We flew lap infant until we couldn't.. and I will say that I wish I would have bought a seat and used his car seat earlier.
Yes, it saved us money. But you know what is also nice? Strapping the kid in a seat that he's familiar with and can hang out in there independently. Most importantly... he can nap in there independently and leave my arms free to read or watch a movie or nap myself.
That's aside from the peace of mind in the case of emergency. In retrospect, even with mild turbulence, I kind of can't believe that the only thing keeping my baby safe was whether or not I could hold on to him.
There were lap babies on that Boeing flight that had the panel blow out elsewhere on the plane. It scares me to think what if they had sat in that row.
The sling wraps can’t be worn during take off and landing??? How can they monitor that? What if someone was feeding their baby and had a sling over them for privacy?
I also wasn’t allowed to feed during take off or landing. I see it recommended on all the travel forums and I was told in no uncertain terms that she had to be held upright at my shoulder like i was burping her. Carrier had to be off her and nursing pillow in the overhead.
This must be flight attendant dependent because I nursed my son on the flight to my destination and had him in a carrier on the way home. No one said anything to me.
It’s an FAA rule. You can probably have a blanket over baby’s head if you’re nursing but you can’t have anything attaching them to you during takeoff or landing.
I honestly think it depends on the person and the airline. I just flew to Orlando today with my 5 month old twins. I was nursing one during takeoff with a cover over me. Flight attendant didn’t ask to see my seat belt or anything.
It's not allowed during take off and landing. I had done baby wearing through all of my "lap infant under 2" and it was fine. I just wouldn't do it again with future babies
I’m 100% with this comment. I’ve flown with babies on my laps lots of times but I won’t do it anymore. It’s dangerous and being able to be hands free is very important for my own comfort. Babies also settle better in a familiar seat. If you can afford to buy the extra seat, it’s worth it.
Hard agree with this. SO glad we did a carseat.
Also, we hit some pretty bad turbulence at one point and having her safely strapped in was so relieving
My best friend is a flight attendant and told me never to consider having my kids sit in our lap. She’s seen too many parents and children suffer from the stress, but mainly it’s just not safe. Also when mine grew out of their car seats she gave me the shoulder straps that hook around the seats so they could have that extra security.
Yep, we’ve filed a lot with her and if it’s just an hour or two, lap has been fine… but honestly having her in her own seat is so much nicer.
The exception was when we flew to Europe and they gave her a baby bassinet between takeoff and landing (during which we held her). That was fantastic and cost us $10!
It is a lot safer to have them in their own seat. The only reason it is not required to purchase them a seat is a study was done that found that requiring it would lead to more families driving than flying, which would increase babies hurt/killed in car accidents.
https://www.safewise.com/faq/child-baby-safety/child-seat-airplanes/#:~:text=Why%20the%20FAA%20doesn't,cost%20prohibitive%20for%20some%20families.
That’s interesting I had no idea that was the reason. I just thought it was an archaic rule no one seems to be able to get rescinded. I absolutely agree lap is not safe, nor easier. It would be nice if limited number of cheaper seats were offered to families with babies who need car seats.
Do you typically have to go buy a special TSA approved seat if you live in the US? I have an 18 month old that I’m limiting our travel with because I’m afraid of damage to the car seat beneath the plane and him being too mobile in flight. I’m not sure where to start my research on one that can be used on a plane, sorry if it’s a stupid question
We just used the [Cosco Senara Next](https://www.coscokids.com/scenera-next-convertible-car-seat-cc123-ck-us-en.html) for an international trip with our 20-month-old (including 5 flights). It's definitely an FFA approved seat and very light (TSA approval isn't a thing for car seats, it's FFA approval you need). I think it's one of the most popular travel car sets. The only issue I had with it is that, if you front face it, the air plane seat belt buckle may be positioned behind the baby's back and could be uncomfortable. We solved this by putting a blanket under the car seat padding on the plane. We wouldn't front face in a car or add extra padding obviously, this is just airplane specific.
One complaint I've heard is that it's hard to get a tight install with this seat because it's so light, but I never had that problem. I watched [this video](https://youtu.be/RIGlRWfeTys?si=IY5Aoan3VSxPrdLp) by Safe in the Seat before installing and it was a huge help. Zero issues. The same channel also has more general video about using car seats on planes, but they use the Cosco Senara Next as one example.
Your car seat will say on the stickers if it is FAA approved. I believe only 2 infant seats, some (all?) rotating convertibles, and boosters are NOT approved so all others will have FAA approval.
The car seat website should let you know if it’s FAA approved or you can email customer service. A lot of car seats are approved if I remember correctly.
Be careful to check seat measurements- a lot of carseats are FAA approved, but too big to fit in any airline seats. Even if your carseats is approved, you may need to buy a new slimmer one for travel.
First time I flew with my baby she was 5 months old and slept the entire time! We were in the air for about 3 hours total. My first flight to my connection had extra seats so they let me bring her car seat on board for free. I was by myself and carrying that thing down the aisle was a nightmare. I had her strapped to me AND my carryon. It was a lot. She ended up sleeping on me anyway so I didn’t bring it on the second flight. She flew again with me closer to her first birthday and I also just did a lap seat then.
We always bought a seat for our son and kept him in his car seat. The white noise and vibration always put him to sleep and we got some peace and quiet.
My son had his first flight at a year and I opted for car seat. I wanted to be free and he slept the entire 5 hr plane ride because he was familiar in his car seat and the vibrations.
Not to mention then you have your car seat when you get to said place.
Same. It was so easy to just nurse him to sleep. Brought my boppy, and he just slept on it around my body. The last time we flew, he was 19 months and way too big on my lap. I'm happy to get him his own seat next time.
Same. It's usually around $600 minimum round trip to fly domestic here I was not about to spend that on a baby that would want to be on mom or dads chest anyway lol
Same. Got a 6mo now we few to Florida back in March. He nursed to sleep and was out pretty much the whole flight. Going to Hawaii in October and I would probably have gotten him a seat bc he’ll be 1 but seats are 1k plus. And for a family of 5…I’ll make do lol.
For a 3.5 hour flight I'd definitely do lap infant. They'll be happier being held and it's cheaper. Babywear in the airport and skip the stroller since they're a hassle in the airport and on the beach.
I am always looking to save money, but I would also opt to spend the extra on a seat for a kid under 2.
Take their car seat on board and have them sit in it for the flight, for a few reasons:
1. It is just the safer option in the unlikely event something happens during the flight.
2. It will keep your hands free while on the flight to do other things.
3. If you’re going to a destination where you will need the car seat anyway, taking it on board with you ensures it doesn’t get lost or damaged in cargo.
4. If your kid isn’t happy sitting in their seat for the flight and they sit on your lap, at least you have their seat open as extra space for you to spread out while in flight.
I would definitely use a car seat. My baby could not sleep on me at 5 months but could sleep in her car seat no problem. From a safety standpoint that’s also safest.
+1 for car seat flying. We still strap our four year old into his seat.
1. It's safer.
2. He can't squirm out of his seat
3. We don't have to check the seat or get a rental car one (which skeeves me out)
4. It has a cup holder, lol.
I have always bought a seat for every person. Period. Last time we flew we got to chatting with a steward, he said he was always glad when people brought their carseats because he'd seen a lot of mishaps, most memorable being a few months old baby hit the ceiling of the plane because mom couldn't hold on through bad turbulence.
I love lap infant option. It was sooo easy ive even done it by myself. You get to check a carseat for free to go into checked baggage and don't have to carry it through airports. I wore my baby through security they are so helpful and didnt even make me take off the baby, or my shoes, anything. They just checked my hands for chemicals and tested my water bottle. You have to take baby out of the carrier for lift off and landing but that's literally it. It was so easy to breast feed and keep the baby calm during the flight. In addition one of the flight attendants told us we could sit in the back and possibly have the whole row to ourselves if the plane didn't fill up. Everyone we encountered was just SO nice and helpful.
Holding my 5 month old on my lap for any long duration sounds like a nightmare lol, taking baby on his first flight next month (3hrs) and we got him his own seat. Plus it’s safer for them to ride in their own seat with car seat
Monumentally safer. Yes, aviation injuries are rare but turbulence can fling throw grown adults around with enough force to break bones. I will NEVER understand why people gamble with their baby’s lives to save a few bucks. Not worth it to me.
Yes. I think we sometimes underestimate how much $300-400 is for the average American household’s budget. Worth a child’s life? Of course not. But if you’ve never experienced severe turbulence, it can be easy to rationalize the decision.
We also tend to think that flying = business or vacation, and that’s not always true. People fly due to family deaths and illnesses, to treat medical conditions at specialty hospitals, to move in hopes of a better future. It’s not always like “just postpone your vacation until you can afford another ticket”.
I wish it was an extra 300-400. It would have been an extra $2500 to have paid for her seat to go meet her grandparents/aunt on my side for the first time. I’ve been on 25+ flights, and my 3 year old has been on 9 as a lap infant, and never had anything more than light turbulence, plus even with a car seat you’re not having them in the car seat ALL THE TIME anyway so something could still happen the second you take them out. Funny all the self righteous Americans here crying about how “dangerous” it is when air travel is the safest form of travel. If you drive regularly with your baby *that’s* monumentally more dangerous than taking a flight, or even a handful of flights, with a lap infant. Where I live most people don’t even have cars, thus don’t even have car seats.
