Yes, you can bring a car seat on a plane, and it’s often the safest way to secure your child during the flight.
Taking Car Seats on Planes: What You Need to Know
Traveling with young children involves juggling a lot of gear, and car seats top that list. Airlines generally allow passengers to bring a car seat onboard for use during the flight, but understanding the rules and best practices helps avoid hassles. The main reason many parents opt to bring their own car seat is safety—it provides a secure restraint system designed specifically for their child.
Airlines vary in policies, but most permit one car seat per child if they have their own purchased seat on the plane. Simply holding your child on your lap doesn’t qualify for using the car seat onboard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends using an approved child restraint system (CRS) for children under 40 pounds and under 40 inches tall.
Why Use a Car Seat on the Plane?
Using a car seat during flights offers several advantages beyond comfort:
- Safety: Turbulence can be unpredictable. A properly installed car seat keeps your child restrained securely.
- Familiarity: Kids often feel more comfortable in their own seats.
- Convenience: It can double as a booster or travel chair at your destination.
However, not all car seats are suitable or approved for air travel, so confirming FAA approval is critical.
FAA Regulations and Airline Policies
The FAA requires that any child under 40 pounds who has an individual seat must be secured in an approved CRS during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Many airlines follow this rule but may have additional requirements or restrictions.
Here’s an overview of common airline policies regarding bringing car seats onboard:
| Airline | Car Seat Allowed Onboard? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Yes | Must be FAA-approved; fits in standard economy seat width. |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes | Child must have own ticket; CRS must have FAA label. |
| United Airlines | Yes | Car seats accepted in all cabins when child has paid seat. |
| Southwest Airlines | Yes | No lap children allowed with CRS; must purchase separate seat. |
| JetBlue Airways | Yes | CRS must be approved; booster seats not allowed on planes. |
The Importance of FAA Approval
Not every car seat is safe or legal for use on airplanes. The FAA requires that any CRS used onboard display a label stating it is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. This label ensures the device has passed rigorous testing standards for crash safety.
Seats without this certification might be rejected by flight attendants or fail to protect your child adequately during unexpected events like severe turbulence or sudden deceleration.
Selecting the Right Car Seat for Air Travel
Choosing a travel-friendly car seat involves balancing size, weight, certification, and ease of installation.
Types of Seats Suitable for Flights
- Convertible Car Seats: These can be used rear-facing or forward-facing and often come with FAA approval labels.
- Infant Carriers: Lightweight with a detachable base; many models are FAA-certified.
- Combination Seats: Designed to grow with your child but may be bulkier.
Avoid booster seats without back support, as these typically lack FAA certification for aircraft use.
Weight and Size Considerations
Aircraft seats are narrower than standard car seats, usually around 17 to 18 inches wide. Bulkier models might not fit comfortably in economy class seating. Lightweight options under 15 pounds make carrying through airports easier.
Some parents opt for compact travel-specific car seats designed explicitly for flying. These models prioritize portability while maintaining safety standards.
How to Install a Car Seat on an Airplane Seat
Installing a car seat correctly ensures maximum protection. Most airplane seats come with standard lap belts but lack the lower anchors found in vehicles (LATCH systems), so installation differs slightly.
The Installation Process Step-by-Step
1. Position the Seat: Place the car seat facing forward (or rear-facing if allowed) on the airplane seat.
2. Thread the Lap Belt: Pass the airplane’s lap belt through the designated belt path on the car seat.
3. Secure Tightness: Buckle and tighten firmly so there’s no more than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back.
4. Locking Mechanism: Some airplane belts lock automatically when tightened; others require locking clips (available from some airlines).
5. Double Check Angle: Ensure correct recline angle per manufacturer instructions.
Flight attendants can assist with installation questions but won’t install it themselves.
Turbulence Preparedness
Even after securing your child’s seatbelt inside the CRS, keeping them buckled into their car seat throughout taxiing, takeoff, landing, and whenever seated during turbulence is crucial.
If you’re traveling internationally or on smaller regional jets where space is limited, confirm if installing a CRS is feasible before booking.
Luggage Options: Transporting Your Car Seat at Airports
Hauling a bulky car seat through terminals can be tiring without proper gear. Options include:
- Car Seat Travel Bags: Padded covers protect from dirt and damage during handling.
- Wheeled Car Seat Trolleys: Attach your car seat onto rolling carts designed specifically for airport navigation.
- Gate Check Services: Many airlines allow gate-checking bulky items like strollers and car seats free of charge.
Gate checking means you carry it through security but leave it at the aircraft door before boarding; it’s returned at arrival gate pickup areas.
Caution About Gate Checking Your Car Seat
While convenient, gate checking carries risks of damage or loss since baggage handlers may toss or stack items roughly. Investing in durable protective bags reduces wear and tear when choosing this option.
