Can I use my car seat on a plane?

Not only can you bring your child's car seat on the plane, it's strongly encouraged that you do so. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommend that all babies and young children travel in an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device.
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Does my kid need a carseat on an airplane?

Child safety seats are not required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 1 However, both the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly encourage the use of a car seat or other child restraint system when flying with babies or young children.
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What do airlines do with car seats?

If a flight is not full, some airlines will allow you to bring your car seat on board and use it if you snag a free seat. However, you will end up having to gate check your car seat if you can't use it.
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Does a car seat count as a checked bag?

Does a car seat count as a checked bag? No, a car seat does not normally count as checked bag when you are flying with an infant. A car seat can usually be brought on board in addition to your normal baggage along with a stroller or pushchair on the majority of airlines at no extra charge.
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Do strollers fly free?

Baby strollers/buggies/prams, can be carried free of charge as checked baggage provided they are being used by an infant, child user that is travelling. Otherwise, a checked baggage allowance must be pre booked. They allow you to gate check in the stroller.
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11 Tips for Flying with a Baby (TSA Rules, Gate Checking, Car Seats)



How do I know if my car seat is airline approved?

Not all car seats are approved for use in airplanes. Make sure your CRS is government approved and has "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it. Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage.
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Where should I sit on a plane with a baby?

According to Doug and Sanjay, the back row of the plane is the best place to sit when traveling with a baby for 5 reasons. Over the next shot of the aircraft's galley, they explain that since the back of the plane is near the galley, it's easier to get up and walk around if a fussy baby needs settling.
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Can my 3 year old sit my lap airplane?

Re: Traveling with 3 year old

It's not like a car - younger than 2 years old the child can be a "lap child" and not have their own ticket, sitting in the lap of the parent. For over two years old the child will have their own ticket, and should sit in that seat during take-off and landing.
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Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on?

In short, almost all the major airlines in the USA and Canada permit you to take a diaper bag and one carry-on bag. In other words, a diaper bag will not count as a carry on. Be aware that depending on the airline, a diaper bag will sometimes count as your personal item, though.
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How do airlines verify a child age?

Age verification for infant/child fares will require a copy or original of any government-issued ID, such as a birth certificate or passport, for their infant/child. At that time, the date of birth in your Rapid Rewards® or Southwest account will be updated to indicate that age has been verified.
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Does my 2 year old need a harness to fly?

On many airlines a 2 year old or 3 year old is permitted to sit in an airplane seat without any additional restraint beyond the airplane seatbelt, though a few airlines require a car seat or CARES harness.
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Do babies need to wear masks on airplanes?

No, babies and infants under the age of 2 are not required to wear a face mask when flying in the U.S. After the age of 2, airlines should be strict when it comes to face coverings and compliance, regardless of age.
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Do babies ears hurt when flying?

For kids (especially babies and young children), it can feel especially odd and even be scary at first. But it's a common, normal part of flying. This sometimes uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum (the middle ear).
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Can I bring powder formula on a plane?

Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz.
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Can Graco car seat go on plane?

Most harnessed Graco® car seats are certified for use in aircraft, when used according to manufacturer's instructions.
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Do baby headphones help on planes?

Do earmuffs help the baby on airplanes? YES!!! Baby headphones for airplanes are the best way to protect your little one's ears/hearing. Although ear muffs will not stop your baby's ears from popping, they will protect your baby's hearing, which is still developing until two years of age.
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Is it rude to fly first class with a baby?

Parents should be well-prepared for flying with children, no matter in which class they fly. Most airlines don't have specific, written rules about an infant or child policy in first class. (Except Malaysia Air, which has banned infants from its first class.)
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How do I prepare my baby for a flight?

Tips for flying with an infant
  1. Save a spot. If you can swing it, purchase a seat on the plane for your baby. ...
  2. Prep your liquids, formula, breast milk or juice. ...
  3. Avoid boarding boredom. ...
  4. Pack for playtime. ...
  5. Fill 'er up. ...
  6. Ease her ear pressure. ...
  7. Ask for help. ...
  8. Tie the knot.
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What happens if my 2 year old won't wear a mask on a plane 2022?

The most major recent update is that the old rule: that all airlines to and from the USA must enforce that all passengers aged two and over must wear a mask unless they meet the CDC exemptions, is no longer required.
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When can we stop wearing masks on planes?

U.S. airlines had already been requiring that passengers and crew wear masks since mid-2020. Travelers have effectively been wearing masks on planes for nearly two years now. But masks on U.S. flights are no longer required.
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Which airlines are not requiring masks?

Which U.S. airlines require masks?
  • Alaska Airlines: Masks are optional. ...
  • American Airlines: Masks are optional. ...
  • Delta Air Lines: Masks are optional. ...
  • JetBlue: Masks are optional.
  • Southwest Airlines: Masks are optional. ...
  • United Airlines: Masks are optional.
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Can a 2 year old sit on your lap in a plane?

YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU:

Have a child that turns 2 during the trip. Prefer the child sit in a seat with an FAA-approved child safety seat. Already have a child that will be sitting in your lap, regardless of age.
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How do I keep my toddler's ears from popping on a plane?

Helping children prevent airplane ear
  1. Encourage swallowing. Give a baby or toddler a bottle to suck on during ascents and descents to encourage frequent swallowing. A pacifier also might help. Have the child sit up while drinking. ...
  2. Avoid decongestants. Decongestants aren't recommended for young children.
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Does a 2 year old have to sit in a car seat on an airplane?

While kids under 2 who have their own seat on a plane are often required to use a car seat, kids over 2 aren't required to use one. However, it's strongly recommended to use a car seat to keep your child safe through runway incidents or extreme turbulence.
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Can you gate check a car seat?

Every U.S. airline allows you to check a car seat free of charge when traveling with a child. You can check your car seat at the airport baggage counter or wait and check it at your gate. If you plan to gate check a car seat, remember to check with the gate agent when you arrive at the gate.
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