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Bringing a car seat onto a plane.  Gosh, that sounds like a TERRIBLE idea, doesn’t it?  It’s just one more big, bulky piece you have to carry with you around the airport.  Oh, and let’s not forget, that’s on top of making sure your feisty toddler doesn’t run away and find themselves cruising around in circles on the luggage carousel.

Wait, hold on a second… this is absolutely NOT what I’m here to tell you.  I actually want to tell you the exact opposite!  So forget about everything I just said and hear this, “Taking a car seat onto the plane is awesome!”

But first, let’s acknowledge the obvious.  Yes, it is totally more of a hassle to get a carseat through the airport when you already have a lot of baby gear, plus a baby or toddler.  Yes, it is no doubt a bit tricky to work your way to your seat down a narrow aircraft aisle- especially if you are traveling solo with your toddler like I did on our first time with the carseat!

All that considered, I STILL find it to be completely worth it to bring your toddler’s car seat onto the plane.  And here’s why:

 

Why You Should Bring a Car Seat On The Plane

Your child is contained.  Your child will be strapped in their seat and have so many other things to happily distract them, that walking around the cabin doesn’t even become an option for them.  Plus, they already know that once they are in the car and strapped in they can’t come out, so that fact may translate to their travel experience on a plane.  Once you get strapped in, you just don’t come out.

Your child is comfortable.  A car seat is designed to not only be safe, but also to be comfortable.  And we know that a comfortable kid can then translate to a sleeping kid- the goal for any flight!  If your child can sleep in a car seat on a long drive, they have the hope to sleep in a car seat on a long flight, too.  A regular airplane seat doesn’t offer your child the padding and side head rest which provides a helpful medium for sleeping.  Do yourself a favor and help your child get comfy by bringing them a small blanket and/or stuffed animal for the flight.

Your child is content.  The car seat is a familiar place so they aren’t focused on exploring a new area.  That means no trying to wiggle out of seat belt, no trying to leave their seat and no trying to wander around the plane.

If  your child is contained, comfortable and content, then you are, too!  How does that wise saying go, “happy wife, happy life?”.  Well, this is the same thing.  Happy toddler, happy mommy, happy flight.

 

Logistically Getting a Car Seat Through The Airport And Onto The Plane

 

 

You have a couple different options to get your car seat through the airport and to your gate:

1. You can plop your carseat on top of your stroller and cruise through the airport.  I did this when I was traveling solo and didn’t bring a carry-on like in my tip below.
2. You can strap your car seat to your carry-on luggage.  (You can also use the strap to secure the car seat on top of a stroller, too.)  This is not my favorite option, because I personally prefer to have all of our luggage gate checked.  This is an option though, if you either don’t want to check any bags, period or if you don’t carry a large diaper bag and use the carry-on to hold extra clothes, diapers, snacks, etc.  Find the one we have from Amazon by clicking here.
3. You can put the carseat on it’s on Car Seat Stroller or luggage cart.  People even strap their kid into the car seat while it is on the cart and cruise around the airport that way.  It makes a lot of sense, too, so you aren’t chasing your child through the airport.  My only push back would be then you child has to sit in the car seat not only in the car ride over and on the plane, but also cruising around the terminals, too.  But, I guess it isn’t for that long of a time anyway and then they can come out and run around at the gate before boarding.  I obviously haven’t tried this way for myself yet.  If you are interested, I found this luggage cart on Amazon at this link.  I picked it because it has 4 stars with almost 900 reviews.

Once you are at your gate, you need to think about getting the car seat onto the plane.

• When I traveled solo, I packed up the stroller and dragged the stroller case in one hand and dragged the car seat by the long strap seat attachment strap in the other.  I then asked Claire to hold the tickets and help “show me where to go”.  This by no means looked pretty, but it definitely got the job done.
• Traveling with your spouse means you have an extra set of hands to carry the car seat and then this is not so complicated.
• Either way, I do generally recommend checking all of your luggage to have as many hands available as possible.

The trickiest part is getting the bulky car seat down the narrow airplane aisle and into your seat.

• If you’re a solo traveler, board as early as possible so there are less people on the plane to potentially wack with the car seat on your journey to your row.  Ask your toddler to walk in front of you, coaching them to your seats along the way.  Take your time and do the best you can.  You are almost there!  In my experience, once able-bodied people realize that they themselves will board faster by helping carry the car seat for you, you will have help in no time.
• If you are traveling with your spouse, one person is in charge of the car seat and the other is in charge of your child and any carry on luggage you may have.

 

Couple Tips When Traveling with a Car Seat

• Make sure your car seat is approved for use on an aircraft.  It’ll have a sticker that says, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
• For domestic travel within the US, as long as your car seat has the label, you should be fine (but obviously, always check your airline’s policy before flying).  Check out the FAA’s guidelines by clicking here.
• International travel can be a bit trickier because other countries don’t need to follow the US Dept. of Transportation’s FAA guidelines.  As always, check with your aircraft carrier’s policies before travel, especially when going outside of the US.
• I’ve heard from some parents that they’ve gotten push-back from airline workers or flight attendants that may not be fully informed of their company’s car seat policy.  It doesn’t hurt to print out what you find online and bring with you to help settle any possible confusion.
• Buying your child their own seat is the only way to guarantee you’ll be able to use your car seat (and remember, once they hit two years of age, you need to buy them a seat regardless).
• If you are traveling solo, it helps to carry a backpack rather than a shoulder or handbag.  This is especially helpful when you are trying to carry the car seat onto the plane and keeps your bag from swaying going down the aisle, giving you more room to maneuver.

Side note: If your toddler hates being in their car seat no matter what, then maybe bringing it on the plane is not the best option for you.  But I mean, no.matter.what.  I’m not talking about 30 minutes to an hour into a car ride they want out, because that’s most kids.  You’re the parent- you know your kid, but also, and probably more importantly, you know yourself and your limits.  Trust your gut, but if you are still on the fence, feel free to email me to chat it through.

Look, I have no idea why you don’t see more kids in car seats on the plane.  Well, maybe it’s because of the obvious- it’s a complete and utter hassle.  BUT I’m telling you, it’s a hassle well worth it!

 

If you liked this, you may also be interested in:

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Wondering what’s our favorite gear for flying with kids that we won’t leave home without?  Check it out here.