How Do You Travel With a Car Seat? Here Are Your 3 Best Options
Flying can cause anxiety for some and excitement for others—but how do you travel with a car seat? That question alone can turn travel planning into a stress-filled spiral. How do you travel with a car seat safely, efficiently, and without losing your mind at the airport? I had the same questions and I will give you the 3 options you have!
The first time I flew with my now 17-month-old daughter, I was nervous—despite being a seasoned traveler. I used to breeze through the airport excitedly, not thinking twice about long lines or the gate on the other end of the terminal. But now, I was determined to get to the airport at least three hours early, made list after list ensuring I packed everything (and the kitchen sink), and googled ” how do you travel with a car seat” more times than I want to admit.
Now, after countless flights—including a recent long haul from the East Coast to Hawaii—and visits to many countries, I can say with 100 percent certainty that flying with a toddler is challenging at times but absolutely worth it.
So, how do you travel with a car seat? You’ll have three main options to choose from:
- Check your car seat
- Buy a seat on the plane and secure your child in their car seat
- Rent a car seat at your final destination
I’ll break down each option and share practical tips to help answer the question “how do you travel with a car seat” and guide you through flying with a toddler car seat confidently.
Things To Consider
The first step when flying with a toddler car seat and figuring out how do you travel with a car seat is this—are you checking it or buying your kid their own seat on the plane?
For our first trip, I immediately consulted Michelle from Safe in the Seat. Once I heard and read repeatedly that having my daughter travel in a car seat was the safest for her, then that was what I would do. There was one MAJOR factor to consider. I would have to purchase another seat on the plane specifically for my daughter who otherwise would have been free.
I read through every single review of lightweight car seats and decided to purchase the Cosco Scenera NEXT Harness Convertible Car Seat. I chose this as our travel car seat for a variety of reasons, including
- Could be used rear or forward facing
- Weighs only 6.8 pounds
- Price
- Compact
- Weight and height abilities
Full disclosure I was worried when I purchased it because I had also read reviews that it felt very cheap and didn’t have a lot of padding. Our normal infant car seat at the time was the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 and our toddler seat would be the Britax All4One. So when I received the Cosco Scenera it didn’t have all the bells and whistles of the car seats I was used to but that didn’t matter.
It was FAA-approved and still had high car seat safety ratings. In fact, families that flew with toddlers regularly recommended the car seat. We already had several other trips lined up so this sounded like a great for our family.
Related: CARES Harness: Everything You Should Know Before Flying
How Do You Travel With a Car Seat? Here Are Your 3 Best Options
1. How do you travel with a car seat? Check it at the counter
Most travelers will end up checking their car seats during a flight, especially for toddlers under the age of 2. Airlines allow children under the age of 2 to fly for free (except for taxes), which can be a huge cost-saving measure for families. When asking how do you travel with a car seat, this is often one of the most convenient and budget-friendly options for parents.
If you decide to check your car seat, this will happen at the baggage check-in counter, and the car seat will arrive at the baggage claim at your final destination. This can be super helpful if traveling alone. Airlines do not charge for car seats and they are not counted toward your baggage allowance, another reason why checking it is a popular answer to how do you travel with a car seat when flying with young children.
When checking a car seat, you will need a travel bag or the original box to send it in. Unfortunately, when checking a car seat, you cannot guarantee it won’t be damaged in transit. Choosing a heavy-duty car seat travel bag can make a big difference.
2. How do you travel with a car seat? Bring it on the plane
Honestly, how do you travel with a car seat without it being a total nightmare? It’s easier than you think, just requires a little planning. One option is to bring the car seat on the plane.
Airlines typically allow families traveling with children to board first. If you are planning on flying with a toddler car seat – board the plane early! I know there is the thought to board last to let your toddler run around and get some energy out but installing a car seat while everyone is waiting for you can be very stressful. If you are traveling with more than one adult, you can always have one board early to install the car seat while the other chases the toddler.
After boarding the aircraft, immediately ask the flight attendant for a seat belt extender. You might not need one but it is MUCH easier to get one without having to go back up front. We made that mistake on one of our flights and weren’t able to get it until almost every other passenger had boarded.