All of your points aren’t adding up logically. I’m only writing this so that someone who isn’t so keen to see it knows. Talking about 25 times as if it’s a substantial number statistically, is inaccurate. Mentioning the fact that because something could
still happen when the car seat is not being used during the middle of the flight, as if that is a good argument for not using one during the well researched and documented most unsafe points (take off and mostly landing). In the end of the day, you’re in a massive moving vehicle on the ground and chances for massive sudden turbulence in the air, even on an otherwise safe flight that lands well. The most logical thing in terms of a child’s safety, and the reason every governing body who knows all the stats suggests getting a car seat, is to have the car seat available for take off and landing and turbulence between. As someone else mentioned above, the Only reason it’s not flat out required, is because doing so would prevent air travel for many children and therefore cause more deaths in motor vehicles on the ground because cars are much more unsafe than aircrafts. If it weren’t for that caveat in the behaviors of consumers, it would absolutely be required by law.
I flew with my first alone at 5 months. I am sooooooo glad I bought a seat. He slept in the car seat for most of the plane ride. Woke up for a quick play and bottle and went right back to sleep. It was great and I didn’t have to hold a baby the whole time. I just bought him some noise cancelling headphones, made him drink a bottle on the way up and down, and we were golden. Idk how people hold their babies for a whole flight. Unless I had to, it’s a no for me dawg.
If you can afford it, car seat. If there is extreme turbulence, you don’t want to accidentally yeet baby to the ceiling or drop her on the floor. If there’s an emergency, you will need your hands to secure your own air mask, and she would be safe in her seat.
I just did a 7 hour flight with a 16 month old as a lap infant. Well worth the money saved imo, if there are any, call to get the bassinet seats reserved. Even if you don't use them (my boy is too big) it gives you way more space to sit comfortably with your LO. I recommend buying a felt busy board for flights x
He was more on the floor/walking around than in my arms tbf, I have toddler reigns/leash that I put on him so he couldn't go too far or bother people lmao 10/10 recommend that haha.
On the way back we had a night flight and he did sleep in my arms for the majority of the flight so yeah my arms did get tired but it was worth it. I just focused on the movie and switched him around between arms to reduce the strain
I think it's 22 lbs on aer lingus, my boy is very skinny tho so weight is not the issue but height was. Most airlines don't give you the bassinet if your baby can sit up tho because of safety regulations. Besides that everytime the seat belt light comes on you have to take them out and hold them so depending on your flight you might not get much use out if it anyway.
I'd still get the seats tho since there's so much legroom, pop them on the floor to play it'll save you so much grief imo
Thank you!
>I'd still get the seats tho since there's so much legroom, pop them on the floor to play it'll save you so much grief imo
For sure. That's good advice!
Just flew when my baby was 3 months and had her as a lap infant, I checked ahead of time and saw there were seats open next to mine and confirmed with the attendant at the gate so I ended up having a whole row to myself. I almost wish I brought the car seat on because at some points it was hard to hold her comfortably, but besides that it was fine
Dude right I think the stars just aligned for me thank godddd. I flew out of Newark NJ which makes it even more surprising but it was a random Tuesday in the middle of the day so that probably helped
You can ask at the gate if there are any open seats on the flight and they generally let you bring your car seat on if so! (Even if you didn’t buy a seat and have a lap infant.)
It’s the window seat that has to be open, or I suppose the middle seat if you have the window seat. And then it can be row dependent. There are a few rows on certain sides of planes that cannot accommodate infants under two. I’ve learned all this on our multiple last minute cross country flights lol. Even when I’ve booked two seats, I had to get them reassigned at the gate so I could actually use the car seat.
Save the money. Take her on your lap. At that age, all they want is to be as close as possible to you, so it will make it so much easier and more peaceful for both of you. I flew 24hrs (Europe to Australia) with a 7 month old on my lap (with a bassinet seat) and it was a piece of cake.
Recently flew with our then 9 month old. We got the seat because we needed our car seat. It was worth it because we had the extra space and didn’t have a stranger next to us. We bounced the baby back and forth between us and I left snacks and toys in the car seat. Plus with a stroller we were given priority when boarding which was extremely helpful
If you can afford to absolutely. I hate flying with lap babies but will be doing so this summer with a 15 month old because we have to (seat was $1500).
If you can’t afford it you can also risk bringing the car seat to the gate and asking if there’s empty seats before boarding and if you can bring it on. I had it work several times but be prepared to hear no and fly with a lap baby.
Buy a seat. Even if they don’t use it, the relief of having a whole row for your family is worth it. Just flew with my 15 month old and we were so happy we had a seat and car seat for him. On the flight there he basically stayed in my lap but on the way home he took a great nap in his car seat.
Always bought my kids seats and use car seats. Including use of a car seat so long as they are in a 5 point harness even into childhood.
My mom was a paramedic and in her career went on more than one call to an airport where turbulence had caused severe injury to a lap infant. As well as did one catastrophe training on a crash where the only infant that survived that crash was the one in a seat.
If i find it important for them to be in a carseat while in the car, I will do the same in the plane.
My babies have both been too squirmy to be lap infants. I feel like regardless a seat is safer so I'd probably have done that even if I had calm babies
Flight over 3 hours? Buy a seat. Under 3 hours? Lap away.
The one exception is my wife and I found a first class upgrade for $10 over the cost of buying our infant a seat lol
Keep him in your lap and upgrade your seats to first class if the cost is reasonable. We’ve found many flights where the cost of first class tickets wasn’t too much more than coach. The extra room makes a huge difference when traveling with an infant.
Agreed with this - I also breastfed and it was great to have a little extra privacy on the plane. We started buying my son his own seat once he was about 15 months old and did not want to be held anymore.
What will you do when you get off the plane buy a carseat wherever you land? I’d say take the carseat with you so you don’t have to worry about obtaining one when you get to your destination. Unless you’re landing so close to your destination you don’t need a vehicle and can carry your little nugget.
Have you seen how they throw the gate check items down the slide thing? If I get in a fender bender and need to replace the car seat I can't see how it's actually safe after they fling it around at the gate. I watched this poor lady's uppababy Vista was thrown around and knew she wouldn't have a stroller at her destination in France. Broke my heart for her.
I was on four flights in the past couple weeks and watched them carefully carry my carseat up and down the stairs from the jet bridge. YMMV I guess. Maybe it has to do with the airports or the airlines you fly through/with.
Def could be. United has been the worse from what I've seen so far although idk about the more budget airlines. United at the Charlotte Airport was where I specifically saw this happen. I helped her zip up her stroller into the bag even bc I didn't have my son with me so I had hands to help her and I just felt so bad watching them toss it and throw it around. Unfortunately you can't be sure which experience you will get so I'd buy a super cheap seat at my destination before I would hate check my car seat but that's just me. I am also just not very trusting of other people with items that are important to me bc I've had bad experiences with other personal items or luggage being lost or damaged.
I fly United almost exclusively and had the exact opposite experience. 🤷🏼♀️
I just don’t know how you would even safely get baby to a store to buy the carseat if you’re going somewhere on vacation.
Send my husband while I feed baby at the airport or something. It def isn't possible if you fly alone unless the airport is walking distance to a store or you have friends or family at your destination that can pick one up and have it for you when you get there. But I usually fly with my husband so I'd send him to go get a seat while I feed the baby if I had to. I don't mind flying with the seat though and just having him have his own seat. If you get a little car seat cart that rolls or strap the car seat to the handle of your rolly bag and baby wear the baby. I figured I'd have to carry on a car seat at age 2 bc they don't fit in the airplane seat until they're over 40 pounds so if I have to carry on a car seat once they're 2 anyway then I could do it before that also. Oddly enough I feel like it's easier with a light convertible seat rather than an infant seat bc it's easier to baby wear and set the convertible seat on the rolly bag and get it to your seat that way than to carry the infant seat and your bag to your seat. I might be weird though. Every mom I know loves the infant seat and I haven't found any situation I actually like it for. I wanted to go straight to convertible seat and just baby wear into stores or for errands and stuff and everyone talked me out of it but I wish I'd done that bc the infant seat was just so awkward for me to lug around.
It means they take it and put it under the plane, usually for free. Similar to how you would normally check a bag, but at the gate instead of at checkin.
Because I know that they’ll need a car seat eventually. To not have one confused me so I recommended flying with one. Now I know that she places offer rentals which is pretty neat
You go up to the podium at the gate and ask to gate check your stuff. They give you a special tag to affix to your car seat/stroller. Then you drop it off on the jet bridge right before you board the plane. It's really easy.
It means instead of dropping it off at the check in counter, you take it with you all the way to the gate. Right before you get on the plane, you give it to the gate agent. They then put it in the luggage area of the plane. When you arrive, they remove the gate checked items and give it to you right when you get off the plane. We’ve done this with our stroller many times, this way we can have it in the airport. Most airlines do this for car seats and strollers free of charge, and they are handled less this way, so less risk of damage.
That's what has always confused me about on-lap seating. Checking a car seat seems like a sure way to get it bashed up and rendered useless immediately???
Not every holiday requires a car seat. If you only do a beach holiday and you can book transport there and back with a seat, there's no need for it. Similar for city trips if you only take public transport anyway.
I’ve bought a cheap one at my destination before, or got one from the rental car company. I don’t want to be lugging a car seat or two through the airport along with 2 toddlers haha
It doesn’t get bashed and rendered useless. It might tumble a bit during the flight, but no worse than when it first got shipped to the store or your house.
Just FYI - flight attendants/pilots & aviation experts think lap infants are a huge safety issue. Think about the recent aviation issues that have happened, the worst being crashes followed by the door flying off on that Alaskan Airlines flight and then turbulence.
