Garuda Indonesia’s Rules for Travelling with an Infant 

Traveling with children requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the resources available to you. This guide describes the crucial special support and assistance services created specifically for families traveling with young children on Garuda Indonesia’s flight. We will go over important subjects like priority boarding, stroller and car seat baggage regulations, and the facilities that airports and airlines offer to young travelers. You can effectively handle the challenges of a family vacation by being familiar with these services, reducing stress, and allowing more time to concentrate on making lasting memories.

Special Assistance for Traveling with Infants On Garuda Indonesia Flights

Flying with a baby requires extra planning and attention to detail. Airlines have specific rules for passengers traveling with infants under two years old to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know before you fly with your little one.

Conditions for Traveling with an Infant:

• Infants below 2 years can travel, but only if they are accompanied by an adult who has a valid paid ticket. This ensures the little one has proper care and safety throughout the journey.

• The adult traveling with the infant must be on the same flight, in the same class, and heading to the same destination. This keeps things simple and ensures the baby’s needs are always managed.

• Each adult traveler is allowed to accompany just one infant. The adult must also be fully capable and willing to take complete responsibility for the child’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being during the trip.

Conditions for Accepting Infants On Garuda Indonesia Flights

Here are some key conditions to make note of that are important when accepting infants on Garuda Indonesia flights. 

• Newborns under 48 hours old:

Infants younger than 48 hours are not permitted to travel, as airlines prioritize their health, ensuring proper medical stability before allowing flight.

• Premature babies (2-7 days old):

Premature infants between 2-7 days are classified as medical cases (MEDA). Airlines require a MEDIF form, Fitness-to-Fly approval (FOI), and GSM authorization.

• Babies 2-7 days old:
  

Newborns aged 2-7 days are accepted for travel only if accompanied by proper medical clearance (MEDIF) and a signed Statement Letter of Release or Form of Indemnity (FOI), approved exclusively by Garuda Sentra Medika (GSM).

• Infants 7 days to 2 years old:

Infants between 7 days and 2 years can usually travel without additional paperwork or medical clearance. However, if the infant seems unwell during check-in, a MEDIF and Garuda Sentra Medika (GSM) approval will be required.

Traveling with an Infant in a Separate Seat On Garuda Indonesia Flights:

Parents or guardians may choose to book a separate seat for their infant, provided that:

• If your little one is flying in their own seat, you will need to buy a separate passenger ticket just for them, ensuring comfort and safety.

• If an infant has their own seat, they must always be seated right next to a parent or legal guardian. This ensures comfort, safety, and easy supervision throughout the flight, keeping everyone more relaxed.

• Your infant must be at least 6 months old or older before they can safely travel on a separate seat.

• If you are flying with your infant, make sure to bring along a Car Safety Seat or a CARES harness, as Garuda Indonesia doesn’t provide these. Parents or guardians must arrange them in advance before the infant occupies the seat.

• If you are flying with an infant who has their own seat, the parent or legal guardian needs to fill out and sign a Form of Indemnity (FOI). Don’t worry, it’s available right at the check-in counter.

Car Safety Seats on Garuda Indonesia Flights

Garuda Indonesia’s special assistance allows you to bring a car seat, but it must meet specific international safety standards to be used on the plane.

Key Features of an Infant Car Safety Seat:

To be approved for use during flights, the car safety seat must have the following characteristics:

Age Suitability

These seats are specially designed for little travelers, infants, and toddlers aged 6 months to under 3 years, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the flight.

Forward-Facing Design

Only forward-facing car seats are allowed on board, as they provide the safest position for takeoff, landing, and cruising, keeping your child secure during turbulence.

Sturdy Build

The seat must come with a strong, well-defined shell, usually a durable plastic frame, and a firmly attached understructure to ensure your child’s stability in-flight.

Quick and Secure Harness

It’s equipped with a handy single-release harness that secures lap, torso, and shoulders snugly, ensuring your child can’t easily wriggle out mid-journey.

Harness Specifications

The straps should be at least one inch wide and fitted with reliable adjusters designed specifically to prevent unintentional loosening while keeping your child safely secured.

Easy Handling

These seats are designed with parents in mind, making it simple to quickly secure or remove your child without any complicated adjustments or hassles.

Installation Requirements of Car Seats Onboard

For maximum safety, the installation of the infant/child car safety seat must follow these rules:

• The car safety seat should stay firmly attached to the aircraft seat for the entire flight, ensuring your infant remains safe and secure while traveling.

• The adult seatbelt needs to be tightly fastened around the car safety seat’s buckle, keeping everything locked in place for your child’s maximum safety.

• The car safety seat has to fit properly on the airplane seat, without sticking out too much, so it remains stable and comfortable during the flight.

• Due to different aircraft layouts, car safety seats may not be allowed in certain seats of Garuda Indonesia planes, so it’s always best to double-check before boarding your flight.

CARES Harness Guidelines

The CARES Harness is specially designed for infants and young children who can sit upright independently, ensuring added safety and comfort while traveling in a forward-facing seat. To use it, the child must:

• Be no taller than 1 meter (40 inches).
  
• Weigh between 10–20 kg (22–44 lbs).
  
• Sit in Economy Class seats without an airbag seatbelt (not in exit rows).
  

When traveling with an infant, parents or guardians need to bring their own CARES harness, making sure it has the proper FAA-approved label. It’s important to let the airline’s reservation and check-in staff know in advance so things go smoothly on the travel day. 

