Yes, You Should Use a Car Seat When Flying With Baby + Other Travel Tips

There’s no way around it—flying with a baby can be intimidating. Whether it’s your first flight or your fifth, taking your baby on a plane can feel pretty overwhelming. As a Child Passenger Safety Technician—someone who's specially trained in car seat use and education—it's also a topic I field many questions on from nervous parents.

Good news: we have answers. We’re breaking down some of the most frequently asked questions on all things babies + air travel (including the most updated guidance on car seats on planes), and sharing the best, most helpful products to make your time in the friendly skies a little bit easier.

Flying with Baby FAQ

Do you need to buy a plane ticket for a baby?

If your little one is under the age of two, they don't need a ticket on most domestic airlines. Most allow babies under two years old to fly free on domestic flights on your lap alongside one paying adult. (Always double-check with your specific airline before you book, however.)

But should you fly with your baby on your lap? No; more on that below.

Does a baby need a car seat on a plane?

There's no law requiring a baby to ride in a car seat while on a plane; however, buying a ticket for your child and flying with a car seat is the safest option for several reasons.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend that children use a car seat on a plane. Recent reports of turbulence on flights that have injured or killed passengers (and reports that turbulence may be becoming more common) have put the issue of car seat usage in the air top of mind. The bottom line: a car seat is the best way to protect your child.

“The safest place on a plane for a baby or toddler is always an age-appropriate car seat that fits them correctly,” says CPST Rebekah Kimminau. “In the event of severe turbulence, a car seat will ensure they are securely in their seats. In the event of issues during take-off or landing, a car seat will again make sure they are as safe as possible.”

"During a flight, the crew has to secure everything in the galley during turbulence. Why wouldn’t I want to secure a child in the safest way possible if I'm keeping metal containers latched in?" says Kim Militello, a former flight attendant and current Babylist team member.

There are other pros to bringing a car seat on board, including your child’s comfort. “It’s something kids are already familiar with—their safe space,” Militello says. And if you’re dealing with a toddler who tends to try to get up and explore, a car seat “keeps them from climbing all over chairs and trying to run down the aisles.”

It also solves an issue when you land. “Flying with a car seat means you don’t have to worry about getting one at your destination because you’ll have one to use already,” says Militello.

Most infant car seats are FAA-approved for aircraft use, but you’ll want to confirm before your trip. Look for a label on your seat that reads: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft travel.” It's also safe to use an airplane harness device if your child meets the usage guidelines.

If you fly frequently, it's worthwhile to invest in a lightweight travel car seat.

Do you need to bring identification for baby when flying?

If you’re flying domestically, no; TSA does not require children under 18 to provide ID when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, if you’re flying with a lap infant, an airline may ask you to present proof of age. A birth certificate, passport or immunization record will work.

If you’re traveling internationally, your child will need a passport.

Can you bring breast milk or baby formula on a plane? What about baby food pouches?

Yes. Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has pretty tight restrictions on what can and can’t pass through security for adults, those rules don’t apply to children 12 years old and younger.

Formula, breast milk, juice and other liquids (a sippy cup filled with water, for example) are permitted in “reasonable quantities” through the security checkpoint. (Here's more on what you need to know about flying with breast milk.) Same goes for gel teethers and baby food in cans, pouches or jars. Ice packs, freezer or gel packs and other accessories needed to cool formula or breast milk are also okay.

These items don’t need to follow the usual liquid restrictions and don’t need to be in a quart-sized bag. As you approach the security line, you’ll need to remove these items from your bag and inform the TSA officer that you’ll be bringing them through so they can screen them separately.

The “Traveling with Children” section of the TSA website has a full rundown of rules and procedures. Note that these rules apply to domestic US flights only; if you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll need to research international travel regulations.

Can you bring your stroller on a plane? Does a stroller count as luggage?

You cannot bring a full-size stroller on a plane; it needs to be checked either with your luggage or at the gate. Some travel strollers are compact enough to fit into the overhead compartment, in which case it’s fine to bring them on board. (They may or may not count as luggage, though, so check with your airline.)

Many families choose to gate-check their stroller, a good strategy since your little one can stay in their stroller all the way to the door of the plane. Just be sure to have a gate agent tag it before you board and don't forget to retrieve it after you’ve deplaned.

How do you change a diaper on a plane?

Patience, dexterity and a little bit of good luck.

Changing your baby on a plane isn’t ideal, but it’s doable. The best place to change your baby’s diaper on a plane is in the bathroom. Ask your flight attendant which bathroom is equipped with a changing table, and bring along a portable changing station stocked with everything you might need.

Tips for Traveling with Baby

Keep these travel tips in mind to make your trip with baby a little bit easier.

• Get organized. Now isn’t the time to toss a few things into a bag and hop on the plane five minutes before takeoff. Make a packing list of everything you think you’ll need, and keep the essentials like wipes, diapers, snacks and a change of clothes close at hand. (Pro tip: pack a change of clothes for your baby and for you.) Build in plenty of extra time to get to the airport in case anything comes up, like an unexpected diaper blowout or a very hungry baby.

• Get the right gear. A backpack-style diaper bag and an easy-on, easy-off baby carrier will help keep your hands free. If you think you’ll be traveling enough to justify the cost, invest in a travel stroller.

• Help with air pressure. Some babies have a tough time with air pressure changes on planes. Sucking can help, so consider feeding your little one during takeoff and landing and keep a pacifier on hand if your little one uses one.

• Keep 'em busy. A few simple activities go a long way in keeping little ones, especially older babies and toddlers, entertained on a plane. Bring along some favorite toys and books as well as some new travel toys. There's also plenty of information on Pinterest, Reddit and travel sites for creative plane activity hacks like DIY busy boxes, lacing cards, window clings and more.

Packing List Must-Haves for Flying with Baby

These parent- and expert-approved travel essentials will make air travel easier on you and your little one.

Skip Hop 
Forma Diaper Backpack

This diaper backpack is light, roomy and affordable.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$78.99

Amazon$78.99

Walmart$78.99

Target$78.99

Cosco Kids Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Our top pick for air travel, this car seat is affordable, lightweight and easy to use both rear- and forward-facing.

Buy

Add to Babylist

walmart.com$59.00

WildBird 
Aerial Carrier

Put baby in this carrier and pack your stroller with your bags as you make your way to your flight.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$178.00

Zoe 
The Traveler Lightweight Stroller

Compact enough to fit in the overhead bin and with a quick, easy open and close, this travel stroller is the perfect family adventure companion.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Aden + Anais 
Cotton Muslin Swaddle 4-Pack

The jack of all trades when it comes to baby products, a swaddle works as a blanket, a nursing cover, an on-the-go changing solution and more.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$69.99

Amazon$69.95

Boogie 
Antibacterial Hand Wipes (5 Pack)

Throw a pack of these wipes in your diaper bag for when your baby touches every possible surface of the airplane seat—and the floor of the airport.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$9.99

Amazon$9.85

Small Story 
Organic Cotton 2-Way Zip Footie (2 Pack)

A change of clothes is a must when traveling with a baby. (Don’t forget to pack yourself a change, too.)

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$25.99

AEIOU 
Silicone Snack Cup (2 Pack)

You can never have too many snacks on a plane.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$20.00

Dr. Brown's 
HappyPaci One-Piece Silicone Pacifier (3 Pack)

A pacifier helps relieve ear pressure caused by changes in air pressure, especially during takeoff and landing.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$5.99

Amazon$3.92

Target$4.49

Walmart$4.97

Sassy 
Smart Stages Soft Book Set

These high-contrast books are visually stimulating and feature crinkle covers.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$22.99