Logistics of flying with baby

[Derbydolly]

I want to fly for a weekend to Ireland (probably Ryan Air or Flybe)with my LO - 6 months old, and I'm not really sure how it all works with a baby. My pram is in two bits (base and top) but I will really need a car seat when I get there too - not hiring a car but staying with relatives who have one. So, what's the best thing to do about this? Does a two parter pram count as 2 pieces of luggage? Anyone with any experience of baby+equipment on a plane - I'd be interested to know what you did! Thanks

Most airlines take 1 "fully collapsible" buggy free of charge, but car seat will be classed as luggage.

Just to be nosey, where in Ireland?

Does the car seat bit fit onto pram? If so could you leave the pram bit at home and just take the chassis and the car seat?

Or get a really cheap buggy and take car seat?

You could probably take the whole lot, but as it isnt collapsable it would probably have to go into the hold, whereas if you took pushchair you could take it right to the plane with you.

Beware of RyanAir though - you will get charged big style for everything I think. If it was me I would take a sling, snd get realtive to pick up one of these in Ireland for your arrival. If you are travelling Ryan Air it would probably cost you more than that to take yours with you + there is a danger it would get damaged?

Just had a look on ryan air - you can take a fully collapsable pushchair free of charge (not a pram), plus it will cost you £10 each way to take car seat.

Sling and argos seat, or cheap stroller def best idea

Personally I would go with Flybe every time over Ryanair.

Their T&Cs state:
You may travel with a pram, pushchair, travel cot and car seat in additional to your baggage allowance. These items will be carried in the aircraft hold. Prams, pushchairs and travel cots can only be accepted if they are foldable.

You may keep the pram or pushchair until you reach the steps of the aircraft. A member of the ground staff with then load the item into the aircraft hold. You may request your pram or pushchair from the ground staff on arrival.

There is no charge for any of the above if taking 2 out of the 3 items, e.g if taking a pushchair and travel cot. If you need to take all 3, then 1 item will be charged at the standard checked in luggage rate. This can be prebooked online or via the Flybe call centre on 0871 700 2000 / 0044 1392 680073 (from outside the UK).

I know that you have just asked about equipment, but in terms of logistics please be aware that there will be an id requirement for your baby as well. Easiest if they have their own passport, but I think that there are alternatives as well.

Derbydolly have you considered the boat?? I have thought about flying every time I have come home (from Scotland)but when I thought about all the stuff I wanted to bring, the boat made more sense. Maybe it doesn't for you, but just a thought. It's so much more relaxing and you can bring whatever you can carry/push. The boat is always full of new Mums!

I have flown with a six month old but not to Ireland, with KLM and they let us take 10kg and a pram for DS. I expect Ryanair will be not be buggy friendly but easyjet definitely are, as I read their guidelines on this forum!

Oh and you generally have to book a seat for the baby if you want to take the car seat. We used the sling in the airport and then our knees...

Thank you all so much for your great suggestions and info - feel like you've done all the hard work for me!

logrrl - we've been on the ferry alreay and it was brill. It's just a long journey from Derby for a weekend. Also, we live temptingly close to East Midlands airport...

Ladymuck Flybe does sound like the best option. Ryan Air are indeed robbing ... erm, well, you can finish that sentence yourself!

Mousey84 - Flying to Belfast, relatives in Omagh

Thanks again folks!