When figuring out how do you travel with a car seat, it’s important to know that the car seat must be installed by the window regardless of the type of airplane. This is an airline safety regulation because a car seat cannot block the exit of a row. For example, if a car seat is installed in the aisle seat, the other two passengers in the row can’t get past it—especially in an emergency. Keep this in mind when choosing your seats.
Car seats can also never be in an exit row and some first class/business seats.
3. How do you travel with a car seat? Rent it
One of the most common questions I get from parents is, how do you travel with a car seat without it being a total hassle? You rent it at your destination instead! =)
Yes, it’s an option but it’s not always recommended. When renting a car seat it is impossible to know the condition it will be in if it has been in an accident, or if it is expired. While you hope that car rental companies would quality control the rental car seats it usually isn’t the top priority.
Specific brands of car seats once in an accident, are no longer considered safe by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, when renting a car seat there is no guarantee of its history.
If you HAVE to rent a car seat, I would recommend using BabyQuip. You can search by location, travel dates, and specific items. When renting a toddler car seat, you can even have it delivered directly to the airport for an additional fee. BabyQuip boosts the cleanliness and safety of the equipment as well as those individuals renting.
Top Tips
Deep Breaths and Don’t Stress – The very first thing to remember when flying with a car seat is to take a few deep breaths and try not to stress. Toddlers are incredibly intuitive and can pick up on stress very easily.
Plan – Being prepared can help relieve some of the stress especially if traveling alone. Make a list. Write it all down so you don’t forget anything. If you need some suggestions on what to pack for an international flight with a toddler, I have a whole blog post about it.
Trial Run – If you purchased a new seat specifically for the airplane, practice installing the car seat and place your toddler in it ahead of time. This way you can make sure the straps are fitting appropriately.
If you have to check it – pack it securely – Bags get thrown around when they are checked. Car seats are not supposed to but that doesn’t mean it might not happen. A car seat travel bag is great for checking.
FAQs
1. Why should you fly with a car seat?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the safest place for your child under the age of two on a U.S. airplane is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in your lap.
2. Can you bring a toddler car seat on the plane? Can you take a car seat on a plane?
Yes, you can take a toddler car seat on an airplane but it’s important to remember that you will need to carry it once on the aircraft and install it. Some airlines have different seat dimensions and some convertible car seats may not fit. Check with your specific airline carrier to determine if your car seat is a good fit.
3. How do you travel with a toddler car seat?
If you’re looking to travel with a toddler car seat, then your options are:
1. You can either check your car seat for free at the baggage counter or
2. Carry it on the plane and have your toddler seated in it.
4. What child car seat can I take on the plane?
You can take any FAA-approved car seat on an airplane as long as it fits. Both infant and convertible car seats have varying dimensions and weights. It’s best to check with the airline for specific seat dimensions to ensure yours will fit properly.
5. What’s the best travel car seat for a 2-year-old?
Personally, in my opinion, the best toddler car seat for flights is the Cosco Scenera NEXT Harness Convertible Car Seat. We chose it as our travel car seat primarily because of its weight. Weighing in at only 6.8 pounds it is easy to maneuver through a busy airport and install quickly.
6. Are car seats required on airplanes?
No, car seats are not required when traveling on an airplane; but the FAA does recommend it as it is the safest place for a toddler on a plane.
7. Do car seats count as checked bags?
No, car seats do not count as checked bags. They are free items when checked at the gate.
8. How do I know if my car seat is approved to bring on the plane?
All FAA-approved car seats will have a sticker on them to indicate that they are safe to use on an aircraft.
9. How do you travel with a car seat?
Place it in a padded car seat bag and check it, bring it on the plane and purchase seat for the child, or rent it at your destination.
Quick Shopping List of Suggested Items
1. Doona: FAA Approved Infant Car Seat + Stroller + Travel Bag
2. Cosco Scenera NEXT Harness Convertible Car Seat for toddlers
My Travel Essentials
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
Read More
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
July 18, 2025
Melanie is a 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 toddlers on over 30 international flights and even more domestic ones .
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.
