It’s no secret that flying can be a pain in the neck. Between the long lines, cramped quarters, and general annoyances, one of the things that passengers hope for is an easy time with their car seat. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Graco has come up with a nifty solution to this problem: their AirGate system. This attaches car seats to an airplane’s gate using a magnetic connection. Once attached, passengers can simply pull their seat down and jump on board without any hassle. If you’re traveling with a car seat and are looking for an easy way to attach it to your airplane, AirGate may be just what you need.
Preparation
If you’ll be traveling with your infant in a car seat, follow these tips to attach the Graco Car Seat in an airplane:
1. Make sure the car seat is properly installed in the vehicle before you leave for the airport. Buckle your child up in their car seat and check for any loose straps or hardware. If everything looks good, take it with you to the airport!
2. Get your boarding pass and wait in line at security checkpoint A. Once through security, go to gate G and find your airline’s check-in counter. Bring along your car seat’s manufacturer documentation and/or receipt of purchase if you have it. The airline staff will ask if you’re transporting an infant and request that you place the car seat on the conveyor belt next to their desk while they print out a boarding pass for your child.
3. Boarding begins once all passengers have checked in and gathered their carry-on luggage (car seats are not usually allowed in the cabin). Have someone hold onto your child’s carrier/car seat while you grab their carry-on bag (if necessary) and head towards row 34 or 35 of the airplane. Your carrier should fit easily under one of these two rows, although sometimes airlines put them near emergency exits or near galley carts so be prepared to move it if necessary!
4. Locate an open window (usually nearest first class or business class seating) and carefully lower your carrier/car seat
Installation
Installing a Graco car seat in an airplane can be a little challenging, but it is definitely doable. Here are some tips on how to attach the car seat in your airplane:
1. Make sure that you have the appropriate adapters for your airplane. Graco makes specific adapters for most US airlines, so make sure to check before you fly.
2. Check the weight and size of your car seat before you go flying. Many airplanes have weight and size restrictions, so make sure to get a car seat that is within those limits.
3. Locate the anchors on either side of the aircraft seat backs. Use the provided screws to attach the car seat to those anchors.
4. Slide the child into the car seat and buckle them in place using the safety belts. Be sure to adjust them as needed so that they are snug but not too tight
Adjustments
When traveling by air, it is important to make sure that your child is properly buckled into their car seat. Graco makes a variety of car seats that are compatible with airplane travel. Here are some tips for attaching your Graco car seat in an airplane:
1. Check the Airline’s Guidelines For Car Seat Travel
Not all airlines have the same guidelines for how to attach a car seat in an airplane, so it is important to check with your airline before you leave for the airport. Some airlines require that the car seat be placed in the bottom of the carrier and secured by straps, while others allow you to place the car seat in any position.
2. Use The Carry-On Restriction
If you are carrying your child on board the plane, make sure to bring their car seat along with you. Many airlines have a carry-on restriction of only bringing a single item per bag, which means that you will need to pack their car seat with them if they are travelling with you.
3. Pre-Board Your Plane
If you’re flying coach class, it may be worth pre-boarding your plane so that you can take your child’s car seat with you onto the plane. This will give you some extra time before takeoff to attach thecarseattothecar .
4. Check In With Airport Security
One last thing to keep in mind when traveling by air with a child is to check in with airport security beforehand .