Navigate Airports Easily With Your Car Seat

Travelling with children can be stressful, especially when you have to worry about carrying a car seat through the airport. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

- Check your airline's regulations for checked items and carry-ons.

- Use a car seat travel bag that can be worn as a backpack or has wheels.

- Attach the car seat to a carry-on with a car seat luggage strap.

- Request TSA care assistance or get a Skysquad assistant to help.

- Check the car seat as baggage and collect it at your destination airport.

- Bring the car seat on board and install it on the plane seat.

Car seat travel bag with wheels

Car seat travel bags with wheels are a convenient option for parents travelling with young children. They are designed to protect your car seat and make it easier to transport through the airport. Here are some key features and benefits:

Protection

Car seat travel bags are usually made of heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric that protects your car seat from dirt, moisture and damage during travel. Some bags feature thick protective padding to keep your car seat safe from bumps and knocks.

Ease of Transport

The addition of wheels allows for easy manoeuvring through the airport, reducing the burden of carrying a heavy car seat. Most bags feature dual rubber wheels and an adjustable pull strap for easy handling. Some bags also have a detachable shoulder strap or backpack straps for added convenience.

Storage

Car seat travel bags often provide extra storage space, allowing you to pack additional items such as toys, diapers or other baby essentials. This can help streamline your travel by reducing the number of bags you need to carry.

Compatibility

It is important to ensure that your car seat travel bag is compatible with your car seat model. Most bags accommodate a wide range of car seat brands and sizes, but it is always a good idea to check before purchasing. Some bags are designed to fit specific car seat models, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Other Features

Car seat travel bags often include features such as lockable dual zippers, clear ID pockets, adjustable interior cinch straps and resting pegs to prevent dragging. Some bags also come with a storage pouch, protective feet and a name card slot, ensuring easy identification at the airport.

Overall, car seat travel bags with wheels offer a practical solution for parents travelling with young children. They provide protection for your car seat, make transportation easier and offer additional storage space. With a range of compatible designs and useful features, these bags can help make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Car seat travel cart

The Britax Car Seat Travel Cart, for example, uses LATCH connectors to attach the car seat to the cart, the same connectors that secure your car seat in your vehicle. This particular travel cart also has a one-hand telescoping handle that adjusts to fit parents of all heights and a raised platform that protects the car seat from touching the ground.

There are other options available on Amazon, such as the KEDSUM Folding Hand Truck, which has a load-bearing capacity of 290 lbs, or the Holm Airport Car Seat Stroller Travel Cart, which is foldable and can be stored under your airplane seat or in the overhead compartment.

When deciding whether to bring your car seat with you, it is important to consider the safety of your child and the condition of your car seat. Checking your car seat as luggage can result in damage and increases the risk of it getting lost. However, carrying your car seat through the airport can be cumbersome and may not be allowed by some airlines.

Some alternatives to car seat travel carts include:

• Car seat bags: These can be carried as backpacks or have wheels. If you plan to bring your car seat on the plane, a thin bag that can be rolled up and stored in the overhead bin may be a good option.
• Car seat travel belts: These can be used to link your car seat to your wheeled luggage or stroller, keeping it close and making installation on the plane easier.
• Car seat dollies: These allow you to strap your car seat onto a dolly, turning it into a stroller that you can pull like a suitcase.
• Car seat backpack straps: These allow you to wear the car seat as a backpack, leaving your hands free.

Whatever method you choose, it is important to check with your airline beforehand, as some may have specific requirements or restrictions on car seats. Additionally, make sure your car seat is approved for air travel and meets any size restrictions.

Car seat luggage strap

The car seat luggage strap is easy to use and can be attached to or removed from your luggage in seconds. When not in use, the strap can be folded and stored in your bag, taking up minimal space. This product is ideal for parents who want to save money and avoid the hassle of carrying a car seat carrier or cart.

• Ensure that your luggage has a top tether or roller function.
• Practice attaching the strap to your luggage and car seat at home before your trip.
• When you are ready to travel, attach the strap to your luggage by threading it through the roller or handle.
• Secure the car seat to the strap by connecting it to the steel ring and buckle.
• Adjust the strap to ensure a tight and secure fit.
• You can now easily pull your luggage with the attached car seat through the airport.
• Before boarding, remember to remove the car seat from your luggage and store the strap in your bag.

Using a car seat luggage strap is a convenient and cost-effective way to transport your car seat and luggage through the airport. It saves you time, money, and effort, making your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Ask for TSA care assistance

If you're travelling with a small child, you may be wondering how to get their car seat through security and to the gate. TSA Cares provides information on security procedures to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, and those needing additional assistance prepare for the security screening process.

• Ask for TSA Care Assistance: TSA Cares is a great resource for passengers who need additional assistance. You can contact them by calling (866) 289-9673 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET on weekdays or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekends and holidays. They can provide information on security procedures and guide you through the screening process, making your travel experience smoother and less stressful.
• Choose a Suitable Car Seat Bag: Consider investing in a car seat bag that can be worn as a backpack or rolled like luggage. This will keep your hands free for handling your child and other travel necessities. Some car seat bags offer padding to protect your car seat during transit. If you plan to check your car seat, consider using the original box with additional padding to ensure its safety.
• Utilize a Stroller or Travel Cart: If you're travelling alone with your child, a stroller can be a helpful way to navigate the airport. You can place the car seat on top of the stroller or use a hook or luggage strap to attach it securely. Alternatively, consider a travel cart specifically designed to hold a car seat, providing a makeshift stroller option.
• Plan Ahead and Confirm with Your Airline: Different airlines may have varying policies regarding car seats on planes. Confirm with your airline beforehand to ensure that your car seat is approved for air travel and complies with their specific requirements. This will save you from any last-minute surprises at the airport.
• Consider Checking Your Car Seat: If carrying the car seat through the airport seems overwhelming, consider checking it with your luggage. Most airlines allow you to check car seats for free. Just make sure to take precautions, such as adding padding and taking photos of its condition before the trip, to ensure its safety during handling.
• Be Prepared for Security Screening: When passing through security checkpoints, be ready to show that your car seat is approved for air travel. Look for red lettering or stickers indicating aircraft approval. Having the car seat manual with you can also help provide additional proof of its suitability for use on the plane.

Remember, travelling with a small child can be challenging, but with proper planning and assistance like TSA Cares, you can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your little one.

Get a Skysquad assistant

If you're looking for a helping hand to get you through the airport, SkySquad could be the answer. SkySquad offers an airport assistance service, providing an extra pair of hands to reduce the worry of travelling.

SkySquad's team of badged and background-checked assistants can meet you at your car when you arrive at the airport, or at the gate when you land, to help you get to baggage claim and out to your car. Their services include carrying your luggage, assisting with check-in and printing boarding passes, and helping you find the security area and your gate.

If you're travelling with children, SkySquad's assistants can provide an extra set of eyes and hands to make your journey easier and less stressful. Their assistants are energetic, compassionate, and caring individuals who are determined to help airports provide peace of mind and confidence to fly.

You can book a SkySquad assistant by texting or emailing them to confirm a meeting place at the airport entrance. Their services are currently available at the following airports:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

So, if you're dreading the idea of navigating a busy airport with your car seat and little ones in tow, why not give SkySquad a try? With their help, you can make your travel experience a breeze.

Frequently asked questions