• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Shop
  • Blog Coaching
  • Disclosures
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Walking into this Wednesday with an extra pep in o Walking into this Wednesday with an extra pep in our step.  While we’ve always raised our girls to know they can be or do anything we couldn’t be more excited for them to have witnessed #HERstory themselves today. How y’all feeling on this glorious Wednesday? #representationmatters #thefutureisfemale
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice every “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” “The time is always right to do what is right.” Nearly 53 years later and these words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are words that fit so perfectly in today’s society, that is a sad truth.

My dream for America would be for it to get its shit together. For the many Americans in denial of what is actually happening in this country to wake up. For allies to be loud all the time, not just on #blackouttuesday. The work Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped start is not done and I’m afraid it never will be. 

From visiting his birth home (swipe left) to where he was assassinated, we’ll always strive to be our children’s best teachers. Remember it starts at home! #mlkday
Wow, so many new faces in our tiny corner of IG! I Wow, so many new faces in our tiny corner of IG! I am so happy our “how we afford to travel so much” series and photography tips have been helpful, more coming soon! Just wanted to share a little more about us. We’re Monet, James, Jordyn and Kennedy and we live in South Florida. I started The Traveling Child in 2016 to inspire parents to travel the world with their kids while providing tips to make it easier and affordable. Our motto is if kids live there, kids can visit and you’ll often find us exploring destinations most don’t consider “kid friendly”. 

Hubby and I met at the one and only University of Florida #gogators. We’ve been together for 14yrs and have our 8yr wedding anniversary coming up soon. Our love for travel isn’t new, 2 months into our relationship we studied abroad together in China.

Jordyn is 6, Kennedy is 4 and they both go to regular public school because well homeschool is not for us lol, but school has been virtual recently because of you know what. Still travel with school aged kids is possible and there are flight deals during school breaks!

James works in sales in Corporate America in an office setting so while I have my own business now we do have tips on traveling frequently with a full time job as well.

I’m Jamaican and well that means I’m a hustler lol. I’m the author of the children’s book, The Traveling Child Goes to Rio de Janeiro (available on Amazon), a freelance writer for The Points Guy and wannabe photographer.  I also write for our own blog/website www.thetravelingchild.co where we share our tips on affordable travel, traveling with kids and providing the itineraries for all the places we’ve traveled to.

While travel is the main focus of this page we’re parents too so we also share things we find helpful raising these kids and sometimes random dance videos 🤷🏾‍♀️.

Now that you know a little bit about us, tell us a little bit about you! Or ask us any questions you have!
How we flew to Singapore for free! We got a flight How we flew to Singapore for free! We got a flight deal for $395RT (tip from our how we afford to travel so much part 1 reel) and coupled that with points earned from a sign up bonus from a travel card. That cards bonus was 100,000 points which was redeemable for $1,250 in travel purchases. $395x3 plus only the taxes for Kennedy’s lap infant ticket meant we paid nothing out of pocket for the fights there! (Save and share this post.)

Is this series helpful? What do you want me to cover in part 3?

P.S. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using points and miles and 60 seconds is def not enough to go in depth. So I’m hosting a webinar on Saturday, January 23rd at 1pm EST where I’ll tell and show you how to find and book flight deals, go over travel credit cards and the other tools we use to afford travel so much. You will be able to ask all the questions you want and because of that it’s an intimate event with only 30 tickets available. Can’t wait to help you learn the tools to afford travel now so when the world is completely open you’re prepared! #traveltipsandtricks
I have so much to say but at the same time don’t I have so much to say but at the same time don’t have the words. This day will go down in history!
It’s the hair for me! But seriously this mamas h It’s the hair for me! But seriously this mamas hands are tired so I’m going to do as I said through my word of the year (check last post) and release these hair responsibilities to someone else next week, it’s time for the girls to get some braids. Buttttt if you’re looking for their natural hair routine, click the link in my bio for it. Are you team protective style or wear your hair out? 

For protective styles what are you go to’s? I need some inspo as I grow my hair back out for this in between phase. #naturalhairstyles
Words are so powerful and my word for this year wi Words are so powerful and my word for this year will be the reason I accomplish all the goals I have set forth this year. Are you letting go of anything in 2021? Do you have a word of the year, if so what is it?

