You can check a car seat on a flight at the ticket counter, at the gate, or even at the departure lounge. There are some things you need to keep in mind when checking a car seat on a flight, though.
First, you need to note down the regulations of the particular airline you are flying with. It is always a good idea to check with the airline in advance about their car seat policy.
It is the requirement from FAA that all car seats must have this label printed on:
“This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”
Second, you need to make sure that the car seat is properly protected. A good way to do this is to use a car seat cover.
This will help to keep the car seat clean and free of any dirt or debris. You can also use a plastic bag to protect the car seat from moisture.
I have seen many parents suffered from the luggage stress at the airport. And they don’t know what to do with their car seat.
So, I decided to write this guide to show you how you can check a car seat on a flight easily.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to check a car seat on a flight.
How to Check a Car Seat on a Flight? [3 Ways]
A car seat can be checked on a flight in three ways:
- How To Check a Car Seat At the Curbside/Ticket Counter
- How To Check a Car Seat At the Gate
- How To Bring the Car Seat on the Airplane
These are different options that you can choose from depending on the airline you are flying with and their regulations.
It’s up to you how you want to check your car seat. Let’s take a look at each of these options in detail.
1. How To Check a Car Seat At the Curbside/Ticket Counter
The first way you can check your car seat is at the curbside or ticket counter. This is the most common way to check a car seat.
You can simply take your car seat to the curbside or ticket counter and ask the attendant to check it for you.
Then, you will be given a tag to put on your car seat. This tag will have your name, flight number, and the date.
Once you have put the tag on your car seat, you can then take it to the gate.
2. How To Check a Car Seat At the Gate
The second way you can check your car seat is at the gate. This is a good option if you want to save time or if you are running late.
You can simply take your car seat to the gate and ask the attendant to check it for you.
It has been observed that many parents prefer this option as it is more convenient.
Why?
Because you don’t have to go through the hassle of taking your car seat to the curbside or ticket counter. All you need to do is take it to the gate and they will check it for you.
And make sure, you can ask staff for labelling it with your name and contact details as soon as possible so that it doesn’t get lost.
3. How To Bring the Car Seat on the Airplane
The third way you can check your car seat is by taking it on the airplane with you. You can do this by bringing the car seat on board with you when you fly.
This is a great way to make sure that your car seat is safe and that you have it with you when you need it. You can put your car seat in the overhead bin on the airplane if you can folds down.
You will want to make sure that you put the car seat in the overhead bin so that it is not in the way of any other passengers.
And if you can not folds down, you must have to check the car seat like other options I have given you.
Read Also: Car Seat In RV: How To Travel In RVs With Your Children
What Are The Pros & Cons of Checking A Car Seat On A Flight?
Now that you know the different ways you can check a car seat on a flight, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of checking a car seat.
The Pros:
- Safety is a top priority when it comes to flying with children, and a car seat is the best way to ensure your child is safe during the flight.
- Car seats are often preferred by airlines, as they provide an extra level of safety for children.
- If you are traveling in coach, some airlines offer baby seat options, which can be a great alternative to checking a car seat.
- Checking a car seat is often cheaper than buying a seat for your child.
- It’s a good option if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage and don’t have room to bring a car seat on the plane.
The Cons:
- It can be an added hassle to carry a car seat through the airport. Because of this, some parents prefer to buy their child a seat on the plane instead of checking a car seat.
- If you bring a car seat on the plane, you have to buy your child a ticket. Because. a car seat occupies a seat, it limits your seating options on the plane.
- A car seat can limit your seating options on the plane that means you may have to sit in a middle seat.
- Some airlines have restrictions regarding bringing car seats into premium seating areas such as first class. This means that you may have to check your car seat at the gate.
If you are traveling with a car seat, it is important to research the policies of the airline you are flying with to avoid any surprises at the airport.
When it comes to safety, a car seat is always the best option for flying with children.
However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of checking a car seat before making your final decision.
Read Also: When Can A Baby’s Car Seat Face Forward
How Much Does It Cost to Check A Car Seat?
If you’re flying with a baby, you can usually check their car seat for free.
