i have a transit flight for 9 hours to be stay inside dubai airport. i have a 5 months baby with me. i cant carry him for 9 hours in the airport so i wanna have my stroller with me. but i think they will not allow me to take it inside the plane. if i will check it in then i will not be able to get it on transit airport. Normally you would get a baggage tag for the stroller at the check-in desk but they wouldn't actually take it from you. Instead, you go right up to the plane's door with it. They take it from you and put it into the baggage hold for the flight. Then, at your destination, your stroller will be waiting at the plane's door for you (or you might need to wait for a few minutes).
Security might take a bit of an interest in the stroller but it's normal. In theory you should get the stroller for the duration of your layover at Dubai and they're pretty good at that airport, but make sure you tell the check-in staff, the gate agents, and the cabin crew that you will need the stroller between flights. You can ask at the Information desk or check-in center. I'm a former Flight Attendant who flies a lot with my three children now, usually long haul. Their first flight was each at the age of 4 months.
Ask to be sure but usually the stroller can be "gate checked". When you initially check-in, your stroller will be tagged. Make sure they put it somewhere that the tag wont get squished or hidden when folded.
When you get to the door of the aircraft, you will leave the stroller by the door. I recommend bringing a bungee cord to double secure it before getting onboard. This will keep it from popping open en route and getting damaged.
The stroller will then go down with the wheelchairs and again, be at the door when you exit the aircraft. Ask the Flight Attendants at which door you will find it. If you go out the wrong one, you'll have to walk all the way around. Often there is an announcement after landing.
Never try to bring a stroller inside the airplane. There is simply not enough closets to stow it in and it's dangerous to put them in overhead bins.
The only airline I ever encountered that did not gate strollers was Air France. They do let you bring it to the gate but wont give the stroller back on the layover. Be sure to ask!
I really recommend that you also bring a good baby carrier. They're so useful for flying, especially at this age. I had a sling but other parents swear by their wraps and pouches. The Ergo is another popular carrier for travel.
I liked the sling because I could slide my babies from into and out of a stroller or car seat without waking them. It also doubled as a blanket, baby changer and sunshade! My sling was magic for calming my babies during the flight. Other parents wanted one when they saw how easy it made my travels. Avoid front packs like the Bjorn since they're so bad for both the parents' and child's back. A good carrier should go to at least age 2.
For such a long layover, I really hope you consider getting a day room in an airport hotel. They have these in Dubai airport. You can rent a room hourly and at least have a little rest lying down;
http://www.dubaiairport.com/DIA/English/...
If your stroller is part of a "travel system", I recommend bringing the car seat as well. Check with the airline that they will accept your car seat onboard. This is the only way to fly safely with a baby. Lap children are not protected if anything goes wrong, which admittedly, is unlikely.
If you don't have a seat for him, ask at check-in if the flight is full and if not, ask that they "block" the seat next to you. They will only use it if they need it and they often do this for families anyway.
Here are some additional tips for flying with a baby, since I've done so many times and saw passengers doing it many times before I had mine;
Bring at least 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need. I saw so many parents run out on flights when I was working! Wrap them in plastic bags and throw a bunch of rubber bands around them to save room in your carry-on.
For a formula fed baby, I really recommend using the bottles with plastic liners. Traditional bottles are too difficult to wash onboard because of the kind of sinks on airplanes. I premeasured the powder and rolled them up, placing the rolls in a ziplock bag. Then you throw the liners away as you use them and only have the ring and nipple to clean.
If you use bottled water, be sure to give yourself enough time to buy some once you're past security and again, on that long layover. Make sure you have enough! The water on the aircraft is filtered tap so decide if you're comfortable using that for your baby. Bottled water runs out fast on flights and we never had any extra for baby bottles.
Be sure you baby does not need the bottle warmed. Get him used to a room-temperature bottle before leaving. This is unnecessary health-wise and a real pain to do while travelling. I warmed many bottles on my flights but I wasn't there in the check-in line, the security line or the waiting area! Babies do great with room-temperature bottles.
Make sure you have at least one change of clothes. I would bring two. At that age, I simply dressed mine in sleep suits for flying. No one will care so keep him comfortable. Bring extra socks if he crawls (which one of mine did at this age) so that he doesn't pick up anything nasty on the floor and to keep his hands clean.
Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late).
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandalt...
This is especially important as you want your child to stay in the car seat for take-off and landing. There is no reason to remove a breastfed baby, for example.
I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your baby to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure his ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes
For more information, I wrote an article on this subject. It's based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with kids, mine and other people's! It's totally non-commercial and other parents have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
Have a safe and comfortable flight! as former flight attendant ..
i totally agree with the above details....
just get it "gate checked" ... coz there never is enough space to store it inside the passenger cabin...
and u can collect it at the gate ... in Dubai..
Also inform the supervisor of your flight about the matter ... so that he can arrange to have the stroller ready for you at departure..... (he wil co-ordinate with the ground agents)
have a safe trip. |
