When I tried flying with a baby in NZ for the first time, I packed the same as if we were emigrating. We were flying from Auckland to Christchurch. Which is less than two hours on a plane. I still took three bags, a full-size pram and enough nappies for a week. Note to self: I used four nappies and the pram nearly killed me.
Here is what I would say to my past self. None of it is hard. But no one told me this, and I learned it on Gate 30 with my five month old in full scream mode.
Booking Tips for Flying With a Baby in NZ
Begin with the schedule. A dawn flight is usually perfect for tiny travelers because they’re fresh and having had a meal. We always purchased around nap times in the hope that he’d sleep on the aircraft. A few times he did. More often than not he didn’t sleep because the engine and strange people were too fascinating.
Before you book, look into the airline’s infant policy. If you’re flying on a domestic airline, a lot will allow babies under the age of two to fly on a parent’s lap. But the policies for bassinets, extra baggage and seats in the car will differ and are updated periodically. Check the airline’s site, rather than some 2019 forum post.
Oh! One more thing. Try to select an aisle seat. You’ll find yourself getting up more than a few times. Believe me.
Do you need a seat for the baby?
No we never purchased a separate seat for short domestic hops. On longer flights we did, that also provides an approved car seat. That’s a decision only you can make. Consider how squirmy your little one is and how packed the flight might be.
Packing Light Without Forgetting Anything
This is what I didn’t do the first time around. I carried a cabin bag like a survival kit. You actually need way less than you imagine for a flight of less than two hours.
This is what was in our carry-on after a few trips:
- Nappies (one for each hour, plus two extras).
- A small pack of wipes
- Baby’s change of clothes And a spare top for me!
- Milk or formula, plus a bottle
- A dummy, if your baby uses one
- One or two soft toys they haven’t played with recently
- A muslin blanket which can be used as a wrap, bib and sunshade
That back support for me? Found that gem somewhere past Taupō. (Need I say more.)
Also, keep everything in one bag that can be opened with one hand, you’ll be holding the baby with your other hand most of the time.
Getting Through the Airport
The domestic terminal at Auckland Airport can be hectic in the mornings. Allow extra time, particularly for check-in and security. Babies don’t understand flights are boarding at the scheduled time, and a quick nappy change can take fifteen minutes unexpectedly.
You will generally have to remove the baby from a baby carrier or stroller. Unfold stroller and put through scanner if it goes and get it folded again; take baby food and milk through the scanner, and staff might want to check them, but double check rules before you go.
In most of the NZ airports, most have them, and they are a godsend for a calm and peaceful feed before taking off.
Why a Compact Stroller Changed Everything
Our third trip friends of ours lent us a little fold down buggy. Honestly it completely transformed the journey. I was able to fold it with one hand, hang it on my shoulder, and walk straight down the air bridge.
Our large pram was gate-checked. At the aircraft door on disembarkation, I waited with the pram (or often it was on the carousel after we arrived) along with my two children and our bags.
After that trip, we bought our own pocket stroller. It folds up small and it’s light enough to lug up stairs on the other side. But, before you commit to any travel stroller, check the cabin size allowance for your airline. While some smaller models qualify for the overhead storage, for example, others still have to be gate checked. Be aware of where yours falls.
Gate-checking tips
If you gate-check, put your stroller in an inexpensive cover bag. It protects fabric from dirt and prevents small parts from getting lost. Make sure to label with your name and number – it may seem silly, but I’ve seen dozens of untagged strollers at the gate.
On Board: Take-Off, Landing and Everything Between
Take-off and landing was hugely beneficial. Swallowing seems to alleviate the discomfort of small ears. Bottle, breast or dummy, it doesn’t matter. Just don’t make your little one angry if he’s sleeping. Leave sleeping infants sleeping, as the saying goes.
Mid-flight, we’d get up and walk up the aisle when the seatbelt sign was off. A change of scenery is so good for babies. And our cabin crew on our flights were all incredibly sweet. One gave our boy an extra plastic cup to bang on the tray table. The best toy ever, apparently.
And the other passengers? Most people are nicer than you think. A handful might grimace. That’s okay. You’ll never see them again, and it wasn’t easy to get this far.
When You Land
No rush for the overhead compartment. Wait for the plane to empty and just take your time. You’ll be more relaxed and you won’t be the dummy trying to squeeze out of the seat side. (Been there, done that too.)
While you’ve got your hire car, remember to ask the hire company to reserve a baby seat for you. Even better if you can take one with you, but at least you’ll know that it’s in good order and fits.
A Few Things I’d Skip Next Time
In retrospect, some things just weren’t worth the headache:
- A massive nappy bag full of “just in case” stuff
- Our heavy daily pram
- A tablet starring an idiot (he was too young to care)
- Late afternoon flight, just on the edge of a witching hour.
Or just things I wish I’d done: pack lighter, leave earlier, stick to easy routines. Babies are more resilient than we give them credit for when it comes to travel. More often than not it’s us parents who need the extra help.
Final Thoughts
Flying with a little one around New Zealand doesn’t have to be scary. It simply requires a little planning and loads of patience. Pack light, be aware of airline policies, and go for the gear you can manage to carry.
If you’re preparing for your first journey, it’s a good idea to check out what equipment is available at a baby shop locally. Ours was purchased from NV Kids, a baby store in Auckland and having the ability to try the fold out before purchasing it was a real benefit.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. That first flight will seem enormous. By the third flight, you’ll be the one giving advice to someone else at the gate.
