How To Pack A Car Seat For Checked Baggage? A detailed guide
Traveling with a car seat? You want to make sure it arrives safe and sound for your little one.
Whether you’re traveling with your little one or planning to bring a car seat along on your next flight, you might be wondering how to pack it properly for checked baggage. What’s the most efficient way to protect your infant car seat while traveling on a plane?
Navigating airline requirements and pre boarding procedures can be intimidating, especially when traveling with a large car seat or child restraint system even if it’s FAA approved.
But don’t worry this detailed guide covers all the essential information you need to properly pack and prepare your infant car seat for checked baggage.
Let’s kick things off.
How To Pack A Car Seat For Checked Baggage?
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1. Check The Airlines Rules ( Check the Car Seat For Free, And Protected )
When preparing to pack your car seat for checked baggage, almost all major Airlines and travel companies consider infants’ safety one of their top priorities.
As a result, you can check your car seat for no additional fees.
It’s advisable to put your car seat in a secure and recognizable bag to avoid it getting spoiled or lost.
Some parents tend to pack their car seats in large bags surrounded by diapers or other soft items (towels, socks, etc.) to protect it from damage.
I strongly recommend not traveling with your usual expensive car seat, but rather an affordable one that you use exclusively for travel.
I strongly recommend not traveling with your usual expensive car seat ;but rather an affordable one that you are using exclusively for travel.
Some parents misunderstand the rules around using car seats on airplanes, leading to conflicts with flight attendants, who sometimes incorrectly prevent even an FAA approved car seat from being used especially on airplanes with seats that are smaller than average.
But, carrying a bulky car seat isn’t necessary.
Since airplane seats are statistically safe, you may want to carry an easy to fold, lightweight car seat instead.
Can You Check A Car Seat Without A Child?
Yes, if you want to bring your car seat with you on any airline, the airline team will check that your car seat meets the necessary requirements, and you can transport it as checked baggage or take it onboard.
Once it’s approved:
Take your car seat through security and get to the boarding gate with plenty of time to spare.
Let the team at the gate know that you have a car seat.
The crew will check that you’ve installed the car seat correctly and may attach an extra strap if necessary.
To check your car seat as checked baggage free of charge, go to the airport check-in desk or ask a team member for help.
Do I Need A Bag To Check My Car Seat?
If your child’s car seat can’t take the hits, it may be damaged during handling or in contact with other items. So, you will need a bag for your car seat.
A car seat bag will only protect it from surface damage and won’t prevent structural damage.
But overall, protecting your car seat in a bag is better than not using one. Baggage handlers can be quite rough and cause scratches.
What If My Car Seat Is Lost Or Damaged By The Airline?
If your car seat doesn’t make it to your final destination (hopefully, this never happens) or gets damaged or destroyed during handling, do not leave the airport until you make a claim.
Look for your airline’s lost or damaged baggage department and file a claim right away.
Sometimes airlines will offer compensation, typically around $50, but your car seat may be worth more.
You’ll receive a claim number that will help you track your car seat. You’ll need this number to file a claim for any replacement items.
How To Install Car Seat On Plane
If you hesitate to transport your car seat as checked baggage and want tips on installing it on the airplane, here are some useful guidelines:
Your car seat will have a manual. Follow it regarding age, height, and weight requirements for installation via the lap belt.
Choose a comfortable seat for your child and pick the appropriate position for the car seat on the plane (rear-facing or forward-facing).
Place the car seat on the plane seat flush against the airline seatback. If rear-facing, ensure the car seat is level with the ground (based on the level line located on the side of the car seat).
Route the airline lap belt through the appropriate belt path for your installation.
Reach under the pad and pull the lap belt across the shell. Do NOT twist the belt. When rear-facing, the lap belt MUST be in front of the crotch buckle strap.
Buckle the airline belt.
Tighten the belt: Place your hand in the car seat, push it down and back towards the airline seatback, and pull the free end of the belt to tighten.
Check the belt tightness: Hold the child restraint at the belt path with your weaker hand. Push and pull from side to side. Your seat should not move more than 1 inch at the belt path.
Just like checking your car seat, strollers can be checked without additional charges. However, it’s preferable to use the stroller all the way to the gate to take advantage of its benefits.
You can use it before your departure and just after you arrive at the airport.
If you decide to check it to your final destination, you won’t need to worry until your stroller arrives.
But you may need to carry or wear your child during a large airport transfer, so always think wisely before making a decision.
Some savvy parents purchase small and compact strollers that fit onboard aircraft, allowing them to pass through the gate smoothly and use the stroller throughout the flight.
Alysa is an experienced writer, editor and a digital nomad. She is an over-packer, Alysa has explored over 25 countries, enjoys warm destinations and she firmly believes that traveling should be hassle-free, fun and enjoyable.
