If you are asking yourself: Can I bring a car seat on the plane for my baby? Here are 11 points to consider. Traveling with a baby can be a lot to deal with, especially if you are traveling solo. Adding a carseat to the mix can both bring peace of mind and stress. It's hard to explain but it compares to how we feel with hanging out with our kids all day.
We love having them around but also, send help!!!! That being said, having the right gear can make the experience much smoother, and we are split 50-50 on wether carseats are a must on planes or not. One of the most important items you'll need to bring with you is a car seat if you are driving on your destination. But you can could also rent with your car rental on location. There are a lot to consider when deciding to bring a carseat on a plane with you, so:
Watch our video with our best tips on travelling with a car seat below 👇🏼
Can I bring a car seat on the plane with my baby ? Here are 11 tips to consider:
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Check the airline's policy:
Different airlines have different policies regarding bringing car seats on the plane, so it's important to check in advance.
Bringing a car seat on a flight for your baby can make a huge difference in their comfort and safety, but it's important to check the airline's policy first. Airlines have different rules and regulations about what items are allowed on board, and a car seat is no exception.
By taking the time to check the airline's policy and plan ahead, you can make your flight with your baby as safe and stress-free as possible. So, before you book your tickets, do your research, and make sure you're prepared to bring your car seat along for the ride.
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Make sure the car seat is FAA-approved:
The Federal Aviation Administration only approves car seats that are specifically designed for air travel.
Bringing a car seat on a flight for your baby is a great way to ensure their comfort and safety, but it's essential to make sure it's FAA-approved. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets safety standards for all aircraft, including car seats, to ensure the safety of all passengers, especially the little ones. A car seat that's FAA-approved will have a label indicating it's been tested and meets the standards set by the FAA.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a car seat for air travel:
- Make sure the car seat has a label indicating it's FAA-approved.
- Research the different types of FAA-approved car seats, including infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats.
- Choose a car seat that fits your baby's weight and height, as well as the size of the aircraft seat.
- Check for any reviews or recommendations from other parents who have used the car seat on a flight.
- Be prepared to demonstrate how the car seat works and how it's secured during the flight, if necessary.
By taking the time to choose an FAA-approved car seat, you can be confident that your baby is riding in a seat that meets the highest safety standards. So, make sure to check the label, do your research, and be prepared to show off your car seat on the plane.
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Use a travel car seat:
Travel car seats are a lifesaver for parents traveling with babies by plane. They're lightweight, compact, and designed to make air travel with a little one a breeze. They're also FAA-approved, so you can be sure your baby is safely and securely fastened during takeoff and landing. And when you're not flying, you can use them as a regular car seat in a rental car or taxi. It's a two-for-one deal!
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Consider the size of the car seat:
Make sure the car seat you're bringing on the plane fits the dimension guidelines for the specific airline you're flying. Airlines are all different and since there isn't really any governing body telling them what the standard is, you just never know. Besides this, regulations change per state, country and continent, so don't bypass checking.
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Use a gate-check bag:
A gate-check bag can help protect your car seat from dirt, damage, and theft during the flight. If your choice (by will or force) is to check in your carseat, I really recommend you get a gate-check bag for it. Not only will the bag make it easier to lug around the carseat through the airport, but it will also help protect it from the inevitables throws that happen at airports baggage handling departments everywhere.
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Consider the weight:
Car seats can be heavy, so make sure you're able to carry it with you onto the plane. A good idea might be to consider buying a lighter carseat to travel with. One popular option is the COSTCO SCENERA which is just about $60 and you can purchase at Walmart or similar stores. This carseat is fine for small road trips, but probably not the most comfortable for extended travel.
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Make sure it fits in your stroller:
If you're using a stroller, make sure the car seat fits securely on top of the stroller so you can use it as a travel system. This obviously applies exclusively to those traveling with an infant car seat but it is a very important reminder. If you are traveling you need a travel system. The convenience of having your carseat fit in your stroller is unparalleled and you can get some inexpensive travel systems on amazon.
Here are some inexpensive travel systems available on Amazon:
- Graco SnugRider Elite
- Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
- Evenflo Victory Jogging Stroller
- Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
- Chicco Capri Lightweight Stroller
- Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
- Delta Children Jeep Classic Jogging Stroller
- Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
Note: These are just examples and the availability and prices might change. It's always a good idea to check the latest prices and product details before making a purchase.
Check out the best travel strollers of 2023!
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Consider renting a car seat:
If you don't want to bring your own car seat, you can rent a car seat at your destination. When traveling with a baby, it can be tempting to bring along your trusty car seat for peace of mind. But did you know that renting a car seat at your destination can be a smart and cost-effective choice? Not only can lugging a bulky car seat through the airport be a hassle, but you also have to consider the added expense of checking it as baggage.
By renting a car seat at your destination, you can save yourself the hassle and extra cost of flying with one. Plus, rental car seats are often up-to-date with the latest safety regulations, so you can feel confident in your baby's safety on the road. So why not free up some space in your luggage and consider renting a car seat for your next trip?
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Consider the destination:
If you're traveling to a foreign country, make sure the car seat you're bringing is compatible with the local regulations and car models.
When deciding whether to bring a car seat on your trip, it's important to consider your destination. It's also important to consider how you'll be getting around. If you're planning on using public transportation, bringing a heavy car seat might not be the most practical option. In these cases, renting a car seat at your destination or using the ones provided by the rental car company could be a much more convenient choice.
You can also ride around public transport without needing to bring a carseat at all. A good example of this is Europe. Not only does this save you the hassle of traveling with a bulky car seat, but it also ensures that you have a safe and secure seat for your baby no matter how you're getting around. So think about your travel plans and choose the option that makes the most sense for your family and your trip.
Travelling with your toddler to Bali? Check out our complete Bali Guide with Toddlers
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Label the car seat:
Label your car seat with your name, phone number, and destination information to help ensure it's returned to you if it gets lost or misplaced during the flight.
Bringing a car seat on the plane for your baby can be a great way to ensure their safety and comfort during the flight. By considering the airline's policy, the size and weight of the car seat, and the size restrictions, you can make sure you have the right car seat for your needs. Don't forget to label your car seat and consider renting one if necessary. Happy travels!
If you would like more help in mastering flying with your baby or toddler then check out our most inclusive course: The Ready To Fly Mom!
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xoxo
The TFA Family
