But just because the seat has an airline approved sticker on it doesn’t mean it’s the right seat to fly with. You want to see this phrase in red: This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Photo Credit: Nasreen Stump How Can I Tell if My Child Safety Seat is Airplane Approved? Flights just feel shorter when your kiddo sleeps for a few hours.
My top reason to bring a car seat on a plane? Naps. Even Southwest, which doesn’t charge a fee for a lap child internationally, requires that you pay the infant’s taxes and fees ahead of time. Always call the airline ahead when you’re traveling internationally with a lap child. It can be worth asking for a discounted infant fare to get them their own seat for the comfort of both of you. It is usually around 10% of an adult fare. Those “free” airplane seats? Fewer and further between.įYI- if you’re flying internationally, lap children sometimes still have to pay a portion of the fare. However, with my youngest, I started flying family-friendly Southwest and just booking him a cheap seat in advance. With my older kids, I used to treat them as a lap child and hope for the best. However, as someone who has flown with babies for 15+ years, I can tell you these lucky chances are dwindling down. You may say, “But I’ve brought on my infant car seat for my infant lap child before without having to buy a seat.” Yes, every once in awhile if a domestic flight isn’t full, a nice flight attendant will allow you to board with and utilize your infant seat. Your child will need his own seat if you plan to bring a car seat on, so be sure to purchase an additional ticket with the child’s name on it.
Photo Credit: Getty Images Pro Tatyana_tomsickova Buying the Ticket
Full flights and delays can make having a lap child more and more challenging. I’ve been asked to show that it’s a car seat inside before. If you are packing it in a box, you may want to wait to tape it up at the check in counter. Most airlines will check car seats for free. If you do need to check your car seat, try to pack it in a box with the original styrofoam packaging if possible. TravelingMom Tip: We know that flying can be expensive and lap children may be necessary from time to time.
Plus safety-wise your child is safer in a car seat than in your arms, as extreme cases of turbulence can make it difficult to hold onto Junior. Otherwise, you’re basically holding an angry octopus on your lap for the flight.
The safest spot for your child’s car seat is on the plane with you.Īlso, if you’ve ever tried to wrangle a one year old who has recently become mobile, you may understand why strapping them into a harness will improve the flight experience for everyone involved. If it’s tossed around? The safety could be impacted. Now imagine you gate check or even check that car seat. Have you ever had an accident with a car seat in your motor vehicle? Car insurance companies will work with you to replace the car seat because impact from accidents (even if the car seat isn’t directly damaged) can affect the effectiveness of the seat. Why You Want to Bring Your Car Seat on the Plane Carry-on or Checked?įirst off, let’s explain why you want to carry your car seat onto a plane.