The Traveling Child

  • Affording Travel
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
    • Asia
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
    • Australia
    • Caribbean
      • Aruba
      • The Bahamas
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Grand Cayman
      • Jamaica
      • Puerto Rico
      • Trinidad
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
    • North America
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Hawaii
      • Illinois
      • Louisiana
      • Mexico
      • Nevada
      • New York
      • Tennessee
      • Utah
      • Wisconsin
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Colombia
  • Travel Tips
    • Tips on Traveling with Kids
    • Trip Planning Tips
  • Reviews
    • Airline Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Product Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • Blog Coaching

5 Tips on Traveling With a Car Seat

August 15, 2016      Tips on Traveling with Kids

Car seats are very important in keeping our kids safe. However it can be a drag to travel with a car seat, especially when it’s already a pain getting through the airport smoothly with kids. Not anymore, here are 5 tips on traveling with a car seat.

mother pulling a car seat with her child in the airport

Traveling With a Car Seat: Does my car seat fly for free?

On US Airlines you can always check a car seat for free at the ticket counter or at the gate. Here are 3 reasons to always gate check your car seat. However when traveling with a car seat on international airlines the rules vary. Some count it towards your checked luggage allowance while others only allow it to fly for free if the child is under 2. Check your specific airlines website or call customer service to verify.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

How to protect your checked car seat!

When first traveling with a car seat the only thing I thought about were all the germs it would get from checking it. It would get germs from multiple people touching it, from the belt conveyor at baggage claim, and by being under the plane. Then I’d be putting my precious, clean baby in there to catch all those germs. Due to this I highly recommend purchasing a protective bag!

I forgot mine once and on my flight to my destination I asked the counter for a garbage bag and they provided me with one. However, on the way back that counter didn’t have any so don’t count on the airline providing something when traveling with a car seat. All the baby stores have several types and sizes of car seat bags depending on your needs. I bought a sturdy one as we travel a lot and didn’t want to risk the cheaper material ones ripping after multiple uses. If you don’t plan on using it much, don’t break the bank!


What are the risks of checking a car seat?

Car seats that have been in a car accident are no longer safe and should not be reused. We all know airlines damage people’s luggage all the time and there are no exceptions for car seats. The chance of an airline damaging your car seat where it is no longer safe and functional is unlikely. The problem is there is really no way to tell. You have no idea what happens to your car seat once you check it and not all car seat damage is visible.

The only way to 100% prevent the mishandling of your car seat when traveling with a car seat is to bring it on the plane with you. Unfortunately purchasing a seat for your child under 2 can be a big expense not everyone can afford so what are your alternatives?

  1. 1. Checking your car seat at the gate will eliminate a lot of handling as it’s walked over to the plane and handed right back to you upon landing but of course still no guarantee.
  2. Consider purchasing a cheaper car seat just for traveling purposes.
  3. Instead of traveling with a car seat if you plan on renting a car at your destination you can also rent a car seat through the rental company. There is an added fee (up to $13.99/day) for them to provide a car seat but if you have a AAA membership Hertz gives you one child, infant, or booster seat for free! They also have other savings which you can find here. The problem with renting a car seat is that you never know the condition it will be in.
  4. If it is a place you travel frequently, say visiting grandma/grandpa consider purchasing a car seat for their car that way you never have to travel with a car seat!

How to get your car seat to the gate!

If you are checking your car seat at the gate or having your child sit in it on the flight it can be daunting thinking of how you are going to manage. Car seats can be heavy, not to mention impossible to carry if you already have a carry-on bag plus a child to carry. Here are some ways to get your car seat to the gate:

  1. Get a car seat bag that has backpack straps so you can carry it.
  2. Snap the car seat into your stroller frame if you have an infant car seat so you can push baby in it.
  3. Get a car seat transporter (these have wheels so you can have baby strapped in a pull it and some can even be tied to your carry on suitcase so you can pull both with one hand). For details on the car seat transporter I use (video below) click here.


Traveling With a Car Seat? Here’s how to use it on the plane:

If you plan to have your child sit in their car seat on the plane you will be required to purchase a seat for them. Some airlines offer discounted child fare but most don’t. Your car seat MUST be FAA approved to be used on an airplane. How do you know if it is? It will read “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” or “for use in aircraft”. If the label is missing or unreadable your owner’s manual will also provide this information. Worst case call the manufacturer to ask them and have them provide you with a letter stating so.

Remember that just because your car seat is FAA approved doesn’t mean it will fit in the airplane seat. Be sure to measure your car seat and check with the airline. You’ll need to determine if the specific plane you would be traveling on has seats wide enough for your car seat. This is important as many airlines have various aircrafts they fly.

