Can I take a car seat on a plane without a child?

Child safety seats are not required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, both the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly encourage the use of a car seat or other child restraint system when flying with babies or young children.



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You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

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Activities to keep your toddler busy on a plane
  1. Gel window clings.
  2. Stickers and activity books.
  3. Water Wow Books.
  4. Snacks!
  5. Puzzles (keep them in ziplock bags)
  6. Finger Puppets.
  7. Large Reusable Sticker Books.
  8. Playdough (you can get travel packs HERE)


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Car Seat onboard: airline-approved forward-facing car seats which have a 5-point harness fit in the 42.5cm seat width can be used on board. The car seat must have a CE sticker if European or an FAA sticker if a US seat and the car seat must have 'Certified for use on aircraft' printed on it.

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12-18 Months Old One year olds are often highly mobile yet totally uncontrollable, making for a potentially dangerous travel combination. At this age, children are still too young to understand and follow instructions, so discipline is ineffective.

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When possible, Brewer said she would try to put her kids in a baby carrier and walk around the plane to soothe them. Distractions also help, she said, even something as simple as a plastic cup with ice or a spoon or a fellow passenger who is willing to engage the baby.

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Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can't travel alone under any circumstances.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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