If you plan to use your child’s own restraint during flight time rather than holding them in laps, bringing along their familiar device adds peace of mind amid airport chaos.
The Cost Factor: Buying vs Renting Car Seats While Traveling
Some families debate whether to bring their own equipment or rent at destinations.
Renting offers convenience but comes with downsides:
- Hygiene concerns over previously used gear
- Limited availability depending on location
- Potentially higher cumulative cost
Owning a lightweight FAA-approved travel model allows repeated use across trips without rental fees piling up.
Here’s how costs compare:
| Option | Typical Cost Range (USD) | Main Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Buying New Travel Car Seat | $150 – $350+ | Pros: Ownership guarantees availability & cleanliness. Cons: Initial investment is higher. |
| Renting Locally at Destination | $20 – $50/day + Deposit | Pros: No need to carry bulky gear. Cons: Hygiene concerns & possible unavailability. |
| No Car Seat (Holding Child) | $0 extra cost | Note:* Less safe; doesn’t meet FAA recommendations. |
Travelers prioritizing safety tend to favor owning an FAA-approved model despite extra baggage weight.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Airplane Car Seats
Even with preparation, some challenges arise:
Sizing Problems in Economy Class Seating
Many economy rows have narrow seats making bulky restraints difficult to fit properly without encroaching into neighboring passenger space. Opting for aisle or bulkhead seating may help maximize width available.
Lack of Locking Mechanisms on Airplane Belts
Unlike vehicle belts that lock tightly when pulled back fully, airplane belts sometimes don’t lock firmly enough by themselves requiring locking clips or extra tightening effort for secure installation.
Misinformation by Airline Staff or Gate Agents
Some personnel might discourage bringing personal restraints due to unfamiliarity with regulations or airline policy nuances. Carry printed copies of airline rules or FAA guidelines helps clarify rights calmly when questioned.
The Role of Child Restraints Beyond Flights: Rental Cars & Transfers
A versatile travel-approved car seat often serves multiple purposes beyond just flying safely:
- Around Town: Rental cars typically don’t provide child restraints free of charge so having your own saves money and hassle.
- Taxis & Ride-shares: Some services offer boosters but rarely full CRS units; personal seats guarantee compliance.
- Avoiding Damage Risks:Your own trusted device avoids unknown wear-and-tear from rentals.
This flexibility makes investing in quality travel-friendly options worthwhile over time across various transit modes encountered during trips.
Packing Tips For Traveling With A Car Seat And Young Children
Managing luggage while juggling kids requires strategy:
- Packing lightweight toys/snacks inside reachable pockets keeps kids entertained while seated safely.
- A compact stroller compatible with gate check reduces carrying burden between terminals.
- A backpack-style bag dedicated solely to holding essential baby gear frees hands for handling bulky items like seats.
Arriving early allows time to install restraints carefully without rushing before takeoff deadlines loom large at busy gates.
Key Takeaways: Can You Bring A Car Seat On A Plane?
➤ Car seats are allowed on planes but must meet size rules.
➤ FAA recommends using a car seat for child safety onboard.
➤ Check airline policies before flying with a car seat.
➤ Car seats must be FAA-approved for use during flights.
➤ Bring the car seat manual to help with installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Allowed To Bring A Child Restraint Device On Board?
Most airlines permit passengers to bring a child restraint device onboard if the child has their own purchased seat. This ensures your child can be safely secured during the flight, complying with airline and FAA regulations.
What Are The Safety Benefits Of Using A Car Seat During Flights?
Using a car seat on a plane provides a secure restraint for your child, especially during turbulence. It offers familiarity and comfort, reducing stress for both the child and parent throughout the journey.
How Do Airline Policies Differ Regarding Car Seats?
Airline rules vary, but typically require that car seats be FAA-approved and fit within standard seat dimensions. Some airlines do not allow lap children to use car seats, so checking specific carrier policies before travel is important.
Why Is FAA Certification Important For Travel Car Seats?
The FAA certification label confirms the car seat has passed safety tests for use in both vehicles and aircraft. Using an approved seat ensures compliance with federal guidelines and maximizes your child’s safety in-flight.
Can Booster Seats Be Used On Commercial Flights?
Booster seats are generally not allowed on airplanes because they lack the necessary harness system required by the FAA. Parents should opt for a car seat specifically certified for air travel to secure their child properly.
The Bottom Line About Bringing Your Own Child Restraint System Onboard Planes
Securing young travelers properly remains paramount throughout air journeys. Bringing an FAA-approved restraint system offers peace of mind along with enhanced safety compared to laps alone. Understanding airline policies beforehand prevents surprises at check-in counters while smart packing eases transit stress significantly.
Properly installed personal devices protect children effectively against unexpected jolts encountered mid-flight—making them well worth carrying despite added bulk.
Safe travels!