05/26/2026
While car seat use on airplanes still isn't the norm, it's the safest way for babies and young children to fly!
Not only does using a car seat protect them in flight, it also ensures that their seat arrives with you, undamaged, at the destination.
While the thought can sound daunting, a little bit of preparation can have you on your way to a safer, more comfortable flight for you and your child!
My best advice for a smooth trip:
✈️ Know the policies and have them accessible, and know where your FAA approval label is on your seat!
✈️ Be confident but calm-- flight staff may have different levels of training or experience with car seat use, and you may need to stand your ground.
(pro tip: car seats do NOT have to be used forward-facing on US flights, they need to be used on forward-facing aircraft seats)
✈️ Don't let the airport be the first place you're trying to get your car seat on or off a car seat dolly
✈️ Don't let the plane be your first time installing the seat (and don't let the rental car be the first time you're installing it in a vehicle!)
Do you have hangups about flying with car seats? What advice would you share?