TRAVELING ON AN AIRPLANE WITH KIDS – FAA APPROVED CAR SEAT ALTERNATIVE

After taking my toddler on nearly 40 flights to visit 4 different continents (you can follow our adventures @TheTravelingRed), I’ve learned a lot of travel hacks. One of my favorite purchases has to be my FAA approved airplane harness. It’s a great alternative for keeping your child safe on the flight when you rather not lug around a big car seat. Basically this harness fits in a small bag that goes right into your purse, but it harnesses your child into the airplane seat just like a car seat does.

It goes around the back of the airplane seat and it adjustable to tighten. Then the chest straps have an opening on the bottom so that the airplane lap belt can fit through it. The chest straps are also adjustable.

It also works in economy. The straps goes behind the tray table so it does not inconvenience the person sitting behind you. I usually ask to board first since I have a child and install it before the passenger behind me arrived, but otherwise I explain that I am adding a harness for my daughters safety and just ask them to lower their tray table a second so I can place it behind it. I have never heard a complaint. They’re always happy to help.

If you want to buy one, here is the LINK TO THE HARNESS or you can click on the photo below.

Although recommended for larger children, I’ve been using it since she was tiny. Before she even turned 2, I would purchase her a seat on flights if they weren’t super expensive. I was required to carry her at take off and landing due to her age, however, I used this harness for during the flight. It gave her freedom to sit on her own and move around a little while still being safe and not falling over, even if she got sleepy.

I usually let her sit harnessed in during her flight and would lower her tray table for toys, snacks or cartoons on her iPad. (Yes Karen, I know screen time is not recommended for children under the age of 2. I decided a little screen time is better than a screaming baby on an airplane.) If you rather carry your car seat then go ahead, but if you’re looking for a lightweight easier alternative that is safer than just a lap belt, then this is it!

I’ve used this harness on countless flights and now that she’s 4 years old and 52 pounds, I can tell you that I still love it and it was one of the best travel investments I’ve ever made. It keeps her restrained while having enough freedom to keep her happy, which is a major win for this mommy when it comes to traveling with a child.

If you are traveling somewhere that you need a car seat the whole time then by all means take it with you. Checking them in is not safe as they can be damaged, even if the damage is not visible. If you are visiting a city where you will be walking almost exclusively or have someone you know picking you up that has a car seat, then this is an incredible alternative. There’s also many options for getting a car seat at your destination if you choose to go this route. You can rent a car with a car seat or request an Uber with a car seat in most big cities. Also, most taxis do not require car seats, however I wouldn’t recommend this option.

Safe travels! Follow along for more travel hacks and great adventures!

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