[Stormster]

Hi everyone, I am sure this issue has come up before but I was wondering how this works.

My agency will be in Utah. I am in NY. How can I fly from Utah to NY with the baby just born?

Please don't tell me I have to drive?!?!?!?!?

[waiting4amiracle]

Good question.

First of all many airlines (we know for sure Continental) won't let you fly if your baby is less than 7 days old. We're saving every possible Frequent Flyer point for an upgrade to First Class because of the room and comfort. If I remember correctly, your baby will be able to fly in your lap so you'll only need two seats for you and DH.

Next - Utah an Interstate Compact state? Perhaps others know but you should find out for sure. If so this may extend the time before you can leave Utah. If you leave with baby before all the paperwork is signed, sealed and delivered you could be looking at potentially severe Federal criminal charges (this is NOT legal advice just what we've been advised so speak with your attorney!)

Next - speaking of attorneys - have you retained one yet? If not and you're in the NYC area (including NJ) PM me and I'm happy to share with you the contact info for the adoption attorney (Quad A) we're using. She's great (if not a bit aggressive at times) and has definitely pulled me and DW off the ledge a couple of times with her counsel and insight. AND she's an AMom herself!

Another thing - the releases! Will they even be signed promptly or will signing be delayed? That could add time to your stay in Utah.

Just like the journey to match and placement, post-placement looks like it will be a continuation of even more patience. Cherish that time to bond with your new baby. Once you're home everyone will want to visit so this is your chance to be alone with baby for a few days.

Just my two cents.....for what it's worth.

[DJG0927]

We adopted our DS at birth in Phoenix AZ and flew home here to NH on Southwest in Oct '05. We paid for the extra seat and used the car carrier. We had to have a Dr statement stating that he was ok to fly after the legal paperwork was in place - basically AZ letting us take him home.

The most challenging part was changing him on the plane as they didn't have changing table in the restroom. The airline employees were great and most of the people sitting around us were very supportive.

Beforehand, we were very nervous about the trip home, but all in all, it went as well as could be expected.
Hope this helps.

[traceyk]

We brought our placement papers, b-certs for us and all medical papers in case we were questioned. We had no problems what so ever. I found the best thing was to have a sling to keep people away from baby (Drihan was preemie) and another thing was she nursed most of the time and that kept her very happy. We flew from TX home to CT.

[4EverHis]

I would double/triple check! We went to bring home our twins just recently and we got conflicting statements. Turned out that we needed a letter from a Dr. on letterhead stating that they are healthy enough to fly if under 14 days.

I called 3 times and got a different story and spelled out the situation. We actually got told to go back to the hotel and get a letter after we were ready to board the plane. It was a nightmare. If I hadn't called and asked what was specifically needed more than once, I would not have been quite as upset. Needless to say, this airline got a nasty letter from me.

The pp poster is correct about no changing tables. Just go to the front, off to the side and it will be private. Our boys gave us a little present while flying. We had them on our laps. We made a lot of heads spin and I think we/they were quite entertaining!

Good Luck!

[christophersmommy]

Originally Posted by Stormster

Hi everyone, I am sure this issue has come up before but I was wondering how this works.

My agency will be in Utah. I am in NY. How can I fly from Utah to NY with the baby just born?

Please don't tell me I have to drive?!?!?!?!?

Hi Stormster

We live in NY too - Long Island. Our DS was born in Indiana - and we did in fact drive. Reason was that we had close to no notice and wanted to be able to pack the pack n play to have in the hotel. It was 15 hours but was worth it and saved us a little money - the last minute flights would have been crazy expensive plus renting a car. We picked Chris up on Wednesday and had to stay in Indiana until the following monday for IPC. On the way home we we chaulked up the trip to extra bonding time - and he was wonderful in the car.

I am sure you will be able to fly but not certain what the requirements are. I too have a great attorney if you have not already retained one. They may be able to help.

One last piece of advice - make sure the agency is licensed in NY otherwise you will have a big problem.


Good luck.

[Lovebug]

Hey Stormster,

Our agency is in UT, too. With our first son we flew when he was 10 days old. Now we are in CO awaiting ICPC to come home and we will fly with him, too. It isn't too bad really and once you are home, you forget how hard it was.

Hugs, Renee

[ucme4dk]

Just make sure you get a note from the pediatrician. American Airlines requires the baby be 48 hours old, although all are different. I flew with Abby at exactly one week old and it was very easy. Best of luck on your adoption journey.
Sara

[traceyk]

BTW, we used United Airways and they said age didn't matter and they didn't need a ped. note either.

[Imani68]

We adopted from Utah and traveled by plane home to MN about a week later. I had the dr give me note just in case someone at the airline had a problem w/ a newborn flying. No problems. I did keep her bundled up for fear of germs. :-)

[d'smom]

We also adopted from UT. We flew home on Delta when she was 9 days old 3 weeks ago. I held her she did great slept the whole flight. We even had a connecting flight. The only need Dr. permission if less than 7 days and they did not required any paperwork just name and date of birth.

[bagletkt]

Hi Stormster,

I am in Utah so if you have any question or need anything while you are here PM me for my number. Our DS was born in Oregon. We flew home When he was 10 days old with no problems. We did get the Dr's note just in case, but it was nit needed.

[Vanabelle]

We had to travel from Wa state to Louisiana and we had no problems flying with our infant son. We also got a sit for the baby which I would recommend you do. They don't charge you full fare for the lil one. Also, as far as the age requirements/limitations....It depends on the airlines. We traveled NWA. Good luck......

Annette

[rredhead]

I cannot stress enough: get a letter on letterhead from the baby's doctor that says he/she is OK to fly. Southwest almost threw us off the plane, despite the fact that I had checked their web site and called and talked to a customer service rep. who said all I needed was the birth certificate or proof of adoption.
While one of the attendants threatened to have us arrested for not leaving the plane, the captain of the flight called the doctor's office and got the staff there to fax whatever form they needed.
Most airlines we've checked out, including Southwest, Midwest Express, and JetBlue, do charge full fare for a child. OK, JetBlue may have a cheaper infant fare, but it's not free. The airlines don't care who's in the seat, they just want their money. *sigh*
But the actual flight with Jack as a newborn, was Gr-reat! The flights with him at 6 months and 9 months... that's another story.

-R

[ess922]

what agency did you find it UT that is licensed in NY? (please PM me). Thanks.