5 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport
As any parent knows, the thought of traveling with a toddler is enough to make even the most seasoned traveler sweat. But with proper preparation, the journey typically goes a lot smoother. While thinking of your upcoming holiday travel, I’m sure some questions come to mind.
One of them might be figuring out how to carry a car seat through the airport. Do you use a car seat travel cart? Are there any other options besides a car seat dolly for the airport? Also, what are the things you need to know before flying with a car seat?
Well, after taking over 30 flights with my toddlers (many of which are international), here are five simple ways to transport a car seat through the airport (number 4 being my favorite one).
Table of Contents
Top 5 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport
1. Use a Car Seat Bag or Cover
Transporting a car seat through the airport becomes a breeze with the help of a convenient car seat bag or cover, which can be purchased on Amazon and delivered quickly.
Two options are:
1. Go hands-free by wearing the car seat bag as a backpack, a particularly great choice when dealing with a lightweight model like the Cosco Scenera. This method allows you the freedom to attend to your little ones or manage your carry-on bag while effortlessly transporting the car seat through the airport.
2. The second option is a car seat bag equipped with wheels, or a “rolling backpack”. This becomes especially tempting when faced with uncertain distances to cover within the airport. If back pain is a concern, then the wheel-equipped bag is a much more comfortable solution.
2. Use a Car Seat And Stroller in One
Carrying a car seat through the airport can be super inconvenient, however, you can make your airport car seat journey a breeze with the Doona! It smoothly goes from car seat to stroller in just seconds, making your travel setup a snap.
Plus, it’s got the green light from the FAA, so you can trust it for your air travel needs. The Doona isn’t just practical; it’s a real game-changer.
Check out the image below to see the Doona in action.
3. Use a Car Seat Belt Travel Strap
Securing and transporting your car seat through the airport is super easy with the use of a car seat belt travel strap.
Simply attach the travel strap to your carry-on bag or stroller, providing a convenient and secure method to navigate through the airport with your child’s car seat in tow. This works well with lighter, compact car seats (like the Cosco Scenera).
4. Use a Rolling Dolly or a Car Seat Travel Cart
Carrying car seat through airport doesn’t have to be a hassle. A dolly or a car seat travel cart by Britax are great options for transporting larger, heavier car seats.
The dolly is better in my opinion since you can fold it and put in overhead bin. It takes up less space when folded.
Simply strap the car seat onto the dolly, and put your child in the seat.
It doubles as a stroller, prevents kiddos from wandering, and allows you to go at your pace through the airport. When boarding, the car seat detaches quickly, and the cart folds up and gets placed in the overhead bin. This allows you to travel with your everyday car seat if you choose.
Side note: A good friend of mine traveled with her Nuna Rava, used the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart, and had a great experience!
5. Clip it to Your Travel Stroller
For lighter car seats like the Cosco Scenera you can use these large stroller hooks or clips to attach the car seat to the stroller handle. Just hang it on the handlebar while your little one sits in the stroller.
* * Please remove the car seat before letting your child out to prevent the stroller from tipping backward.
If you’re looking for a compact, quality travel stroller, then check the Babyzen YoYo2 review here.
Related: Is WayB Pico Car Seat Worth the Hype? Full Review
Quick List With Links
2. Doona car seat and stroller
6. Car seat travel cart by Britax
Related: Babyzen YoYo 2 Review and Pros/Cons
FAQS
1. Does 2 year old need a car seat on plane?
A 2-year-old does not necessarily “NEED” a car seat on plane, however, it is highly recommended by the FAA because it’s the safest option for your child. For more information check out their website.
2. Do you have to pay for car seat on plane?
When flying with a toddler, you do NOT have to pay for a seat if your little one is under 2 years old and will be on your lap for the duration of the flight.
Once they are 2 years old you are required to pay for their seat, however, you can bring a car seat at no extra cost. Make sure to confirm with your airline before traveling since rules and requirements vary between carriers.
3. What is the easiest way to carry a car seat in the airport?
The easiest way to carry a car seat in the airport is to use a car seat strap and secure the car seat to the rolling suitcase or stroller. The car seat strap doesn’t take up much space, is convenient and quick to use, and can be easily purchased through Amazon.
If your car seat is heavier, use a car seat travel cart like this one.
4. What car seat is good for airplane travel?
After doing countless hours of research, I’d recommend the Cosco Scenera Next for many reasons. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and is affordable.
There’s an in-depth review of this car seat on my blog, which includes the pros and cons of the car seat as well. Another article worth checking out is about 3 things you need to know when flying with a car seat.
My Top Resources for Traveling Like a Pro
As an experienced traveler with over 6 years of booking and planning trips for my family and over 10 years of exploring the world solo, I have curated a list of the most reliable and efficient websites for travel planning.
1. Best deals for Flights, Hotels, and Rental Cars: Expedia.
2. Excursions and Activities: Viator.
3. Free Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to over 1400 airport lounges around the world.
Amazon Storefront for all Things Travel
Don’t forget to visit my Amazon storefront, where you’ll find thoughtfully curated selections of travel essentials.
1. Traveling with a Toddler
2. Travel Essentials
3. Airport Outfit Ideas
Traveling with Toddlers? You might also enjoy these posts.
1. 3 Best Toddler Travel Bed Options to Use After Pack and Play 😴
2. Babyzen YoYo2 Stroller Review and Pros/Cons
3. Is Slumberpod Worth It? Honest Slumberpod Review ✈️
4. 10 Proven and Effective Ways to Pop Your Toddlers Ears on a Plane 👂
5. Top 3 Easy Ways to Transport a Car Seat Through the Airport 🌴
Written by: Melanie Suggs
Melanie is a former ICU nurse, a coffee lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her children on flights all over the world ( since they were just 16 weeks old).
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with children, she has developed a passion for helping families travel easily through travel tips, honest gear reviews, and recommendations in her blog posts.
Updated and Reviewed by Melanie Suggs on July 14, 2025.
