At what age does a child not need a car seat on a plane?

Should I use a car seat on a plane? You're not required to, but experts strongly recommend that children under the age of 2 be securely fastened in certified child restraints on airplanes. That means either an approved car seat or a CARES harness (see below).



Under FAA and international aviation guidelines in 2026, a child officially "does not need" a car seat (Child Restraint System or CRS) once they reach two years of age. At age two, children are required to have their own purchased seat and must use the standard airplane safety belt. While the FAA strongly recommends that children under 40 lbs continue to use a CRS for maximum safety during turbulence, it is not a legal requirement once they are two. For parents who want safety without the bulk of a full car seat, the CARES harness is an FAA-approved alternative for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. It is important to remember that while the airline may not require a car seat for a three-year-old, you will likely still need one for the car ride to and from the airport, so many parents choose to bring it on the plane anyway to ensure it arrives undamaged and to keep the child comfortably contained.

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Child Travel FAA regulations dictate that children over the age of two (2) must occupy their own seat during takeoff and landing, therefore a ticket must be purchased for all travelers over two (2) years of age.

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Children aged between 6 months and 2 years must sit on an adult's lap, unless a seat is purchased. In this case, a car seat may be used if necessary.

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Should I use a car seat on a plane? You're not required to, but experts strongly recommend that children under the age of 2 be securely fastened in certified child restraints on airplanes.

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You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.

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YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU: Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age.

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Although airlines allow for children under 2 to sit on a parents lap, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommends for all young children to sit in a FAA approved car seat at all times during a flight.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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The best time to fly with kids
While you can't always fly at the optimal time (based on your child's age, that is), it's great when you can. The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three.

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Most international flights allow children under 2 to fly as lap children, but with one big difference — it's usually not 100% free. Typically, if you're flying on a revenue ticket, you must pay the taxes and fees for your lap infant plus, in some cases, 10% of the fare.

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Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.

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Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches) Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.

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Passport and Photo I.D. Children don't usually need a passport or photo I.D. for domestic flights; however, it's not a bad idea to have photo identification for your children when you travel together. All airlines require the same documentation for children as they would for an adult on international flights.

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