Having a lot of experience traveling on an airplane does not guarantee ease when it comes to flying with your baby or toddlers. Considering how unpredictable and exhausting some young children can be, and you’re suddenly faced with a long list of questions. Your first question might be: can I bring car seats on airplanes? The simple answer to these questions is yes. Yes you should bring your car seat.
However, not all car seats are certified for use in airplanes by the FAA, and different airlines have different policies.
Here’s a quick guide to flying with a car seat. To help you navigate the wide variety of choices, we will walk you through how to determine what is best for your family.
Can I Bring my Infant’s Car Seat On An Airplane?
Not only that car seats allowed on airplanes. It is also encouraged by airlines for your baby’s safety and comfort. This will allow them to be more comfortable and more secure while they are in flight. In order to ensure that both the car seat and airplane seat are installed properly, it is important to use both a harness and a belt. The car seat should be installed without the base.
If you are uncertain about the installation process for your car seat on the plane, consult the instructions from the manufacturer and practice at home in your own car until you are 100% sure about how to attach and use it on a plane.
Once on board the plane, you can also call on a flight attendant to ask for assistance especially if you are having trouble.
Car Seat vs. Holding your baby while on an Airplane Flight
Virtually all airlines do not require a ticket for toddlers and babies under the age of two; fortunately, this is an exception rather than the rule. This means that your baby or toddler will have to sit on your lap for the whole flight.
Holding your child for the duration of your flight might sound easy, especially when you factor in the cost savings of not buying him a seat but having them on a car seat is a lot safer.
Convenience is also a huge factor. Holding your baby on a flight and keeping them entertained takes a lot, and sometimes you just need a break.
Most parents are worried that their baby will cry after being held in a car seat, you are not alone in that. Every parent that has traveled with their infant has this fear. But keeping your baby in a car seat might surprise you. Sometimes, when you’re not holding your infant, they tend to look for you for entertainment.
Things To Consider When Bringing Car Seats on Airplanes.
Thinking of bringing car seats on airplanes? Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.
Your child’s age, height, and weight
If your child is under the age of 2, you can choose to either carry them in your lap or buy a seat for them. But if your child is age 2 and older, you have no choice but to purchase their own seat. In both cases, it is highly recommended to use an approved car seat or approved harness. Keep in mind that boosters are not allowed.
If you choose to use a car seat or approved harness, make sure that it is appropriate for your toddler or infant’s weight and height,
- Rear-facing seats can only be used for infants or toddlers who are still under the maximum height and weight limit for their car seat. Remember that toddlers may reach the height limit even before they reach the maximum weight.
- Forward-facing seats can be used by toddlers who have reached the maximum weight and height for a rear-facing car seat.
- Airplane-approved harnesses can be used for children and toddlers that weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. Check for harness type which is approved by FAA.
The airline’s policies
Different rules apply to different airlines especially when it comes to traveling with kids. It is always a good decision to check these rules before purchasing your tickets for the family. Here are some things to consider:
- Do children under the age of 2 need their own seats? Most of the time the answer is no, but double-checking never hurts. Flying internationally may sometimes mean that you still need to pay for your child’s seat even if you choose to carry them on your lap.
- Is there any rule on how many children can an adult carry? Some airlines have a one-lap child one adult policy. So consider having a car seat if you are traveling solo with two or more children.
- Check if you need to notify the airline about the child you will carry on your lap. Some airlines need to be notified even if you are not purchasing a ticket. This is to let them know that an infant or toddler will be on board.
- Check for the places or spots your car seat is allowed. Generally, airlines will place your car seat on the window side, this is not convenient for any parent but provide fewer risks for your child since they will less likely to get hit by falling objects from the overhead compartment. Same with other airlines, they won’t allow your car seat on the emergency exit. First-class seats may also not be suitable for car seats. Make sure to get all the information before booking any ticket. It won’t hurt to read airline policies or give them a call if you’re still unsure.
Car seat type
Not all car seats are certified to be used on an airplane. To ensure your car seat is certified to be used in both a vehicle and an airplane, look for a seal that says it’s safe to be used as a car seat and aircraft, or check the manufacturer’s website. Remember that booster seats are not used and allowed.
If you will be traveling by car once you reach your destination, a car seat will be necessary anyway. Thus, bringing a car seat on the plane make sense.
Checking in a car seat
Some airlines don’t consider car seats and strollers as luggage.
So if you’re planning of taking a car seat or stroller but will not use it on the plane, you can bring it right to the gate and have it checked there. There is no need to pay. Car seats and strollers are less likely to be damaged while on the plane.
Your infant or toddler (age under 2) does not necessarily need to use a car seat en route. But it’s a safety precaution amidst the hassle of bringing a large car seat, it might make your travel a bit easier.
Just make sure to check the airline policy before purchasing and booking any ticket to manage your expectation.