However, if your child is over the age of 2, you may have to purchase an additional seat. That is the additional cost you will have to pay to check a car seat.
If your baby is under 2 and he can easily sit on your lap during the flight, then you don’t need to check their car seat.
You should also bring your car seat on board with you if your child is under 2 years old and will be sitting in their own seat.
This is so that you can strap them into their car seat during takeoff and landing. After all, it’s the safest way to fly with a baby.
What Are The Risks of Checking a Car Seat on a Flight
Checking a car seat on a flight is beneficial for traveling families because it frees up space in the cabin, and it can be a weight and space-saving option when traveling with an infant or small child.
However, there are some risks associated with checking a car seat on a flight.
Without having a car seat, your kids safety might be at risk.
Car seats are designed to protect children in the event of a collision.
When you check a car seat as luggage, it is not restrained and could be damaged or even lost during transport.
According to FAA regulations, kids under 40 pounds must be restrained in a car seat or bassinet during takeoff and landing.
If you’re flying with an infant, you may have to hold your baby during these times that is not very convenient.
Seat belts are designed for adults like you and me but not for babies. And kids also love to play with things that are surrounded by them.
They can easily open seat belt as seat belt are not tight enough to them.
Airlines Do Not Compensate For Damages
Airlines are not required to compensate you for damages to your car seat. In fact, most airlines have a disclaimer saying that they are not responsible for any damage to checked items, including car seats.
Car seat are designed to protect our children in event of car accident but when we check them in as luggage, they are treated badly that causes damages to them.
I have seen many times that on the conveyer belt, many car seats are broken or cracked.
Checked Car Seat is Out Of Your Control – At All –
Once your car seat is checked, it is out of your control. Airlines have been known to lose, damage, or even misplace car seats.
If this happens, you will be without a car seat for the duration of your trip, which could be a real safety hazard.
So, there is no guarantee that your car seat will arrive at your final destination in the same condition that it was when you checked it. That ultimately counts as your loss.
Read Also: How To Rent A Car With A Baby Car Seat [5 Benefits In 2022]
What Is The Difference Between Baggage Claim and Gate Checking a Car Seat?
When it comes to flying with a car seat, there are two options: gate check or baggage claim. But is there any difference between the two?
Here’s a breakdown of each option:
Gate checking a car seat means that you will need to check in with your airline at the gate.
The airline will then take your car seat and store it in a secure area. When you arrive at your destination, you will need to retrieve your car seat from the gate.
Baggage claim means that you will check in your car seat with your luggage.
The car seat will then be sent through the baggage system and will arrive at the baggage claim area. You will then need to retrieve your car seat from baggage claim.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
Gate checking a car seat is generally considered to be safer because your car seat will be stored in a secure area.
Additionally, you will not have to worry about your car seat being lost or damaged in the baggage system.
How to pack a car seat for checked baggage
If you’re traveling with a car seat, you’ll need to pack it carefully to avoid damage. Here are some tips on how to pack a car seat for checked baggage:
- Wrap the car seat in a protective covering. This will help keep it clean and free of scratches.
- Secure the car seat in a sturdy box or bag. This will help prevent it from moving around during transit.
- There are car seat travel bags available that are specifically designed for this purpose.
- Make sure the car seat is properly labeled with your contact information. This will help ensure that it gets returned to you if it’s misplaced.
Following these tips will help ensure that your car seat arrives at your destination safely.
How to Know if Your Car Seat Is Suitable for flights?
If you are planning to fly with your baby, it is important to make sure that your car seat is approved for use on airplanes. There are a few things to look for when checking if your car seat is airplane-ready:
Make sure your car seat has a sticker that says:
“It is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
This means it has been tested and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The car seat should have a metal label with the manufacturer’s name, model number, and date of manufacture.
If you are unsure if your car seat is approved for use on airplanes, you can contact the manufacturer or the FAA for more information.
CRS is a child-restraint system that is approved for use on airplanes.
This system consists of child safety seats with integrated hardback that are secured to the aircraft seat by a Lap/Shoulder Belt and an Airplane Seat Belt Extension strap.
If your car seat has all of these features, then it is approved for use on airplanes and you can rest assured that your child will be safe and secure during the flight.
Read Also: Car Seat Expiration: How Long Are Car Seats Good For?
Why Fly With a Car Seat and Stroller?
When it comes to flying with a baby or toddler, parents have a few options when it comes to bringing along a car seat and stroller.
Some airlines allow you to check these items for free, while others charge fees.
The AAP recommends that parents use a car seat on the plane if their child is under 2 years old.
If your child is over 2 years old, you may be able to use an FAA-approved restraint system, such as a harness or vest.
Now the question is, do you really need to bring a car seat and stroller on the plane?
After all, it can be a hassle to lug these items through the airport. The simple answer is yes, because of the following reasons:
1. Safety:
A car seat is the best way to keep your child safe during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Airplanes are not required to have seat belts for children under 2 years old, so a car seat is the only way to secure them in their seat.
2. Comfort:
A car seat or stroller can make your child more comfortable on the plane.
If they’re in a car seat, they can sleep more soundly and have a place to rest their head during the flight.
3. Convenience:
Having a stroller at the airport can be a lifesaver when you have to lug around all of your carry-on luggage, too.
It’s much easier to push a stroller through the airport than it is to carry everything yourself.
So, if you’re flying with a baby or toddler, be sure to bring along a car seat and stroller. It will make the trip much easier for everyone involved.
What Are Quick Tips for Flying with Car Seats
Here we have put together some quick tips for you to make flying with car seats easier.
- Check with your airline before you travel to find out their specific policies on flying with car seats.
It is necessary that your car seat must fit for every flight. It is possible that you may require a different car seat on certain airlines.
- When packing for your flight, make sure to pack all of the necessary items for your car seat in a separate bag so that you can easily access it when you need it.
This includes the car seat base, straps, and any other accessories.
- If there is a possibility, you must make sure how your car seats are handled on other end of your flight. It could be a place of landing or conveyer belt.
- You can consider a baby ring slings or baby wraps to keep your baby close and comfortable during the checking of car seat.
- When you arrive at the airport, be sure to allow extra time to get through security with your car seat.
It is often necessary to take your car seat apart in order to go through the security checkpoint.
- You must take photographs of your car seat and the plane seat before and after installing the car seat, just in case there is any damage to either during the flight.
- Make sure you have information about car seats at your destination place in advance, if there is any loss or damage occur to your car seat then you must have a backup plan at your destination.
- Make sure that you keep your car seat with you at all times during the flight, even if it means holding it on your lap during takeoff and landing.
We hope that these quick tips will make flying with car seats a little easier for you.
How to Check a Car Seat on a Flight: FAQs
Will Car Seat Get Damaged On Plane?
Yes, car seats can get damaged on planes. It is important to take care when packing your car seat and make sure that it is well protected.
The best protection for car seat is a seat protector that is a piece of thick cardboard or plastic that goes over the entire seat, including the back and bottom, to help protect it from getting damaged.
You can also use car seat travel bags but these bags can only protect outer fabric and not structure of a car seat.
can you check a car seat without a child?
Yes, you can check a car seat without a child. But for this you need to pay a fee because car seats count as baggage. If you are travelling with a child then most airlines provides checking of car seat for free.
how to pack a booster seat for checked baggage?
You can pack a booster seat in checked baggage, as long as the seat is packed in a way that meets the regulations for carry-on baggage.
You can do this by separating the back of the seat from the seat and storing it in your overhead compartment or in your luggage.
This will help to make sure that your booster seat stays intact during transit and doesn’t get lost.
The Bottom Line:
Now that you know how to check a car seat on a flight, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice!
The next time you’re traveling with your family, make sure to bring along your car seat and follow the tips in this guide.
With a little preparation, you can ensure that your car seat is safe and secure during your flight.
In this guide, we have explained 3 ways to check a car seat on a flight, pros & cons of checking a car seat on a flight, some tips on flying with car seats and more.
We hope that this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to check a car seat on a flight. With these tips, you can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable during your travels.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
