The safest way for baby to fly Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be bucked into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel. Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.

The "easiest" way to fly with an infant in 2026 is a combination of pre-booking a bassinet and utilizing the "lap infant" policy strategically. On long-haul international flights, most major carriers provide a bulkhead bassinet for infants weighing under 20–25 lbs; however, these are limited and must be reserved at the exact moment you book your flight. For domestic travel, the easiest method is to purchase a separate seat for the infant and use an FAA-approved car seat, as this ensures both safety and a "home-like" comfort for the baby while giving you your hands back. To make the process smoother, always utilize the "Family Lane" at security, and remember that breast milk, formula, and baby food are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Bringing a compact, "cabin-approved" stroller that fits in the overhead bin (like the Babyzen YOYO) is also a game-changer, as it allows you to navigate the terminal without waiting at the jet bridge for gate-checked items.