Does it cost extra to bring a carseat on a plane?

Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance. This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats. Check with your airline first to be sure of the rules.



No, in 2026, almost all major airlines globally allow you to bring a car seat on a plane for free as a "special item" in addition to your standard baggage allowance. You generally have two choices: you can "Gate Check" the car seat, where you use it through the airport and hand it to a ramp agent at the aircraft door, or you can use it in the cabin if you have purchased a separate seat for your child. To use it in the cabin, the seat must be FAA-approved (it will have a sticker stating it is "certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft") and generally must be installed in a window seat to avoid blocking the exit path. If you are traveling with an infant as a "lap child" and the flight is not full, some gate agents may allow you to bring the seat on for free if there is an empty spot, but this is never guaranteed. In 2026, it is a highly recommended "pro" tip to use a padded car seat travel bag if you are checking the seat, as this protects it from the dirt and rough handling of the baggage system, ensuring it remains safe and functional for your child's use upon arrival.

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Is there a cost? You can bring 2 items of carry-on baby equipment for free. This can include a pushchair/buggy, car seat, booster seat or travel cot. These will need to be tagged at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate.

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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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Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat. The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

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Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight.

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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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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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Each airline will have its rules about who can sit where, but a bulkhead seat is generally considered an excellent option for families traveling with young children. The bulkhead is at the front of the cabin and sitting in those seats usually guarantees you some extra leg room.

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If you think your toddler is likely to cry, yell and be noisy on the plane, you might want to book seats near the back of the aircraft. This section of the plane, behind the wings, is generally noisier, thanks to the engine, and the background hum might cover the sound of your child.

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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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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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Changes of clothes: You can never be too prepared—one for you, one for your toddler. Toys: Books, stuffed animals, or simple puzzles are safe bets. Sippy cups: Bringing an empty sippy cup is beneficial if your toddler uses one, as the flight attendant can fill it during drink rounds.

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If you choose not to pay to reserve a seat, your seat will be assigned to you free of charge when you check in, between 24 hours and 2 hours prior to departure.

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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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