The Best Car Seat Travel Bag

Which is the best car seat travel bag – a shopping guide 

How to carry a car seat on a plane trip is a big question for anxious parents travelling with a baby for the first time. 

A car seat storage bag that is protective and easy to carry is an awesome tool for happy and calm holidaying with a young family. Here are our top picks and recommendations for the best car seat bags for air travel. 

Why is a travel easy car seat bag a good idea?

A car seat backpack is a wonderful way to make travelling with babies and toddlers a little less stressful.

• Babies will sleep better and be more settled if they are in their car seat during a flight. 
• Taking your child’s car seat on a trip will be comforting for them and give you the reassurance of using the car seat you trust in a hired car. 
• Carrying a car seat on your back or over a shoulder will leave your hands free to push a pushchair or chase after an excitable two-year-old. 
• Car seats are expensive and protecting it with a durable cover while it is travelling through airports and in the hold of the plane is important. No-one wants to arrive at a beautiful beach resort to find that the car seat is damaged and unusable. A Maxi-Cosi car seat travel bag may save you from having to replace a £250 car seat!
• Insurance claims, especially those against airlines and airports, are an almighty faff! 
• The bag will hold other useful items that you wouldn’t normally have room for. 
• Many airlines insist that a car seat travels in an approved case. 

Features to look for in car seat travel covers

• Lockable zips – for peace of mind and security. 
• The colour – a bright colour will make it stand out on the luggage belt. 
• Easy to fold up and stash in an overhead locker if you’re using the seat during the flight. Padded car seat covers can be cumbersome so keep this in mind when choosing. 
• Wheels – a great option if you would struggle to physically carry the bag and are not on your own with your child. 
• Adjustable straps – make sure you and your partner will both find carrying it easy and pleasant. 
• Backpack style – choose a backpack car seat bag for the ability to carry it on your back.
• A comfortable fit – look for padded straps and cushioning in the places where it will sit on your body. 
• Airline approved sizes, straps and zips. 

Airline rules and regulations

Airline approved car seat covers and car seats are usually listed on their main website. Here’s a list of the usual guidelines but never assume, if in doubt, check! 

For use during the flight:

• The car seat must not be larger than the dimensions of the aeroplane seat. 
• The lap belt must be enough to secure the car seat to the plane seat. 
• It must have a five-point harness to keep the child safe. 
• You will need to keep it in place throughout the flight. 

For placement in the hold:

• The straps should either tuck away or be removable. 
• Be within the size guidelines for the individual airline. 
• You’ll need to pay an extra baggage fee.