Does my 2 year old need a car seat on a plane?

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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Yes – once kids turn 2, they no longer qualify as a lap infant. They'll need their own ticket and their own seat to fly. However, some airlines may have slightly different rules or promotions, so it's worth doing a little research.

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You won't need a toddler ID to get through security if you're flying domestically. However, if you're flying internationally you will need a passport for your 2-year-old.

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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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Travel Restrictions and Required Documentation Is your child two years old? Or turning two years old en route? If yes, then a seat is required to be purchased for all flights in which your child is 2 years old.

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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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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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Even better, car seats are not usually counted as luggage, so you don't have to pay a fee to check them! The same goes for booster seats; even though they cannot be used on the plane, they are typically considered checked baggage free of charge.

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Toddler Travel Essentials
  • Diapers or pull-ups, diaper cream, wipes and changing pad.
  • Potty seat (if toilet-trained)
  • Wipes or sanitizer for little hands.
  • Easy-on, easy-off outfits (the fewer the buttons, the better) and PJs.
  • At least two pairs of shoes (they're known to go missing...)
  • Rain and cold-weather gear.
  • Blankets.


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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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Children under five years and some slightly older children might find some of the scenes too scary, so we don't recommend the movie for children under 5 years. We also recommend parental guidance for children aged 5-8 years.

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Related: Why you should travel while your baby is an infant If you have a trip that spans your child's second birthday, only the outbound flight will be free. On the return flight, you will be required to purchase your now-2-year-old a seat with a one-way ticket.

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Child Ticket Age and Price Most airlines count any person between the ages of 2—11 as a child. You're required to purchase a seat for children, although in most cases they're considerably cheaper than the price of an adult ticket (between 25—33% cheaper).

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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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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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