If you plan to carry your child's car seat through the airport, to the plane, you'll want to bring both the car seat and stroller and then gate-check the latter. In this case, your child can ride in their usual stroller, then you'd attach your car seat to your suitcase with a luggage strap.

Traveling with a car seat for a 3-year-old in 2026 requires checking for the FAA-approval sticker (usually in red text) on the seat's base. Most 3-year-olds are in "convertible" or "forward-facing" seats. You have two main options: Using it on the plane or Checking it. If using it on the plane, you must purchase a separate seat for the child; the seat provides better protection during turbulence and keeps the child familiar with their environment. If you choose to check it, most airlines allow you to do so for free either at the ticket counter or the gate. In 2026, it is highly recommended to use a padded car seat travel bag to prevent the straps and plastic from being damaged by baggage handling systems. For navigating the airport, many parents use a "car seat trolley" or strap the seat to their rolling luggage. Note that "Booster seats" (which many 3-year-olds are not yet heavy enough for) are never allowed for use during flight because they require a shoulder belt, which planes do not have.