Are you the one who is planning to have a trip with your little munchkin and is thinking of carrying a car seat with you during the flight? Then this guide is for you.
This guide will cover all the information you must know about how to travel with car seat on plane.
Right from the right car seat choice to arriving at the airport and, finally, the installation of the car seat on the airplane, every stage will be discussed in detail and comprehensively.
So that you can ensure the safety & comfort of your little one as well as enjoy a peaceful & smooth journey.
The Car Seat You are going to Bringing
The following considerations must be there in order to avoid any inconvenience:
- The car seat for air travel you are bringing must be according to the airline policies.
- The size should not be too big as the airlines don’t have much space to accommodate too big in size car seats.
- The car seat should be FAA-approved. Mostly, there is a label at the bottom of the car seat indicating that the car is approved and is safe to use on flights.
- Lightweight car seats are highly recommended to avoid any fatigue. Heavy car seats are a headache as it would be difficult for you to carry them while traveling.
- Always choose a car seat that is simple and easy to install.
- One should consider a convertible seat instead of the infant seat, as it will last for a longer time.
How to Travel with Car Seat on Plane
Pre-Flight Preparation
Pre-flight preparations are important whenever you are planning a trip.
These preparations increase twofold when you also decide to bring a car seat on airplane with you.
These preparations make sure that the journey from your home to the airport, flight, and, ultimately, reaching your final destination is smooth.
Here are some tips for making your flight stress-free:
Packing a car seat
Car seat bag: If you want to save your car seat from any damage or dirt, then a car seat bag is a must-have.
Many car seat bags come with wheels or backpack straps so that they will be easy to carry.
Removal of loose items: If you are carrying any loose items in your car seat, then it is advisable to remove them because they may get lost & can be the reason for problems during transport.
Checking with the Airline
Checking of Airline policies: Carefully check and go through the policies of the airline related to carrying a car seat during the flight.
As there may be some specific requirements or pre-boarding facilities offered by the airlines for the families having a car seat them.
Seat allotment: If you are taking a car seat with you during a flight, then seat allotment can be very crucial.
Aisle seats are the least preferred and window seats are the most preferred one.
Tips for Navigating the Airport
Early arrival: If you are going to carry a seat during the flight try to arrive early at the airport. You may require extra time for check-ins, boarding & security clearances.
Stoller car seat Combo: A stroller car seat combo (A travel system in which the stroller & car seat are interconvertible to each other) can provide the ultimate convenience for parents.
Security Clearance: Your car seat will go through the X-ray machine for the purpose of security screening.
If it does not fit in the machine due to its big size, TSA agents will be there to inspect it. So be prepared for these screenings.
If you want an easygoing flight, you must pay keen attention to preflight preparations. Arriving early, using a car seat bag & prior to checking of the airline policies is crucial for the safety & comfort of your child.
Where Can I Install a Car Seat on Plane?
Many people ask questions about where we should install our car seats. So, the place in an airplane to install your car seat is a window seat, which is not in an exit row.
Even there are few airlines that do not allow a car seat in the rows that are either in front of the exit row or behind the exit row.
The car seat must be installed in the window seat so that in case of any kind of emergency, they will not block the way for others to evacuate.
The car seat must not be installed in bulkhead seats and aisle seats. If you find any trouble, just ask a crew member for help.
We know, we know, learning how to travel with car seat on a plane can be difficult but we hope you are following us so far. Let’s move forward.
How Do I Install a Car Seat on a Plane?
Installing a car seat in an airplane is not that difficult. It is quite similar to installing it in a vehicle, with a few differences.
First, while entering the airplane, carry your child on your back down the aisle and the car seat in front of you.
Then, Selecting a window seat to install your car seat is preferable. Then, after finding the seat, put the child in another seat (if no one was there) just to be able to install the car seat properly.
Now follow this detailed step-by-step guide for the secure installation of a car seat:
Thoroughly check airplane seats: Before installation of your car seat, it is advised to view the airplane seat thoroughly.
It is important that any armrests of airplane seats should not interfere with the car seat.
Most airplane seats have their designs in accordance with fitting any car seat, but it is necessary that one must check prior.
Correct placement of the car seat: It is important that the positioning of the car seat must be correct.
When you have infants or toddlers with you, the car seat should be in a rear-facing position.
And if you have an older kid with you, the position of the car seat must be forward-facing.
Seatbelt: Weave the aircraft’s seatbelt through the designated path on the car seat.
Ascertain the belt’s tension, ensuring it is snug and devoid of any looseness.
The car seat on airplane must exhibit minimal movement, restricted to less than an inch, both laterally and longitudinally.
One Last Check: When you complete the whole process of installation give it a last check by a firm shaking of the car seat.
If you feel that the car seat is moving too much, tighten it again more firmly.
Conclusion:
Flying with a travel car seat needs both extra planning and double the effort. Going for the right car seat, pre-flight preparations, and the correct way of installation can save you from many troubles.
This in-depth guide on how to travel with car seat on plane can be a game changer for you. The comfort, safety & well-being of a child are the top priority of any parent, so this effort is worth making.
Follow this guide and enjoy a peaceful & comfortable journey.
FAQs:
Q: How can I know that my car seat is safe to use during the flight?
A: The FAA-approved car seats are safe to carry during the flight.
Q: Which seat is suitable for the installation of a car seat on airplane?
A: The window seat is most appropriate for car seat installation.
Q: What is a travel system?
A: A travel system is a stroller-car seat combo in which the stroller and car seat are connected together and can be interconverted into each other.
Click here to view 5 best portable car seats in 2024.