Air travel can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming as you try to navigate the different rules, regulations, and long lines. It can be especially stressful when traveling with young children. Lugging around bulky car seats, dealing with interrupted nap times, and getting everyone to the gate on time can be tricky to do.
You can bring an FAA-approved car seat on a Delta flight for free. However, you still need to purchase a seat to place the car seat on. If the child is under 2 years old, you can opt to bring him/her on your lap.
Read further for more details about the policy, seating position, and more Delta policies about flying with kids.
Most Asked Questions About Delta Airlines Car Seat Policy
1. Can you Bring a Car Seat on Delta Airlines Flight?
For parents, it is their top priority to ensure that their child is safe while traveling. Parents may want to bring a car seat to provide extra protection on the plane ride or for the rental cars when they arrive at their destination.
Yes, you can bring a booster seat or an FAA approved car seat for your child on a Delta Airlines Flight. FAA approved car seats can be used during the flight, but booster seats cannot. For a smooth hassle-free trip, make sure to use the best travel car seat that follows Delta Airlines car seat policy.
Some car seats such as Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 have more than one mode, so make sure you know which mode is approved for flying.
2. Can you Bring a Bassinet on a Delta Airlines Flight?
On long flights, parents may want to have a bassinet for their infant to sleep on during the night. On some Delta Airlines International flights, special bassinets called SkyCots are available free of charge. They are for babies weighing less than 20 lbs. (9 kg) and 26 in. (66 cm) long.
SkyCots can be reserved by talking to the gate agent or contacting Delta Reservations. However, babies must be held outside of the bassinet during takeoff and landing.
3. How Much Does it Cost to Bring a Car Seat or Bassinet on a Delta Airlines Flight?
It is FREE to check child safety seats, bassinets, or strollers on a Delta Airlines flight. These items do not count towards your regular baggage allowance and can be checked at the ticket counter, curbside or gate.
Under certain circumstances, car seats can be brought with you onto the plane for free. The car seat or bassinet can be brought onboard in addition to your carry-on luggage and personal item for your child to sit on during take off and landing. .
Learn more about the car seat baggage policy on the Delta Airlines website.
4. Can I sit in an Exit Row with a Car Seat?
There are several restrictions to which seats on the airplane you can use car seats on. When traveling with a child and making your seat selections, avoid the restricted areas. FAA approved cars seats are not allowed to be used on:
- Emergency exit rows
- Aisle Seats
- Any seat one row forward or one row backward from the emergency exit row
- Bulkhead seats when the car seat is a combination car seat and stroller
- Delta One flatbed seats on Airbus A330-200 or A330-300; Boeing 777, 767 or 747 aircraft
The best place for car seats on an airplane is on a window seat.
5. Do I need to Reserve a Seat for my Child on a Delta Airlines Flight?
Yes and no. This depends on the age of the child and if you want them to have their own seat. Children over the age of 2 years old must have their own seat and ticket.
For children under the age of 2, an adult 18 years or older can hold the child in their lap for the duration of the flight. If you would prefer the infant had their own seat, you must purchase a ticket for them or ask the gate agent if there is an empty seat, per Delta Infant Travel policy.
6. Do I Need to Pay for my Child to Fly Domestically on Delta?
No, if your child is under the age of 2 years old and will sit in the lap of an adult 18 years or older during the flight, you do not need to purchase a ticket for them when flying domestically.
If your child is 2 years and older or will turn 2 years old during your trip, you will need to purchase for them their own ticket and own seat for the flight.
7. Do I Need to Pay for My Child to Fly Internationally on Delta?
Yes, you will need to pay for all children to fly on an international Delta Airlines flight. How much you pay will depend on the age of your child.
For children under the age of 2 years old who will sit in the lap of an adult for the duration of the international flight, you will need to purchase a reduced price ticket for them. Delta Airlines charges 10% of the full-price of the ticket for these children under the age of two.
For all children older than 2, children who turn 2 during your vacation, and children under the age of two who need their own seat, you must purchase for them their own international plane ticket at full price.
8. Does my Child Get a Luggage Allowance on Delta Flights?
If your child under the age of 2 years old is flying free without a ticket of their own, they do not get their own baggage allowance. This includes checked bags, carry-ons, and personal items so anything you need to bring for your young child must be packed in the luggage of a paying ticket holder.
Here’s a summary of Delta’s general baggage policy.
Children flying with their own seat and own purchased ticket get the regular Delta Airlines baggage allowance as listed on the tickets and Delta website.
However, just like car seat, you can also bring a stroller for your kid for free. Read more about this in Delta stroller policy.
Summary
Delta Airlines and many other popular airlines have plenty of well established practices and policies in place to make your travel days with children as stress free as possible. Before leaving on your trip, check your airline’s website to ensure that you understand all the policies. Remember to ask the airline employees and gate agents about any questions you may have– they are there to help you.
Now that you know Delta’s policies on car seat, check out our tips about traveling with a car seat for a smooth and hiccup-free trip.
