The Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Car Seats
Traveling with kids is an adventure, and one of the biggest challenges is figuring out what to do about car seats. Should you lug your own through the airport? Trust a rental? Try a travel vest or booster? What if you’re taking a taxi, rideshare, or train? Let’s talk about everything you need to know.
If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Kelly, The Car Mom, and helping families find the best car and car seat for their needs is what I do. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and mom of four, and if there’s one thing I know inside and out, it’s cars and car seats. My goal is to help you feel confident and prepared, whether you’re renting a car, hopping in a taxi, or booking a rideshare with your kids.
Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with a car seat. By the end, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to make every journey as safe and smooth as possible for your family.
Why Car Seat Safety Still Matters When You’re Traveling
When it comes to car seat safety, travel doesn’t change the rules – your child still needs the same protection as at home. In fact, car collisions remain one of the leading causes of injury for children, and the best way to reduce risk is to use a properly installed car seat every time your child rides in a car.
The reality? For many parents, car seat safety can become an afterthought during travel. You might assume you can “wing it” or skip the seat for a quick ride. But the safest approach is to plan ahead and set your own standard, regardless of what’s required at your destination.
What To Do With Car Seats In Every Travel Scenario
When you’re traveling with kids, every trip is different – and so are the challenges with car seats. Here’s how to handle the most common travel situations with confidence:
Should You Bring A Car Seat On The Plane?
Yes — and not just for the flight.
Bringing your FAA-approved car seat means you don’t have to gamble on finding a safe one when you land. I always tell parents: if your child will need a car seat at your destination, bring it with you.
Many travel-friendly seats are under 10 lbs and easy to install on a plane (like the Cosco Scenera Next or Graco Contender Slim). And a huge travel bonus is that most kids nap better in a seat they know.
What About Lap Infants On The Plane?
Airlines allow babies under 2 to fly as lap infants, but the FAA strongly recommends buying them a seat and using a car seat onboard. Turbulence is unpredictable — a properly installed seat keeps your baby safe and secure.
Always Gate-Check Your Car Seat.
If bringing the seat onboard isn’t an option, gate-check it, don’t check it with your luggage.
Here’s why:
Luggage handlers toss bags, including car seats.
Damage can happen even if you can’t see it.
You don’t want to discover a broken buckle when you land.
Pro tip: Always use a padded bag for protection. I’ve even heard some parents bring a bungee cord to strap the seat to their rolling carry-on. Whatever you feel like you need to do for a safe transit, do it.
Should You Rent A Car Seat At Your Destination?
In Short? Only If You Absolutely Have To.
Rental car companies do offer car seats—but the quality is hit or miss. I’ve heard from parents who were handed expired seats, missing pieces, or models their kids had already outgrown. Even if the seat is decent, you’re the one responsible for installing it correctly (and good luck finding the manual).
If you have to rent:
Ask what brand and model they offer ahead of time.
Inspect for expiration dates and visible wear.
Install it yourself and double-check for a tight fit.
For peace of mind, I recommend traveling with a lightweight seat like the Graco GoMax for infants or Cosco Finale for older kids. If you're using a travel stroller, choose one that fits your car seat on top or folds easily with it strapped in.
Car Seat Options For Uber And Taxi Rides
In most rideshare and taxi scenarios, you need to bring your own car seat. Period.
While Uber Car Seat is available in some cities, it’s usually limited to one forward-facing seat—not helpful if you have an infant or multiple children.
What To Bring:
Infants: Choose a baseless seat that installs with a seatbelt, like the Nuna Pipa Urbn or Joie Mint Latch.
Toddlers: Go with a lightweight option, like the Graco SlimFit3 LX, so you do not have to struggle with weight.
Big Kids: A portable booster like the Cosco Rise or Peg Perego Flex 120 is easy to stash in a backpack.
Pro Tip: Know how to do a seatbelt-only install ahead of time—especially in vehicles without LATCH anchors.
