Holiday & Travel Car Seats

Planning a trip with little ones can feel like packing a suitcase that keeps unfolding…especially when a car seat is involved. From flying with seats to taxis, hire cars, and what’s actually legal versus just convenient, it can get confusing fast.

This FAQ is here to simplify it all. Clear, practical answers to help you travel safely, confidently, and with one less thing rattling around your brain at 3am.

Do I really need to take my own car seat on holiday?

Yes. Wherever possible, always take your own car seat.

Hiring or renting a car seat comes with too many unknowns. You cannot know:

• Whether the seat has been involved in a previous crash

• How old it is or if it is still within its usable lifespan

• How it has been stored, cleaned, or handled

• Whether it is appropriate for your child’s height, weight, or stage of development

A car seat is safety equipment, not a convenience extra. Using your own seat means you know its full history, that it fits your child properly, and that you know how to install and use it correctly.

Are hire car seats unsafe?

Yes - they are unverifiable, which makes them a risk.

Many hire seats are:

• Basic models chosen for flexibility, not safety

• Forward facing or booster seats regardless of the child’s age

• Worn, incomplete, or missing inserts

• Not compatible with your child’s size or developmental stage

Even if a hire seat looks fine, there is no way to confirm its crash history or condition. This is why best practice advice is to avoid hiring car seats altogether.

Can I use my car seat on a plane?

Usually no, but airline policies vary, so always check in advance.

Using a car seat on board requires:

• Airline approval for car seats

• A child with their own paid seat

• A seat that is certified for aircraft use

Most airlines allow car seats to be checked into the hold free of charge as baby equipment. Many allow up to two baby items per child (up to 11 years old usually), such as a car seat and a pram.

What is the safest way to transport my car seat while travelling?

The safest options are:

• A sturdy, well-fitting cardboard box (ideally the box it came in)

• A thick, padded travel bag designed for car seats

• Avoid thin, unstructured bags that offer little impact protection.

What if my car seat gets lost or damaged while travelling to or from my destination?

If your car seat is lost, delayed, or visibly damaged during travel, it should not be used until its safety can be confirmed.

If this happens:

• Do not use the seat if it shows signs of damage or if you are unsure of its condition

• Contact the airline or transport provider immediately to report the issue

• Check whether your travel insurance covers car seat loss or damage

• Contact the manufacturer or original retailer for guidance before using the seat again

If you need transport while waiting for a replacement, the safest option is to utilise public transport, where possible, or arrange a private taxi or transfer and install a suitable replacement seat as soon as possible.

Hiring an unknown car seat should be a last resort and only if no safer alternative is available.

This is another reason why using a sturdy box or high-quality travel bag is recommended, as it helps protect your seat during transit.

What about transport once I’ve reached my destination?

This is where planning really matters.

• Coaches and minibuses often lack ISOFIX or suitable 3-point seatbelts and rarely have space to install car seats correctly

• Lap carrying a child is never a safe option, even if it may be legal in some situations

• Private taxis, or hire vehicles give you the best chance of installing your own seat safely

If using a taxi, always take your own car seat and try to inform the driver in advance so enough time and space is allowed.

Is it legal for my child to travel without a car seat in a taxi?

In some situations, yes. But legal does not mean safe.

UK law allows exemptions in licensed taxis when a suitable car seat is not available, but this law varies significantly from country to country - always check the local law of your destination.

An adult seatbelt is designed for adults over around 150cm tall, not children.

Whenever possible, using your own car seat is always the safest option, regardless of legal exemptions.

Can I use a travel booster seat for my child?

Only if it is developmentally appropriate.

Travel boosters, including folding or inflatable models, are designed for older children who are high backed booster ready. They are not suitable for toddlers or preschool children, even if they are tall or on high centiles. For example, a 3-year-old does not have the skeletal maturity, impulse control, or posture needed for a booster seat. Height or weight alone do

not make a child ready.

Booster seats rely on the child:

• Sitting correctly for the entire journey

• Maintaining belt position

• Having sufficient bone maturity to tolerate crash forces

These are age and development dependent, not just height or weight based. For younger children, a rear facing harnessed seat is always the safer travel choice.

What should I look for in a travel car seat?

A suitable travel seat should:

• Be appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight

• Offer the same protection principles as your everyday seat

• Install securely using available seatbelts or ISOFIX

• Be something you are confident installing and using correctly every time

Travel convenience should never come at the expense of basic safety.

What is the most important takeaway for travelling with children?

Your child’s safety should not change just because you are on holiday. Taking your own car seat, choosing a seat that is appropriate for your child’s developmental stage, and planning transport ahead of time are the biggest things you can do to reduce risk while travelling.

Holidays should create memories, not compromises.