Air travel with a car seat: Tips for new parents 

Can you bring a car seat on a plane? 

While not legally required, placing your baby in a car seat during a flight is highly recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

You can, of course, hold your baby on your lap — an option often offered at no extra cost for children under two years old. However, the safest way for them to fly is to let them sit in their own car seat, according to the FAA. 

What about when your toddler has outgrown the car seat? As long as they weigh between 22 and 44 lbs (10 to 20 kg), they can use the CARES Child Safety Device, a dedicated harness designed by the FAA and specifically approved for air travel within this weight category. 

Is your car seat plane-approved? 

Firstly, check whether your car seat, officially referred to as a Child Restraint System (CRS), is certified for air travel. Look for a label on the seat stating, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." If it lacks this certification, it isn’t suitable for airplane use and may need to be checked as baggage. Airline staff may even request to see this label. 

As rules can vary between airlines, check with your specific airline that your car seat meets their requirements too. Having these details sorted out beforehand can help you avoid last-minute issues at the airport. 

Tips for traveling with your car seat

Check with your pediatrician 

Before finalizing your travel plans, confirm with your pediatrician that your baby is healthy enough to fly. This is particularly important if your baby is a newborn or premature, has recently experienced an ear infection or ear surgery, or has heart or lung conditions.

Pick a light car seat 

If you’re shopping for a car seat that’s versatile enough for both road trips and flights, prioritize one that’s lightweight. A lighter car seat is much easier to carry through the airport, making your journey smoother. 

For example, the Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna is our secure and ultra-light option, weighing just 8.8 lbs. It also features premium materials, comfort padding, and merino wool, offering your baby a first-class travel experience. 

Measure your car seat's dimensions 

A car seat that measures 16 inches (41 cm) wide or less will fit comfortably in most airplane seats. If your car seat is slightly wider, don’t worry — raising the armrest can usually accommodate a snug fit. 

Bring your stroller 

For a seamless travel experience, we recommend the convenience of a travel system. This combination includes your car seat and a stroller that can be used with that car seat. At the airport, you can move smoothly through the terminal with your baby in the stroller. When it’s time to board, simply detach the car seat to bring it onto the plane as carry-on luggage and gate-check the stroller frame. 

We recommend the Bugaboo Dragonfly, our compact stroller with an innovative stand-up fold and unmatched comfort for your baby. The Bugaboo Dragonfly is compatible with all our car seats using an adapter. 

When folding the stroller for your flight, protect it with a transport bag. This easy-to-carry travel bag protects your stroller from dirt and scratches, so rolling from baggage claim to your waiting taxi is a breeze. 

Buy your baby a ticket 

The only way to make sure that you can use the car seat on the plane is to buy your child a ticket. You can get discounted fares for infants, so be sure to ask when booking your trip. Most airlines might ask you to take a window seat, and you’ll also need to steer clear of exit rows. If the plane has seating options facing forward and backward, choose a standard forward-facing one. 

If you're in luck, some airlines might even let you use an unoccupied seat for your baby’s car seat at no extra charge. However, this depends on availability, and there’s no guarantee the flight won’t be fully booked. 

Install your car seat 

Before your trip, review the section of your car seat’s user manual that covers airplane installation. If you can't find the manual anywhere, you can search online for your car seat’s brand and model to find a digital copy. 

It's also a good idea to request a seat belt extender from the flight attendant when you board. 

For rear-facing or forward-facing installation, follow the same approach you use in your car, based on your baby’s size and weight. For additional guidance, the FAA provides helpful content on installing a car seat on a plane. 

Ask for help 

Navigating the airport can be tricky when you’re juggling your baby, their car seat, luggage, and other essentials. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Feel free to ask the flight crew or airport staff for assistance — they’re there to help make your journey smoother. 

Up, up, and away 

While using a car seat on a plane isn’t mandatory, it is recommended by both the FAA and the AAP. If you decide to travel with your baby’s car seat, make sure it’s approved by the relevant authorities and meets your airline’s specific requirements. 

Flying with a car seat doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right preparation, your baby will stay secure, and you’ll be ready for take-off in no time.