Planning a plane trip with a small baby is not an adventure for the timid. It used to be that airlines would pretty much wave families with infants through quickly but now all documentation and security requirements apply to every traveler. The need for a passport applies to babies too and obtaining infants passports means preparing at least a couple of months prior to the departure date. It is a requirement that all first time passport applicants, including children, must appear in person at a center authorized by the U.S. government.

The first order of business is getting the babies photos taken. While it is easy for adults to use computer technology to take and crop their own pictures to meet requirements, it is harder with an infant and using a professional is a good idea. The photo has to be two inches square and the baby’s eyes must be open with the face in full view. Two identical copies are needed.

Both parents or legal guardians listed on the child’s birth certificate must accompany the child to the passport agency and an official copy of the certificate must be presented, a photocopy will not be accepted.. If only one parent has legal custody, he or she must also present documentation to prove this. The actual application can be obtained online and filled in prior to the personal visit, but both parents must sign in front of the authorized agent.

If applying for the passports through a government issuing office, the cost will be between $80.00 and $85.00, depending on the location. There are, however, expediting services that can be found on the Internet that will hurry the process along for a nominal fee above the processing charge due the government. The normal wait time for a standard passport of this type is between four to six weeks when using the standard application procedures.

Flying alone is a chore in and of itself and the addition of a baby can make it an experience to remember. Doctors will advise against travelling by air with a child that is 2 years old or younger. The reason for this is that they are much more prone to infections and planes with their re-circulated air systems can be a breeding ground for germs and colds. Preventative measures before travel may be taken by the parent by visiting their pediatrician first.

Take advantage of the services that are offered by airlines and airports to make the trip easier. When lugging a child seat and other carry ons, ask for cart services to the gate. Allow plenty of time to get through security lines and here again, a single adult traveling with children can get assistance from airline or airport personnel. Do be certain to listen for the early boarding call; the extra time to be settled in is helpful.

Parents can take some solace in the fact that most airlines will not charge for a child that is less than two years of age. This means that the need to hold the child on your lap for the duration of the flight will be necessary. While this may be fine for short flights, the long ones could test a parent’s patience along with the other passengers.

You’ll find that passport for infants may seem like an odd thing to be required but they are easy to get with a little forethought. This is one sure fire way to prove, should a parent and child become separated, that the child actually belongs with the parent. By going online, all the necessary U S passport documentation and other requirements may be found before ever reaching the issuing office.