The calmest family trips are mostly won before you leave: the right car seat in the right spot, a bag packed for your child's age, and a plan for breaks. Gadgets are optional; restraints are not.
The short answer: On planes, the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children under 40 pounds ride in their own seat, in a car seat labeled for aircraft use, not on a lap. In the car, keep kids rear-facing as long as their seat allows, keep everyone under 13 in the back, and plan a stop about every 2 hours. Pack by age: feeding and ear-comfort supplies for babies, snacks and quiet play for toddlers, and a little independence for big kids.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
This guide is for general information. For travel with a baby, a child with a health condition, or any individual concern, ask your pediatrician.
Does my child need a car seat on the plane?
It is not required, but it is strongly recommended. The FAA doesn't require child restraint systems (CRS) on commercial flights, but it "strongly recommends" a CRS or another FAA-approved device based on a child's weight. Its Kids' Corner page says the safest place for a child under 2 is in an approved CRS, not on an adult's lap, and that buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee you can use one.
The AAP agrees: children under 40 pounds should ride in a certified child restraint when flying. Check your seat's label for this exact wording: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
What does not work on a plane:
- Booster seats and travel vests. The AAP says these can't be used on aircraft, and the FAA prohibits boosters, baby carriers and backless seats during taxi, takeoff and landing. Check the booster as luggage instead.
- A lap for a child who's over 2. The FAA lets under-2s fly on a lap, but the AAP travel safety page recommends that each child have their own seat.
Children over 40 pounds can use the airplane seat belt, according to the AAP. The FAA has also approved one harness-type device for children 22–44 pounds who can sit upright. It is approved for aircraft only, not cars.
The AAP's Flying With Baby page suggests boarding early so you have time to install the seat. The AAP also notes that most airlines let you check a car seat as extra luggage at no cost, but confirm with your airline.
What are the car-safety basics for a long drive?
From the AAP's car seat guide:
- Rear-facing as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height your seat allows.
- Back seat for all children under 13.
- Never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.
- Booster until the belt fits. That usually happens around 4 feet 9 inches tall, between ages 8 and 12.
- No bulky coats under harnesses. Puffy padding can compress in a crash and leave straps too loose. Buckle up in thin layers and lay a blanket or coat over the straps.
- Skip aftermarket add-ons that didn't come with the seat.
- Never leave a child alone in a car, even for a minute, because of heatstroke risk.
On pacing, the AAP suggests stopping about every 2 hours. For babies, an AAP pediatrician advises breaks every 2–3 hours on daytime drives and every 4–6 hours overnight. That page also says never to breastfeed in a moving car, and that a car seat isn't a safe sleep space outside the car. Bring a play yard or bassinet for your destination.
Renting a car seat? The AAP says to check that it's in good condition and comes with its instruction manual. For car seat questions or recalls, the AAP lists NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline, 888-327-4236.
How do I get through airport security with kids?
According to TSA:
- Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food (including pouches) are allowed in reasonable quantities over 3.4 ounces and don't have to go in your quart-size bag. Tell the officer and take them out for separate screening. Ice packs are allowed too.
- The AAP adds that children 12 and under don't have to remove their shoes for routine screening, and that you can gate-check most strollers.
How do I help with ear pain on takeoff and landing?
The AAP recommends nursing or offering a bottle to infants during descent, and gum or drinking through a straw for older kids. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) suggests gum or hard candy for children about 3 and older. It also advises keeping kids awake during takeoff and landing so they swallow more often. A pacifier can help babies. The AAP adds that soft earplugs or headphones can help with cabin noise.
Talk to your pediatrician before flying if your infant has chronic heart, lung or breathing problems, or if your child had an ear infection or ear surgery in the past 2 weeks. Both situations are flagged by the AAP.
What should I pack by age?
The picks below are practical suggestions built on the guidance above. Name brands don't matter here.
Age
Car
Plane
Don't forget
Babies (0–12 mo)
Rear-facing seat; thin layers plus a blanket over straps; feeding supplies for planned stops
Aircraft-labeled car seat; bottle or pacifier for takeoff and landing; spare outfit for baby and you
A safe sleep space for the destination; note what the TSA rules allow for milk and formula
Toddlers (1–3)
Snacks that suit their age (follow your pediatrician's choking guidance); 2–3 quiet toys rotated one at a time
Car seat on board; a straw cup for descent; wipes
Stops every ~2 hours to move; spare clothes
Preschoolers (3–5)
Picture books, stickers, audiobooks or songs
Car seat (if under 40 lb); simple activity pad
A "first-aid pocket" with the basics your pediatrician recommends
School-age (6–12)
Booster until the belt fits; a small bag they pack themselves
Booster checked as luggage, not used on board; gum or water for descent
A paper map or "I spy" list; hand sanitizer
The AAP's Flying With Baby page recommends dressing in layers and packing extra clothes. The AAP also says to wash hands often while traveling.
Are screens OK on a long trip?
Yes, in moderation. The AAP's 2026 digital media policy recognizes occasional tablet use on long road trips and plane rides as reasonable. Try leading with screen-free options like audiobooks, songs and window games. Save the screen for the hardest stretch, and download content ahead of time.
What to do tonight
Read your car seat's label for the aircraft certification line. Look up its weight and height limits too.
Call or check your airline about bringing a car seat on board and checking one as luggage.
Pack the age row from the table above into one grab bag.
Map your stops about every 2 hours, or every 2–3 hours for babies on daytime drives.
If your child has had a recent ear infection or has a heart or lung condition, call your pediatrician before you fly.
FAQ
Can my 1-year-old fly on my lap?
The FAA allows it for children under 2. However, both the FAA and the AAP say a child is safest in their own seat in an approved car seat.
Can I use a booster seat on the plane?
No. The FAA doesn't allow boosters during taxi, takeoff or landing. Check it as luggage for the car at your destination.
My child is over 40 pounds. What now?
The AAP says children over 40 pounds can use the aircraft seat belt.
Is it safe for my baby to sleep in the car seat at the hotel?
No. The AAP says a car seat isn't a safe sleep space outside the car. Bring a play yard or bassinet.
How often should we stop on a road trip?
The AAP suggests about every 2 hours. For babies, plan breaks every 2–3 hours by day.
Every child is different. For individual concerns about travel, ears or car seats, ask your pediatrician.
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