Flying with a car seat or a booster seat is essential for ensuring your child’s safety & comfort during air travel. Toddlers and Infants who are lap riders, meaning they sit on their parent’s lap during the flight, are prone to any injury during flights. The most common reason behind them is turbulence during take-off or landing.
People also shared some cases where children got injured during hot meal services. Before purchasing a car seat, do some research and purchase FAA-approved seats. Also, ask the airline before taking your flight about booster seats because booster seats are not permitted in some aircraft.
Understanding Airline Policies
- Approved Seat: Always purchase a car seat approved by FFA ( Federal Aviation Administration ) with a label that says it is authorised to be used on aircraft.
- Seat Type: Car seats similar to booster seats that don’t have back are not allowed on flights.
- Size: If the car seats are not larger than 16 inches, they are good to go.
- Check-In: While your check-in process doesn’t consider your car seat as luggage, you can take it through the gate.
What if, after following all the guidelines, your seat doesn’t fit in the airline seat?
Then They must provide you with a seat in the same class as your booked ticket. Before flying with a car or booster seat, check your airline policies and guidelines for a carefree and relaxing journey. You can read all the FFA policies by clicking on the link.
Benefits Of Flying With A Car Seat Or A Booster Seat
- According to CASA ( Civil Aviation Safety Authority ), your lap is unsafe for infants in a vehicle or when dealing with turbulence or landing impact. CRS ( Child Restraint System ) or a Car seat is a better option for providing safety to your children.
- Flying with a car seat or a booster seat not only acts as an extra layer of safety but also ensures an enjoyable journey for your child.
- Children are full of curiosity and want to explore their surroundings. They can easily open their aeroplane seatbelt, and the rest is history; car seats will ensure they are at their place.
- The most important thing is that if they are in their car seat comfortably, your child can take a nice nap, and so can you.
Practical Tips For Traveling With A Car Seat or A Booster Seat
- Select a lightweight car seat approved by the FAA to carry it easily.
- Purchasing a travel bag for your car seat will provide extra cushioning to protect it.
- When traveling with your toddlers and a car seat, it’s best to avoid last-minute rushes. If possible, request early boarding to give yourself enough time to install the car seat. This will help you feel prepared and in control, ensuring a smoother start to your journey.
- Leave Extra attachments like cup holders for car seats that will become a burden for you.
Airline approved car seat list
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Piyush is a passionate travel writer from India with over 3 years of experience crafting engaging content for wanderlust souls. Through his blog, Super Solo Travel, he shares trusted tips, hidden gems, and inspiring travel stories, helping readers explore the world with confidence and excitement.