If you are planning to fly with a young child, you likely have asked, can you take a car seat on a plane. The short answer is yes, you usually can, and it is often the safest option for your child during the flight. Airlines have specific rules for using your own child restraint system during a flight, designed for your little one’s safety. Navigating these policies can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, you can ensure a smoother journey for everyone.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bringing a car seat on board. We will cover airline regulations, how to choose an FAA-approved seat, and practical tips for getting through the airport and installed on the plane. Knowing the rules ahead of time is the key to avoiding stress at the gate.
Can You Take A Car Seat On A Plane
Bringing a car seat on an airplane is not only permitted but encouraged by many safety experts and airlines for children under a certain size. The Federal Aviation Administration strongly recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds use an approved child restraint system. Using a familiar car seat provides known safety and comfort, which can help your child settle during the flight.
However, the ability to use your seat depends on a few critical factors. You must have purchased a seat for your child, the car seat must be government-approved for aircraft use, and it must fit in the airplane seat. You cannot use a car seat in an exit row or a seat that blocks another passenger’s path to the aisle.
Understanding FAA And Airline Policies
The FAA sets the overall safety standards, but individual airlines have their own detailed policies. It is your responsibility to check with your specific airline before you travel. Most U.S. airlines follow similar guidelines, but international carriers may have different rules. Always confirm directly on the airline’s website or by calling them.
Key points from FAA regulations include:
- The car seat must be labeled as FAA-approved. This is usually on a sticker on the side or back of the seat.
- It must be installed in a forward-facing direction, using the airplane’s seat belt.
- Booster seats, even if labeled for aircraft use, cannot be used during takeoff, landing, or turbulence because they require a shoulder belt, which airplane seats lack.
- You must follow the flight crew’s instructions regarding the seat’s use at all times.
Types Of Car Seats Approved For Air Travel
Not all car seats are created equal when it comes to flying. The most common types that are typically FAA-approved are infant car seats, convertible car seats, and forward-facing-only seats. Travel car seats, which are often lighter and narrower, are also a popular choice for frequent flyers.
Infant Car Seats (Carrier-Style)
These rear-facing-only seats with a handle are a common choice for babies. They are often allowed on planes if they are FAA-approved. Some airlines may allow you to snap an approved infant seat into a window seat in the rear-facing position, but you must verify this with your carrier. They can also be checked at the gate if you choose not to use them on board.
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible seats can be used rear-facing for infants and toddlers, then forward-facing for older children. On an airplane, they must be used in the forward-facing mode only. These seats are bulkier and heavier, so consider the weight and width before deciding to bring one on your flight.
Travel Car Seats
Specifically designed for travel, these seats are lightweight, compact, and almost always FAA-approved. Brands like the CARES harness (for older children) or lightweight models from Cosco are favorites among traveling families. They can make the process of carrying and installing the seat much easier.
How To Check If Your Car Seat Is FAA Approved
Finding the FAA approval label is the most important step. Look for a sticker on the seat that says, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” in red lettering. It might also simply state “FAA Approved” or have specific certification text. The sticker is often on the back or side of the car seat shell.
If you cannot find the sticker, check your car seat’s manual. You can also contact the manufacturer directly. Do not assume your seat is approved without seeing this label, as airline staff are required to check for it before allowing the seat on the plane.
Booking Your Flight And Seat With A Car Seat
Proper planning when booking your tickets is essential for a hassle-free experience. You need to book a separate seat for your child to use their car seat on the aircraft. This means you cannot use the car seat in your lap; it must be secured in its own purchased seat.
Selecting The Right Airplane Seat
Choosing where to sit on the plane is crucial. The best location for a car seat is in a window seat. This prevents the seat from blocking other passengers in the aisle or middle seat from exiting. It also provides a more secure and less disruptive environment for your child.
Avoid the following seats:
- Exit rows: Car seats are never permitted in exit rows.
- Bulkhead rows: These often have fixed armrests that cannot be raised, making it impossible to secure a car seat properly.
- Any row where the seat width is reduced. Check the airline’s seat map for details.
When you book, call the airline immediately after purchasing your tickets to inform them you will be using a car seat. They can note your reservation and help you select an appropriate seat.
Paying For A Child’s Seat
Yes, you have to pay for a seat for your child to use their car seat. Most airlines charge the same fare for a child’s seat as an adult’s, though sometimes infant fares are available. While this is an added expense, the safety and comfort benefits are significant. Some parents choose to buy a seat for an infant just to use the car seat, even if the child could fly on their lap.
Getting Through The Airport With A Car Seat
Navigating the airport with a car seat, luggage, and a child requires a strategy. You have several options for transporting the seat through the terminal, each with its own pros and cons.
Using A Travel Stroller Or Cart
A travel stroller that your infant car seat can click into is one of the easiest solutions. You can wheel your child right to the aircraft door, then collapse the stroller for gate-checking. For convertible or travel seats, a lightweight folding cart with bungee cords can be a lifesaver for pulling the seat through the airport.
