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.

In 2026, most major airlines do not charge for a baby car seat if you are checking it in as luggage. Most carriers allow you to check two baby items for free (typically a stroller and a car seat) in addition to your standard baggage allowance. You can usually choose to check these at the front counter or "gate-check" them right before boarding the plane. However, if you want to bring the car seat into the cabin to have your baby sit in it during the flight, you must purchase a separate seat for the infant, which usually costs 75% to 100% of the adult fare. The car seat must also be FAA-approved (or equivalent) for aircraft use. In 2026, it is vital to check with budget carriers specifically, as a few "ultra-low-cost" airlines have begun testing small "handling fees" for gate-checked items, though the free-checked-bag policy for baby gear remains the global standard for full-service airlines.