The summer vacations are just around the corner, so today it’s all about “flying with a child seat.” As an experienced traveler with a child, I’m happy to share my tips and experiences with you. Let’s work together to ensure that your next flight with your little adventurers is safe and enjoyable.
1. Check the airline's guidelines
2. Choose the right child seat
For air travel, I recommend a lightweight yet sturdy child seat. Make sure that the seat meets the applicable safety standards and is suitable for your child’s age and weight. Also, check whether the seat is approved for use in aircraft. Some seats are specifically designed for use in aircraft and are easier to install.
TÜV Rheinland has qualified some seats with the label “For use in Aircraft” for use in aircraft. Here you can find a manufacturer list with qualified child seats. Unfortunately, most child seats are a bit older and hardly available for purchase anymore.
Our faithful travel companion: Britax Römer Eclipse
We have been using the compact child seat for our daughter since she was two years old. It is certified for air traffic with “For use in Aircraft” and can also be fastened in the car with a 2-point lap belt or with a 3-point belt. This means it can be installed in practically any rental car.
An aircraft accessory set must also be purchased for installation in the aircraft. In some cases, the seat can also be installed without the accessories, but this is not the case with all aircraft types!
With a seat width of approx. 45 cm, the seat can even be installed on the narrow seats of budget airlines such as Ryanair.
The seat can be used from 9-18 kg or from approx. 9 months to 4 years.
For us, the child seat has a great price-performance ratio and guarantees the safety of our daughter when traveling by air.
3. Book a suitable seat
Advantages of a window seat on short-haul routes
On short-haul flights, we like to sit with our daughter by the window. Here you can watch landscapes and clouds to pass the time.
Advantages of a middle seat on long-haul routes
On long-haul flights, we prefer to sit in the belly of the plane. Here our daughter can sit in the middle of both of us and we can both take care of her. This would not be possible in a window seat, as there is logically always only one seat neighbor.
4. Inform the flight attendants
5. Provide entertainment
Air travel can sometimes be boring for children. Therefore, pack enough entertainment materials to make the time on board more pleasant. Books, toys, painting utensils or a tablet with child-friendly content can help to pass the time and capture your child’s attention.
Activity ideas
Toys on the plane guarantee fun and relaxation for you and your little travelers during your next trip. We have summarized some ideas and information about toys for the plane here.
