Child car seats, booster seats and pushchairs

Booking a child car seat with your car hire company

Your car rental company will have the facility to reserve a car- or booster seat at the time of booking.  However, the rental company may not have the right size seat available when you arrive, especially if you are travelling with a young baby. In addition, please note that most car hire companies simply hand the seat to the customer. It is then up to you to ensure that the seat is fitted in the car correctly – this is not always easy and can potentially somewhat delay your onward travel.

For peace of mind, you may prefer to bring your child’s own car seat with you.  You may also be able to use your child’s booster seat on the airplane but it is best to check with your airline whether this is possible.

Taking a car seat or pushchair on the plane

In general, airlines do not charge for a car seat, booster seat, buggy, or pushchair and these do not form part of your checked luggage allowance. The rules differ slightly from airline to airline – some allow you to carry two items free of charge. These can either be dropped off at the bag drop facility or alternatively, your child’s pushchair can be taken to the boarding gate or aircraft door.

As a general rule, you can usually take two items of baby equipment free of charge per child.  This is one pushchair plus either a:

• car seat
• booster seat
• travel cot
• baby back carrier

Please check your airline’s allowance for children’s equipment and pre-book if necessary, for it to be placed in the hold, together with your luggage. Remember to have the pushchair tagged at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate to make sure it doesn’t get lost! You may wish to consider putting the equipment in a travel bag or case to avoid damage.

If you don’t wish to check your pushchair/buggy in at the check-in desk, generally your airline will allow you to use it up to the aircraft steps.  Then when you land the pushchair will be waiting for you at the aircraft steps (circumstances permitting). We would always advise you to confirm at the check-in desk that it is possible to take the pushchair to the airplane and where you collect it when you arrive at the airport.

Any child car seat, booster seat, or pushchair which is put in the airplane hold can be collected from your flight’s luggage carousel in the arrivals hall.