NetJets Infant Policy. While the FAA allows lap infants, NetJets encourages the use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS). If you are bringing a car seat on board, it needs to be FAA-approved. You can usually find a sticker on the side of the seat that says, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

One of the best perks of flying NetJets is that you don’t have to lug that heavy car seat through a crowded terminal. You can drive right up to the aircraft in many locations, or the ground crew will handle the transition from your car to the jet. If you need a specific type of seat provided for you, giving the Owner Services team a heads-up 24 to 48 hours in advance is usually all it takes to have everything ready upon arrival.

Documentation: What to Pack in the Diaper Bag

Even though you aren't standing in a TSA line, documentation is still a big deal, especially for international travel. For domestic flights within the U.S., a birth certificate is often sufficient to prove the age of an infant.

However, if you are crossing borders, every passenger—no matter how small—needs a valid passport. Some countries also require a notarized letter of consent if only one parent is traveling with the child. It feels like a bit of paperwork at the start, but having a digital folder and physical copies of these documents ensures that customs and immigration go as smoothly as the flight itself.

Onboard Amenities for the Littlest Passengers

The NetJets Infant Policy goes beyond just "where do they sit?" It’s about "how do they feel?" The crew is trained to anticipate the needs of families.

• Custom Catering: You aren't stuck with standard snacks. If your toddler only eats a specific brand of organic apple pouches or needs whole milk warmed to a precise temperature, you can request that.

• Baby-Friendly Cabins: Many of the larger jets in the fleet, like the Bombardier Global series or the Gulfstream models, have divans that can be converted into beds. This is a game-changer for nap times.

• Entertainment: From coloring books to pre-loaded tablets with age-appropriate movies, the goal is to keep "are we there yet?" to a minimum.

Managing Cabin Pressure and Ears

One of the biggest worries for parents is the dreaded "ear pop" during takeoff and landing. Because NetJets aircraft often have a lower cabin altitude (meaning the air inside is pressurized to feel more like you're at 6,000 feet rather than 30,000), it's generally easier on an infant's ears than a commercial flight.

Still, the classic advice holds true: feeding during the ascent and descent helps. Whether it’s a bottle, breastfeeding, or a pacifier, the swallowing action helps equalize the pressure. The crew is also great at timing their service so you aren't trying to juggle a hot coffee while your baby is fussy during the descent.

The Logistics of Strollers and Gear

Strollers are another area where the NetJets Infant Policy shines. On a commercial flight, you usually have to gate-check your stroller and hope it comes back in one piece. At NetJets, the baggage compartment is often accessible from the cabin, or at the very least, your stroller is handed back to you the moment you step off the stairs.

If you have a large "travel system" stroller, it’s worth checking the baggage capacity of the specific aircraft you’ve booked. A Phenom 300 has a different storage footprint than a Challenger 350. Usually, there is plenty of room, but if you're traveling with a full house and a lot of luggage, a quick chat with your flight representative will clarify the best way to pack.

Flexibility with Scheduling

Babies don't care about flight schedules. They have blowouts, they have meltdowns, and they have naps that run long. One of the most underrated parts of the NetJets Infant Policy experience is the "wait for you" factor. If you’re running 15 minutes late because you had to do an emergency diaper change at the FBO, the plane isn't going to leave without you. This lack of "hurry up and wait" stress is perhaps the biggest benefit of all.

A Quick Checklist for Parents

Before you head to the runway, here is a quick mental rundown:

1. Check the Car Seat: Is it FAA-approved for the flight?

2. Update the Profile: Does NetJets have your child’s name and birthdate on file?

3. Specific Requests: Have you asked for the specific milk or snacks your child prefers?

4. Baggage: If you're bringing a pack-and-play or a high chair, let them know so they can calculate the weight and balance.

Flying with an infant will always have its challenges—no amount of luxury can stop a tooth from coming in or a belly from aching. But with a solid understanding of the NetJets Infant Policy, the focus stays on the destination rather than the stress of the journey.