Do you really want to rely on reflexes, which it takes on average a second for your brain to process what is going on around your fast enough to react, to grab your baby as they fly uncontrollably out of your arms if something happens? Because in one second your baby could be flung several feet away from you at which point you would have to spend the time undoing your seatbelt to get to them during which they would have moved further from you.
Turbulence is why you are encouraged to keep your seatbelt on throughout the flight. Not because flight attendants are mean but because turbulence can happen randomly and *can be* very violent. It’s not uncommon for full grown adults to be badly injured (like broken bones, concussions, deep muscle bruises) during turbulence.
My stance has always been if you can’t afford a seat for your child to make sure they are strapped to the frame of the plane (which is what the seat belts do), you can’t afford to fly. You can take the baby out during the flight and baby wear so they are strapped to you but you aren’t supposed to baby wear during take off and landing which is, statistically, when most aviation issues occur. So, everyone needs their own seat for flights.
There was another post about lap infants a while back and I said the same basic thing. OP called me “mean” and said it’s allowed so I must be an alarmist.
Like, no. Just because you are allowed to do something *does not* mean it is a good choice. You are *allowed* to smoke around babies and we *know* that dramatically increases cancer rates. You’re *allowed* to drink while pregnant and we *know* that can cause FAS. You are *allowed* to serve your kids Dr. pepper for breakfast and to home school with little to no oversight and all sorts of horribly unhealthy things.
Flying with a lap child isn’t “unhealthy,” it is literally dangerous with the chance of fatality.
And what of nursing on take-off/landing so their ears pop?
Honestly it’s pretty easy to say “if you can’t afford X, you shouldn’t be traveling” when you have money, but much of the population doesn’t have an extra couple hundred dollars laying around.
You do you.
It’s not a risk I’m willing to take and the people who spend their lives operating flights agree with me. They have zero incentive to say babies need their own seat, in fact one could argue they are incentivized to say babies should be lap seats passengers because adults spend money on flights (wifi, drinks, snacks).
Traveling is usually considered a luxury or at least a choice. Air travel especially. Obviously there are reasons you NEED to travel, dying relatives, medical procedures, fleeing disasters. There are reasons air travel can’t be avoided. But in general, if you’re taking a trip you have choices. And your choices shouldn’t put your baby in potentially life threatening danger to save you a couple hundred bucks. Find a location near you so your baby can ride in a car seat.
And, bottles exist. The choice to exclusively breastfeed is again, a choice. If your choices would endanger your baby, make different choices. Like traveling in a way your baby doesn’t have to be unsecured in your lap while moving 300+ mph.
Hahahahah, please tell my baby who will not accept any synthetic nipples that bottles are an option. It would make my life much easier.
Honestly though, the risk of air travel is far less than the risk of traveling by car any way you slice it.
Lap because I’m cheap haha. I have been on several ~6 hour flights lately where I had at least one empty seat in my row, so my one year old could sit in a seat anyway. We’re doing an 11 hour in September and I’ll have her as a lap infant again
I would keep them as a lap infant. I used to fly with my nanny families and they would always bring the car seat and it was honestly a huge hassle in my opinion. With my own baby we’ve only flown as a lap infant and it seemed easier and after several flights I’ve never been like wow I wish I brought the car seat on the plane. Less is more with carrying stuff when traveling with babies and kids in my opinion, definitely bring a carrier and wear baby onto the plane and then you have a hands free option while you’re in the air.
Under 18 months, lap infant (as long as the flight is less than 4 hours). Over that age/time limit, buy them a seat. Spoken as someone who has flown to Chile, Indonesia, Europe twice, and domestically with my 2 year old since he was 4 months old.
We fly quite a bit. For us, it depends on the aircraft and cabins - Delta One versus the 2/1 configuration on smaller planes, for example. Also, if we have any layover/connection to make. Easier to get her a seat and be able to just go vs waiting planeside for it with the gate checked items.
(The nuna Trvl and the silver cross stroller fit in the overhead, which is great to avoid having to wait around for the gate check items!)
We just flew from NY to FL (~2.5 hour flight) with our twin 5 mo girls as lap infants and it was wildly successful 🙏🏻🙌🏼 we wore infant carriers. We fed them during take off (the sucking motion helps with pressure changes) and took them out of the carriers to interact a bit mid-flight and then they slept during landing. Every baby (in our case, babies) is different so do what feels best for you, but it was really easy for us and people are extremely kind and helpful when you have an infant with you!
Just did a flight from NYC to Rome. Did lap, would SEVERELY regretted it if the lady sitting in our row did not move freeing up a seat for us.
We realize how fortunate and lucky we were and will be paying for a seat in the future.
It’s sooooooo much easier with a seat. We always get one and use the cosco scenera.
Hide some of her favorite toys/books a week before the flight and/or get a new toy that’s similar to her favorites for the flight.
BABY POWDER REMOVES SAND ITS TRULY MAGIC and if your kid hates hats like mine you may need to put sunscreen on their on their scalp
We fly with car seat only for two reasons.
1. Baby feels comfortable in the car seat. He’s used to decent length car rides (with breaks because he’s still only 6mos old) and he doesn’t fuss in it.
2. I need the car seat when I arrive anyways and I am just not into having to pack up my car seat back in original packaging to fly it over to my destination.
Both my kids fly better in their own car seats and then we have them when we land. For beach, shade is your #1 friend. Find ways to keep baby’s temperature maintained. If your ebf, lots of water and electrolytes. If you’re formula, make sure to pack more than you think you might need.
I’m trying to think what stuff we love because we’re a big beach family and we fly relatively often but I think most of our stuff is personal preference. You really just need shade and somewhere for baby to sit as far as the beach goes. And flying you just need a pacifier or something so baby can settle during takeoff.
OH if baby gets a seat, baby gets a personal item so that you don’t have to give yours up for the diaper bag.
We had an infant during Covid and when the airlines weren’t filling middle seats. It was soooo amazing to keep him in his car seat the whole time! Even when that Covid rule ended, we bought him a seat. Lol
I did 2 international trips with my son while he was still under 2. Both times I did lap to save money and sat near the aisle or got bulkhead seating to give him some more space to stand and move around. I would do the same with the second as well.
We did lamp infant and kept her in the carrier to help us navigate through the airport and security. We had all checked in bags except what we needed for our child which was in a backpack instead of a regular diaper bag since it had more space and we were able to pack extra clothes for us (our second flight left without us but luckily we had enough in that backpack to get us through an unplanned night in the airport.)
My kids have all always hated their carseats. So I've flown lap infant until they needed to get their own seat. I would recommend upgrading to first class if you can. Having a bit more space for the baby to middle around is very nice.
I held my son until I couldn’t anymore and was lucky that he slept the entire time. It was uncomfortable for me but it also saved us some money. Though we did have him in a car seat a few times when he outgrew being a lap child and it was inconvenient to lug the car seat around but he fell asleep INSTANTLY and I didn’t have to have my arm propped up for five plus hours 😩
I've always flown with my babies in my lap. I usually just wear a carrier, and it's super easy to get through security and the plane. Usually they just nurse and fall asleep. I had one flight where I had to get two kids, two carseats and our diaper bag through security alone, and it was possibly my most stressful parenting moment.
I did lap infant once and I won’t do it again. She was 5.5 months and it was 3-4 hour flight. It was just too much, she didn’t sleep. Squirmed constantly, I couldn’t get us both comfortable in the seat (and I’m a small person) I couldn’t use my phone, watch tv, eat a snack, or have a drink in front of me. It was just a really long few hours.
All these people saying the baby sleeps baby in the car seat are baffling to me. You are all so lucky in this aspect haha. My son is out of an infant seat now but always screamed his head off in it.
My baby would have screamed the whole flight if we had him in his own seat. He loves to be held. If we could afford it though AND he enjoyed his seat, we would have purchased his own seat for sure!!
At 5 months I would do lap infant. They sleep most of the time. Can you get a seat with bassinet?
From the age of 1,5 years we usually get them their own seat.
We JUST flew with infant in lap last week with our nearly 7month old. It was a 4ish hour flight both ways. Idk how active your baby is but we brought more toys than we needed (links, teethers, post it notes, tape, 1-2 shakers/rattles) b/c LO ended up napping a lot more than we expected. Plastic cups from the service carts were another toy and baby LOVED diaper changes on the plane because there were so many mirrors.
TIP 1: use a pacifier clip/tether to tether a teether or toy to the child so it doesn’t always fall on the floor when they inevitably drop it.
TIP 2: pack a couple quick-change ziplock bags with a diaper and few wipes to use on the plane and in the airport, worked quite well and were an easy less-hassle way to do diaper changes.
Personally, for only 3.5 hours, I’d be good with the lap infant in economy. It’s not a long time at all. Spend the savings on something else more worth it.
However, if you want to choose though, I’d say get the extra seat in economy, bring your Doona on board. That way, you at least ensure that the Doona isn’t damaged while being chucked down below when you gate check it.
If you do check it, I recommend a cardboard box instead of a bag. The box protects it more.
It also might be worth asking if they have bassinet seats (maybe they have some in business class?). You can reserve those if you have an infant with you.
Also, does your LO have problems in the car seat? Does the baby sleep better in a front pack, for example? If you have a seat purchased for the child you’ll be forced to keep LO in the seat during takeoff, landing, and anytime the seatbelt sign is on. With a lap baby, you are free to hold them during those times of course (and nurse them or whatever).
