The FAA approves certain car seats for use on planes, but not all of them

You can bring a car seat onto a plane and use it during flight, but only if it meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The seat must have a label stating it is approved for aircraft use, or you can check the manufacturer's documentation. Not every car seat sold for cars is approved for planes — the approval depends on how the seat is designed and tested, not on how new it is or how much it costs.

If your car seat does not have FAA approval, you have two options: check the seat's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm, or purchase a seat that is approved. Many families use a regular car seat at their destination and bring an approved one only for the flight itself.

Key Takeaways

  • An FAA-approved car seat must have a label on the seat itself or in the manual stating it meets aircraft safety standards.
  • You will need to purchase a separate ticket for your child to use the car seat on the plane — the seat cannot be used on a lap.
  • The car seat must be installed in a window seat using the plane's seat belt or LATCH system, never in the middle or aisle seat.
  • Airlines have different policies about whether they charge for the extra seat, so contact your airline before booking.
  • At your destination, you can check the car seat as baggage or bring it to the gate if you have room in the cabin.

How to learn about your car seat is FAA-approved

Look for a label on the car seat itself that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" or similar language. If you do not see a label, check the instruction manual that came with the seat — manufacturers list FAA approval there. You can also visit the manufacturer's website and search for your specific model number.

If you cannot find the information, contact the car seat manufacturer directly with your model number. They can tell you within a few minutes whether that seat meets FAA standards. Keep in mind that a seat approved for aircraft use is still approved for cars — approval for planes is an additional certification, not a replacement.

What you need to do before flying with a car seat

First, purchase an extra ticket for your child. The car seat must have its own seat on the plane — it cannot sit on your lap or be held by a passenger. This means you will need a seat in the cabin for the car seat itself, separate from any seat your child occupies if they are old enough to sit alone.

Second, contact your airline before you book or as soon as you have booked. Ask whether they charge for the extra seat and whether they have any restrictions on car seat size or type. Some airlines have specific policies about where car seats can be placed (usually window seats only) and may require you to notify them at check-in.

Third, review your car seat's manual for the section on aircraft installation. Different seats have different attachment methods, and you will need to know whether yours uses the plane's seat belt, the LATCH system, or both.

Installing a car seat on a plane

The car seat must go in a window seat, never in the middle or aisle. This is an FAA safety rule — in an emergency, a car seat in the aisle or middle seat could block evacuation routes.

To install the seat, use either the airplane's seat belt or the LATCH connectors, depending on what your car seat manual says. Most car seats approved for aircraft use can be installed with the standard airplane seat belt. Thread the belt through the designated slots on your car seat, just as you would in a car, and tighten it firmly. The seat should not move more than an inch side to side or front to back.

If your car seat has LATCH connectors, check whether the airplane seat has LATCH anchor points — not all do. If the plane does not have them, use the seat belt instead. Never use both the seat belt and LATCH at the same time on an airplane.

Arrive at your seat early so you have time to install the car seat without rushing. If you are unsure whether you are installing it correctly, ask a flight attendant — they are trained to help and will not charge you.

What happens at the airport and during boarding

You can bring the car seat to the gate with you. If the flight is full and there is no room in the overhead bin or under the seat, you will need to check it as baggage. Most airlines allow car seats to be checked for free, even if you normally pay for checked bags. Ask at the ticket counter about their specific policy.

If you are checking the car seat, ask for a gate-check tag so you can retrieve it at the gate when you land, rather than waiting for it at baggage claim. This is especially helpful if you need the seat when ready when you arrive.

During boarding, bring the car seat to your assigned window seat and install it before takeoff. You do not need to remove it during taxi, takeoff, or landing — the whole point of bringing it is to use it throughout the flight.

Car seats at your destination

If you checked the car seat, you will receive it at the gate or at baggage claim, depending on what you arranged. If you brought it into the cabin, you can either check it for your return flight or carry it with you to your rental car or ground transportation.

Many families rent a car seat at their destination rather than traveling with one. Car seat rental companies operate at major airports and can deliver a seat to your hotel or rental car company. This saves luggage space and the hassle of installing and removing the seat multiple times. Compare the cost of renting against the cost of an extra airline ticket to see which option makes sense for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy a ticket for the car seat?

Yes. The car seat must occupy its own seat on the plane. You cannot use a car seat on a lap or in a bassinet. If your child is old enough to sit in their own seat, you will need two tickets total — one for your child and one for the car seat — plus your own ticket.

Can I use a booster seat instead of a car seat?

No. The FAA only approves certain types of car seats for aircraft use, and booster seats are not among them. Check your specific car seat model's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm whether it is approved.

What if my car seat does not fit in the window seat?

Some car seats are too wide for airplane seats. Measure your car seat's width and compare it to the width of an airplane seat (typically around 17 inches). If it does not fit, you will need to purchase or rent a different approved seat, or use a car seat rental service at your destination.

Can I use a car seat in the exit row?

No. Exit row seats have different dimensions and safety requirements. Car seats must be installed in standard window seats only.

What if the flight attendant says my car seat is not allowed?

This is rare if your seat has an FAA approval label, but it can happen if there is confusion about the rules. Show the flight attendant the approval label on the seat or in the manual. If there is still a disagreement, ask to speak with the captain or airline supervisor. Having your car seat manual or a photo of the approval label on your phone can help resolve the issue quickly.