Do You Need A Car Seat On Public Transit And Trains?
This depends on the system, but most buses and trains (including Amtrak) do not require or accommodate car seats.
Seats aren’t typically designed to hold one, and there may not be seatbelts to secure it anyway. In these cases:
Hold infants or use a soft baby carrier to keep them close and secure.
Keep toddlers seated next to you and supervise actively — bring books, snacks, or games to help them stay still.
Amtrak is the major passenger train service in the U.S. — it offers a Red Cap Service to help with luggage at major stations, but not all trains or countries have this. If you’re traveling internationally, research ahead of time what transit options are available and how kid-friendly they are.
Car Seats For International Travel: What To Know
International travel adds a whole new layer of complexity — car seat laws vary wildly, and in many places, car seats are rare, optional, or even unavailable.
I always say: if you’ll need a car seat when you land, bring it with you. It’s the only way to guarantee your child has a safe ride.
What To Expect Abroad
In some countries, taxi drivers may not allow the installation of a car seat. In others, you might ride in cars without seatbelts in the back seat (yep, really). Even if car seats are technically required by law, enforcement is often lax.
That’s why I always pack a seat that’s lightweight and easy to carry:
For Infants: The Nuna Pipa Urbn is great for international travel because it doesn’t require a base and installs in seconds with a seatbelt.
For Toddlers: I love the Cosco Scenera Next for its under-7-lb design — it’s been a lifesaver in airports and taxis.
For Older Kids: The WAYB Pico is a solid forward-facing option that folds up small and fits in a backpack.
Other Options:
If bringing a seat isn’t realistic (say, you’re traveling light or moving from place to place), look into reputable baby gear rental companies at your destination. Just make sure they provide the make/model info in advance, and that you’re comfortable installing it yourself.
Choosing The Right Car Seat For Travel
Not all car seats are ideal for travel. Traditional car seats, while safe and familiar, can be heavy to carry through airports or install in unfamiliar cars. Travel-specific car seats are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to install, making them a practical choice for families on the move.
For more information about why bringing a car seat with you on your next family flight is highly recommended, check out my post: Do You Need A Car Seat On The Airplane? Ask A CPT.
What To Look For In A Travel Car Seat:
Lightweight design (ideally under 10 lbs)
Quick and straightforward installation
FAA approval for airplane use (if you’re flying)
Wide age and weight range for flexibility
Comfortable for your child, even on longer journeys
Travel Infant Seats
When looking for an infant travel car seat, I highly recommend choosing a baseless seat because it can be installed using just a seatbelt — no heavy plastic base required. This eliminates one last thing to pack beforehand. Here are the options I recommend:
Travel Convertible Seats
If your child is ready to move beyond an infant seat but still needs the safety of a harness, a convertible car seat is your best bet for travel. Convertible seats can be used rear-facing for younger children and forward-facing for older toddlers, making them a flexible choice for families on the go. Here are some of my top picks:
Travel Forward-Facing Seats
Once your child has outgrown rear-facing and convertible seats, a dedicated forward-facing seat can be a practical travel solution, especially for older toddlers and preschoolers. Look for seats that are easy to carry and quick to install, so you can keep transitions smooth wherever your travels take you. Here are two excellent options:
Travel Boosters
For children who are ready for a booster, portability and ease of use are key. The best travel boosters are lightweight, compact, and simple to carry, perfect for stashing in a backpack or overhead bin. Here are two great options:
Traveling With Car Seats Is Less Intimidating Than You Think!
While traveling with kids can feel overwhelming at first, bringing a car seat along doesn’t have to add extra stress. Whenever possible, always bring your own car seat. Using your own seat means you know exactly how it works, how to install it, and that it meets your child’s specific safety needs. With a little extra effort, you’re giving your child the best protection possible on the road—peace of mind that’s well worth it.
If you have questions about your travel plans or need help choosing the best car seat for your family, please ask me in the comments! And to keep up with the latest safety tips for families, check out my recent posts: