Do Airlines count carseats as part of carryon bags if child will be using the seat on the flight.?

Question

Do Airlines count carseats as part of carryon bags if child will be using the seat on the flight.?

Answer 1

No, the car seat will not be counted as a carry-on.

I am happy to hear that you plan on using a car seat for your child during the flight.

Airlines recommend children under 40lbs have their own seat with a child safety device - a CRS (Child Restraint System - otherwise known as a car seat) - because it is safe for the child (especially during turbulence), makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement. Here is a picture of what the sticker looks like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flyin...

There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22–44 lbs. If you don't want to be bothered by taking a car seat, and especially if you do a lot of traveling, then this is another very handy device. http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8, 6, and 5 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights.

I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/f...

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

In my experience, no, they do not count it as carry-on.  Even if the airline you were using DID count it, the child is also entitled to carry-on, so I wouldn't worry about going over your limit.  Check the car seat carefully - most regular car seats ARE allowed on board for the child to sit in.  My daughter uses hers when we fly.  However, some of the booster seats are not allowed.   There is a sticker on them that specifically says "not approved for use on airplanes."

Answer 3

they are counted a piece of carry on and the child may not sit in the car seat on the flight it is against regulations