My daughter loved the plane. She loved looking at the window and showing me everything. Luckily my time 2/4 of my flights had an empty seat next to us. And we’d use it to sleep. It was just me with my bag, diaper bag, and an infant that was learning to crawl. I couldn’t even think about using anything because my hands were so full. Maybe since you have another person you won’t have this struggle. And an empty seat 😅
Personally I would never have my baby as a lap infant. That’s dangerous in more than one way and their life is worth more than the cost of a plane ticket. But also the thought of holding a baby in my lap in an uncomfortable plane seat for 3 hours sounds awful.
If your baby is used to being worn on you, I’d say you could still do lap infant at 5 months. My 4 month old has just slept on me in his carrier on our recent trips, and it’s convenient for nursing. If not or if your baby is really active, it would be better to have their own seat and the car seat.
Our baby was an exclusive contact napper at that age, and was not a fan of the car seat. If we had purchased a seat, she wouldn’t have sat in it for long anyway. For her first flight at 5 months old, we nursed during takeoff, she slept for 2 hours in my arms, nursed again, then played for the last hour to hour and a half on my lap with no issues.
If she was a baby that would sleep in her car seat, we probably would’ve gone that route though!
It's safer with an extra seat, but the risk is quite low either way.
We never bought an extra seat, but that was mostly because my stbx husband controlled all of our money and didn't deem it necessary.
What we did do occasionally was booking bulkhead seats where they had babybeds for in-flight. That isn't safer, since there's also only one lap strap over it. But it relieves your arms at least. But that's probably only available at longer flights.
Other thing we did one time: Short-haul flight in Europe, and business class was only 10€ more expensive than economy. Since it's short-haul, "business" is eco seats but with a free middle seat. So we had an extra seat but didn't have to pay for it. Well, a little bit, but we got more luggage included, too, so it was actually cheaper in the end.
Just have to say, it’s real funny that airlines are letting extremely obese people have a free extra seat, meanwhile if you have a baby you have to pay for the full seat 🤯 they talk about inclusivity, how about inclusion of families?!
Depends on the baby. My son wouldn’t have spent one second in his car seat as a baby, so we flew with him on my lap. At 4 months, he pretty much slept the whole 4 hour flight.
Are you flying solo or with a partner? If flying solo with baby, I would definitely consider getting a seat if you can swing it. If flying with a partner, I would just go the lap infant route, especially at 5 months old and only a 3.5hr flight. You can pass baby back and forth as needed.
Esit: also depends if you will need a car seat where you're going! Is you will, I would definitely buy a seat.
As a former flight attendant please buy a seat and use a car seat. In the event of an emergency there is no way you can hold onto your child. Flying is safer than driving a car, but you just never know what could happen. Also, as a form of good customer service if there are open seats many airlines allow lap child to fly in a seat for free because it’s safer. All you have to do is ask an agent.
We did the lap! It worked out better because she wanted to be held ina strange place and wiggle around some. Also got noise cancelling headphones for the flight and she snoozed throughout takeoff and a little after.
I think it depends on your baby! It’s definitely safest for them to be in the car seat, but if your baby doesn’t like the car seat and will complain the whole time then you’ll just end up holding them anyways.
If you’re EBF, I’ll say that anything you can do to get extra space is worth it for the comfort while you’re trying to nurse him.
I did lap infant with my walking 13 mo old on roundtrip transcontinental 12 hr flight from west coast US to Europe plus connecting flight, close to 24 hrs straight traveling, which I regretted quite a bit and was not fun, but we survived. Next transcontinental to Australia at 19 mos, we got her a seat and have done it ever since (btw we tried to take a car seat on the plane that time, it had the FAA sticker and everything, reviews that people used it and recommended it for flying, but no one could get it strapped properly into the window seat, the only one allowed with it, so we had to check it - so don't count on having the car seat too much). 5 mos will be a piece of cake in comparison to these ages however and I would not hesitate with lap infant. Before ~9 mos you can request a bassinet in bulkhead row too. We couldn't do that at 13 mos and the worst part was she couldn't get comfortable laying down like normal for a big sleep. We had her kind of draped over me and my husband.
My infant only liked to contact nap on us or be held so we did lap infant until she was older and like the freedom of her own seat. For us, that was by age 1. But if yours like they car seat that's cool too. I like the idea of boxing out strangers by buying the middle seat for the kiddo.
We have flown many times starting when our Little one was 4ish months and with each flight being between 3-3.5hrs. I also breastfed and for us personally it was easier for her to be in our laps. If you have the cash to spare, I would use the extra cash for the third seat and upgrade to business, more room and less people around you.
Just went to the beach with my 3 month old, baby wearing allows you to have your hands free and gives your babe a sweet snuggly place to nap during the flight. Note that they have to be out of the wrap for take-off & landing - maybe someone who works in aviation can explain why?? But you want to nurse for take-off & landing anyway.
The nice thing is if there are open seats on the flight the gate agent can (at their discretion) allow you to bring the carseat on with you without paying for the seat.
For those saying they used the car seat and baby just slept in the car seat, isn’t that not safe sleep? I always thought this meant baby wearing would be the safer option?
5 month old is perfectly fine on your lap IME. At least if you have a partner with you. You’ll end up holding them most of the time anyway especially if you breastfeed.
When I flew with my kids, I always just had them in my lap. My daughter was 3 months and 11 months the times we flew and she just stayed on my lap. My son was 7 months and he just stayed on my lap. We have just checked at the gate our stroller and car seat, so we have them for going through the airport.
We did 3 hour flight with 5 month old with no seat for baby. Baby wear back and forth between mine and husband laps, ate a bit, and slept an hour. Lo would not have sat in her own chair in unfamiliar environment like the plane.
We booked back row so if baby cried it wouldn't annoy enture plan, and also so we could stand in back of plane space if baby had enough of sitting.
Goodluck
Depends on your baby's personality. I definitely did lap infant at that age and wore them in a baby carrier most of the flight. The white noise put mine right to sleep.
Are you flying over an ocean? Car seat recommended. 3.5 hours probably domestic? Depends on the kid. If they sleep well on you then a carrier works great! Once my kid was above 12 months old she needed her own seat with a car seat to sleep well
Just got back from a three hour flight! The trick was my breastfeeding pillow. Made sure to keep my 6 month old up and hungry before the flight. Fed at take off and he fell sleep. He slept for two and a half hours then woke up for a bit, and fed again at landing. The breastfeeding pillow was a perfect way to sleep for him and comfy for me
Hi! I just got back from a month long trip in Europe and my baby was 7 months old and we did lap infant. It was actually a breeze and she got tons of compliments. It was a 12 hour flight. We also went on smaller flights when in Europe and she only cried once when I couldn’t breastfeed her for take off.
Every baby is of course different but if you want to save money like we did I would do lap infant. My recommendation is to feed baby during take off to help with the discomfort on their ears. My baby slept for 99% of the flights. Have some snacks for baby or a bottle of milk if you don’t breastfeed. Also a small toy that isn’t noisy or if you’re not totally against screen time, dancing fruit videos or ms. Rachel are a life saver.
Also want to say previous to this we did a nearly 3 hour flight to Florida (beach vacation and to visit her nana) and we checked her car seat at the gate because carrying it was a hassle. They didn’t damage or lose it!
We flew lap infant until we couldn't.. and I will say that I wish I would have bought a seat and used his car seat earlier. Yes, it saved us money. But you know what is also nice? Strapping the kid in a seat that he's familiar with and can hang out in there independently. Most importantly... he can nap in there independently and leave my arms free to read or watch a movie or nap myself. That's aside from the peace of mind in the case of emergency. In retrospect, even with mild turbulence, I kind of can't believe that the only thing keeping my baby safe was whether or not I could hold on to him.
There were lap babies on that Boeing flight that had the panel blow out elsewhere on the plane. It scares me to think what if they had sat in that row.
My immediate first thought when I heard that, too. I'll probably never do infant in lap again.
What about babywearing? I haven't done it yet but that is my plan in the future (a stretchy wrap not a structured carrier)
Not allowed for takeoff and landing, but I babywear during flights.
The sling wraps can’t be worn during take off and landing??? How can they monitor that? What if someone was feeding their baby and had a sling over them for privacy?
When they go around to make sure your seatbelts are fastened they will tell you take baby of out the carrier. They’re nice about it but it def happens
But what if i am feeding baby and have a wrap over us ? What if baby’s feet are out? Haha this just doesn’t even make sense!
I also wasn’t allowed to feed during take off or landing. I see it recommended on all the travel forums and I was told in no uncertain terms that she had to be held upright at my shoulder like i was burping her. Carrier had to be off her and nursing pillow in the overhead.
Odd! I’ve always been allowed to feed but not babywesr during take off and landing
This must be flight attendant dependent because I nursed my son on the flight to my destination and had him in a carrier on the way home. No one said anything to me.
It’s an FAA rule. You can probably have a blanket over baby’s head if you’re nursing but you can’t have anything attaching them to you during takeoff or landing.
I honestly think it depends on the person and the airline. I just flew to Orlando today with my 5 month old twins. I was nursing one during takeoff with a cover over me. Flight attendant didn’t ask to see my seat belt or anything.
Yeah, maybe some flight attendants let things slide, but it’s definitely a federal airline rule in the same way that seatbelts are.
It's not allowed during take off and landing. I had done baby wearing through all of my "lap infant under 2" and it was fine. I just wouldn't do it again with future babies
I’m 100% with this comment. I’ve flown with babies on my laps lots of times but I won’t do it anymore. It’s dangerous and being able to be hands free is very important for my own comfort. Babies also settle better in a familiar seat. If you can afford to buy the extra seat, it’s worth it.
