Has anyone flown with a lap baby that had their own seat, but was not in a car seat? A site guest suggested checking the car seat on the post about the Mexican vacation. I thought the FAA required a car seat. Bees in the know hit me with your buzz!
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I’ve put an older lap child in an extra open seat and not gotten any complaints. I would maybe check with your specific airline to be sure you don’t end up in a mess depending on the staff that day, but looks like your lap child is older from your profile ... at that age I wouldn’t think anyone would bat an eye as you can definitely take a 2yo with no car seat.
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I'm confused about this. A lap child would by definition not have their own seat. You just mean a baby younger than 2 without a carseat? I have not done this but maybe look into whether they are big enough to use a CARES harness. That's what we used for our daughter once she reached the size limits.
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The FAA recommends a car seat, but doesn't require one, so you should be okay without. You could maybe invest in a CARES harness if your child is over 22 lbs? More info here: https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/
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The FAA does not require a car seat and the the child may sit in the seat and be restrained by just the belt. Section 10a
"a. Children Under the Age of Two. Under the provisions in parts 121, 125, and 135,
during takeoff, landing, and movement on the surface, each person on board shall occupy an
approved seat or berth with a separate seatbelt properly secured about him/her. However, a
person who has not reached his/her second birthday may be held by an adult occupying a seat or
berth. During takeoff, landing, and movement on the surface, a child under the age of two may
be held in an adult’s lap or be placed in a regular passenger seat and use a standard seatbelt."https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_120-87C.pdf
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We were given a hard time once where they tried to give away our sons seat which we had paid for when we didn’t bring his seat. When we explained and showed his ticket the flight attendant made a snotty comment (he should have his car seat) but let us keep his seat. Now that he is old enough that we have to buy him a seat, we always have him sit in a car seat and someone always gives us a hard time about THAT. 🤷♀️
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I have sat my under 2 year old in the seat without a car seat, using just the lap belt on a plane. No issue, as he had his own seat.
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My kid had her own seat under 2 with no car seat a couple of times. We brought a CARES harness but she was too small for it. Under 2 you can still hold them for takeoff.
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Agree with others - car seat is generally a good idea but definitely not required. We've done both car seat and no car seat for DD1 when she was under 2.
ETA: We do always gate check the car seats when we don't use them on the plane because I'm nervous about them getting lost/damaged.
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I didn't use a car seat for dd as a toddler. I tried it once and it resulted in soooo much kicking of the person in front of us until I turned her sideways which defeats the purpose. That person never complained and I held her legs down quick as I could but I felt so bad about it!
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@catlady: yes, I meant a child that could qualify as a lap infant.
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I went back to our airlines’ rules and a car seat is just a strong suggestion. 🤔 LO is 31 lbs. once we get to our destination we are only going to use the car seat to and from the airport. Now, I just have to convince DH to skip the seat.
Thanks everyone!!
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We have skipped the seats on occasions when we have lucked out into a free seat. My DS used the seat mostly to stand in front of play cars or whatever. This was when he was under 2. We have also skipped it now that he's a bigger kid (3.5) and just buckled him. But there will be arguments both ways of course...
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@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: We checked our car seat on our first flight where we had to purchase a seat for my 3yo.
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@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I have never flown with a car seat on a plane for kids from 6 mos to 6. when we visit my parents they bought extra seats and install in their car before they pick up.
When we are renting a car elsewhere I check the seat at the counter and pick it up at baggage claim to install in the rental.I flew last year with a 21 month old with his own seat. No one seemed bothered. It was nice that I was allowed to hold him at takeoff. Once theu are two they have to be buckled in their seat during takeoff and landing.
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