Flying With a Car Seat: Ultimate Guide & Best Tips in 2023

If you’ve ever flown with children, you know the drill: planning, preparation, and a lot of deep breaths.

But one aspect often overlooked is the humble car seat.

Why bring it onto a plane, you ask? Beyond its usual road duties, a car seat plays a crucial role in ensuring your child’s safety during flights. Unexpected turbulence? It’s got you covered.

If you are in the market for a car seat, be sure to check out our car seat guide to get the low down on the pros and cons of every kind so you can make an informed decision.

In this guide we’ll dive into the details of flying with a car seat and give you all the information on what to expect in the airport/airplane and how to have a seamless trip.

Pros to Flying With a Car Seat

Stepping onto a plane with a little one in tow can be quite the endeavor. Add a car seat to the mix, and you might be wondering if it’s worth the hassle. Trust me, it is, and here’s why.

Safety First: The primary reason is safety. While airplanes are among the safest modes of transportation, they aren’t immune to the occasional turbulence. During these unpredictable jolts, a securely fastened car seat can be a game-changer. It offers an extra layer of protection, ensuring that your child remains safely in place.

Comfort is Key: Remember that favorite blanket or toy your child never lets go of? A car seat can offer a similar sense of comfort. It’s a familiar space in an unfamiliar environment. This familiarity can be especially beneficial when it’s nap time. The car seat, molded to their form from countless car rides, can help them drift off to sleep amidst the hum of the plane.

Think of the Savings: Lastly, let’s talk money. Traveling can be pricey, and every penny saved counts. By flying with a car seat, you sidestep the often-exorbitant fees associated with renting one at your destination. Plus, you have the peace of mind knowing the history and cleanliness of your own seat.

In essence, flying with a car seat isn’t just a whim; it’s a well-considered choice for safety, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. And as someone who’s been there, I can vouch for the numerous benefits it brings to the table.

Choosing the Right Car Seat for Air Travel

Not all car seats are made equal, especially when we’re talking about air travel. The aisles of an airplane aren’t as forgiving as your car’s backseat.

1. FAA Approval is a Must: Before you even think of bringing a car seat onto an airplane, you need to ensure it’s FAA approved. This label signifies that the seat meets the necessary safety standards for air travel. Before you head to the airline’s check-in counter, inspect your car seat. Usually, you’ll find a clear sticker or label stating its FAA compliance. Remember, airlines are sticklers for safety, so if it isn’t approved, you might face a setback.
2. Weight and Size Matters: While your car seat might fit snugly in your vehicle, an airplane is an entirely different beast. Factor in the size and weight of your car seat. Some larger models might be a tight squeeze in the airplane’s seating. Additionally, if you’re planning to use a stroller in the airport, ensure the car seat you choose is compatible or consider a travel system that integrates both.
3. Convertible vs. Infant Car Seats: This is the perennial debate. Convertible car seats are versatile, adapting as your child grows. They can start rear-facing for infants and then switch to front-facing as your little one grows. There are even some rotating car seats that are FAA-approved. On the other hand, infant car seats are lighter and often come with a handle, making them easier to carry around airports. However, remember that if your child outgrows the infant car seat, you might have to consider purchasing a booster seat or another suitable option for future travel.

While booster seats might be perfect for older kids in cars, they aren’t typically an approved car seat for airplanes. So, if your child is in that transitional age, it’s best to stick to a convertible or an approved travel car seat.

Choosing the right car seat for travel might seem daunting, but with a little research and foresight, you can make a decision that ensures both safety and convenience. After all, an informed choice today will lead to a smoother journey tomorrow.

Navigating the Airport with a Car Seat

Navigating the bustling terminals of an airport is an art form in itself, more so when you’re flying with a car seat.

First things first, consider investing in a car seat travel cart or a compatible stroller. These handy devices allow you to wheel the car seat through the airport, making your journey to the gate less strenuous.

The Doona is a super convenient all in one stroller and car seat that is FAA approved.

If you’re planning to bring your car seat on the flight, an efficient packing strategy is paramount. Consider merging essentials into one bag. Combining diaper bag essentials and other must-haves can streamline your boarding process.

But wait, there’s the security hurdle to tackle. To ensure a smooth experience during security checks, be prepared to disassemble the car seat from your travel system as they will likely send your car seat through the X-ray machine.

Onboard: Installing the Car Seat on the Plane

Flying with a car seat and setting it up on an airplane doesn’t need to be daunting. Follow this step-by-step guide for a smooth setup:

Decide Where the Car Seat Goes

If you’re not taking the car seat onboard, ensure it’s safely tucked in a car seat bag for protection in the airplane’s cargo.

Likewise, a stroller bag is essential for strollers, helping to ward off any potential damage or scuffs during transit.

You can leave both the car seat bag and stroller bag at the end of the jet bridge with a gate checked ticket on them.

After the plane lands at your destination, you will pick them up right when you leave the plane at the bottom of the jet bridge again.

Opt for the Window Seat

Always aim to position your car seat at the window seat. You may want to consider buying your seat ahead of time to ensure you have a window seat.

