For parents, flying with your little one can be a daunting experience. It requires additional preparation and planning – especially if choosing to travel with a car seat. This guide provides everything parents need to know for a smooth, stress-free journey.
Airport Logistics with Car Seats
The car seat transport process can be quite a challenge, so it’s important to consider all the steps and practicalities involved.
Before your arrival, be aware of the rules for airport stroller use. Understanding how strollers are inspected at the security checkpoint can help streamline your experience. In addition, plan to use a car seat cart or a car seat-stroller attachment. Both allow the seat to become wheeled, portable and easily transported.
In the terminal, there are airport nursing rooms available for parents and caregivers. At MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, the nursing room is spacious enough to accommodate a car seat and/or stroller, allowing you to keep essential items close by while using the space. At other airports, nursing rooms may be smaller, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for where you’ll store larger gear, whether that means leaving it with a trusted travel companion or finding a safe location nearby.
Once you’re on the aircraft, you’ll be responsible for the car seat installation. Ensure you are prepared to properly secure it and that the seat complies with airline policies. If you need to buy a new car seat, a Graco Contender is a reliable option.
Car Seat Airline Policies and Regulations
It’s perfectly normal for parents to be uncertain about FAA regulations, as requirements for approved child safety seats differ greatly from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. A great starting point is simply verifying that your infant safety seat has FAA approval.
If you prefer not to travel with a car seat, there are other options that are in accordance with airline policy. One alternative is an FAA-approved Child Restraint System. For instance, consider a Cares harness, which attaches to the back of an airplane seat and provides additional restraint. You can also review an airline’s lap child policy. Typically, children under 2 years can forgo a car seat and sit with an adult instead.
Beyond exploring airline car seat rules, remember to check an airline’s baggage costs for car seats before flying. Although most do not require any additional charge, it’s still a measure worth taking to avoid any unexpected travel expenses.
Car Seat Handling Options
There are various handling options families can choose from when flying with a car seat. For a traveling toddler, FAA approved car seats on flights remain one of the safest ways to travel by air. While a Ride Safer Harness and high back booster can be helpful at your destination, they cannot be used during a flight. Check airline and manufacturer policy before assuming a device can be used on the aircraft.
If you prefer not to bring a car seat on board, a car seat alternative is to check the car seat as luggage. To protect the seat from damage, pack it in a car seat bag, cardboard box, or keep it in its original packaging with padding. Many parents also attach the seat to a stroller or frame to ease the transportation process.
Gate checked car seats are another practical alternative, allowing families to avoid wait times at the baggage carousel. That being said, carrying a car seat through the airport can be cumbersome, so a luggage cart with bungee cords could be useful for transportation.
Car Seat Safety and Installation
It’s necessary for your child’s car seat to meet safety certifications and be properly secured.
Start by confirming your seat contains a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft. Most often, FAA approval stickers will be located on the side or back of the safety seat. For optimal safety, choose a car seat including a 5-point harness and solid back and seat. These features provide additional support and restraint for your child.
As for installation, window seats are typically required to prevent aisle blockage for other passengers. The installation direction depends on the type of car seat and your child’s age. This information can be identified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow both the airline’s and manufacturer’s guidance regarding seat belt extenders.
General Travel Tips and FAQs
Because traveling with children and car seats requires some extra planning, consider products such as a Brica Roll & Go Car Seat Transporter and GoGo Kidz Travelmate. These options can transform a car seat into a rolling travel system. Families can also try stroller and car seat stacking to help transport gear.
Remember to look over the airline’s carry-on baggage policies before your trip, including the checked-car seat allowance and policies regarding seat assignments for families. For those flying without a car seat, investigate car seat rental companies at your destination.
If you’re flying with an infant, babywearing allows your hands to be free while moving through the airport. Depending on the child’s age and health, medical clearance for infants may be required. For older children, a backless booster seat can be a convenient option at your destination. However, due to safety reasons, boosters cannot be utilized during a flight takeoff or landing.