Car seats and pushchairs on a plane: what families need to know
Baby gear is where flying with children gets complicated. Can you use your car seat on the plane? Does the pushchair go in the hold? What happens at the gate? The answers depend on your airline, but a few rules are the same almost everywhere. This guide covers the common ones and what to check before you go.
Check these first
The things people forget most. Everything else can be bought, borrowed or worked around.
- Passports for every child
- Airline rules on car seats and pushchairs
- Medication, with doses
- Comfort toy
- Chargers
Car seats on the plane
A car seat generally needs aircraft approval and a label saying so. Many seats are fine in a car but not allowed on a plane, so look first. Seats can’t go in an emergency exit row or the row in front of or behind one.
Babies under two
Children under two normally have to be secured when the seatbelt sign is on. This is done with a loop belt for a lap infant, or with an approved child seat in their own seat.
Pushchairs
Most airlines carry pushchairs for free, and many let you use it to the gate. Ask at check-in whether it goes in the hold from the desk or the gate. Some airlines allow small folding strollers in the cabin.
At the airport
Tips
- Read your airline’s page on children and baby equipment before you book, and screenshot it.
- If your pushchair is expensive, photograph its condition before you hand it over.
- At your destination, check what is available to hire: some resorts and rental companies supply car seats and pushchairs.
- Ask for the pushchair at the aircraft door when you arrive, if that is how your airline does it.
Common questions
Can I take a car seat on a plane?
Often yes, if the airline allows it and the seat has the right approval for aircraft. Check your airline’s rules and the label on the seat before you go.
Do airlines charge for pushchairs?
Most let you take a pushchair for free, and often a car seat too. The details vary, so check your airline.
Can I take my pushchair to the gate?
Usually yes. Many airlines let you use it up to the gate and collect it from the plane door at the other end. Ask at check-in.
Does my baby need their own seat?
Babies under two can usually travel on a lap, and then need a loop belt from the airline. Their own seat is needed if you want to use a car seat on board.