Traveling with kids is stressful enough, and figuring out what to do with a car seat when flying can be overwhelming. Whether you’re flying with a toddler, checking a car seat, or wondering if you need a base, this guide will walk you through it all.
For more expert tips on flying safely with kids, visit my website LiaTuso.com and follow me on Instagram @lia_tuso!
Let's start with WHY we should fly with a car seat: As a dedicated child passenger safety advocate and frequent flyer, I advocated strongly for the use of a Child Restraint System (CRS) for children on airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agree that a CRS provides the highest level of protection for young passengers.
Unlike adult seat belts, which are not designed to fit small bodies, a CRS is specifically engineered to secure children effectively during turbulence or in the event of an emergency. This ensures that your child is not only safer but also more comfortable throughout the flight.
The FAA strongly recommends that children under 40 pounds use a CRS, as it is the safest option during air travel. Turbulence, which can occur unexpectedly, poses a significant risk to unrestrained children, potentially leading to serious injuries. The AAP echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that a CRS can prevent children from being thrown around the cabin during sudden movements. Additionally, in the rare but serious event of an accident, a properly installed CRS can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or fatality, much like how car seats protect children in automobiles.
Beyond safety, using a CRS can make flying a more pleasant experience for both the child and the parents. As a toddler mom, I know first-hand a CRS provides a familiar and comfortable environment for young children, helping them to remain calm and settled during the flight. This can be especially beneficial on longer journeys, where the security and comfort of a CRS can help reduce travel-related stress. As parents, ensuring the utmost safety and comfort for our children is paramount, and following CPST, FAA and AAP guidelines by using a CRS on airplanes is a crucial step in achieving that goal.
1. What to Do with Your Car Seat When Flying
You have a few options when flying with a car seat:
✔️ Use it on the plane – The safest option is to purchase a seat for your child and secure them in their FAA-approved car seat. This provides the best protection in case of turbulence.
✔️ Check it at the ticket counter or gate – If you choose not to use the car seat on the plane, you can check it for free with most airlines. Best practice is to do so in a secure and padded bag or box
💡 Best Practice: If your child has their own seat, bring the car seat onboard! It keeps them safe, comfortable, and helps avoid in-flight meltdowns.
2. Best Car Seat for Flying with a Toddler
The best car seats for flying are lightweight, compact, and FAA-approved. Here are some top recommendations:
🔹 Cosco Scenera Next or Cosco Finale – Lightweight (just 7 lbs!) and affordable.
🔹 Evenflo Maestro – Budget-friendly and easy to carry.
🔹 WAYB Pico – Foldable, compact, and designed for travel.
To check if your car seat is FAA-approved, look for a label that says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
📌 Need help choosing? Check out my car seat travel recommendations at LiaTuso.com.
3. What to Put Your Car Seat in When Checking It?
If you need to check your car seat, protect it from damage with a car seat travel bag. Options include:
👜 Padded car seat travel bags – Provide the best protection from rough handling. Some car seat manufacturers offer travel bags that come with a warranty.
🛍️ Drawstring car seat bags – Lightweight but offer minimal padding. Good for getting through the airport, but not ideal for checking.
📦 Car seat box with original foam padding – Best for shipping but can be a bit impractical as many caregivers don't keep their car seat box. You may consider a large plastic storage bin with padding.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid checking your car seat as baggage whenever possible. If you must, gate-checking it reduces the chances of damage.
4. What to Do If You’re Flying Without a Car Seat
If you’re flying without a car seat, here’s what you need to know:
🚨 Lap infants (under 2 years old) – They can fly for free on your lap, but this is not the safest option. Consider buying a seat and using a car seat instead.
🛫 Children 2+ without a car seat – They must have their own seat but will use the airplane’s seatbelt.
✈️ CARES Harness – The only FAA-approved alternative to a car seat is for children 22-44 lbs. and under 40 inches. There are some challenges to using this device. I have an Instagram highlight explaining this in more detail. Here
💡 Need more safety tips? Follow me on Instagram @lia_tuso where I share expert-approved flying tips for parents!
5. Flying with a Car Seat and Base: Do I Need a Base?
Most infant car seats come with a detachable base, but do you need to bring it on a plane?
❌ You DO NOT need the base – Infant seats can be installed on the plane using the seatbelt alone. In fact, most infant seats do not permit the base to be used for aircraft installation. Please check with your user manual for instructions.
✅ It’s optional for cars – If you need the base for easier installation at your destination, you may consider bringing it - but for most trips I recommend practicing a baseless installation at home.
💡 Best Tip: Always reference your car seat user manual to determine if your base is required. (most all of them are NOT). f you’re bringing a base, pack it in your luggage or check it separately. But for flying, leave it behind and install the seat using the seatbelt.
6. How to Install a Car Seat on the Airplane
Installing a car seat on the plane is easier than you think! Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Choose a window seat – The FAA encourages car seats to be installed in a window seat to avoid blocking emergency exits.
2️⃣ Face the car seat correctly – Rear-facing for infants under 2, forward-facing for older toddlers. You must install the CRS per your manufacturer guidelines.
3️⃣ Thread the seatbelt – Use the airplane’s lap belt through the car seat’s belt path and buckle it tightly.
4️⃣ Tighten the belt – Push down on the seat and pull the belt tight to ensure a secure fit.
5️⃣ Check for movement – The car seat should move less than an inch side to side.
📌 Need a visual guide? Check out my Instagram highlights (@lia_tuso) where I demo car seat installations on planes!
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