Can You Bring Car Seat On Plane? | Why Do You Need A Carseat In The Airplane?

Last Updated on Dec 12th, 2024 by Renu Dahiya, Leave a Comment

Even if you’re a frequent traveler, taking a flight with a little one accompanying you can make you feel chaotic and stressful. Suddenly, a series of questions pop up, and the first one is: ‘Should you bring your child’s carseat on an airplane?’ and most importantly , can you bring a carseat on a plane? 

Surprisingly, there’s no straightforward yes or no answer, although experts often recommend bringing a car seat on plane for added safety. But, it’s not that simple! Not all car seats are airplane-approved, and each airline may have its own rules. So, let’s know how to fly with airplane car seats , pros & cons, tips & more. 

Let’s help you make the best decision for your family journey! 

Should You Bring Car Seats On Airplanes?

Absolutely, bringing your child’s car seat in the airplane is not only possible; it’s highly recommended by experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) both advise using an FAA-approved safety seat or airplane harness for babies and young children. These should be secured with the plane’s seatbelt, without the car seat base.

Wondering how to install car seat in plane? 

Well, if you’re unsure about installing the airplane car seat without the base on the plane, go through the manufacturer’s instructions and practice at home in your car until you feel confident. Once onboard, you can also ask a flight attendant for assistance if needed.

Note – Using a harness or carseat on the plane offers the best protection for your little one during turbulence, according to the AAP and FAA.

Car Seats For Airplane VS Your Lap: Which Is Safer for Your Baby On A Flight?

Babies can either be held in lap or given a proper seat to be seated comfortably when in a flight. Even though the first option seems more pocket friendly it’s not that apt for your child and hence, making your baby sit in a car seat in airplane seems a better option. 

Many airlines typically don’t require you to purchase a separate car seat on airplane for children under 2. However, if your infant or young toddler doesn’t have her own seat (and car seat), she’ll have to sit on your lap during the flight. Holding a small child for the entire flight may not seem too challenging, especially considering the potential cost savings of not buying an extra seat. But, it can be tough in a long-haul flight (like the Atlanta to Delhi flight). 

Hence , using car seats on planes is a much safer and better option. 

There’s also the convenience aspect to think about. Even if you hold your baby part of the time or take her for short walks up and down the aisles, having the option to place her in one of the best car seat for airplane can be a welcome break. Amazingly, the airline might try to keep the seat next to you vacant if you inform them about your lap-held baby. However, it’s not always guaranteed.

Concerned that your baby might resist being confined? You’re not alone. 

Nearly every parent who’s flown with an infant has shared that worry. 

Suggested Read – Do kids need ID to fly? 

How To Travel With Car Seat On Airplane?

If you’re unsure whether to bring a car seat for flying with your child or not, here are some important aspects to ponder that can help you make an informed decision while you consider travelling with a car seat on airplane.

Factors To Consider While Flying With Carseat On Airplane – 

Height And Weight Of Your Child

1. Height And Weight Of Your Child

If your child is under 2, you can choose to hold her on your lap during the flight. However, for children aged 2 and older, they must have their own airline approved car seat. In such cases, both the FAA and AAP strongly recommend using a suitable car seat in the plane or even an approved harness.

Ensure that while flying with car seats, the car seat or harness you choose should match your child’s weight and size. 

Here’s what to consider :- 

• For babies and toddlers who haven’t reached the maximum height or weight limit for their seat, rear-facing (infant or convertible) is the best car seat for airplane.
• Forward-facing car seats are the best car seats for airplanes and should be used for children who have outgrown their height or weight limit for the rear-facing position on their convertible car seat.
• Airplane harness devices are suitable for toddlers and children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. 

2. Airline Policies

Airlines have varying rules for flying with children along with a car seat in an airplane. So it’s a good idea to check their policies before booking your tickets. 

