Can You Bring a Carseat on a Plane

Can You Bring a Carseat on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring a car seat on a plane. In fact, the TSA recommends it, especially for infants and young children. Car seats provide the safest way for children to travel in a vehicle, and that includes planes.

Table of Contents

TSA Car Seat Rules

The TSA allows you to bring a car seat on your flight, either as a carry-on or in checked baggage. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  • Car seats must be FAA-approved.
  • Car seats must be able to fit securely in the aircraft seat.
  • Car seats cannot be placed in the exit row or the row in front of or behind the exit row.

Can I Bring a Car Seat on a Plane as a Carry-On?

Yes, you can bring a car seat on a plane as a carry-on. However, it is important to check with your airline in advance to see if there are any restrictions on size or weight. Some airlines may charge a fee for bringing a car seat as a carry-on.

Can I Take a Car Seat on a Plane in Checked Baggage?

Yes, you can take a car seat on a plane in checked baggage. However, it is important to check with your airline in advance to see if there are any restrictions on size or weight. Some airlines may charge a fee for checking a car seat.

Can You Take a Car Seat on a Plane on an International Flight?

Yes, you can take a car seat on a plane on an international flight. However, it is important to check with the airline and the country you are visiting to see if there are any special requirements. Some countries may have different regulations for car seats than the United States.

How to Bring a Car Seat on a Plane

If you are bringing a car seat on a plane, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier:

  • Check with your airline in advance to see if there are any restrictions on size, weight, or placement of car seats.
  • If you are bringing your car seat as a carry-on, make sure it fits under the seat or in the overhead bin.
  • If you are checking your car seat, gate check it so that you can pick it up at the gate when you arrive at your destination.
  • Bring a gate check tag with you to the airport so that you can easily gate check your car seat.
  • Bring a car seat bag or cover to protect your car seat from dirt and damage.

Tips for Flying with a Car Seat

Here are a few tips for flying with a car seat:

  • Arrive at the airport early so that you have plenty of time to go through security and gate check your car seat.
  • Bring a car seat bag or cover to protect your car seat from dirt and damage.
  • Bring a gate check tag with you to the airport so that you can easily gate check your car seat.
  • If you are bringing your car seat as a carry-on, make sure it fits under the seat or in the overhead bin.
  • If you are checking your car seat, gate check it so that you can pick it up at the gate when you arrive at your destination.
  • Let the flight attendant know that you have a car seat and that you need help installing it.
  • Once the plane is in the air, check your car seat to make sure it is still securely installed.
Bonus Reading  Can You Bring a Massage Gun on a Plane

Best Car Seats for Flying

If you are looking for a car seat that is specifically designed for flying, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The car seat should be FAA-approved.
  • The car seat should be lightweight and easy to carry.
  • The car seat should be easy to install and remove.
  • The car seat should be comfortable for your child.

Here are a few car seats that are popular with parents who fly frequently:

  • Britax B-Agile Double Stroller with B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
  • Bugaboo Donkey 5 Multi-Use Stroller with Donkey 5 Carrycot and Donkey 5 Duo Seat
  • Cybex Priam Travel System with Priam Stroller, Lux Carry Cot, and Cloud Q Infant Car Seat
  • UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller with RumbleSeat V2 and Mesa Infant Car Seat

Car Seat Requirements for Flying

The only car seat requirement for flying is that the car seat must be FAA-approved. All FAA-approved car seats will have a label on them that says so.

Car Seat Laws for Flying

There are no specific car seat laws for flying. However, the TSA recommends that all children under the age of two travel in a car seat.

Car Seat Safety on Planes

Car seats are the safest way for children to travel in a vehicle,

Even though car seats are not required for children over the age of two, it is still highly recommended that they use one when flying. This is because car seats provide the best protection for children in the event of a crash or turbulence.

Here are a few tips for ensuring car seat safety on planes:

  • Make sure your car seat is FAA-approved.
  • Make sure your car seat is installed correctly. You can ask a flight attendant for help with this.
  • Make sure your child is properly harnessed in the car seat.
  • Check your car seat frequently to make sure it is still securely installed.

If you are flying with a child, it is also important to be aware of the following:

  • Car seats cannot be placed in the exit row or the row in front of or behind the exit row.
  • Car seats must be able to fit securely in the aircraft seat.
  • If your car seat does not fit securely in the aircraft seat, you may need to use a different car seat or a CARES harness.

How to Install a Car Seat on a Plane

To install a car seat on a plane, you will need to use the aircraft seatbelt. Most car seats have a belt path that allows you to thread the seatbelt through the car seat. Once the seatbelt is threaded through the car seat, you can tighten it to secure the car seat in place.

If you are unsure how to install your car seat on a plane, you can ask a flight attendant for help.

What to Do If Your Car Seat Doesn’t Fit on a Plane

If your car seat does not fit securely in the aircraft seat, you will need to use a different car seat or a CARES harness. A CARES harness is a device that secures a child to the aircraft seatbelt.

If you are bringing a CARES harness on your flight, be sure to check with your airline in advance to see if there are any restrictions. Some airlines may not allow CARES harnesses.

What to Do If Your Car Seat Is Lost or Damaged on a Plane

If your car seat is lost or damaged on a plane, you should file a claim with the airline. The airline may be able to replace or repair your car seat.

You should also consider purchasing travel insurance for your car seat. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing your car seat if it is lost or damaged while you are traveling.

Bonus Reading  Can You Bring K-Cups on a Plane

TSA Regulations for Car Seats

The TSA has a few specific regulations for car seats:

  • Car seats must be FAA-approved.
  • Car seats cannot be placed in the exit row or the row in front of or behind the exit row.
  • Car seats must be able to fit securely in the aircraft seat.

