The Dilemma of Flying With a Baby’s Car Seat: Things I Have Learnt

The thought of bringing a baby’s car seat on the plane can be daunting especially if it’s your first time traveling with your little ones. We all know it is comfortable and safer for the baby during long flights and unexpected emergencies like violent midair turbulence.

With most airlines, parents have the option of holding the baby during the entire flight but the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FAA do recommend a certified child safety restraint system when flying for young children. The seat will also be useful at your destination.

“If something goes awry, a baby is always safer in a car seat,” says Chandani Patel DeZure, M.D., a pediatrician and BabyCenter Medical Advisor.  “It’s the same reason adults should wear their seat belts even when the seat belt sign is off,” She adds.

From my observation, one of the best ways to keep a toddler calmer on the plane is strapping them in seats they are familiar with, which in this case is their car seats.  I also understand some babies hate car seats and will cry continuously until you hold them.

Can I take my car seat on a plane? 

The answer to this question can be a Yes or No depending on the policies of your airline and the country you are traveling to. Most carriers allow parents or guardians to bring baby car seats. Unfortunately, some don’t allow it. So the first step is to consult with your airline.

If the carrier permits, be sure to ask if you can use an empty seat next to you. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a separate seat for your baby. In addition, your car seat must be approved for use on the airplane and should be of the right dimensions to fit in the airplane seat.

Remember that every country has its own set of rules for car seats and they vary differently from the FAA. US car seats for example are not legal in most countries including Europe, Canada, and Australia. You might face penalties or unnecessary expenses in possessing a car seat.

Here is a quick summary of the FAA requirements for bringing a car seat on a plane:

• Front-facing car seats with a “certified for aircraft” label.
• Seat should be less than 16 inches wide to fit in airplane seats.
• At cruising altitude, car seats must be installed in a forward-facing position.
• The car seat should be preferably in a window seat. This is to avoid blocking the exit path in case of an emergency.
• Child seats are also not permitted in the emergency exit rows.
• Consider securing the car seat in a rear-facing position during take-off and landing.

While you may rent a car seat wherever you are going, there’s no guarantee that it will be as safe and comfortable as the one you have at your home. Perhaps their cleaning and maintenance are not up to the standard and that can be unsafe for your toddler.

How do you travel with a car seat?

For airlines that allow it, car seats are among the items counted as special. This means they are free to check when flying with kids. For carriers that don’t allow car seats on the plane, you can gate check it with your luggage and you will have to reclaim it once you deplane.

If you decide to fly with your toddler’s car seat, here are things to do:

1. Check the airline regulations for checked items and carry-ons and be sure that your car seat will be accepted and fit in the airplane seat. Contact them or check their official website.
2. Make sure that your seat is approved for airline use and it will be accepted at your destination.
3. Go through the car seat manual and review the installation instructions and other recommendations.
4. Request for an empty adjoining seat or purchase a ticket for your child if you are not lucky enough to get the free space.
5. Detach any unnecessary items such as base, toys, and straps from the seat to make it fit easily.
6. Pack the seat in a travel bag to offer some protection. It will also be easy to wheel or carry it through the airport. 
7. Get a luggage tag for the seat whether you are checking it at the ticket counter or gate.
8. Be prepared for anything as most gate checked-in items end up getting damaged.

Bonus Tip: If you are departing from the USA, apply for a TSA PreCheck to speed up your journey through the airport checks. It is an expedited security screening process beneficial when you have a baby and other items on board.

Why you might rethink about flying with a car seat 

I must acknowledge that a car seat always gives me a peaceful flight when traveling with kids. You will be free to stretch and have some space to eat your meals well. However, I must remember a few challenges I encountered when boarding with a car seat.

Sometimes the baby becomes fussy and wants to be held. This is a big disappointment when you have gone through the tedious process of bringing a car seat on the plane. Since the equipment cannot be stored overhead, you end up with constrained space around you.

My other older child also did not have enough space to play or sleep when a car seat was installed next to them. He could not even use the tray during mealtimes. Although I convinced him to relax I knew deep down inside he felt disturbed.

The worst is when your destination country has a problem with the kind of car seat you have come with. You can end up being fined heavily for this. My car seat also feels heavy and it’s always a problem pushing it around the airport. Sometimes I just prefer hiring one at my destination.

Best alternatives to baby’s car seat when flying

It was a great relief when I heard about the Cares Safety Restraint System that keeps toddlers safe in the airplane seat. It is approved by the FAA (for the US) and most airlines worldwide accept it. The weight limit for this safety harness is 22 – 44 pounds and up to 40 inches tall.

This means children aged 1 up to 4 qualify to use it unless they fall under special categories. The airplane safety harness is simple to install on any seat and usable on any window, except in the emergency exit rows. It weighs less than a pound and can even fit into your pocket.

Many flights also provide bassinets for babies which allows for some flexibility in handling the baby. They are suitable for babies from about birth to 4 months old. Unlike car seats, the baby will sleep better which helps in reducing fussiness during long flights.

Final thought

A car seat can offer comfort and safety to the baby when flying. However, before you bring it on board, consult with your airline to find out if they allow it. Some destinations have specific policies for using a car seat and it’s also necessary to have a word from their transport authorities. 

If you don’t like traveling with your seat, opt for an airplane harness system, or bassinet. Renting a car seat on arrival is also recommended for safe road drives.