PlaneSense Infant Policy: Age Limits, Seating & Important Guidelines

 

Whether you are a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time fractional share owner, flying private with a little one brings up a lot of questions. If you’re flying with PlaneSense, the experience is designed to be much more seamless than the chaos of a commercial terminal. However, safety and regulations still come first.

Contact Flights Counsel at +1 (877) 337-0761 for expert help with flight bookings, Name Change, cancellations, Date Change, changes, refunds, Baggage Policy and travel assistance anytime.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into thePlaneSense Infant Policy, covering everything from age limits and seating arrangements to the small details that make traveling with a baby much easier.


Understanding the PlaneSense Infant Policy

PlaneSense operates a world-class fleet, primarily featuring the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and the Pilatus PC-24 jet. Because these are private aircraft, the rules are slightly different—and often more flexible—than what you’d find on a major commercial carrier. But because they operate under strict FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines, certain safety protocols are non-negotiable.

1. Age Limits: When Can Your Baby Start Flying?

Technically, there is no "hard" minimum age set by the FAA for an infant to fly, but most aviation experts and pediatricians recommend waiting until a newborn is at least 7 to 14 days old. This allows the baby’s immune system and lungs to stabilize before dealing with cabin pressure changes.

  • Infant Definition: For the purposes of the PlaneSense Infant Policy, an infant is typically defined as a child under the age of 2.

  • Lap Infants: Children under 2 years old are generally permitted to travel as "lap infants," meaning they do not require their own purchased seat or share of flight hours in the same way an adult might.

2. Seating and Safety Guidelines

Safety is the cornerstone of the PlaneSense experience. While the idea of holding your baby on your lap is convenient, you have a few options to consider for the flight.

Lap Carrying

On private flights, an infant under two can sit on the lap of an adult. During takeoff, landing, and times of turbulence, the adult must hold the child securely. While this is the most common way people fly private with babies, the FAA does suggest that the safest place for a child is in a government-approved child restraint system (CRS).

Using a Car Seat (CRS)

If you prefer your child to have their own seat, PlaneSense allows the use of FAA-approved car seats.

  • Verification: Check the label on your car seat. It must explicitly state: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

  • Installation: The crew is incredibly helpful, but it is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to ensure the seat is installed correctly using the aircraft's seatbelt system.

  • Space: The Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 have surprisingly spacious cabins, making it much easier to install a bulky car seat than in a cramped commercial economy row.

3. Documentation and Requirements

Even though you aren't standing in a TSA line, documentation is still a must.

  • Proof of Age: Always carry a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport. This is especially important for international flights (e.g., to Canada, the Bahamas, or Mexico).

  • International Travel: If you are traveling outside the country and only one parent is present, you may need a notarized Letter of Consent from the non-traveling parent to prevent issues with customs and border protection.


Why Flying PlaneSense is Better for Parents

One of the biggest perks of the PlaneSense Infant Policy isn't just the rules—it’s the environment. Here is why parents prefer this over commercial travel:

FeatureCommercial AirlinesPlaneSense
BoardingStressful, timed zonesBoard whenever you are ready
PrivacyCrowded cabin, crying eyesOnly your family and the crew
Diaper ChangesTiny, cramped lavatoriesSpacious cabins and clean facilities
StrollersCheck at gate, hope it doesn't breakStowed in the internal baggage area

Handling Strollers and Gear

One of the most "human" struggles of parenting is the sheer amount of gear. PlaneSense makes this easy. Unlike commercial planes where your stroller is tossed into a cargo hold you can't access, the Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 feature large cargo doors.

You can often bring your stroller right up to the plane. The crew will stow it in the pressurized, heated baggage area—which, in many of their aircraft, is accessible from inside the cabin during the flight. If you forgot a diaper in the stroller bag, you don't have to panic!


Pro-Tips for a Smooth Flight with PlaneSense

If you want to make the most of the PlaneSense Infant Policy, keep these tips in mind:

1. Communicate with Owner Services

When you book your flight, let the PlaneSense Owner Services team know you are bringing an infant. They can help arrange for specific catering (like extra milk or kid-friendly snacks) and ensure the cabin layout is optimized for a car seat if you plan to use one.

2. Manage the "Ear Pop"

Changes in altitude can be tough on tiny ears. Since the PC-12 and PC-24 are pressurized, the transition is usually smoother than in smaller planes, but it still happens.

  • The Sucking Reflex: Feed your baby (bottle or breast) or provide a pacifier during the initial climb and the final descent. This helps their ears equalize.

3. Pack a "Flight Bag"

Even though the flight is private, you want to be prepared. Pack a dedicated bag with:

  • Extra diapers and wipes.

  • A change of clothes for the baby (and a spare shirt for you—spit-ups happen!).

  • Quiet toys or books.

  • Any specific formula or baby food they prefer.

4. Take Advantage of the Pilots

The pilots at PlaneSense aren't just there to fly the plane; they are there to provide a service. If the cabin temperature is too cold for the baby, or if you need a little help lifting a heavy car seat, don't be afraid to ask. They are known for being incredibly accommodating to families.


Final Thoughts on the PlaneSense Infant Policy

Traveling with an infant can feel like a military operation, but the PlaneSense Infant Policy is designed to take the edge off. By allowing lap-carrying for those under two, providing access to baggage during the flight, and offering a private, low-stress environment, PlaneSense makes family travel feel like a vacation rather than a chore.

The next time you’re planning a trip, remember that the "private" in private aviation also means "personal." Your baby’s safety and comfort are just as important to the crew as they are to you.

Contact Flights Counsel at +1 (877) 337-0761 for expert help with flight bookings, Name Change, cancellations, Date Change, changes, refunds, Baggage Policy and travel assistance anytime.

Safe travels and enjoy the blue skies!

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