Yes, you can fly with a car seat, and for safety reasons, it's highly recommended that you use it on the plane for your child. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly advises that children under 40 pounds be secured in an FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS) during flight. Using a car seat on a plane provides the same level of crash protection for your child as it does in your car. The key is ensuring your car seat is certified for aircraft use, which is indicated by a label on the seat that states, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
To use the seat on board, you must purchase a separate airplane ticket for your child and install the car seat in a window seat. It cannot be placed in an exit row or in a seat that blocks another passenger's emergency exit path. Most airlines allow you to check the car seat for free at the gate or the ticket counter if you choose not to use it onboard, but be aware that checked baggage can be handled roughly, potentially damaging the seat's integrity.
Here’s a quick overview of policies from major U.S. airlines regarding flying with car seats:
| Airline | FAA-Approved Car Seat Onboard | Checked Car Seat Fee | Gate Check Option |
|---|
| American Airlines | Yes, must be in a window seat | Free | Yes |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes, cannot block passenger egress | Free | Yes |
| Southwest Airlines | Yes, for a ticketed child | Free | Yes |
| United Airlines | Yes, must be forward-facing | Free | Yes |
| Alaska Airlines | Yes, must have FAA label | Free | Yes |
Before your flight, always call your specific airline to confirm their policy. If you decide to gate-check the seat, use a protective bag to minimize damage. The safest place for your child is securely harnessed in their own car seat on the aircraft, just like in your vehicle.
