Flying on a plane is pure magic for kids. They’re thrilled by everything: going through the security metal detector, winding through the jet bridge, catching a peek of the cockpit, and seeing the world shrink down to toy-size. Parents? Flying with our kids isn’t quite as exciting.
Family air travel is a hassle, no matter how you slice it. One of the biggest stressors? Hauling that car seat onboard. You can almost feel the panic setting in! But here’s the good news: installing a car seat on a plane is actually way easier than doing it in your car at home.
To ease your mind and bring in the vacation bliss a little sooner, here’s our simple guide to installing a car seat correctly on a plane.
How to Install a Car Seat on an Airplane
Bringing your car seat on the plane is non-negotiable. Checking it with your luggage through TSA can actually cause as much damage as a crash. Plus, you can’t leave your car seat at home because you’ll need it for your rideshare or rental car. And then there are loaner car seats, which you can grab at your destination, but aren’t reliable or safe. (Check out our post “What You Need to Know About Rental Car Seats” to learn more.)
So, let’s face the facts: the car seat is coming with you. However, in this post, we’ll show you that traveling with a car seat isn’t as stressful as it may seem. Here’s our hassle-free guide on how to install a car seat on an airplane:
Can You Take a Car Seat on an Airplane?
Yes! As long as a car seat is FAA-approved, you can bring it on board. Most car seats are approved for use on aircraft; however, it’s always a good idea to check. Look for a big sticker directly on the car seat that reads “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFTS.” If you find this sticker, you’re good to fly.
Want more info? Here’s what car seats are FAA-approved.
How to Install a Car Seat on a Plane
Infant Seat
Step One: Set the car seat on the seat at the correct angle.
Place the infant car seat (with no base) in a rear-facing position on the airplane seat. You may not be able to get the line level to the ground if you are in economy. On a plane, this is ok. Go ahead and harness the baby now if you haven't already.
Step Two: Route the seat belt through the belt guide and buckle.
Next, route the airplane seat belt through the belt guides and buckle it across the center, over your baby’s legs. If you’re familiar with installing your infant carrier without the base, the process on an airplane is basically the same.
Step Three: Tighten until the seat is snug.
Pull the seat belt tight until the carrier is snug against the airplane seat. You are ready to fly!
Rear-Facing Seat
Step One: Set the car seat on the seat at the correct angle.
Place the car seat rear-facing on the airplane seat and adjust the angle. You may not be able to get the recline correct if you are in economy. On a plane, this is ok.
Step Two: Pull back the padding.
Next, pull back the padding to reveal the rear-facing belt path—if it’s easy to do. If it’s difficult or tedious, just skip this step. It’s helpful, but not necessary.
Step Three: Route the belt through the rear-facing path and buckle.
Thread the airplane lap belt through the rear-facing belt path, then buckle it. The buckle will end up at the center of the path.
Step Four: Tighten until the seat is snug.
Pull the airplane lap belt tight until the seat is snug against the airplane seat.
Step Five: Put the padding back in place.
Fold and position the padding back over the belt path to cover the seat belt and buckle.
Front-Facing Seat
Step One: Set the car seat on the seat.
Place the car seat forward-facing on the airplane seat and change the recline if needed.
Step Two: Route the belt through the front-facing belt path and buckle.
Thread the airplane seat belt through the forward-facing belt path and buckle it. The buckle will probably click securely at the center of the back within the belt path.
Step Three: Tighten until the seat is snug.
Pull the seat belt tight until the car seat is snug against the airplane seat.
Airplane Installation Tips
Get a window seat (never the aisle seat).
Your car seat isn’t allowed to block the aisle. To avoid any potential issues, purchase a window seat and install the car seat there. You can technically use the middle seat, but skip the aisle and exit rows altogether.
Be aware of open belt path front-facing seats.
Most forward-facing car seats have what's called an open belt path, meaning there’s nothing between your child’s back and the seat belt. In your car, that’s no big deal since the belt lies flat. But on an airplane, the buckle ends up sitting right behind your child’s back. That can get pretty uncomfortable for some kids. If your seat has an open belt path, try wrapping a dish towel or receiving blanket around the belt to make it a little softer.
Note: Don’t use a towel or blanket when installing the seat in your car, this trick is just for airplane travel.
Remember, you can only use harnessed car seats on a plane.
Since airplanes don’t have shoulder belts - only lap belts - you can only use a harnessed car seat on board. Booster seats rely on both a lap and shoulder belt to work properly, so they are not FAA-approved for use during flight. If you're traveling with a booster, just store it in the overhead bin or check it with your luggage.
For more information on this, check out our post “Can I Take a Booster Seat on an Airplane?”
Consider a car seat just for travel.
While many car seats are FAA-approved, not all of them are travel-friendly. Some are bulky, heavy, or too wide to easily carry down an airplane aisle or fit into a narrow seat. If you’re using a forward-facing car seat, one with a closed belt path might also be more comfortable for your child on the plane. If you want to know the best car seats for air travel, use our Car Seat Finder Tool!
Take advantage of family boarding.
Installing a car seat on a plane isn’t usually too difficult, but it might take a couple of tries to get it right. Plus, maneuvering a bulky seat down the narrow airplane aisle can be tricky, especially if other passengers have already boarded. Take advantage of family boarding, which allows families with young children to board early. This gives you extra time to install the seat properly and get settled without feeling rushed.
Use a travel cart or backpack for your car seat.
Since you’re not checking the car seat, you’ll have to bring it with you while you navigate the airport. Even with a lightweight seat, this can be annoying, especially if you’re trying to keep track of multiple little passengers. (Check out these airport safety tips for families.)
We recommend using a car seat travel bag to carry the seat hands-free or a car seat cart that lets you roll your seat like a stroller. That last one is a two-in-one solution that makes traveling with a car seat way easier! Here are more tips for bringing your car seat on a plane.
Take a car seat travel course.
There’s a lot that goes into traveling with kids, and it’s more than just installing the car seat correctly. You have to make sure you book the right flights, bring the right gear, plan for delays, the list goes on. That’s why we have our Safe in the Sky Travel Guide!
This all-in-one resource gives you the real plan, not just more tips. Here’s what you can expect:
- Step-by-step install guides with real photos
- Airline-by-airline policy breakdowns
- Printable packing & prep checklists
- Gear recs by age and stage (from seasoned CPSTs!)
- Lifetime access + all future updates
- Private Facebook group for expert Q&A and mom-to-mom help
Download the course today. There’s nothing that can prepare you better for your next family flight!
Install your car seat on the plane using these simple steps!
Traveling with a car seat doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a little patience, installing your child’s car seat on an airplane can be straightforward and safe. Remember to choose the right seat, board early, and use helpful travel accessories to make your journey smoother. Soon enough, you and your little one will both be enjoying that magical feeling of flight: secure, comfortable, and ready for adventure!
For more on air travel, check out these posts:
- Traveling with a Car Seat and Stroller
- Activities for Kids on Plane Rides
- Hacks for Travel with Kids
- Safe Airplane Travel Tips
- What You Need to Know About Traveling with a Newborn on a Plane
See all our free airplane travel tips here.
As an Amazon Associate, Safe in the Seat earns from qualifying purchases.
