Car Seat on Plane: What You Need to Know Before You Fly
When you’re flying with a toddler or infant, the question isn’t just car seat on plane—it’s should I even bother? The short answer: yes, if you want safety, comfort, and less stress. The FAA allows car seats on planes, but only if they’re approved for aircraft use. Look for the label that says FAA approved car seat, a child restraint system certified for use in both vehicles and aircraft. Also known as airplane car seat, this isn’t just any car seat—it has to pass strict crash testing standards for turbulence and sudden stops mid-flight. Not all car seats qualify. Booster seats? Nope. Infant carriers without a base? Only if they’re labeled for flight. The key is checking the label before you pack.
Using a car seat on a plane isn’t just about safety—it’s about keeping your child calm. A strapped-in toddler is less likely to stand up, kick seats, or scream because they’re uncomfortable. And if you’re flying with a child under two who’s sitting on your lap, you’re legally allowed to do so—but you’re not protected. In a hard landing or sudden drop, you can’t hold on tight enough. That’s why experts and parents alike recommend securing your child in their own seat with a proper child car seat travel, a car seat specifically designed or certified for use during air travel. Also known as flying with kids gear, it’s the difference between a stressful flight and a manageable one. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket for your child if you’re bringing a car seat. It’s not free, but it’s cheaper than a last-minute change of plans or a crying baby on a 6-hour flight.
Not all seats on the plane work the same. The window seat is best for installing a car seat—it gives you space and keeps your child from blocking the aisle. Avoid middle seats unless you’re flying empty; you’ll struggle to get the seatbelt routed properly. Some car seats fit better than others. The Britax Marathon, Graco Extend2Fit, and Chicco KeyFit are all common choices among frequent flyers because they’re narrow, lightweight, and FAA-approved. If you’re traveling with twins or multiple kids, you might need to book an entire row. And don’t forget: you can gate-check your stroller and car seat for free. Just ask at the counter.
There’s a myth that airlines provide car seats. They don’t. Some offer bassinets for infants, but those are first-come, first-served and only for babies under a certain weight. If you’re flying internationally, check the rules of the airline and country you’re flying to—some have stricter limits. And if you’re renting a car at your destination? Bring your car seat. Don’t rely on rental agencies to have one that’s safe or even available.
What you’ll find below are real, tested tips from parents who’ve flown with car seats across continents. From which seats to pick, how to install it mid-air, what to pack in your carry-on to keep your child calm, and even how to deal with skeptical flight attendants. No fluff. Just what works when you’re 30,000 feet up with a tired kid and a tight schedule.
Can You Baby Wear a Baby on a Plane? The Real Rules About Car Seats and Flying
Learn the real rules about flying with a baby: when you can use a car seat on a plane, why carriers aren't safe during takeoff, and how to avoid common mistakes that put your child at risk.
Read more