Does 2-Year Old Need Car Seat On Plane?

Does a 2-year-old need a car seat on plane? Yes, they do. A few months ago, I was having this conversation with my sisters, and it amazed me how they dismissed the topic because they felt two-year-olds could be lap ridden. 

According to FAA, flying with a car seat is the safest option for parents with two-year-olds or younger.  In case of unexpected turbulence, your arms may not be able to secure your child, and they might sustain serious injuries. 

The only limitation is that some airlines may not allow car seats on planes. However, many allow car seats, but the seats must be TUV or FAA-approved ( that means that the seats can be used on aircraft seats).

Flying with a car seat on a plane: Things you Need to Know

You can’t sit anywhere

Most, if not all, airlines have rules on where a baby car seat should be installed. You will need to install the car seat on the window for single-aisled aircraft, and for two-aisle aircraft, it can be installed in the plane’s middle section. 

Car seats and children are not allowed to sit on the exit rows, so you should check that when booking your seats. 

Some Airlines Don’t Permit Car Seats

If you’re flying internationally,  you must check with your preferred airline if they permit baby car seats on planes. 

Countries like the US and Canada permit car seats on planes, so you wouldn’t have to worry if you’re traveling to or with the US. 

One thing you need to know is that these airlines only permit car seats that are FAA approved.

You’ll Need To Know How To Install A Car Seat On Plane

You must teach yourself the art of installing a car seat on a plane. With the many responsibilities and people to handle, the airline crew might not offer you help, and worse still. Some don’t even have an idea of how it’s done. 

Carefully read the seat manual before takeoff to understand how you’ll fix the car seat on a plane seat. Note that you aren’t allowed to install the seat on a rear-facing seat on the flight, but it’s not a must to install the seat facing forward. 

Choose a Car Seat Wisely

If you’re yet to buy an FAA-approved seat, you should be careful about what you pick. Most aircraft have seats that seem too narrow for the car seat. Don’t purchase a car seat too big to inconvenience your travel. 

It’s Hard To Manuaver with the Car Seat Through the Plane

Passing through the airport is easy, with no hurdles until you get on the plane. But it all goes down to the size of your car seat. You will face rough maneuvering through the plane if you have a big car seat. 

Before you get to that point of struggle, you must explain that you’re carrying a small child and have luggage that might slow you down. 

On a plane, a lightweight or foldable car seat can save you a lot of embarrassment. You don’t want to carry your car seat on your head while walking through the plane. 

You Are Allowed To Flip The Car Seat Around Mid-Flight

You might put the seat in front facing position and then feel it could have been better if it had been flipped. You can flip the seat if your child is of the right age and size. 

Toddlers have a habit of kicking the front seats, which might now go well with the passengers in front of you. The best solution would be to flip the chair.  

Rear-Facing Car Seats are Best For Sleeping Toddlers

If your 2-year-old sleeps a lot while traveling, you’re better off with a rear-facing car seat. 

It’s even much better if your baby is holding some things and end up sleeping and drops them. The comfort your young one gets from a rear-facing seat cannot be compared to front-facing seats while asleep. 

Your 2-Year-Old Might Not Be Able To Use the Tray Table.

It’s a downside, especially when your child is used to hands-on activities when traveling. Besides that, you might be unable to serve them their meals on the tray. 

However, there’s a solution for that, so don’t worry. With this kid’s travel tray, you can serve your little one’s meals and even hand them their favorite toys.

Traveling With A 2-Year-Old Is Hectic.

I will be 100% honest with you because that’s precisely how it is. Traveling with a 2-year-old is fun and hectic too. And the bitter part takes the more significant share. But you can make it easier with some favorite snacks and toys to occupy your baby. 

2-Year-Old Flying Rules

1. Any child above two years old needs a car seat when flying, so you should carry your child’s seat.
2. Most US airlines require you to purchase a seat for a child of two years and above. Younger kids can be lap ridden. 
3. If you have two kids two years and younger, you’ll need to purchase another seat because you cannot lap-ride two babies on the plane. 
4. You might need to pay for your preferred seats or two seats at the same place for you and your two-year-old. 
5. You will need a copy of your child’s birth certificate for identification. Local flights only need a birth certificate, while passports are required for international flights.
6. You might not be allowed to bring your stroller on board. However, American Airlines allows you to bring the stroller on board. 
7. You have to control your child if they are too fussy or noisy. The flight attendants might give you one or two warnings about how disruptive the noise is to other passengers and the pilot. Sometimes, you might be removed from the plane if the noise becomes unbearable.

Does 2-Year-Old Need Car Seat On Plane: Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have To Pay For Car Seat On a Plane?

No, you don’t have to pay for a car seat on a plane, but you might want to check with the airline you’re using just to be sure. 

Do Airlines Provide Car Seats For Babies?

Some airlines can offer you a car seat free of charge for babies under the age of two. But you have to ensure that you arrive at the airport early and make the request for you to get one.