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How much does it cost to take a booster seat on a plane?

Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate.



On almost all major airlines in 2026, taking a booster seat or car seat is free of charge. Most carriers, including Delta, United, and American, allow you to check one stroller and one child safety seat (like a booster) for free, and these items do not count toward your standard baggage allowance. You can choose to check the booster seat at the ticket counter or "gate-check" it just before you board the plane. If you have purchased a separate seat for your child and the booster seat is FAA-approved for aircraft use, you may even be able to use it during the flight. However, most backless booster seats are not approved for use during taxi, takeoff, or landing because they require a shoulder belt, which most plane seats lack. Even if you don't plan to use it on the plane, checking it is free, ensuring you have it ready for your rental car or taxi upon arrival. Always verify with your specific airline, as ultra-low-cost carriers occasionally have more specific size restrictions for gate-checked items.

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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.

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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 at least 4 years of age but less than 7 and who measure less than 4'9? or weigh less than 65 pounds shall use a belt positioning booster seat system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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If your seat has been approved for aircraft use, there will be a sticker (either on the back, bottom or side of the seat, depending on the size of the label) that says This restraint has been certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft in red lettering.

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When you travel with a child under 2 years of age, you may choose to travel with the child on your lap (infant-in-arms) for free on all flights within the United States. Our step-by-step guide explains how to easily add an infant-in-arms to your ticket yourself.

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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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Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter. A stroller may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit. This is based on space availability; space guaranteed only with the purchase of a ticket for the infant).

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