Air Travel with Toddlers - Is a carseat mandatory ?

Question

I'm travelling with my three and a half year old on a flight and i would like to carry a carseat to be used in the car I would rent after I land, not inside the flight.  I think 3 1/2  is old enough to sit without a car/air seat - Do I have to carry one on the flight ?

Even though I have requested for a carseat on the rental car I'm not sure I would get one hence I intend to take the carseat, can I check it in ?  Is this what all the people do everytime they fly ?  

What about cabs - I'm sure they don't have carseats installed, I'm curious how do people take their babies/toddlers in cabs from airport to home or hotel ?

τυηιsιαη βεΙΙε · Accepted Answer

At the age of 3.5, your child still might be too little for the plane seat belt to effectively work (it might still be too loose).

A car seat is not mandatory, but is highly recommended for children to use on airplanes because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device (car seat). You should call your airline to ask for a discount.


If you choose not to use your childs car seat for the plane ride, you will be allowed to gate check it. It will not count towards your checked luggage. This means that you will need to take it with you to your boarding gate, and one of the handlers will take it from you before you depart, tag it, and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well.

There are many products out there designed to help the traveling family. Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html


I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5 and baby number 3 was born 23 December). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights.  I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives airport security rules and regulations for the US, EU, and UK, plus offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

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Air Travel with Toddlers - Is a carseat mandatory ?