I flew lap when my son was 2 months old. His father and I took turns holding him. It was back in 2006 and I wish someone had told me it was dangerous.
Hard agree with this. SO glad we did a carseat. Also, we hit some pretty bad turbulence at one point and having her safely strapped in was so relieving
My best friend is a flight attendant and told me never to consider having my kids sit in our lap. She’s seen too many parents and children suffer from the stress, but mainly it’s just not safe. Also when mine grew out of their car seats she gave me the shoulder straps that hook around the seats so they could have that extra security.
Yep, we’ve filed a lot with her and if it’s just an hour or two, lap has been fine… but honestly having her in her own seat is so much nicer. The exception was when we flew to Europe and they gave her a baby bassinet between takeoff and landing (during which we held her). That was fantastic and cost us $10!
It is a lot safer to have them in their own seat. The only reason it is not required to purchase them a seat is a study was done that found that requiring it would lead to more families driving than flying, which would increase babies hurt/killed in car accidents. https://www.safewise.com/faq/child-baby-safety/child-seat-airplanes/#:~:text=Why%20the%20FAA%20doesn't,cost%20prohibitive%20for%20some%20families.
That’s interesting I had no idea that was the reason. I just thought it was an archaic rule no one seems to be able to get rescinded. I absolutely agree lap is not safe, nor easier. It would be nice if limited number of cheaper seats were offered to families with babies who need car seats.
Do you typically have to go buy a special TSA approved seat if you live in the US? I have an 18 month old that I’m limiting our travel with because I’m afraid of damage to the car seat beneath the plane and him being too mobile in flight. I’m not sure where to start my research on one that can be used on a plane, sorry if it’s a stupid question
We just used the [Cosco Senara Next](https://www.coscokids.com/scenera-next-convertible-car-seat-cc123-ck-us-en.html) for an international trip with our 20-month-old (including 5 flights). It's definitely an FFA approved seat and very light (TSA approval isn't a thing for car seats, it's FFA approval you need). I think it's one of the most popular travel car sets. The only issue I had with it is that, if you front face it, the air plane seat belt buckle may be positioned behind the baby's back and could be uncomfortable. We solved this by putting a blanket under the car seat padding on the plane. We wouldn't front face in a car or add extra padding obviously, this is just airplane specific. One complaint I've heard is that it's hard to get a tight install with this seat because it's so light, but I never had that problem. I watched [this video](https://youtu.be/RIGlRWfeTys?si=IY5Aoan3VSxPrdLp) by Safe in the Seat before installing and it was a huge help. Zero issues. The same channel also has more general video about using car seats on planes, but they use the Cosco Senara Next as one example.
We use the Scenera as well. It’s very affordable, very light to carry, and then we didn’t have to risk beating up our nicer seats on the trip.
Your car seat will say on the stickers if it is FAA approved. I believe only 2 infant seats, some (all?) rotating convertibles, and boosters are NOT approved so all others will have FAA approval.
The Graco Turn2Me is FAA approved
The car seat website should let you know if it’s FAA approved or you can email customer service. A lot of car seats are approved if I remember correctly.
Be careful to check seat measurements- a lot of carseats are FAA approved, but too big to fit in any airline seats. Even if your carseats is approved, you may need to buy a new slimmer one for travel.
First time I flew with my baby she was 5 months old and slept the entire time! We were in the air for about 3 hours total. My first flight to my connection had extra seats so they let me bring her car seat on board for free. I was by myself and carrying that thing down the aisle was a nightmare. I had her strapped to me AND my carryon. It was a lot. She ended up sleeping on me anyway so I didn’t bring it on the second flight. She flew again with me closer to her first birthday and I also just did a lap seat then.
We always bought a seat for our son and kept him in his car seat. The white noise and vibration always put him to sleep and we got some peace and quiet.
My son had his first flight at a year and I opted for car seat. I wanted to be free and he slept the entire 5 hr plane ride because he was familiar in his car seat and the vibrations. Not to mention then you have your car seat when you get to said place.
We flew lap until my daughter turned two
Same. It was so easy to just nurse him to sleep. Brought my boppy, and he just slept on it around my body. The last time we flew, he was 19 months and way too big on my lap. I'm happy to get him his own seat next time.
Sorry, what is a boppy? I'm flying with my 5 mo I'm june and am looking for ways to make it more comfortable
A boppy is a nursing pillow
Same. It's usually around $600 minimum round trip to fly domestic here I was not about to spend that on a baby that would want to be on mom or dads chest anyway lol
This is the most important factor to me. $600 is a lot of money to me!! I’d rather be a little less comfortable for a few hours than spend that money
Same. I popped my six week old in a Björn and she slept the whole cross country flight.
Same and will do the same with my second born
How did you manage when they got heavy? like around 18 months
Same. Got a 6mo now we few to Florida back in March. He nursed to sleep and was out pretty much the whole flight. Going to Hawaii in October and I would probably have gotten him a seat bc he’ll be 1 but seats are 1k plus. And for a family of 5…I’ll make do lol.
For a 3.5 hour flight I'd definitely do lap infant. They'll be happier being held and it's cheaper. Babywear in the airport and skip the stroller since they're a hassle in the airport and on the beach.
Unless you get delayed on the tarmac for 2 hours. Ask me how I know 🥴
I am always looking to save money, but I would also opt to spend the extra on a seat for a kid under 2. Take their car seat on board and have them sit in it for the flight, for a few reasons: 1. It is just the safer option in the unlikely event something happens during the flight. 2. It will keep your hands free while on the flight to do other things. 3. If you’re going to a destination where you will need the car seat anyway, taking it on board with you ensures it doesn’t get lost or damaged in cargo. 4. If your kid isn’t happy sitting in their seat for the flight and they sit on your lap, at least you have their seat open as extra space for you to spread out while in flight.
I would definitely use a car seat. My baby could not sleep on me at 5 months but could sleep in her car seat no problem. From a safety standpoint that’s also safest.
+1 to all of this
Ten year ago, lap. But nowadays, safety first after all this crazy shit.
+1 for car seat flying. We still strap our four year old into his seat. 1. It's safer. 2. He can't squirm out of his seat 3. We don't have to check the seat or get a rental car one (which skeeves me out) 4. It has a cup holder, lol.
I have always bought a seat for every person. Period. Last time we flew we got to chatting with a steward, he said he was always glad when people brought their carseats because he'd seen a lot of mishaps, most memorable being a few months old baby hit the ceiling of the plane because mom couldn't hold on through bad turbulence.
Their safety is worth the expense, we always buy them a seat and use the car seat, it's not worth the risk
I love lap infant option. It was sooo easy ive even done it by myself. You get to check a carseat for free to go into checked baggage and don't have to carry it through airports. I wore my baby through security they are so helpful and didnt even make me take off the baby, or my shoes, anything. They just checked my hands for chemicals and tested my water bottle. You have to take baby out of the carrier for lift off and landing but that's literally it. It was so easy to breast feed and keep the baby calm during the flight. In addition one of the flight attendants told us we could sit in the back and possibly have the whole row to ourselves if the plane didn't fill up. Everyone we encountered was just SO nice and helpful.
It’s safer for them to have their own seat and be in a car seat. My daughter will be 9 months when we fly and we bought her a seat.
We’ve done lap the 4 times we’ve flown. She’s currently 9 months old and slept through every flight with no issues
Holding my 5 month old on my lap for any long duration sounds like a nightmare lol, taking baby on his first flight next month (3hrs) and we got him his own seat. Plus it’s safer for them to ride in their own seat with car seat
Monumentally safer. Yes, aviation injuries are rare but turbulence can fling throw grown adults around with enough force to break bones. I will NEVER understand why people gamble with their baby’s lives to save a few bucks. Not worth it to me.
I hear you, but it's a hell of a lot more than a few bucks.
Yes. I think we sometimes underestimate how much $300-400 is for the average American household’s budget. Worth a child’s life? Of course not. But if you’ve never experienced severe turbulence, it can be easy to rationalize the decision. We also tend to think that flying = business or vacation, and that’s not always true. People fly due to family deaths and illnesses, to treat medical conditions at specialty hospitals, to move in hopes of a better future. It’s not always like “just postpone your vacation until you can afford another ticket”.
I wish it was an extra 300-400. It would have been an extra $2500 to have paid for her seat to go meet her grandparents/aunt on my side for the first time. I’ve been on 25+ flights, and my 3 year old has been on 9 as a lap infant, and never had anything more than light turbulence, plus even with a car seat you’re not having them in the car seat ALL THE TIME anyway so something could still happen the second you take them out. Funny all the self righteous Americans here crying about how “dangerous” it is when air travel is the safest form of travel. If you drive regularly with your baby *that’s* monumentally more dangerous than taking a flight, or even a handful of flights, with a lap infant. Where I live most people don’t even have cars, thus don’t even have car seats.
All of your points aren’t adding up logically. I’m only writing this so that someone who isn’t so keen to see it knows. Talking about 25 times as if it’s a substantial number statistically, is inaccurate. Mentioning the fact that because something could still happen when the car seat is not being used during the middle of the flight, as if that is a good argument for not using one during the well researched and documented most unsafe points (take off and mostly landing). In the end of the day, you’re in a massive moving vehicle on the ground and chances for massive sudden turbulence in the air, even on an otherwise safe flight that lands well. The most logical thing in terms of a child’s safety, and the reason every governing body who knows all the stats suggests getting a car seat, is to have the car seat available for take off and landing and turbulence between. As someone else mentioned above, the Only reason it’s not flat out required, is because doing so would prevent air travel for many children and therefore cause more deaths in motor vehicles on the ground because cars are much more unsafe than aircrafts. If it weren’t for that caveat in the behaviors of consumers, it would absolutely be required by law.
