When you’re traveling with your infant or toddler, the last thing you want to deal with is lugging around a bulky car seat. Thankfully, travel-friendly car seats have become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is classified as a “travel-friendly” car seat? And is it really worth the investment to buy one? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We’ll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of travel-friendly car seats and give you a thorough rundown on which ones are the best for your needs.
When Can Car Seats Be Considered Luggage
According to the Department of Transportation, a car seat is considered luggage when it weighs more than 20 pounds and is placed in a carrier or container that is designed to carry cargo. Car seats that are less than 20 pounds can be placed in a regular passenger’s lap, provided the passenger remains in the vehicle during transport. Additionally, some airlines allow up to 50 pounds of baggage per ticket, which includes your car seat.
What is Included in a Car Seat Bag
A car seat bag is a small, lightweight backpack designed to store a car seat and accompanying accessories. A car seat bag can be used to transport a car seat and the child in it from one location to another, or as a storage device for when the car seat isn’t in use.
The basic components of most car seats are typically included in a car seat bag: the car seat itself, an infant insert (if needed), straps, buckles, and often an L-shaped bracket to secure the seat in the vehicle. Some bags also include a cup holder and extra blankets or pillows.
Some factors to consider when purchasing a car seat bag include its size and weight; many bags are lightweight enough that they can be carried as hand luggage. Additionally, some bags have built-in straps so that they can be attached directly to the front or back of a child’s chair or stroller; other bags have shoulder straps so that they can be worn like a backpack.
Many car seats come with their own storage case or carrier, but if your child’scarseat doesn’t have its own storage case, a good option is to purchase a separate storage case specifically for the carseat. Many cases are designed to fit in the trunk of a vehicle or on upper shelves in a home; some even have special compartments specifically for transporting children’s safety equipment such as helmets and goggles.
Can I Take My Car Seat on an Airplane
Yes, most car seats can be taken on an airplane. However, there are a few exceptions. If your seat is in the row behind the cockpit or first class section of the plane, it cannot be brought on board. Likewise, if your car seat is too large or heavy to fit in the overhead compartment, it will not be allowed on board. Lastly, if you are traveling with a child who requires a special adapter to use their car seatbelt properly in a lap belt position, then that car seat will not be allowed on the plane with you.
Is It Safe to Store My Car Seat in My Garage
A car seat is not considered luggage and can be stored in a garage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that “if the car seat is properly installed and fastened, it does not constitute a safety hazard in the event of a crash” and therefore should not require special treatment. However, if the car seat does become a safety hazard during a crash, it may need to be moved to another area of the vehicle.
Conclusion
Yes, a car seat is considered luggage and can travel with you on your travels. When traveling by air, make sure to pack your car seat in checked baggage. You may also be able to bring it on the plane as carry-on baggage under the following conditions: if it is a convertible carseat that can be converted into a regular seat, or if it fits in the overhead compartment.