
- #RENTING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR AIRPLANE HOW TO#
- #RENTING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR AIRPLANE PLUS#
Of course, there are downsides to checking a car seat or boarding with one. Maria Argutinskaya / EyeEm/EyeEm/Getty Images Cons Of Checking A Car Seat On An Airplane But keep in mind, this perk is only available for passengers traveling in coach. If available, you might skip the car seat altogether. These are like mini beds that actually attach to the bulkhead so baby can rest. if you call in advance, you might be able to secure one of American Airlines inflight bassinets (sometimes called a sky cot). While you can opt to fly with your baby on your lap, provided they’re between the ages of 14 days and age 2, a CRS is seen as a better option for a child’s safety regardless of their age.Īnd here’s another great pro-tip, some airlines, including British Airways and American Airlines, offer their own baby seat options. In fact, the airline strongly encourages Child Restraint Systems (CRS, aka FAA-approved child restraining seats). This is the case with Southwest Airlines. Sounds easy enough, right? But you might still be wondering, is it really worth the trouble of taking a car seat on a flight, checked or in the seat? All nine airlines we checked not only allow you bring a car seat on board, they often they prefer it. Pros Of Checking a Car Seat On An Airplane (And who wants to carry a super heavy car seat anyway?) Opt for a lightweight version and check the Federal Aviation Agency for a complete list of rules and regulations including the requirement that all car seats have “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it. Naturally, not all car seats are the same and if you have an extraordinarily hefty one, that could become a problem on some airlines. Make sure you also put a baggage tag on your car seat so you don’t run into trouble claiming it after your flight.
#RENTING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR AIRPLANE PLUS#
The additional plus to this is on many airlines you’ll get it back at the gate, saving you time waiting at baggage, or, even better, allowing you to snap it into your stroller (which all major carriers also let you check for free) so you can swiftly roll out. The next tip? Spare yourself the luggage stress by either putting your car seat in a clear plastic bag to protect all of its parts, or checking it right at the gate where it will have less distance to travel. If you want to take multiple car seat options, you’ll likely be charged a fee for additional restraint systems, so pack wisely. So forget worrying over charges provided you’re taking one car seat per child traveler. airlines researched for this story, all offered complimentary car seat check-in. The first step in checking a car seat on an airplane is whittling down the rules and regulations of the particular airline you’re flying.
#RENTING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR AIRPLANE HOW TO#
Do you beg, steal, or borrow a car seat on your trip? Or just add it to your luggage list? And what does that cost? Is it even worth the trouble? How to Check a Car Seat On An Airplane Wherever your final destination is, you’ll likely need to board a car afterwards and that means baby’s gotta be buckled up. If you’re traveling with an infant, you’re likely wondering how you can check a car seat on an airplane. There’s security to consider, mask rules to double check. This letter may be needed for CARES (if the flyer is larger than 44 lbs and 40 inches), and is always needed when using Special CARES.Air travel these days can be challenging. * The FAA permit is actually a letter, (called an exemption letter), which ‘exempts’ a flyer from the FAA rules regarding size restrictions and allows a larger special needs individual to use CARES. Help Me Choose: CARES or Special CARES for a Special Needs Traveler? Child SizeĬARES / Special CARES is only FAA approved for children 22-44 lbs and up to 40 inches tall.Īny child less than 44 lbs and 40 inches tall, can use it on any U.S. THE USER SHOULD CARRY THIS LETTER EVERY TIME HE FLIES. IF THE USER IS TALLER THAN 40 INCHES AND OVER 44 POUNDS, A SPECIAL PERMIT (EXEMPTION LETTER) MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE FAA. FAA exemption letter required for travelĬARES and Special CARES are only certified for children up to 40 inches AND 44 pounds.Special CARES is only suitable for Special Needs Flyers: Special CARES – Airplane Safety Harness (or CRS - Child Restraint System)