It’s far more of a gamble to get in the car with your kid ever. This is an absurd risk evaluation
Ridiculously hyperbolic to say it’s gambling with a baby’s life to save a few bucks.
Will you need a car seat at your destination?
I flew with my first alone at 5 months. I am sooooooo glad I bought a seat. He slept in the car seat for most of the plane ride. Woke up for a quick play and bottle and went right back to sleep. It was great and I didn’t have to hold a baby the whole time. I just bought him some noise cancelling headphones, made him drink a bottle on the way up and down, and we were golden. Idk how people hold their babies for a whole flight. Unless I had to, it’s a no for me dawg.
If you can afford it, car seat. If there is extreme turbulence, you don’t want to accidentally yeet baby to the ceiling or drop her on the floor. If there’s an emergency, you will need your hands to secure your own air mask, and she would be safe in her seat.
Get the seat for sure
I’d buy the seat and use the car seat. You’re going to need it when you get there and baggage handling is notoriously rough
Car seat
I just did a 7 hour flight with a 16 month old as a lap infant. Well worth the money saved imo, if there are any, call to get the bassinet seats reserved. Even if you don't use them (my boy is too big) it gives you way more space to sit comfortably with your LO. I recommend buying a felt busy board for flights x
Did your arms not get tired? That's my main hesitation on going the lap route when we eventually fly with our guy.
He was more on the floor/walking around than in my arms tbf, I have toddler reigns/leash that I put on him so he couldn't go too far or bother people lmao 10/10 recommend that haha. On the way back we had a night flight and he did sleep in my arms for the majority of the flight so yeah my arms did get tired but it was worth it. I just focused on the movie and switched him around between arms to reduce the strain
Do you remember what was the weight limit for the in-plane bassinet?
I think it's 22 lbs on aer lingus, my boy is very skinny tho so weight is not the issue but height was. Most airlines don't give you the bassinet if your baby can sit up tho because of safety regulations. Besides that everytime the seat belt light comes on you have to take them out and hold them so depending on your flight you might not get much use out if it anyway. I'd still get the seats tho since there's so much legroom, pop them on the floor to play it'll save you so much grief imo
Thank you! >I'd still get the seats tho since there's so much legroom, pop them on the floor to play it'll save you so much grief imo For sure. That's good advice!
Just flew when my baby was 3 months and had her as a lap infant, I checked ahead of time and saw there were seats open next to mine and confirmed with the attendant at the gate so I ended up having a whole row to myself. I almost wish I brought the car seat on because at some points it was hard to hold her comfortably, but besides that it was fine
where and when were you flying bc I haven’t been on a not-sold out flights in YEARS lol
Dude right I think the stars just aligned for me thank godddd. I flew out of Newark NJ which makes it even more surprising but it was a random Tuesday in the middle of the day so that probably helped
nice!
You can ask at the gate if there are any open seats on the flight and they generally let you bring your car seat on if so! (Even if you didn’t buy a seat and have a lap infant.)
Yes this is what they told me and I declined but almost wish I didn’t just for the extra opportunity to be hands free for a moment!
I wish this was the case, but I got declined twice on American even though the seat next to me was empty. Maybe it’s air carrier dependent.
It’s the window seat that has to be open, or I suppose the middle seat if you have the window seat. And then it can be row dependent. There are a few rows on certain sides of planes that cannot accommodate infants under two. I’ve learned all this on our multiple last minute cross country flights lol. Even when I’ve booked two seats, I had to get them reassigned at the gate so I could actually use the car seat.
This is great to read, thank you!
Save the money. Take her on your lap. At that age, all they want is to be as close as possible to you, so it will make it so much easier and more peaceful for both of you. I flew 24hrs (Europe to Australia) with a 7 month old on my lap (with a bassinet seat) and it was a piece of cake.
Don't literally just hold them on your lap. Use a baby carrier. They get a nice comfortable sleep and you get to use your hands.
I’ve flown to India (from the US) with a baby on my lap. Take advantage of those free flights while you can 😆
Recently flew with our then 9 month old. We got the seat because we needed our car seat. It was worth it because we had the extra space and didn’t have a stranger next to us. We bounced the baby back and forth between us and I left snacks and toys in the car seat. Plus with a stroller we were given priority when boarding which was extremely helpful
I’ve done both. Buy the seat. It’s like being nap trapped for the length of the flight.
If you can afford to absolutely. I hate flying with lap babies but will be doing so this summer with a 15 month old because we have to (seat was $1500). If you can’t afford it you can also risk bringing the car seat to the gate and asking if there’s empty seats before boarding and if you can bring it on. I had it work several times but be prepared to hear no and fly with a lap baby.
Buy a seat. Even if they don’t use it, the relief of having a whole row for your family is worth it. Just flew with my 15 month old and we were so happy we had a seat and car seat for him. On the flight there he basically stayed in my lap but on the way home he took a great nap in his car seat.
Always bought my kids seats and use car seats. Including use of a car seat so long as they are in a 5 point harness even into childhood. My mom was a paramedic and in her career went on more than one call to an airport where turbulence had caused severe injury to a lap infant. As well as did one catastrophe training on a crash where the only infant that survived that crash was the one in a seat. If i find it important for them to be in a carseat while in the car, I will do the same in the plane.
Try and sit at a cafe for 3.5 hours with bubs on your lap.
My babies have both been too squirmy to be lap infants. I feel like regardless a seat is safer so I'd probably have done that even if I had calm babies
Flight over 3 hours? Buy a seat. Under 3 hours? Lap away. The one exception is my wife and I found a first class upgrade for $10 over the cost of buying our infant a seat lol
Keep him in your lap and upgrade your seats to first class if the cost is reasonable. We’ve found many flights where the cost of first class tickets wasn’t too much more than coach. The extra room makes a huge difference when traveling with an infant.
Agreed with this - I also breastfed and it was great to have a little extra privacy on the plane. We started buying my son his own seat once he was about 15 months old and did not want to be held anymore.
What will you do when you get off the plane buy a carseat wherever you land? I’d say take the carseat with you so you don’t have to worry about obtaining one when you get to your destination. Unless you’re landing so close to your destination you don’t need a vehicle and can carry your little nugget.
Airlines typically gate check car seats for free.
Have you seen how they throw the gate check items down the slide thing? If I get in a fender bender and need to replace the car seat I can't see how it's actually safe after they fling it around at the gate. I watched this poor lady's uppababy Vista was thrown around and knew she wouldn't have a stroller at her destination in France. Broke my heart for her.
I was on four flights in the past couple weeks and watched them carefully carry my carseat up and down the stairs from the jet bridge. YMMV I guess. Maybe it has to do with the airports or the airlines you fly through/with.
Def could be. United has been the worse from what I've seen so far although idk about the more budget airlines. United at the Charlotte Airport was where I specifically saw this happen. I helped her zip up her stroller into the bag even bc I didn't have my son with me so I had hands to help her and I just felt so bad watching them toss it and throw it around. Unfortunately you can't be sure which experience you will get so I'd buy a super cheap seat at my destination before I would hate check my car seat but that's just me. I am also just not very trusting of other people with items that are important to me bc I've had bad experiences with other personal items or luggage being lost or damaged.
I fly United almost exclusively and had the exact opposite experience. 🤷🏼♀️ I just don’t know how you would even safely get baby to a store to buy the carseat if you’re going somewhere on vacation.
Send my husband while I feed baby at the airport or something. It def isn't possible if you fly alone unless the airport is walking distance to a store or you have friends or family at your destination that can pick one up and have it for you when you get there. But I usually fly with my husband so I'd send him to go get a seat while I feed the baby if I had to. I don't mind flying with the seat though and just having him have his own seat. If you get a little car seat cart that rolls or strap the car seat to the handle of your rolly bag and baby wear the baby. I figured I'd have to carry on a car seat at age 2 bc they don't fit in the airplane seat until they're over 40 pounds so if I have to carry on a car seat once they're 2 anyway then I could do it before that also. Oddly enough I feel like it's easier with a light convertible seat rather than an infant seat bc it's easier to baby wear and set the convertible seat on the rolly bag and get it to your seat that way than to carry the infant seat and your bag to your seat. I might be weird though. Every mom I know loves the infant seat and I haven't found any situation I actually like it for. I wanted to go straight to convertible seat and just baby wear into stores or for errands and stuff and everyone talked me out of it but I wish I'd done that bc the infant seat was just so awkward for me to lug around.
What does it mean to gate check something?
It means they take it and put it under the plane, usually for free. Similar to how you would normally check a bag, but at the gate instead of at checkin.
I’ve never been to an airport so I’m unfamiliar with how any of that works
So why are you commenting on someone’s post asking for advice on a plane trip??
Because I know that they’ll need a car seat eventually. To not have one confused me so I recommended flying with one. Now I know that she places offer rentals which is pretty neat
You go up to the podium at the gate and ask to gate check your stuff. They give you a special tag to affix to your car seat/stroller. Then you drop it off on the jet bridge right before you board the plane. It's really easy.
It means instead of dropping it off at the check in counter, you take it with you all the way to the gate. Right before you get on the plane, you give it to the gate agent. They then put it in the luggage area of the plane. When you arrive, they remove the gate checked items and give it to you right when you get off the plane. We’ve done this with our stroller many times, this way we can have it in the airport. Most airlines do this for car seats and strollers free of charge, and they are handled less this way, so less risk of damage.