This strategic placement not only avoids blocking the way for other passengers but also offers an undisturbed spot, particularly during meals or in any emergency situation that might arise.

Secure the Car Seat

When installing, make use of the aircraft seat’s lap belt.

Even if your car seat is approved for automobile use, take a moment to ensure it’s tightly and correctly fastened to the airplane seat, adapting as needed for a secure fit.

Based on your specific car seat and model, it is important that you are familiar with the instructions on how to secure the car seat on board.

A YouTube video may be your best bet for visually seeing how it needs to be done for your specific model and airline.

Check the Fit

Post-installation, it’s essential to give your car seat a little test.

A brief wiggle will help ascertain its stability; it shouldn’t shift significantly in any direction, ensuring maximum safety for your child during the flight.

Armed with these steps, your journey with a car seat on an airplane becomes a cinch!

Tips for Smoother Travels with a Car Seat

Navigating the world of flying with a car seat and your little one can indeed pose some unique challenges. But with a few handy tips, the skies can feel a tad friendlier.

Start by maximizing the airport amenities at your disposal.

Family restrooms offer more space, making it easier if you’re maneuvering with both a car seat and stroller. Likewise, taking advantage of child play areas can allow your child to expend some energy before the flight.

Once on board, the key to a serene flight is an entertained child. Ensure you have essentials packed within arm’s reach in the aircraft seat’s storage.

From their favorite snacks to engaging toys, having these items accessible can be a lifesaver. Consider bringing snacks or toys they haven’t seen before to keep them extra interested.

Remember, whether you decide to check your car seat or have it approved for use onboard, the goal is the same: a smooth journey.

With these tips, using a car seat while traveling becomes a more manageable, even enjoyable, adventure.

Conclusion

Air travel brings with it a myriad of considerations, but when flying with a car seat and flying with kids, their safety (and entertainment) undoubtedly takes the top spot.

Every airline may have its nuances, so be sure to check ahead of time what the guidelines are with the specific airline you are flying with.

Using a car seat ensures that your child has a familiar and secure spot in the aircraft seat.

Beyond just the logistical considerations, being well-prepared and informed translates to peace of mind. After all, as any seasoned parent would attest, a well-planned journey can make all the difference.

When you get home, be sure to give your car seat a good cleaning to get all of the travel germs off of it.

So, the next time you’re boarding an airline with your young one, remember the lessons learned and step onboard with confidence.

Additional Resources

Link to FAA guidelines on car seats

• Flying with children

Top picks for travel-friendly car seats:

• Doona
• Evenflo Pivot Travel System
• Safety First Convertible Car Seat
• Bubblebum Booster Seat
• Ride Safer Travel Vest

Frequently Asked Questions:

Should I rent a car seat or bring my own?

Deciding between renting a car seat at your destination or bringing your own can be a challenging decision for parents, especially those with kids under 1 year.

Renting at the destination might appear as a hassle-free choice, saving you the effort of flying with a car seat and maneuvering it through busy airports. However, this convenience comes with its own set of considerations.

The history of a rental car seat, such as potential accidents, recalls, or general wear and tear, remains unknown. Moreover, unfamiliarity with the rented model could lead to installation challenges.

Financially, while a rental might seem cost-effective initially, the daily charges by some companies can accumulate, making it potentially pricier than expected.

On the flip side, bringing your own car seat, possibly in a protective travel bag, ensures familiarity and peace of mind, knowing its complete history.

Plus, most airlines allow passengers to gate check a car seat at no extra charge.

In the balance of safety, convenience, and cost, many find that the assurance of flying with a car seat brings security and familiarity and outweighs the allure of rentals.

Do I have to pay to bring a car seat on an airplane?

Navigating airline regulations can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to flying with a car seat.

Here’s what you need to know: If you’re planning to have your child sit in their car seat during the flight, you will need to purchase a seat for them.

However, there’s no additional charge specifically for bringing the car seat itself.

This means, for example, if you’ve bought an airline seat for your infant and you want to secure them in an infant seat during the flight, you won’t incur extra fees for the car seat.

Furthermore, the car seat does not count as a carry-on. This holds true even if you decide to gate check it.

It’s crucial to remember that car seat policies might have slight variations depending on the airline.

If you have an expensive car seat or car seat base, you’ll want to ensure it’s protected and allowed.

Always check with your specific airline before your trip to avoid any surprises or last-minute changes.

What car seats can you use on an airplane?

When it comes to taking a car seat on a plane, although most do, not all models make the cut. Airlines adhere to strict safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of their youngest passengers.

For a car seat to be eligible for use on an airline, it must be an FAA-approved car seat. This designation is usually visibly labeled on the car seat itself, often on a sticker attached to its side or base.

While many parents favor rear-facing car seats, especially for infants, it’s crucial to understand that not all airline seats can accommodate them, particularly in the middle seat of certain aircraft configurations.

Therefore, it’s important to check the dimensions of both the airline seat and the car seat in question beforehand.

Moreover, any car seat you plan to use during a flight should fit within the designated safety seat measurements specified by the airline.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the primary criterion is that the car seat must be FAA-approved.