Do You Take Car Seats On Planes

If you’re preparing for a family flight, a common question is, do you take car seats on planes? The good news is, yes, airline policies permit passengers to bring FAA-approved child car seats onboard to secure infants and toddlers during a flight. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from airline rules to practical tips for a smoother journey.

Absolutely, you can take a car seat on a plane. In fact, for safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that children under 40 pounds use an approved child restraint system during a flight. Using a familiar car seat can help your child feel secure and comfortable, and it ensures they have a proper seat for the duration of the trip. However, there are specific rules you must follow to ensure your seat is allowed in the cabin.

Understanding FAA Approval For Airplane Use

Not every car seat is cleared for use on an aircraft. To be used onboard, your car seat must have a label stating it is certified for use on aircraft. This label is usually found on the back or side of the seat.

Look for the text: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” in red lettering.
Check for the sticker: It may also say “FAA approved” or show that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
Seats without this label will not be allowed for use during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.

Most car seats manufactured in the United States after 1985 have this certification. If you cannot find the label, contact the manufacturer to confirm. Booster seats, even if they are backless, are generally not approved for in-flight use because they require the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt, which airplanes do not have.

Airline Policies And Purchasing A Seat

While the FAA sets the safety standards, individual airlines have their own specific policies regarding car seats. The most critical rule is that if you plan to use the car seat during the flight, you must purchase a separate airplane seat for your child.

You cannot place a car seat in an empty seat next to you unless you have purchased a ticket for that seat.
Some airlines offer discounted infant fares for a purchased seat, so it’s worth inquiring.
If you do not purchase a seat, you will be required to check the car seat at the ticket counter or gate, and your child must sit on your lap.

Always check your airline’s website for their latest “child restraint” or “car seat” policy before you travel. Policies can vary on details like width restrictions to ensure the seat fits in the airplane seat.

Major U.S. Airline Car Seat Guidelines

Here is a quick overview of common requirements across major carriers:

Seat Width: Most airlines require the car seat to be no wider than 16 inches to fit in a standard economy seat. Some wider seats may fit in premium cabins.
Installation Direction: The car seat must be installed in a forward-facing position for takeoff and landing. It must be placed in a window seat so it does not block other passengers’ escape paths in an emergency.
Age and Weight: Policies are generally based on the FAA recommendation for children under 40 lbs.

How To Install Your Car Seat On The Plane

Once onboard, installing your car seat correctly is key. Flight attendants can assist but are not responsible for installation, so knowing how to do it yourself is important.

Choose the right seat: Install the car seat in a window seat. It cannot be placed in an exit row or a row immediately in front of or behind an exit.
Use the airplane seat belt: Thread the aircraft’s lap belt through the forward-facing belt path on your car seat. This is the same path you would use in your car.
Buckle and tighten: Buckle the seat belt and pull the strap tight. The car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or forward.
Recline the car seat (if needed): Do not use the airplane seat’s recline function. If your child needs to sleep, you can recline the car seat itself if it has that feature.

Remember, you cannot use any additional accessories that did not come with the car seat, like travel belts or harnesses, unless they are specifically approved by the FAA.

Checking A Car Seat Vs. Gate Checking

If you choose not to use the car seat onboard, you will need to check it. You have two main options, each with pros and cons.

Checking at the Ticket Counter: This is standard. The seat will be handled with the rest of the luggage. To protect it, use a padded travel bag. The risk of damage or loss is higher.
Gate Checking: This is often prefered. You use the seat right up to the aircraft door, then a ground agent tags it and places it in the cargo hold. It is typically handled more gently and is the last bag on, first bag off. Most airlines allow this for free.

Be aware that checking a car seat, especially at the ticket counter, can expose it to rough handling. Some car seat manufacturers state that a checked seat may have unseen damage and should be replaced after a flight, so check your warranty.

Traveling With Infants And Lap Children

For infants under 2 years old, you have the option to have them fly as a “lap child” at no extra charge on domestic flights. However, the FAA stresses that the safest place for your baby is in an approved car seat in their own purchased seat.

If your infant is on your lap, you will be given a special infant seat belt that attaches to your own for taxi, takeoff, and landing.
During cruising, you will need to hold your child. This can be tiring on long flights and offers less protection during unexpected turbulence.
Some airlines allow you to bring an FAA-approved car seat onboard for a lap child if there is an empty seat available, but you cannot count on this.

For international flights, lap child fares are usually a percentage of the adult ticket, and you must pay taxes and fees.

International Travel With Car Seats

Traveling internationally with a car seat adds another layer of consideration. While U.S. FAA-approved seats are widely accepted, you must also ensure your seat complies with the regulations of your destination country if you plan to use it in a vehicle.

European Standards: Many countries use the ECE R44/04 or the newer i-Size (R129) standards. Some may not formally recognize FAA approval, though in practice, it’s often accepted on flights.
Rental Car Considerations: If you’re renting a car, you can usually rent a car seat, but the quality, cleanliness, and availability can be uncertain. Bringing your own guarantees familiarity and safety.
On the Return Flight: Ensure you have the FAA label visible for your flight back to the United States.

Always contact your international airline directly to confirm their specific car seat policy well before your departure date.

Practical Tips For A Smooth Experience

A little preparation can make traveling with a car seat much easier. Here are some tried-and-true tips from seasoned traveling families.

Practice at Home: Install the car seat in a dining room chair to get a feel for using an airplane seat belt.
Use a Travel Cart: A lightweight cart that straps to the car seat can be a lifesaver in the airport. You can wheel your child right to the gate.
Pack Smart: Keep the FAA approval label accessible. Flight attendants may ask to see it. Consider putting manuals and a copy of the airline’s policy in the seat’s storage pocket.
Board Early: Take advantage of family boarding to get extra time to install the seat without feeling rushed.
Protect the Seat: If gate-checking, a simple, inexpensive mesh bag can keep the seat clean without adding much weight. Avoid heavy, non-compressible bags that can get caught on conveyor belts.

FAQ About Taking Car Seats On Planes

Can You Use A Car Seat On A Plane For Free?

You can bring a car seat on a plane for free as checked baggage or carry-on, but to use it during the flight, you must purchase a seat for your child. Airlines do not charge extra to bring the seat itself.

What Type Of Car Seat Is Best For Air Travel?

A lightweight, narrow, FAA-approved convertible or forward-facing seat is often best. Many parents prefer dedicated travel car seats that are easier to carry and install. Ensure it fits within the airline’s width guidelines.

Do You Need A Car Seat For A 2 Year Old On A Plane?

While not legally required by the FAA, it is highly recommended. A 2-year-old is much safer in their own restraint system. Airlines require a purchased ticket to use the seat, and after age 2, a child must have their own ticket regardless.

Can You Take A Booster Seat On A Plane?

You can take a booster seat as checked baggage, but you generally cannot use it during the flight. Booster seats require a three-point lap-and-shoulder belt to function correctly, which airplane seats do not provide.

What If My Car Seat Gets Damaged By The Airline?

Report any damage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area. Take photos and file a report with the airline’s baggage service office. They are typically liable for damage caused by their handling, though reimbursement policies vary.

Traveling with young children requires planning, and knowing the rules for car seats is a big part of that. By ensuring your seat is FAA-approved, purchasing a ticket for your child, and familiarizing yourself with the installation process, you can provide a safer and more comfortable journey for your whole family. Always double-check with your specific airline before you fly, as policies can and do change. With the right preparation, you can navigate the airport and the skies with greater confidence and peace of mind.