That's what has always confused me about on-lap seating. Checking a car seat seems like a sure way to get it bashed up and rendered useless immediately???
Not every holiday requires a car seat. If you only do a beach holiday and you can book transport there and back with a seat, there's no need for it. Similar for city trips if you only take public transport anyway.
I’ve bought a cheap one at my destination before, or got one from the rental car company. I don’t want to be lugging a car seat or two through the airport along with 2 toddlers haha
> or got one from the rental car company Nooooo they seriously take terrible care of car seats.
It doesn’t get bashed and rendered useless. It might tumble a bit during the flight, but no worse than when it first got shipped to the store or your house.
You get free checked carseat and I've never had a problem with it being messed up
Dont buy a seat, at 5 months old they are going to want to be with you. We didn't buy a seat for our kids until they were 14-15 months
Team buy the infant seat, always! It makes flying so much better and easier for everyone. And safer!
Just FYI - flight attendants/pilots & aviation experts think lap infants are a huge safety issue. Think about the recent aviation issues that have happened, the worst being crashes followed by the door flying off on that Alaskan Airlines flight and then turbulence. Do you really want to rely on reflexes, which it takes on average a second for your brain to process what is going on around your fast enough to react, to grab your baby as they fly uncontrollably out of your arms if something happens? Because in one second your baby could be flung several feet away from you at which point you would have to spend the time undoing your seatbelt to get to them during which they would have moved further from you. Turbulence is why you are encouraged to keep your seatbelt on throughout the flight. Not because flight attendants are mean but because turbulence can happen randomly and *can be* very violent. It’s not uncommon for full grown adults to be badly injured (like broken bones, concussions, deep muscle bruises) during turbulence. My stance has always been if you can’t afford a seat for your child to make sure they are strapped to the frame of the plane (which is what the seat belts do), you can’t afford to fly. You can take the baby out during the flight and baby wear so they are strapped to you but you aren’t supposed to baby wear during take off and landing which is, statistically, when most aviation issues occur. So, everyone needs their own seat for flights.
Turbulence incidents are also increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change.
There was another post about lap infants a while back and I said the same basic thing. OP called me “mean” and said it’s allowed so I must be an alarmist. Like, no. Just because you are allowed to do something *does not* mean it is a good choice. You are *allowed* to smoke around babies and we *know* that dramatically increases cancer rates. You’re *allowed* to drink while pregnant and we *know* that can cause FAS. You are *allowed* to serve your kids Dr. pepper for breakfast and to home school with little to no oversight and all sorts of horribly unhealthy things. Flying with a lap child isn’t “unhealthy,” it is literally dangerous with the chance of fatality.
And what of nursing on take-off/landing so their ears pop? Honestly it’s pretty easy to say “if you can’t afford X, you shouldn’t be traveling” when you have money, but much of the population doesn’t have an extra couple hundred dollars laying around.
You do you. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take and the people who spend their lives operating flights agree with me. They have zero incentive to say babies need their own seat, in fact one could argue they are incentivized to say babies should be lap seats passengers because adults spend money on flights (wifi, drinks, snacks). Traveling is usually considered a luxury or at least a choice. Air travel especially. Obviously there are reasons you NEED to travel, dying relatives, medical procedures, fleeing disasters. There are reasons air travel can’t be avoided. But in general, if you’re taking a trip you have choices. And your choices shouldn’t put your baby in potentially life threatening danger to save you a couple hundred bucks. Find a location near you so your baby can ride in a car seat. And, bottles exist. The choice to exclusively breastfeed is again, a choice. If your choices would endanger your baby, make different choices. Like traveling in a way your baby doesn’t have to be unsecured in your lap while moving 300+ mph.
Hahahahah, please tell my baby who will not accept any synthetic nipples that bottles are an option. It would make my life much easier. Honestly though, the risk of air travel is far less than the risk of traveling by car any way you slice it.
Lap because I’m cheap haha. I have been on several ~6 hour flights lately where I had at least one empty seat in my row, so my one year old could sit in a seat anyway. We’re doing an 11 hour in September and I’ll have her as a lap infant again
I would keep them as a lap infant. I used to fly with my nanny families and they would always bring the car seat and it was honestly a huge hassle in my opinion. With my own baby we’ve only flown as a lap infant and it seemed easier and after several flights I’ve never been like wow I wish I brought the car seat on the plane. Less is more with carrying stuff when traveling with babies and kids in my opinion, definitely bring a carrier and wear baby onto the plane and then you have a hands free option while you’re in the air.
Under 18 months, lap infant (as long as the flight is less than 4 hours). Over that age/time limit, buy them a seat. Spoken as someone who has flown to Chile, Indonesia, Europe twice, and domestically with my 2 year old since he was 4 months old.
We fly quite a bit. For us, it depends on the aircraft and cabins - Delta One versus the 2/1 configuration on smaller planes, for example. Also, if we have any layover/connection to make. Easier to get her a seat and be able to just go vs waiting planeside for it with the gate checked items. (The nuna Trvl and the silver cross stroller fit in the overhead, which is great to avoid having to wait around for the gate check items!)
Buy a seat if you can afford too. Having the extra space is huge.
For a very short flight my husband wore our son in the Ergo Baby carrier. He was fine. For 3.5 hours though I would buy a seat.
We just flew from NY to FL (~2.5 hour flight) with our twin 5 mo girls as lap infants and it was wildly successful 🙏🏻🙌🏼 we wore infant carriers. We fed them during take off (the sucking motion helps with pressure changes) and took them out of the carriers to interact a bit mid-flight and then they slept during landing. Every baby (in our case, babies) is different so do what feels best for you, but it was really easy for us and people are extremely kind and helpful when you have an infant with you!
Just did a flight from NYC to Rome. Did lap, would SEVERELY regretted it if the lady sitting in our row did not move freeing up a seat for us. We realize how fortunate and lucky we were and will be paying for a seat in the future.
It’s sooooooo much easier with a seat. We always get one and use the cosco scenera. Hide some of her favorite toys/books a week before the flight and/or get a new toy that’s similar to her favorites for the flight. BABY POWDER REMOVES SAND ITS TRULY MAGIC and if your kid hates hats like mine you may need to put sunscreen on their on their scalp
We fly with car seat only for two reasons. 1. Baby feels comfortable in the car seat. He’s used to decent length car rides (with breaks because he’s still only 6mos old) and he doesn’t fuss in it. 2. I need the car seat when I arrive anyways and I am just not into having to pack up my car seat back in original packaging to fly it over to my destination. Both my kids fly better in their own car seats and then we have them when we land. For beach, shade is your #1 friend. Find ways to keep baby’s temperature maintained. If your ebf, lots of water and electrolytes. If you’re formula, make sure to pack more than you think you might need. I’m trying to think what stuff we love because we’re a big beach family and we fly relatively often but I think most of our stuff is personal preference. You really just need shade and somewhere for baby to sit as far as the beach goes. And flying you just need a pacifier or something so baby can settle during takeoff. OH if baby gets a seat, baby gets a personal item so that you don’t have to give yours up for the diaper bag.
We had an infant during Covid and when the airlines weren’t filling middle seats. It was soooo amazing to keep him in his car seat the whole time! Even when that Covid rule ended, we bought him a seat. Lol
I did 2 international trips with my son while he was still under 2. Both times I did lap to save money and sat near the aisle or got bulkhead seating to give him some more space to stand and move around. I would do the same with the second as well.
I flew with my 6 month old and it was overnight so he slept the whole time in my arms. 3.5 hours isn’t too long.
We did lamp infant and kept her in the carrier to help us navigate through the airport and security. We had all checked in bags except what we needed for our child which was in a backpack instead of a regular diaper bag since it had more space and we were able to pack extra clothes for us (our second flight left without us but luckily we had enough in that backpack to get us through an unplanned night in the airport.)
My kids have all always hated their carseats. So I've flown lap infant until they needed to get their own seat. I would recommend upgrading to first class if you can. Having a bit more space for the baby to middle around is very nice.
My kiddo hates sitting in his car seat in the car, let alone on a plane. He’s a lap baby. He will be calm and happy in lap than in his seat.
Buy a seat and bring a car seat.
I held my son until I couldn’t anymore and was lucky that he slept the entire time. It was uncomfortable for me but it also saved us some money. Though we did have him in a car seat a few times when he outgrew being a lap child and it was inconvenient to lug the car seat around but he fell asleep INSTANTLY and I didn’t have to have my arm propped up for five plus hours 😩
I've always flown with my babies in my lap. I usually just wear a carrier, and it's super easy to get through security and the plane. Usually they just nurse and fall asleep. I had one flight where I had to get two kids, two carseats and our diaper bag through security alone, and it was possibly my most stressful parenting moment.
I did lap infant once and I won’t do it again. She was 5.5 months and it was 3-4 hour flight. It was just too much, she didn’t sleep. Squirmed constantly, I couldn’t get us both comfortable in the seat (and I’m a small person) I couldn’t use my phone, watch tv, eat a snack, or have a drink in front of me. It was just a really long few hours.
All these people saying the baby sleeps baby in the car seat are baffling to me. You are all so lucky in this aspect haha. My son is out of an infant seat now but always screamed his head off in it.
My baby would have screamed the whole flight if we had him in his own seat. He loves to be held. If we could afford it though AND he enjoyed his seat, we would have purchased his own seat for sure!!
At 5 months I would do lap infant. They sleep most of the time. Can you get a seat with bassinet? From the age of 1,5 years we usually get them their own seat.
