How do you travel with kids who need car seats?

The most popular option to carry a car seat is a simple airplane car seat bag. You can get one that is on wheels or one that fits like a backpack. If you're taking the seat on the plane with you, you can easily roll up a thin bag and store it in the overhead bin for when it's not in use.



Traveling with car seats in 2026 requires choosing between three main strategies: Bring-on-Board, Gate-Check, or Rent. The safest and most recommended method by the FAA is to bring your own car seat on the plane. This requires purchasing a separate seat for the child (even if they are under two) and ensuring the seat is "FAA Approved" for aircraft use. Using a car seat on the flight keeps the child secure during turbulence and provides a familiar environment. If you don't want to use it on the plane, you can "Gate-Check" it for free with almost any 2026 airline; this reduces the time the seat is out of your sight compared to regular baggage check. For the most convenience, many 2026 parents use lightweight "travel car seats" or specialized wheeled carts that turn the car seat into a stroller for the terminal. Avoid renting car seats from rental agencies if possible, as their history and cleanliness are often "questionable" in 2026, and a properly installed, familiar seat from home is always the safest option for your destination's roads.

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Therefore, if you find yourself in a taxi with your toddler but no car seat, put the child in his own seat belt. Pull the seat belt snug and try to make sure the lap portion of the belt is resting very low and very snug on the tops of the child's thighs.

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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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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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Yes. When a trip request comes from a teen account: The teen is allowed to bring other riders with them, but those other riders must be 13 years old or older. Guest riders aged 13 to 17 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

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Tips for riders Children requiring car seats must be strapped in them during the entire ride and not held on laps. Remember, not all car seats fit all cars, so drivers can still decline the ride if you don't have the appropriate car seat or if they aren't comfortable with having you install one in their car.

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