Installing and securing the harness correctly is the parent’s responsibility, and it should always be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep in mind, if your infant is flying on your lap, the CARES harness won’t be allowed. In such cases, the airline will provide an Infant Belt to ensure your baby’s safety and comfort.

Age-Based Safety Devices For Kids on Garuda Indonesia Flights

Different safety devices apply depending on the infant’s age and whether they occupy their own seat or sit on a parent’s lap:

• Under 6 months: Must sit on parent’s lap with an Infant Belt (provided by the airline).
  
• 6 months to under 2 years:
  

• On lap: Infant Belt.
  
• In own seat: Car Safety Seat or CARES Harness (if eligible).
  
• 2 years and above:
  

• Must occupy own seat.
  
• Can use an aircraft seat belt, a Car Safety Seat, or a CARES Harness.

Car Safety Seat vs. CARES Harness:

• Car Safety Seats: Allowed in most aircraft types and configurations, provided they fit properly on the passenger seat.
  
• CARES Harness: Available for use across different aircraft, including B777-300ER, A330 series, B737-800/MAX, and more, but only in designated Economy Class seats.

Furthermore, for smaller aircraft like the CRJ-1000 and ATR 72-600, CARES can be used, but car safety seats are not permitted.

A Quick Guide for Parents When Using the CARES Harness For Their Kids

Here are a few things that parents should take into consideration when using the CARES Harness for their kids:  

• Always check your infant’s weight and height before using CARES, as only kids within the set range can safely and comfortably use the harness.
  
• Let the reservation and check-in staff know beforehand if you’ll be using a CARES harness, so they can guide and assist you properly.
  
• Make sure your CARES harness carries the official FAA approval label, since this mark ensures the airline accepts it for safe in-flight use.
  
• Always stick to the manufacturer’s installation instructions when setting up the harness, as proper fitting is key to keeping your child safe during the flight.
  
• Never use CARES for lap-held infants or in exit row seats, since it’s only approved for children seated in their own assigned seat.

Rules For Baby Bassinet On Garuda Indonesia Flights

Garuda Indonesia’s special assistance team makes long-haul travel with an infant a bit easier by offering baby bassinets free of charge on selected aircraft. These bassinets provide a safe and comfortable spot for your infant to rest during the flight, giving parents some much-needed peace of mind. 

Since the number of bassinets is quite limited, they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s why it’s always best to request one well in advance by contacting the Garuda Call Center. At the airport, check-in staff will let you know if a bassinet is available. Do remember, the maximum weight limit of an infant to be accommodated in the bassinet shouldn’t exceed 9 kgs. 

Rules for Carrying Child Travel Sleeping Device on Garuda Indonesia Flights: 

Garuda makes long flights easier for kids by allowing certain approved travel sleeping devices in carry-on baggage. Parents can bring Bed Boxes or Inflatable Boxes to help children rest more comfortably. However, hammocks and similar items aren’t permitted for safety reasons.

Conditions for using travel sleeping devices are:

• These devices are meant for little travelers in economy class only, so kids can enjoy extra comfort during the flight.

• The device is treated like regular cabin baggage, so it needs to follow airline rules for weight and size.
  

• When it’s not being used, the device should be neatly tucked under the seat to keep aisles clear.

• You can’t inflate the device during taxi, take-off, or landing for safety reasons. But once the plane is cruising and the seatbelt sign goes off, you are free to relax comfortably without any issues.

• Battery-powered inflators need to follow all lithium battery safety rules. This ensures there are no risks during the flight and keeps both you and your little one safe throughout the journey.
  

• The device is only allowed in window seats so it doesn’t block aisles or other passengers. This rule helps keep everyone comfortable and avoids any disruptions during the flight.
  

• While your child is in the device, the seatbelt must stay fastened at all times. It’s a key safety measure to make sure your kid stays secure during the journey.

Also Read: Garuda Indonesia Wheelchair Assistance

Provisions for Breastfeeding (ASI):

When it comes to carrying ASI (breast milk) in your cabin baggage, the rules follow Indonesia’s international liquid regulations. This means the same restrictions apply as with other liquids, but with some special considerations for parents. To make your journey smoother, it’s best to pack your bags carefully so you don’t face delays at security. Below are the specific liquid-related rules you will need to keep in mind while traveling.

• Liquids and Gels: 

Pack all your liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are 100 ml or less. Any larger containers won’t be allowed, even if they’re not full.

• The Plastic Bag: 

All those containers must fit into one clear, resealable plastic bag. The bag itself should be no larger than one liter. Think of it as a small, see-through toiletry bag.

• One Bag Per Person: 

Remember, it’s just one bag per passenger. You can’t combine bags with family or friends to bring more liquids.

• Showing the Bag: 

When you get to security, take the plastic bag out of your carry-on. Present it separately for screening so they can easily x-ray it.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to travel with an infant, but Garuda Indonesia’s clear instructions and committed support make the trip easier for parents. The airline makes sure that young passengers are comfortable and safe by providing everything from car safety seats, CARES harnesses, and breastfeeding supplies to infant seating and bassinets. Parents should concentrate less on stress and more on making priceless family moments in the skies by planning, obtaining special equipment in advance, and adhering to age-based travel regulations. Flying with your infant becomes a manageable and even pleasurable experience when Garuda Indonesia is on board.

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