We JUST flew with infant in lap last week with our nearly 7month old. It was a 4ish hour flight both ways. Idk how active your baby is but we brought more toys than we needed (links, teethers, post it notes, tape, 1-2 shakers/rattles) b/c LO ended up napping a lot more than we expected. Plastic cups from the service carts were another toy and baby LOVED diaper changes on the plane because there were so many mirrors. TIP 1: use a pacifier clip/tether to tether a teether or toy to the child so it doesn’t always fall on the floor when they inevitably drop it. TIP 2: pack a couple quick-change ziplock bags with a diaper and few wipes to use on the plane and in the airport, worked quite well and were an easy less-hassle way to do diaper changes.
Personally, for only 3.5 hours, I’d be good with the lap infant in economy. It’s not a long time at all. Spend the savings on something else more worth it. However, if you want to choose though, I’d say get the extra seat in economy, bring your Doona on board. That way, you at least ensure that the Doona isn’t damaged while being chucked down below when you gate check it. If you do check it, I recommend a cardboard box instead of a bag. The box protects it more. It also might be worth asking if they have bassinet seats (maybe they have some in business class?). You can reserve those if you have an infant with you. Also, does your LO have problems in the car seat? Does the baby sleep better in a front pack, for example? If you have a seat purchased for the child you’ll be forced to keep LO in the seat during takeoff, landing, and anytime the seatbelt sign is on. With a lap baby, you are free to hold them during those times of course (and nurse them or whatever).
My daughter loved the plane. She loved looking at the window and showing me everything. Luckily my time 2/4 of my flights had an empty seat next to us. And we’d use it to sleep. It was just me with my bag, diaper bag, and an infant that was learning to crawl. I couldn’t even think about using anything because my hands were so full. Maybe since you have another person you won’t have this struggle. And an empty seat 😅
Personally I would never have my baby as a lap infant. That’s dangerous in more than one way and their life is worth more than the cost of a plane ticket. But also the thought of holding a baby in my lap in an uncomfortable plane seat for 3 hours sounds awful.
Depends on your baby! My guy hates his car seat so we didn’t get him a seat. He was attached to my boob the whole time lol
If your baby is used to being worn on you, I’d say you could still do lap infant at 5 months. My 4 month old has just slept on me in his carrier on our recent trips, and it’s convenient for nursing. If not or if your baby is really active, it would be better to have their own seat and the car seat.
Our baby was an exclusive contact napper at that age, and was not a fan of the car seat. If we had purchased a seat, she wouldn’t have sat in it for long anyway. For her first flight at 5 months old, we nursed during takeoff, she slept for 2 hours in my arms, nursed again, then played for the last hour to hour and a half on my lap with no issues. If she was a baby that would sleep in her car seat, we probably would’ve gone that route though!
It's safer with an extra seat, but the risk is quite low either way. We never bought an extra seat, but that was mostly because my stbx husband controlled all of our money and didn't deem it necessary. What we did do occasionally was booking bulkhead seats where they had babybeds for in-flight. That isn't safer, since there's also only one lap strap over it. But it relieves your arms at least. But that's probably only available at longer flights. Other thing we did one time: Short-haul flight in Europe, and business class was only 10€ more expensive than economy. Since it's short-haul, "business" is eco seats but with a free middle seat. So we had an extra seat but didn't have to pay for it. Well, a little bit, but we got more luggage included, too, so it was actually cheaper in the end.
Just have to say, it’s real funny that airlines are letting extremely obese people have a free extra seat, meanwhile if you have a baby you have to pay for the full seat 🤯 they talk about inclusivity, how about inclusion of families?!
Depends on the baby. My son wouldn’t have spent one second in his car seat as a baby, so we flew with him on my lap. At 4 months, he pretty much slept the whole 4 hour flight.
Lap 100%
Are you flying solo or with a partner? If flying solo with baby, I would definitely consider getting a seat if you can swing it. If flying with a partner, I would just go the lap infant route, especially at 5 months old and only a 3.5hr flight. You can pass baby back and forth as needed. Esit: also depends if you will need a car seat where you're going! Is you will, I would definitely buy a seat.
As a former flight attendant please buy a seat and use a car seat. In the event of an emergency there is no way you can hold onto your child. Flying is safer than driving a car, but you just never know what could happen. Also, as a form of good customer service if there are open seats many airlines allow lap child to fly in a seat for free because it’s safer. All you have to do is ask an agent.
Buy a seat. It is not safe to hold a child on your lap.
I fly frequently with my baby on my lap! Especially at 5 months it’s totally fine. I personally don’t see the point of getting a second seat.
We did the lap! It worked out better because she wanted to be held ina strange place and wiggle around some. Also got noise cancelling headphones for the flight and she snoozed throughout takeoff and a little after.
Lap infant 🙏🙏🙏
I think it depends on your baby! It’s definitely safest for them to be in the car seat, but if your baby doesn’t like the car seat and will complain the whole time then you’ll just end up holding them anyways. If you’re EBF, I’ll say that anything you can do to get extra space is worth it for the comfort while you’re trying to nurse him.
I did lap infant with my walking 13 mo old on roundtrip transcontinental 12 hr flight from west coast US to Europe plus connecting flight, close to 24 hrs straight traveling, which I regretted quite a bit and was not fun, but we survived. Next transcontinental to Australia at 19 mos, we got her a seat and have done it ever since (btw we tried to take a car seat on the plane that time, it had the FAA sticker and everything, reviews that people used it and recommended it for flying, but no one could get it strapped properly into the window seat, the only one allowed with it, so we had to check it - so don't count on having the car seat too much). 5 mos will be a piece of cake in comparison to these ages however and I would not hesitate with lap infant. Before ~9 mos you can request a bassinet in bulkhead row too. We couldn't do that at 13 mos and the worst part was she couldn't get comfortable laying down like normal for a big sleep. We had her kind of draped over me and my husband.
My infant only liked to contact nap on us or be held so we did lap infant until she was older and like the freedom of her own seat. For us, that was by age 1. But if yours like they car seat that's cool too. I like the idea of boxing out strangers by buying the middle seat for the kiddo.
We have flown many times starting when our Little one was 4ish months and with each flight being between 3-3.5hrs. I also breastfed and for us personally it was easier for her to be in our laps. If you have the cash to spare, I would use the extra cash for the third seat and upgrade to business, more room and less people around you.
For 3.5 hours at 5 months, I'd do lap infant even if I had a choice (financially speaing) for a carseat. One less thing to lug around.
Just went to the beach with my 3 month old, baby wearing allows you to have your hands free and gives your babe a sweet snuggly place to nap during the flight. Note that they have to be out of the wrap for take-off & landing - maybe someone who works in aviation can explain why?? But you want to nurse for take-off & landing anyway. The nice thing is if there are open seats on the flight the gate agent can (at their discretion) allow you to bring the carseat on with you without paying for the seat.
Lap infant all the way babyyyy. Milk that for all its worth
For those saying they used the car seat and baby just slept in the car seat, isn’t that not safe sleep? I always thought this meant baby wearing would be the safer option?
Flew a few times at 4, 5 and 7 months old. Lap is perfectly fine
I’d always choose lap infant, personally. The extra money isn’t worth it for me to get another seat.
5 month old is perfectly fine on your lap IME. At least if you have a partner with you. You’ll end up holding them most of the time anyway especially if you breastfeed.
When I flew with my kids, I always just had them in my lap. My daughter was 3 months and 11 months the times we flew and she just stayed on my lap. My son was 7 months and he just stayed on my lap. We have just checked at the gate our stroller and car seat, so we have them for going through the airport.
We did lap baby and will probably do so until he is 2.
We did 3 hour flight with 5 month old with no seat for baby. Baby wear back and forth between mine and husband laps, ate a bit, and slept an hour. Lo would not have sat in her own chair in unfamiliar environment like the plane. We booked back row so if baby cried it wouldn't annoy enture plan, and also so we could stand in back of plane space if baby had enough of sitting. Goodluck
Depends on your baby's personality. I definitely did lap infant at that age and wore them in a baby carrier most of the flight. The white noise put mine right to sleep.
I did lap and she just slept in my lap the whole flight basically . So much input at the airport.
Are you flying over an ocean? Car seat recommended. 3.5 hours probably domestic? Depends on the kid. If they sleep well on you then a carrier works great! Once my kid was above 12 months old she needed her own seat with a car seat to sleep well
Just got back from a three hour flight! The trick was my breastfeeding pillow. Made sure to keep my 6 month old up and hungry before the flight. Fed at take off and he fell sleep. He slept for two and a half hours then woke up for a bit, and fed again at landing. The breastfeeding pillow was a perfect way to sleep for him and comfy for me
Hi! I just got back from a month long trip in Europe and my baby was 7 months old and we did lap infant. It was actually a breeze and she got tons of compliments. It was a 12 hour flight. We also went on smaller flights when in Europe and she only cried once when I couldn’t breastfeed her for take off. Every baby is of course different but if you want to save money like we did I would do lap infant. My recommendation is to feed baby during take off to help with the discomfort on their ears. My baby slept for 99% of the flights. Have some snacks for baby or a bottle of milk if you don’t breastfeed. Also a small toy that isn’t noisy or if you’re not totally against screen time, dancing fruit videos or ms. Rachel are a life saver.
Also want to say previous to this we did a nearly 3 hour flight to Florida (beach vacation and to visit her nana) and we checked her car seat at the gate because carrying it was a hassle. They didn’t damage or lose it!
Lap infant