Car Seats and Air Travel

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By Cara Miller

Most parents would never allow their child to travel in a car for a two-hour trip without their car seats. Then why not in the air as well? Even though there is no law for children to be restrained on aircraft Transport Canada highly recommends the use of an approved child restraint for all phases of flight. The use of a child restraint system provides the greatest degree of protection for the infant or child and its use during flight will help in case of unanticipated turbulence.

On most domestic flights children under the age of two fly for free sitting on a parent's lap. The only way to guarantee use of your child's car seat is to purchase a seat of their own. Check with your airline to see if they offer discounted fares for children under age two occupying their own seats. Also, check with your airline to see what their policy is on using empty seats for your child. If they allow this try and avoid busier days or flights to increase the likelihood of using your child's car seat on board. Some parents book an aisle and window seat to increase their chances as middle seats are often the last to be assigned.

Here are some frequently asked questions about travelling with car seats:

Can I use my older child's booster seat on board?

No. Child booster seats must be used with a lap/shoulder combination belt and aircraft are only equipped with lap belts therefore booster seats are not approved for use on aircraft.

How do I know if my child's car seat is approved for aircraft use?

 

All car seats sold in Canada are affixed with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213 or 213.1 National Safety Mark Sticker. This sticker certifies the car seat is approved for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. Your car seat's user manual will also state that your seat is approved for use on aircarft, have your manual with you on international flights in case you are asked. *note not all international carriers allow car seats on board- check before purchasing your tickets.

Should my child ride rear-facing or forward-facing on board?

Your child should ride the same way they do in your vehicle. Rear-facing car seats must be placed in the window seat of the aircraft as to not block the escape path in the event of an emergency. This may also apply to forward-facing seats as well. Check with the flight attendant as you board.

Do I use the top tether in my foward-facing car seat?

Airplane seats do not have tether anchors, so tether straps can not be used. Check with your car seats instructions to see how you can safely store the tether strap so it does not hit anyone inside the airplane in a crash or during turbulence.

How do I install the car seat on the plane?

When installing a forward-facing car seat ask for an airplane seatbelt extender so that the aircraft seatbelt release latch is on the outside of the car seat belt routing cavity. If one is not available turn the airplane seatbelt over so the female part is up side down (this is the important part) and then do the seatbelt up and tightening. You need to turn the female portion upside down because if you don't do this, it is very difficult to lift the release latch of a tight seatbelt in the small cavity of the carseat seatbelt path with the release latch facing the back of the car seat.

One other tip is to have one parent board the aircraft and install the car seat while the other parent waits at the gate and boards last with the child.

I'm traveling alone with my child. How do I carry my car seat through the airport?

Folding luggage racks work well for this purpose and easily stow in the overhead compartment of the plane. There are also specialized carriers made for car seats and air travel. Check with your local baby boutique before travelling.

I won't need a car seat when I arrive at my destination. Is their any other approved restraint that can be used for my child?

An alternative to using a car seat on board is using an approved child restraint device for use on board aircraft called CARES. The device is specifically designed for children ages one to four, weighing between 22 and 44 pounds (10-20 kg), and measuring 40 in. (100 cm) or less in height. It uses the existing passenger safety belt, and holds the upper torso of the child against the aircraft seatback.