Here are a few things to consider:-

• Does 2 year old need car seat on plane? While the answer is typically no, it’s wise to double-check. For international flights, you may still need to pay a portion of the ticket price even if your baby sits on your lap.
• The usual policy is one lap child per adult. So, if you’re traveling alone with two babies, one of them may need to be in a car seat in airplane seat.
• Notify the airline about your lap child, even if you’re not purchasing a ticket for your baby. This step is often necessary.
• Check if there are any restrictions on where car seats on airplane can be placed. Airlines often prefer window seats, but it’s not always mandatory. Window seats may be less convenient if you need to move around with your child, but they could be safer since there’s less risk of your child being bumped by the beverage cart or exposed to spills from it. However, aisle seats, emergency exit rows, and seats in first class may have restrictions. You can typically find information about an airline’s child passenger policies on their website but don’t hesitate to contact the airline for any queries you may face.

3. The Type of Car Seats for Airplanes

Not all car seats are suitable for airplane use. To confirm if yours meets the criteria, look for the label stating “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” or check the manufacturer’s website. Always use a FAA-approved car seat for your baby. 

Remember – You cannot use booster seats on plane. 

4. Ground Travel at Your Destination

After travelling with car seat on plane, if you plan to use a car for transportation when you reach your destination, you’ll still need an aviation approved car seat anyway. In this scenario, bringing a car seat on a plane could be a sensible choice.

Want some more tips like these? Check out our some of the best tips for traveling with your baby on a plane and make your journey super smooth. 

Can You Bring Car Seat On Plane? | Car Seat For Plane

After finding answers to questions like – best car seat for plane , convertible car seat airplane and even FAA approved car seat for plane , now comes the main and the most important question –  Can You Bring A Car Seat On A Plane? 

Honestly, the answer completely depends upon the airlines you are flying with. 

US based carriers usually allow a FAA approved travel car seat if the infant is being accompanied by a guardian or an adult. Surprisingly, your right to use infant car seat in airplane has been protected by law. 

However, it is always advised to go through the policies of your airlines regarding airplanes and car seats before you actually consider getting a car seat for airplane. Always carry only an airplane approved car seat for travel.

Hope that answers your question – Are car seats allowed on planes?

How To Install Car Seat On Plane?

Remember the first time you struggled with assembling a car seat? The huffing, puffing, sweating, and maybe even a touch of frustration? Wondering how chaotic it would be while traveling with car seat on plane? Well, installing an airplane carseat is nothing like that. It’s actually one of the easiest installations you’ll encounter. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the steps to make your car seat airplane installation easier- 

1. Check your car seat to find the appropriate belt path for either rear-facing or forward-facing use. This would give you an idea as to how to put a carseat on a plane. 
2. Adjust the adjustable side of the airplane seatbelt to create some slack on car seat flight.
3. Feed this loosened side of the seatbelt through the chosen belt path on your car seat for aircraft.
4. Hope your hand is tiny enough to perform this task with ease.
5. Secure the seatbelt by fastening it on carseat airplane. 
6. Gently press down on the aircraft carseat (consider reclining the airplane seat if necessary) while pulling the seatbelt’s loose end to tighten it.

And it’s done! How to install a car seat on a plane is no longer a difficult task, Right? 

Tip – If your child is traveling alone, check out the United Airlines Minor Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you bring car seats on a plane?

A: Do toddlers need car seat on airplanes

Q: How to travel with car seat on plane with checked baggage?

A: We have all seen how roughly checked luggage can be handled, so make sure your flight car seat is well-padded. It is also a good idea to snap a photo of your airplane child seat  before your trip. This can serve as proof of its condition if it happens to arrive damaged. Another smart option is repacking the car seat in its original box with extra padding for protection.

Q: Do you have to pay for car seat on plane?

A: No, checking a car seat for plane travel on most of the U.S. airlines when you are traveling with a child is typically free of charge. Hence, you can take car seat on plane without paying anything extra. You can check your car seat at the airport baggage counter or wait and check it at your gate.

Q: Does 4 year old need car seat on plane?

A: Even though 4 year olds can sit comfortably in the airplane seats , bringing car seat on flight helps avoid the risks associated with loss or damage offering an added layer of safety and comfort during the flight and acting as a perfect airplane baby seat.

Q: Can we take booster seat in plane instead of using car seat on plane?

A:   You can definitely carry a booster seat instead of infant car seat in plane.

Now that you’re well-informed about the ins and outs of flying with carseats on an airplane, it’s time to go on exciting adventures with your little explorer. 

Suggested Read: American Airlines Minor policy in detail and plan accordingly. 

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