3 Answers

Ideally, your baby should be at least 2 to 3 months old before he flies. This will give his immune system a chance to grow strong enough to resist the germs that often make the rounds in airplane ventilation systems. It also gives the two of you enough time to settle into a routine and master the art of breast- or bottle-feeding.

If you can't wait that long, your baby should be okay to fly after his 2-week checkup — provided he has a clean bill of health and you had a full-term pregnancy without complications. Premature babies are especially susceptible to germs, so it may take longer before they're ready to go on an airplane trip.

If you have any questions about whether your baby is healthy enough to fly, ask his pediatrician for advice. Note that airlines do not allow any baby younger than 1 week to fly without a doctor's note.

Many parents worry that the changes in air pressure that happen when you fly can harm their baby's ears. It's true that "popping ears" during takeoff and landing can be a bit painful for infants, but it won't cause any lasting damage. (The pressure changes can be very uncomfortable if your baby has an ear infection, however. If so, you may need to postpone your flight.)

Your baby will feel more comfortable if he has something to suck on during takeoff and landing, so you may want to breastfeed or give him a bottle or pacifier. You can give him some infant pain reliever (such as acetaminophen) if his ears really seem to bother him.

Editor's Note: To minimize disruption to your baby's schedule when crossing time zones, you may want to keep one watch set to your home time so you'll know what your baby is expecting next. Caring for a baby full time is stressful even while staying home, much less at 30,000 feet in the air. If possible, travel with your mate, another relative, or a sitter.

http://www.babycenter.com/404_at-what-age-is-it-safe-for-my-baby-to-fly_7258.bc

I would not expose a newborn to the confined atmosphere of a plane, with their low immunity, etc. 

Sure!!  Just keep the baby quiet, I'm trying to sleep! Seems like almost everytime I fly I get lucky and get to sit close to a baby.  Their ears pop with pressure just like adults, they don't understand it and you can't give 'em chewing gum so they cry and complain.

(flame suit on) :)