If you are bringing a car seat as a carry-on, you will need to remove it from the stroller base and bring it through security separately. You may also be asked to remove the car seat cover.

If you are checking your car seat, be sure to gate check it so that you can pick it up at the gate when you arrive at your destination. This will save you time and hassle at baggage claim.

FAA Regulations for Car Seats on Planes

The FAA also has a few regulations for car seats on planes:

  • Car seats must be FAA-approved.
  • Car seats cannot be placed in the exit row or the row in front of or behind the exit row.
  • Car seats must be able to fit securely in the aircraft seat.

The FAA also recommends that all children under the age of two travel in a car seat.

Airline Policies on Car Seats

Airline policies on car seats can vary. Some airlines may charge a fee for bringing a car seat as a carry-on or for checking a car seat. Some airlines may also have restrictions on the size or weight of car seats that are allowed on their flights.

It is important to check with your airline in advance to see what their policies are on car seats. This will help you avoid any surprises at the airport.

Car Seat Fees on Planes

Some airlines charge a fee for bringing a car seat as a carry-on or for checking a car seat. The fees can vary depending on the airline and the route.

It is important to check with your airline in advance to see if they charge a fee for car seats. This will help you budget for your trip.

How to Save Money on Flying with a Car Seat

If you are flying with a car seat, there are a few things you can do to save money:

  • Check with your airline to see if they offer any discounts for bringing a car seat.
  • Consider bringing a travel car seat. Travel car seats are typically lighter and more compact than traditional car seats, and they may be less expensive to check.
  • If you are flying with multiple children, consider bringing a tandem stroller. Tandems strollers can accommodate two children, and they often have a built-in car seat for one of the children. This can save you the cost of bringing two separate car seats.

Car Seat Alternatives for Flying

If you are unable to bring a car seat on your flight, there are a few alternatives that you can consider:

  • CARES harness: A CARES harness is a device that secures a child to the aircraft seatbelt. CARES harnesses are approved for use on most airlines, but it is always best to check with your airline in advance.
  • Lap belt: Children who are over the age of two can travel on the lap of a parent or guardian. However, it is important to note that this is not the safest way for children to travel.

If you are considering using a CARES harness or a lap belt, it is important to talk to your pediatrician first. They can help you decide which option is best for your child and their specific needs.

Conclusion

Flying with a car seat can be a bit of a hassle, but it is important to remember that it is the safest way for your child to travel. By following the tips above, you can save money and ensure that your child has a safe and comfortable flight.sharemore_vert

Bonus Reading  Can You Bring a Nintendo Switch on a Plane

People also ask

Here are 10 questions people also ask about bringing a car seat on a plane, with answers:

  1. How do I know if my car seat is FAA-approved?

All FAA-approved car seats will have a label on them that says so. You can also check the FAA’s website for a list of FAA-approved car seats.

  1. What is the difference between a car seat and a booster seat?

A car seat is a safety device that is used to keep children under the age of two restrained in a vehicle. A booster seat is a safety device that is used to raise children over the age of two so that they can sit correctly in a vehicle seatbelt.

  1. Can I bring a booster seat on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a booster seat on a plane. However, booster seats are not required on planes.

  1. Do I have to pay a fee to bring a car seat on a plane?

Some airlines charge a fee for bringing a car seat as a carry-on or for checking a car seat. The fees can vary depending on the airline and the route. It is important to check with your airline in advance to see if they charge a fee for car seats.

  1. How do I install a car seat on a plane?

To install a car seat on a plane, you will need to use the aircraft seatbelt. Most car seats have a belt path that allows you to thread the seatbelt through the car seat. Once the seatbelt is threaded through the car seat, you can tighten it to secure the car seat in place.

If you are unsure how to install your car seat on a plane, you can ask a flight attendant for help.

  1. What do I do if my car seat doesn’t fit on a plane?

If your car seat doesn’t fit securely in the aircraft seat, you will need to use a different car seat or a CARES harness. A CARES harness is a device that secures a child to the aircraft seatbelt.

If you are bringing a CARES harness on your flight, be sure to check with your airline in advance to see if there are any restrictions. Some airlines may not allow CARES harnesses.

  1. What do I do if my car seat is lost or damaged on a plane?

If your car seat is lost or damaged on a plane, you should file a claim with the airline. The airline may be able to replace or repair your car seat.

You should also consider purchasing travel insurance for your car seat. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing your car seat if it is lost or damaged while you are traveling.

  1. What are the best car seats for flying?

The best car seats for flying are lightweight and easy to carry. Some popular options include the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller with B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat, the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Multi-Use Stroller with Donkey 5 Carrycot and Donkey 5 Duo Seat, the Cybex Priam Travel System with Priam Stroller, Lux Carry Cot, and Cloud Q Infant Car Seat, and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller with RumbleSeat V2 and Mesa Infant Car Seat.

  1. Do I have to use a car seat for my child on a plane?

There is no federal law requiring children to use a car seat on a plane. However, the FAA strongly recommends that all children under the age of two travel in a car seat.

  1. What are the alternatives to using a car seat on a plane?

If you are unable to use a car seat on your flight, there are a few alternatives that you can consider:

  • CARES harness: A CARES harness is a device that secures a child to the aircraft seatbelt. CARES harnesses are approved for use on most airlines, but it is always best to check with your airline in advance.
  • Lap belt: Children who are over the age of two can travel on the lap of a parent or guardian. However, it is important to note that this is not the safest way for children to travel.