Car seats are not allowed to block the exit paths of others in the row. This means the car seat will need to be installed in the window seat on a typical 2 column plane. If the plane has 3 columns the car seat could also go in the middle seat of the middle column. Please note that some NON U.S. based airlines require you to provide the car seat details at booking over the phone. Unfortunately some do not allow children to sit in car seats during the flight at all. Others require the car seat to be forward facing so be sure to contact the specific airline prior to booking or always book on a U.S. based airline when traveling internationally.

You may be interested in reading: 8 Tips on Flying with Babies

Consider leaving your car seat at home!

Instead of traveling with a car seat maybe you should leave it at home. If you are traveling to somewhere like NYC, Chicago, or Tokyo where public transportation is in abundance or everything is in walking distance decide if you really need a car seat. If you are only taking trains and buses a baby carrier and/or stroller will suffice. For toddlers in major cities, Uber will provide you with a car seat for a small surcharge. Click here for details.

You may be interested in reading: Tips for Flying with Toddlers


Do you have any other tips on traveling with a car seat? If you found this article helpful, please share it!

Share16
Tweet
Pin6
Email
Share
22 Shares

BECOME A TTC SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Join more than 3k other folks who want to find travel inspiration, product recommendations, and more!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meme says

    November 6, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    Hello,
    I love your blog and IG!!! It has inspired both myself and my husband to make a list of countries to travel to and plan to travel when the baby’s 3 months.
    Where did you get the rolling cart pictured above for the car seat and also on a video on your IG account?

    • Monet Hambrick says

      November 7, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Hi Meme,
      Thank you so much, I am so happy to hear that! Yessss to this list of countries to travel to. You can find all the details for the car seat transporter on my Must Have Travel Gear Section of the blog, here’s the link directly for this one that includes a link to purchase the product http://www.thetravelingchild.co/travel-gear/car-seat-transporter. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  2. Labby says

    October 18, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    Great tips, does one also take the car seat base? Thanks

    • Monet says

      October 19, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Hi Labby,
      Glad you found them useful! I do not travel with my infant car seat base. You can install it with the base as long as the vehicle has the seat belts that lock (like when you are in a car that stops abruptly but the seat belt doesn’t let you go further). YouTube installing an infant car seat without the base, it will show you exactly how to. Hope my answer made sense, lol!
      Monet

  3. Sierra Dallas says

    November 21, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    As a parent, my first priority is to keep my kids safe.I have to travels a lot around the world with my a baby. Thanks for infant car seat travel bag ideas. It’s really essential for every mom to manage traveled with the baby and to feel comfortable and easier while traveling with the baby.

  4. Stephanie says

    March 15, 2018 at 6:27 pm

    Love reading all of your post. You have answered just about everything I was stressing over, so thank you very much. My husband and I are traveling to New Orleans with a 4 month old. We are staying about 1 Mile from Bourbon street. I was thinking we use the carrier since everything is in walking distance however, do you recommend bringing the car seat for the trip from the airport to the hotel in a shuttle? Or would the carrier suffice?

    • Monet says

      March 15, 2018 at 7:11 pm

      You’re very welcome and I am so happy to hear how helpful you have found my posts. Is the airport shuttle one of those shuttle buses with no seat belts or is it a van that cans seat belts and the carseat can be installed? I would see if the hotel can provide you with that information. If it can’t be installed no point in traveling with it but if it can I would recommend it for the car ride to/from the airport and then you can keep it in your hotel or Airbnb.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hey, I’m Monet!

Hey, I’m Monet!

A full time working woman, wife and mama of two. I use every last one of my vacation days traveling with my kids, hubby, friends or solo. Join me as I share my travel experiences and tips to make travel affordable and easier with the little ones. You can read more about me here.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Join more than 3k other folks who want to find travel inspiration, product recommendations, and more!

Recent Posts

  • Things to do in Atlanta with Kids
  • Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
  • Traveling with A Child with Eczema
  • Gaylord Palms Christmas, Bringing Winter to Florida
  • Giving Back with AmazonSmile

SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB & RECEIVE $40 OFF

SIGN UP FOR AIRBNB & RECEIVE $40 OFF

FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Facebook

FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST

Copyright © 2021 The Traveling Child · Special thanks to our web team Kenya Rae and Ryan Virvo