Flying With a Baby: Do You Need to Bring Your Own Car Seat?
You Can Bring Your Car Seat on a Plane
Having a new addition to the family doesn’t have to mean putting off family vacations. You can enjoy traveling even with a baby in tow. If your travels include flying with a baby, you may be wondering ‘can you bring a car seat on a plane?’ The answer is, you absolutely can. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly encourage travelers to bring an infant car seat while flying with a baby. These seats help to protect against turbulence. The car seat will help to keep your baby safe in their seat.
How do You Install a Car Seat on a Plane?
When you choose to bring an infant car seat on plane, you should check to ensure that the seat is FAA approved. It should be safe for flights. There should be a statement indicating that it is certified for use in motor vehicles as well as aircraft.
Installing the seat on the plane is as easy as installing it in a motor vehicle. Simply use the airplane’s seatbelts to secure it. Follow the directions on the seat for installation. However, you don’t need a seat base for the seat. You therefore don’t need to bring it with you.
Holding Your Baby on Your Lap
Airlines allow you to hold your child on your lap if they are under the age of 2. It will also make it easier to board and disembark from the plane as you won’t have to deal with a bulky car seat. However, holding your child on your lap will keep your hands full for the duration of the flight. Having a car seat will help to keep your hands free. You will be more rested when the flight comes to an end.
Be Sure to Check with the Airline Ahead of Time
It is important to note that different airlines have different rules when it comes to car seats. If you intend to bring a baby car seat on plane you should check with the specific airline to confirm their rules for car seats. Ask questions such as:
- Do you allow children to sit on an adult’s lap? What age range is this allowed for?
- Can I place a car seat on the plane’s seat?
- What rows am I allowed to have a car seat?
- Do I need to inform the airline if I intend to come with my car seat or if I choose to have my child sit on my lap?
Checking Car Seats
Many airlines will allow you to check your car seat so that you can have it with you when you board the plane. Many of these airlines will not include the car seat as hand luggage. You therefore won’t have to pay a few in order to check them.
If you intend to carry a booster seat to use while on your trip, you will not be allowed to use it on the plane. However, car booster seats are considered checked baggage at no extra fee.
Renting a Car Seat Instead of Brining Your Own
If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, don’t go through the hustle of carrying your own car seat. Rent a car seat from our website instead. We offer travelers access to a wide range of equipment to make their stay more comfortable. Visit our website to rent equipment for your trip in Oahu and we’ll have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive. There’s no better way to travel.