Gate-Checking As A Backup
If you decide at the gate not to use the car seat on the plane, you can gate-check it. This means you leave it at the end of the jetway just before boarding, and it is returned to you at the aircraft door upon arrival. This prevents it from being thrown around with the regular checked luggage. Always use a protective bag for gate-checking to keep the seat clean and minimize damage.
Be aware that gate-checking is not without risk. The seat can still be damaged, which could compromise its safety for future use in a car. The FAA and safety advocates recommend using the seat on the plane whenever possible.
Installing The Car Seat On The Airplane
Once on board, you will need to install the car seat quickly and correctly. Flight attendants can assist but are not responsible for knowing how to install every model. You should be proficient in installing your own seat using a seat belt.
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
- Place the car seat in the forward-facing direction on the airplane seat.
- Raise the armrest between your seat and the next one to give you more room to work.
- Thread the airplane seat belt through the car seat’s designated belt path. This is the same path you would use in a car for forward-facing installation.
- Buckle the seat belt and pull the lap belt tight. You want minimal slack. The shoulder portion of the belt will likely lie across the back of the car seat; this is normal.
- Press down firmly on the car seat and tighten the belt further. The seat should not move side-to-side or forward more than an inch.
- Lower the armrest back down if possible. If it does not clear the car seat, it must remain up for the flight.
Working With The Flight Crew
Be polite and cooperative with the flight attendants. They are there to ensure everyone’s safety. They will check for the FAA label and may watch you install the seat to ensure it looks secure. If they give you an instruction, follow it. They have the final authority on board.
During takeoff and landing, your child must be in the car seat with the harness snugly fastened. The seat cannot be used during taxiing if the child is not in it; the seat belt must remain fastened around the empty car seat to prevent it from becoming a projectile.
International Travel And Car Seats
Flying internationally with a car seat adds another layer of consideration. While FAA rules apply to U.S. airlines anywhere in the world, foreign-flagged carriers are governed by their own national aviation authorities.
Checking Foreign Airline Policies
You must research the specific policies of any international airline you are flying. Some may have different approval standards, weight limits, or may not allow car seats on board at all. Contact the airline well in advance and get any permission in writing if possible to avoid issues at check-in.
Car Seats And Rental Cars Abroad
If you are bringing a car seat for use in a rental car at your destination, ensure it is also approved for use in that country. For example, seats with FAA approval are legal for use in the U.S., but seats used in Europe must have an ECE R44/04 or the newer R129 (i-Size) label. Using a non-compliant seat could void your rental car insurance or even be illegal.
Alternatives To Bringing Your Own Car Seat
While bringing your own seat is ideal, it is not always feasible. Here are some alternatives, along with their drawbacks.
Using An Airline-Provided Bassinet
Some long-haul flights offer bulkhead bassinets for infants. These are suitable for very young babies but have weight limits (usually around 20-25 lbs). The child cannot be in the bassinet during takeoff, landing, or turbulence, so you must hold them during those times.
Checking The Car Seat With Luggage
Checking your car seat as regular baggage is the least recommended option. It subjects the seat to rough handling, potential damage, and loss. If you must check it, use its original box or a padded travel bag. Be aware that airlines are generally not liable for damage to checked car seats.
The CARES Harness
The CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) is an FAA-approved harness for children who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. It is a lightweight belt that attaches to the airplane’s seat belt and provides a shoulder harness. It is only for use on aircraft and is not a replacement for a car seat at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use A Car Seat On A Plane For Free?
No, you cannot use a car seat on a plane for free. To use a car seat on board, you must purchase a separate airplane ticket for your child. The car seat must then be secured in that purchased seat.
Do All Airlines Allow Car Seats On Planes?
Most major airlines allow FAA-approved car seats, but their specific policies on seating locations, approval checks, and use of certain types can vary. It is critical to check with your airline before your travel date to confirm their rules.
How Do I Know If My Car Seat Will Fit In An Airplane Seat?
Airplane seats are typically about 16-18 inches wide. Measure the width of your car seat at its widest point. Most infant seats and many travel seats will fit. Wider convertible seats may not fit, especially on smaller regional jets. The airline can provide specific seat dimensions if you call them.
Can You Take A Car Seat On A Plane As A Carry On?
A car seat does not count as your carry-on luggage. Airlines generally allow you to bring a car seat and a stroller in addition to your regular carry-on and personal item. They are considered “child safety equipment.” You can carry it through the airport and either use it on the plane or gate-check it.
What If The Flight Attendant Says I Cannot Use My Car Seat?
If your seat is FAA-approved, you have a purchased ticket for your child, and you are not in an exit row, you should be allowed to use it. Politely show the flight attendant the FAA label. If there is still a dispute, it is best to comply and gate-check the seat to avoid being removed from the flight. You can follow up with the airline’s customer service later to clarify the policy.
Traveling with a car seat requires extra planning, but it provides invaluable safety and comfort for your child. By verifying your seat’s approval, booking the right airplane seat, and knowing how to install it, you can turn a potential travel headache into a calm and secure journey. Always double-check with your airline a few days before departure, as policies can change. With this knowledge in hand, you are ready to fly confidently with your little one.