Alaska Airlines permits car seats and booster seats to be checked or carried on free of charge, in addition to standard baggage allowances.
Navigating air travel with little ones often brings a unique set of questions, especially when it comes to essential gear like car seats. Understanding airline policies can simplify your trip, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. Let’s clarify Alaska Airlines’ approach to traveling with child restraint systems.
Alaska Airlines’ Policy on Car Seats: The Core Facts
Alaska Airlines maintains a family-friendly policy regarding car seats and booster seats. These items are not counted as part of your standard baggage allowance, meaning you can bring them without incurring extra fees.
This policy applies whether you choose to check the car seat with your luggage or bring it aboard the aircraft as a carry-on item for use by a child occupying a purchased seat. The airline aims to ease the burden of traveling with children by making these necessary items free to transport.
Checked Baggage Allowance for Car Seats
If you opt to check your child’s car seat, you can do so at the ticket counter or curbside check-in. This option is convenient for families who prefer not to carry the car seat through the airport. Alaska Airlines does not charge for checking car seats or booster seats.
When checking a car seat, consider using a durable travel bag to protect it from dirt and potential damage during transit. Many car seat manufacturers offer custom travel bags, or generic options are widely available. Labeling your car seat clearly with your contact information is also a good practice.
Carry-On Car Seat Guidelines
For parents who purchase a seat for their child, an FAA-approved car seat can be used on board. This provides a familiar and secure environment for the child during the flight. The car seat must fit properly in the aircraft seat and not obstruct the aisle or the egress of other passengers.
If you plan to use a car seat on the plane, it must meet specific dimensions to fit within the aircraft seat. Typically, car seats wider than 16 inches may not fit in all aircraft seats, particularly in economy class. Always confirm the dimensions of your car seat and the aircraft type for your flight if you plan to use it in the cabin.
Understanding FAA Approval for Car Seats on Aircraft
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets specific standards for child restraint systems used on aircraft. Only car seats approved for aircraft use can be brought into the cabin and secured in a purchased seat. This approval ensures the seat meets safety requirements for aviation environments.
Using an FAA-approved car seat can provide children with a safer and more comfortable experience during turbulence. It also offers a familiar seating arrangement, which can help reduce anxiety for younger travelers.
Identifying an FAA-Approved Car Seat
To determine if your car seat is FAA-approved, look for a specific label on the seat. This label typically states, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” Without this specific wording, the car seat is not permitted for use in the aircraft cabin, even if it is approved for motor vehicle use.
Booster seats, which rely on a vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt system, are generally not approved for aircraft use because aircraft seats only provide lap belts. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds use an FAA-approved child restraint system when traveling by air.
| Car Seat Type | FAA Approval Required for Cabin Use | Alaska Airlines Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Car Seat (Rear-Facing) | Yes | Free to check or carry on (if FAA approved & child has seat) |
| Convertible Car Seat (Rear/Forward-Facing) | Yes | Free to check or carry on (if FAA approved & child has seat) |
| Booster Seat (High-Back/Backless) | No (Not designed for aircraft lap belts) | Free to check or gate check |
Purchasing a Seat for Your Child: When It Makes Sense
While children under two years old can typically fly as a lap infant on Alaska Airlines without a purchased ticket, securing a separate seat for them and using an FAA-approved car seat often provides a safer and more comfortable experience. This is especially true on longer flights or for children who are more active.
Having a dedicated seat for your child and car seat means they are secured in their familiar restraint system throughout the flight, including during turbulence. It also frees up your lap, offering more personal space for both parent and child during the journey.
Consider the age and temperament of your child when deciding whether to purchase a separate seat. Many parents find the investment worthwhile for the added safety and comfort, particularly as children grow and become more mobile.
Gate-Checking vs. Curbside/Ticket Counter Checking
Alaska Airlines offers flexibility in where you can check your car seat. You have the option to check it at the ticket counter or curbside check-in, or you can take it with you through security and gate-check it.
Gate-checking means you bring the car seat all the way to the boarding gate, and airline staff will tag it there. It is then loaded into the cargo hold with other gate-checked items. Upon arrival, it is usually returned to you at the jet bridge or baggage claim, depending on the airport and flight.
Gate-checking can be beneficial if you need the car seat for navigating the airport, or if you prefer to keep it with you for as long as possible. It also reduces the time your car seat spends in the general baggage handling system, potentially minimizing wear and tear.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage | Hands-free through airport, less to carry | Potential for damage, longer wait at baggage claim |
| Gate Check | Use through airport, less time in general baggage system | Still need to transport through airport, may wait at jet bridge |
| Carry-On (in purchased seat) | Child secured in familiar seat, immediate access upon landing | Requires purchasing a seat, car seat must be FAA-approved & fit |
Navigating Security Checkpoints with Car Seats
When traveling with a car seat, you will need to pass through security screening. The TSA has specific procedures for screening child restraint systems.
You may be asked to remove the car seat from its travel bag for X-ray screening. Be prepared to lift the car seat onto the conveyor belt. If it’s too large or heavy for the X-ray machine, it will undergo a visual and physical inspection by a TSA officer.
For families traveling alone with a child and a car seat, TSA officers are generally helpful. You can request assistance if you are struggling to manage the car seat along with other carry-on items and your child. Planning extra time for security when traveling with a car seat is always a good idea.
Tips for Smooth Travel with Car Seats on Alaska Airlines
- Verify Car Seat Dimensions: If using the car seat in the cabin, measure it to ensure it fits within the airline’s seat width (typically 16 inches).
- Check for FAA Label: Confirm your car seat has the “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” label if you plan to use it on the plane.
- Protect Your Car Seat: Use a durable travel bag for checked or gate-checked car seats to protect them from dirt and scuffs.
- Label Clearly: Attach a luggage tag with your name and phone number to your car seat.
- Board Early: If using a car seat in the cabin, take advantage of family boarding to install it without rushing or blocking others.
- Know Your Aircraft: Different aircraft types have varying seat configurations. Checking your flight’s aircraft type can help anticipate space.
Alternative Options: Renting or Borrowing at Your Destination
For some trips, transporting your own car seat may not be the most practical option. Consider whether renting a car seat at your destination or borrowing one from friends or family is a better fit for your travel plans.
Many car rental agencies offer car seat rentals, though it’s wise to reserve one in advance, especially during peak travel times. Confirm the type and condition of the car seat offered. Alternatively, if you have contacts at your destination, borrowing a car seat can eliminate the need to transport one altogether.
Weigh the convenience against the familiarity and known safety history of your own car seat. This decision often depends on the length of your trip, the amount of driving you anticipate, and your comfort level with using a rented or borrowed seat.