Are Car Seats Free To Check On American Airlines? | Travel Smart

Yes, American Airlines generally allows car seats to be checked for free for ticketed children or infants traveling without a seat.

Navigating air travel with little ones brings a unique set of questions, and figuring out the logistics of car seats is often at the top of the list. It’s about ensuring safety and comfort for your child while also managing the practicalities of airport logistics. Knowing the airline’s policy upfront can significantly ease your travel preparations.

American Airlines’ Policy on Checking Car Seats

American Airlines understands the necessity of car seats for families. Their policy is quite clear and designed to support travelers with children. For each ticketed child or infant traveling without a seat, one car seat can be checked for free.

This allowance is separate from your standard baggage allowance. It means the car seat does not count as one of your checked bags, so you won’t incur additional baggage fees for it. This applies whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally with American Airlines.

The policy extends to booster seats as well. Any child restraint system designed for vehicle use, including car seats and booster seats, falls under this free-of-charge category when traveling with a child.

Checking Your Car Seat: Ticket Counter vs. Gate

You have two primary options for checking your car seat with American Airlines, each with its own advantages depending on your travel style and needs.

Checking at the Ticket Counter

Opting to check your car seat at the ticket counter often provides a smoother experience through security and the terminal. You can drop off the car seat along with your other checked luggage, freeing you up to navigate the airport with less bulk.

• Pros: Less to carry through security checkpoints and the terminal. You get it tagged and out of your hands early in the process.
• Cons: Car seats checked at the ticket counter go through the standard baggage handling system, which can expose them to more wear and tear. A durable travel bag is highly recommended for protection.
• Procedure: Simply present your car seat at the American Airlines check-in counter. An agent will tag it as a checked item, and it will be sent with your other luggage.

Gate-Checking Your Car Seat

Gate-checking allows you to keep the car seat with you until you reach the boarding gate. This can be particularly useful if you need the car seat to transport your child through the airport, or if you prefer to minimize its time in the general baggage system.

• Pros: You retain possession of the car seat longer, potentially reducing its exposure to rough handling. It can be helpful for moving a child through a large airport.
• Cons: You must transport the car seat through security and the terminal yourself, which can be cumbersome with other carry-ons and children.
• Procedure: Obtain a gate-check tag from the American Airlines gate agent before boarding. You will leave the car seat at the end of the jet bridge, and it will be loaded into the cargo hold. Upon arrival, it will typically be returned to you at the jet bridge as you deplane.

Using a Car Seat Onboard: FAA Guidelines

While checking a car seat is free, you might consider using it onboard for your child’s safety and comfort. This option requires your child to have a purchased seat on the aircraft.

For a car seat to be used in the aircraft cabin, it must be approved for aviation use. The FAA specifies that child restraint systems (CRSs) must bear a label indicating they are certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. This label often states “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT.”

When using a car seat onboard, specific rules apply:

• The child must be ticketed for a seat. Infants traveling as lap children cannot occupy a separate seat with a car seat unless a ticket is purchased for them.
• The car seat must fit between the armrests of the aircraft seat.
• It must be installed in a forward-facing window seat, not in an aisle seat or in an exit row. This placement ensures it does not impede emergency egress for other passengers.
• The car seat must be properly secured to the aircraft seat using the lap belt.

Protecting Your Car Seat for Checked Baggage

Whether you check your car seat at the counter or gate, protecting it during transit is a wise move. Baggage handling can be rough, and a damaged car seat compromises its safety features.

• Invest in a Travel Bag: A padded car seat travel bag offers significant protection against scratches, dirt, and impacts. Some bags come with wheels, making airport navigation easier.
• Label Clearly: Attach clear identification tags with your name, phone number, and flight information. Consider placing a copy of your itinerary inside the bag as well.
• Remove Loose Parts: Detach any removable accessories like cup holders, snack trays, or infant inserts and pack them in your carry-on or another secure bag. This prevents them from getting lost or damaged.
• Inspect Upon Arrival: Always inspect your car seat thoroughly for any visible damage immediately upon retrieval. If you notice any issues, report them to an American Airlines baggage service agent before leaving the airport.

Strollers and Other Child Travel Essentials

Beyond car seats, American Airlines has policies for other essential child items that can make family travel smoother.

• Strollers: American Airlines allows one stroller per child to be checked for free. This can be done at the ticket counter or gate-checked. Larger, non-collapsible strollers must be checked at the ticket counter, while smaller, collapsible strollers can typically be gate-checked.
• Diaper Bags: A diaper bag is generally considered a personal item and can be brought onboard in addition to your carry-on bag. This is incredibly helpful for keeping immediate necessities within reach.
• Breast Pumps: Breast pumps and their associated accessories are considered medical devices. They are permitted onboard as an additional item to your carry-on and personal item allowance, without counting towards those limits.

Tips for a Smoother Airport Experience with Kids

Traveling with children requires extra planning and a few strategies to keep things running smoothly. A relaxed parent often means a more relaxed child.

• Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time at the airport. This allows for unexpected delays, extra bathroom breaks, or simply a slower pace when navigating with little ones.
• Utilize Family Lanes: At security checkpoints, some airports offer family lanes. The TSA provides specific guidance for traveling with children, including how to manage liquids, food, and medical supplies for infants and toddlers.
• Pack Smart Carry-Ons: Keep essentials like snacks, drinks, small toys, comfort items, and a change of clothes for both child and parent easily accessible in your carry-on.
• Request Pre-Boarding: American Airlines typically offers pre-boarding for families with small children. This allows you extra time to settle into your seats, install car seats if applicable, and stow your carry-on items without feeling rushed.