Are Car Seats Allowed on Planes? A Parent's Guide to Air Travel Safety

Planning to fly with your little one and wondering if car seats are allowed on planes? The short answer is yes—not only are car seats allowed, but they're also the safest way for children to travel by air. Just as car seats protect children during road travel, they provide crucial protection during air turbulence and emergency situations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying with car seats, from regulations and airline policies to installation tips and recommended models.

What Are the FAA Regulations for Car Seats on Planes?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific guidelines regarding the use of child restraint systems (CRS) on aircraft. Understanding these regulations is essential before you travel.

Are Car Seats Required on Planes?

While not mandatory, the FAA strongly recommends using an approved car seat for children under 40 pounds. Children under 2 years can legally sit on a parent's lap during flights, but this isn't the safest option. In cases of severe turbulence or emergency landings, a child on your lap could be injured or even become a projectile, potentially harming themselves and others.

Important: The FAA, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) all recommend that children under 2 years old should be secured in certified child restraints when flying, rather than being held on a lap.

What Makes a Car Seat Airplane-Approved?

For a car seat to be approved for airplane use, it must have a label stating: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." This label is typically found on a sticker attached to the car seat and is printed in red lettering. Flight attendants are trained to look for this certification before allowing the use of a car seat on board.

Never Forget Your Rights

Download our printable FAA Car Seat Regulations Guide to keep with your travel documents. Show this to airline staff if you encounter any issues regarding your child's car seat on the plane.

How Do Airline Policies for Car Seats Differ?

While all U.S. airlines must comply with FAA regulations, specific policies can vary between carriers. International airlines may have different rules entirely. Here's a comparison of major airline policies:

Pro Tip: Always call your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to confirm their current car seat policy. Policies can change, and speaking directly with the airline ensures you have the most up-to-date information.

How Do You Install a Car Seat on an Airplane?

Installing a car seat on an airplane differs slightly from installing it in a car. Here's what you need to know about proper installation:

Forward-Facing vs. Rear-Facing Installation

Both forward-facing and rear-facing car seats are allowed on airplanes, as long as they're FAA-approved. The direction your car seat faces should be based on your child's age, weight, and height, following the same guidelines you use in a car:

Rear-Facing Installation

• Recommended for infants and toddlers under 2 years
• Place car seat rear-facing in the airplane seat
• Thread the airplane seat belt over the lap portion of the car seat
• Tighten the belt as much as possible
• Check that the car seat doesn't move more than one inch in any direction

Forward-Facing Installation

• For older children within the car seat's weight/height limits
• Place car seat forward-facing in the airplane seat
• Thread the airplane seat belt through the belt path behind the car seat
• Tighten the belt as much as possible
• Check that the car seat doesn't move more than one inch in any direction

Where Should You Place a Car Seat on the Plane?

Not all airplane seats can accommodate a car seat. Here are the guidelines for car seat placement:

• Window seat is preferred - This prevents blocking other passengers during an emergency evacuation
• Avoid aisle seats - Car seats in aisle seats can impede evacuation
• Never in exit rows - FAA regulations prohibit car seats in exit rows
• Avoid rows directly in front of or behind exit rows - Some airlines restrict these rows as well
• Bulkhead rows - These can work well for rear-facing seats due to extra space, but check with your airline as policies vary

Important: If your car seat doesn't fit in your assigned seat, the airline is legally required to try to accommodate you in another seat in the same class of service. This might mean moving to a seat with movable armrests or more legroom.

Which Car Seat Models Are Best for Air Travel?

While any FAA-approved car seat can be used on an airplane, some models are more travel-friendly than others. Here are five top recommendations for air travel:

What to Look for in a Travel-Friendly Car Seat

When selecting a car seat for air travel, consider these factors:

• Width - Most airplane seats are 16-17 inches wide; narrower car seats fit better
• Weight - Lighter seats are easier to carry through airports
• FAA approval - Must have the "certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" label
• Ease of installation - Simpler is better when you're in a cramped airplane
• Comfort - Your child will be sitting in it for the duration of the flight

Travel Prepared

Download our Car Seat Travel Checklist to ensure you don't forget anything important when flying with your child's car seat.

What's the Difference Between Car Seats, Infant Carriers, and CARES Harnesses?

Parents have several options for restraining children on airplanes. Understanding the differences helps you choose the best option for your family:

Infant Car Seats

• Designed for babies typically 4-35 lbs
• Always used rear-facing
• Often part of travel systems with strollers
• Base usually not used on aircraft
• Generally more compact than convertible seats

Convertible Car Seats

• Can be used rear or forward-facing
• Typically for children 5-65+ lbs
• Bulkier than infant seats
• More versatile for different ages
• Some models designed specifically for travel

CARES Harness

• Only FAA-approved alternative to car seats
• For children 22-44 lbs and up to 40 inches tall
• Weighs just 1 lb and fits in a 6-inch carrying case
• Not approved for use in vehicles
• Excellent space-saving alternative

Can You Use a Booster Seat on a Plane?

No, traditional booster seats are not allowed for use during takeoff, landing, or turbulence on airplanes. This is because booster seats require both lap and shoulder belts, and airplane seats only have lap belts. If your child normally uses a booster seat in the car, they will need to use just the airplane seat belt during the flight.

