Can You Board A Plane With A Car Seat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Can you bring a car seat on a plane? If you buy a seat for your child and are flying a US-based carrier,

it's your legal right to bring a car seat on board and use it

! If you don't buy a seat for your child (under age 2), you may luck out and ask for an empty seat.

Do you need a carseat on a plane?

Do I have to use a car seat on a plane?

You're not required to

, but both the Federal Aviation Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend that you use an FAA-approved child restraint device. That means either an approved car seat or the CARES harness (see below).

Do car seats count as a checked bag?


No, a car seat is not generally considered a checked bag

. It is considered a baby item (also sometimes called a “comfort item”). While that means it's not part of your checked bag allowance, it also means that have limited liability if your item is lost or damaged.

How do you gate check a car seat?

  1. Bring your carseat to the gate with you. You'll need to send it through the security check and carry it to the counter at the gate.
  2. There, they will give you a tag to put on your carseat. …
  3. During boarding, walk your travel carseat down to the end of the jetway. …
  4. Enter the aircraft!

Can I wear my baby through airport security?

Screening your Child

Remove infants and children from their carriers, to include lapbaby and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.

Infants may be carried in a sling through the walk-through metal detector but may be subject to additional screening

.

Does a pack and play fly free?


Your pack'n'play can be checked as one of your two free bags, provided it does not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H)

.

How do I bring formula on a plane?


Formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags

. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk.

Which seat is best for infant in flight?

If your child is under 2, you're not required to purchase a seat for her. But for safety reasons, the FAA strongly recommends that you strap your baby into a

car seat

.

What kind of stroller can I take on a plane?


A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in)

is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.

Is a diaper bag considered a carry-on?

If you're traveling with an infant or child, you can bring the following items on board in addition to your

carry-on bag and personal item

: Diaper bag.

Can I take my stroller and carseat on the plane?


Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage

and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate.

Can I bring water for baby formula on a plane?

Yes! Again,

water for baby formula and babies is permitted by TSA in “reasonable quantities” in carry-on bags

. The water for your baby formula will have to undergo the same screening process as the other foods you bring for your baby, but you shouldn't have any trouble getting it onto the plane.

Is a diaper bag considered a personal item spirit?

Remember:

You can bring one personal item

and bring items like an umbrella, camera, infant diaper bag, assistive devices, outer garments (e.g., coats, hats and wraps), reading material and food for the flight for no additional charge.

Can I carry stroller in flight without baby?

Generally, most airlines allow you to bring a stroller AND a car seat (to be placed in the aircraft hold, with the rest of your luggage) free of charge in addition to your normal baggage allowance, when flying with a baby under two.

Do car seats count as checked baggage Southwest?

Re: Car seat and stroller policies


One stroller and one car seat are able to be checked, free of charge, per infant

.

Can babies drink cold formula?


It's fine to give your baby room temperature or even cold formula

. If your baby prefers warm formula, place a filled bottle in a bowl of warm water and let it stand for a few minutes — or warm the bottle under running water.

Does TSA allow baby food pouches?

Baby Food Pouches


The TSA allows passengers to pack canned, jarred and processed baby food in both checked luggage and carry-on bags

(if you take it with you on the plane, it'll need to be screened separately from the rest of your travel gear, however).

Can I bring snacks on a plane?


Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage

. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.