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.

While the FAA does not strictly mandate the use of a car seat for children aged 2 and older (they are legally allowed to use the standard airplane lap belt), aviation safety experts strongly recommend using a CRS (Child Restraint System). At age 2, a child must have their own purchased seat on the aircraft. Using a forward-facing, FAA-approved car seat provides much better protection during severe turbulence or an emergency landing, as standard lap belts are designed for adult frames and may not hold a small child securely. To be used on a plane, the car seat must have a sticker stating: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Many parents in 2026 opt for lightweight travel seats like the Wayb Pico or the CARES harness to avoid lugging heavy bulk through the terminal. If you choose not to use a car seat, ensure the lap belt is pulled as tight as possible across the child's hips to provide the best available protection offered by the aircraft's built-in safety features.