"Combination seats with internal harnesses can be used on aircraft, but belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used during ground movement, takeoff, or landing." - Federal Aviation Administration

However, you can bring a booster seat with you on the plane (as a carry-on item or checked luggage) to use at your destination. Just remember that it cannot be used during the flight itself.

What Should You Know About International Travel with Car Seats?

International travel adds another layer of complexity when flying with car seats. Different countries and foreign airlines have their own regulations:

Foreign Airline Policies

Unlike U.S. carriers, foreign airlines are not bound by FAA regulations regarding car seats. Each airline sets its own policies, which may be more restrictive:

• Some airlines don't allow car seats at all
• Others only permit forward-facing car seats
• Age restrictions may apply (e.g., only for children 6-36 months)
• Some require pre-approval of your specific car seat model
• A few may provide their own infant restraint devices

Critical: Always check with your international carrier before booking tickets to confirm their car seat policy. Don't assume that purchasing a seat for your child guarantees you can use your car seat.

Using Foreign-Made Car Seats

If you purchase a car seat outside the U.S. and want to use it on a flight:

• The seat must have a label showing approval by a foreign government
• Or it must have a label indicating manufacture under United Nations standards
• U.S. airlines must accept these properly labeled foreign car seats
• Bring documentation if the label is not in English

Car Seat Regulations at International Destinations

Research car seat laws at your destination before traveling:

• Some countries have different car seat requirements than the U.S.
• Your U.S. car seat may not comply with local regulations
• Consider renting a compliant car seat at your destination if necessary
• In some countries, taxis may be exempt from car seat requirements

What Are the Best Practices for Flying with a Car Seat?

Beyond the regulations, these practical tips will help make your journey smoother:

Before Your Flight

• Practice installing the car seat before your trip
• Print a copy of the FAA regulations to show airline staff if needed
• Bring your car seat manual as backup proof of FAA approval
• Consider a car seat travel cart or backpack carrier
• Request bulkhead or window seats when booking
• Arrive early to allow extra time for installation

At the Airport

• Ask to board early to have time to install the car seat
• Remove unnecessary accessories before boarding
• Have your child wear the car seat straps over their clothes
• Be prepared to explain FAA regulations to uninformed staff
• Check your stroller at the gate if using a separate car seat
• Take photos of your car seat before checking it (if not using onboard)

Pro Tip: TSA Screening

Car seats must go through the X-ray machine at security checkpoints. Remove your child from the seat and collapse the handle (for infant seats) before placing it on the conveyor belt. If the seat doesn't fit through the X-ray, TSA will perform a visual and physical inspection.

Alternatives If You Don't Bring a Car Seat

If bringing a car seat isn't practical for your situation, consider these alternatives:

• CARES Harness - FAA-approved alternative for children 22-44 pounds
• Rent at your destination - Many car rental companies and baby equipment rental services offer car seats
• Ship ahead - Send your car seat to your destination in advance
• Travel vests - For use at your destination (not approved for airplane use)

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Seats on Planes

Can I use a car seat during takeoff and landing?

Yes, FAA-approved car seats can and should be used during all phases of flight, including takeoff, landing, and when the fasten seatbelt sign is illuminated. In fact, these are the most critical times to have your child properly restrained in their car seat, as they're when turbulence or incidents are most likely to occur.

Do I need to buy an extra plane ticket for the car seat?

Yes, to use a car seat on board, you must purchase a seat for your child. Children under 2 can fly as "lap infants" for free on domestic flights, but they cannot use a car seat without their own seat assignment. Some airlines offer infant or child fares at a discount from adult fares, so ask about these when booking.

What if my car seat doesn't fit in the airplane seat?

If your FAA-approved car seat doesn't fit in your assigned seat, the airline is legally required to accommodate you in another seat in the same class of service. This might mean moving to a seat with movable armrests or more legroom. If no suitable seat is available, the airline should allow you to rebook on a different flight with appropriate seating at no additional cost.

Can I gate-check my car seat if I don't use it on the plane?

Yes, all airlines allow you to gate-check car seats and strollers at no additional charge. This is a good option if you want to use the car seat at your destination but don't want to use it (or haven't purchased a seat for it) on the plane. Gate-checked items are typically returned to you at the gate upon arrival.

Are there age or size limits for using car seats on planes?

There are no age or size limits imposed by the FAA for using car seats on planes. You may use an appropriate car seat for a child of any age as long as they are within the manufacturer's stated weight and height limits for that particular seat. Even older children who normally use booster seats in cars can use an appropriate harnessed car seat on a plane if they're within the seat's limits.

Can I use my car seat base on the airplane?

Most infant car seat bases are not FAA-approved for use on aircraft. You should install just the carrier portion of the infant seat using the aircraft seat belt. Check your car seat manual for specific instructions, as a few models may have aircraft-approved bases.

Making Air Travel Safer for Your Child

While using a car seat on a plane requires some extra effort and expense, it significantly increases your child's safety during air travel. The FAA, AAP, and safety experts all agree that properly secured car seats provide the best protection for young children on airplanes, just as they do in cars.

By understanding the regulations, preparing in advance, and knowing your rights as a parent, you can ensure a smoother travel experience while keeping your child as safe as possible. Remember that turbulence is the most common cause of injuries on flights, and a properly restrained child is protected from these unexpected events.

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