Do I have to have a car seat?

Question

when you are flying with a child that has his own seat, does that child need to have a car seat on the fight?

Answer 1

Check with your airlines.  Some require it, some do not and it varies by departure, arrival and stopover cities.

Answer 2

If your child is under 2 years old and you have purchased a seat, then you must use a carseat.

If the child is over 2 years, but under 40lbs, then it is recommended to use the seat.

We flew with DD both before and after she was 2 and always purchase a seat for her and take her carseat.  She understands she needs to sit still and reasonably quiet in it.  She usually sleeps through the flights.

I wouldn't fly with her without a carseat until she is at least 40lbs and the lap belt at least sits on her hips, not her stomach.

Answer 3

I fly all the time and I can definitely say no.  I have never seen a car seat on a plan.  The car seats are usually bagged up and sent under the plane with all the luggage.  You will have to keep the baby on your lap.

Answer 4

Nope but if you are going somewhere that you'll be driving don't forget to check your car seat so it still comes along so your child is safe while your on vaction! Have a good time! :)

Answer 5

NO- you don't have to have one.  I've flown with my daughter when she was 2 and then again when she was 5.  We were seeing family, so I made arrangement for them to have a car seat for the rest of our trip.  That would be one thing to think about.

Answer 6

i took my son on a plane when he was 6 months old and he just sat on my lap. also when my sister was about 3 we took her to disney flying down we took the car seat on the plain but found it was not easy to deal with so coming back we checked it with the luggage and she sat on her own in a seat. hope i helped

Answer 7

No, you do not.  But if you can (and it is approved), you should use one...

Answer 8

No, you do not need to use a car seat on a plane.

If the child is over two, they will have to have their own seat for them to sit in. If a child is under two, you are allowed to hold them as a lap child - meaning they will have to sit in your lap the entire time.

That being said, 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. Also, if the child is under 40lbs, the airplane seat belts will be too loose and will not restrain them properly.

Booster seats are NOT approved for use on airplanes.

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/

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

Try to book "bulkhead" or front row seats for some extra space.

If your child is under two and you choose to hold him/her as a lap child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it - giving you a free seat! Ask about booking a bassinet also. Bassinets are limited, and not available on every flight. If the bassinet is available (they can only be used in bulkhead seats) it will attach to the front wall for you to put your child in (however you can not use this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

If you choose not to use your childs car seat for the plane ride, you will be allowed to gate check it (along with a stroller). It will not count towards your checked luggage. This means that you will need to take it with you to your boarding gate, & one of the handlers will it it from you before you depart, tag it, & put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

There are many products out there designed to help the traveling family. Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_k...

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.