Planning a trip with your children or grandchildren can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of questions — especially about safety. One of the most common concerns seniors have is: “What is Delta’s car seat policy?”
The good news is that Delta has clear rules designed to keep kids safe and to make travel easier for families. In this article, we’ll walk through Delta’s car seat guidelines, tips for using one on board, and senior-friendly advice for stress-free travel. And if you’d like live support, you can always call (877)297-0699 to confirm details with Delta.
Delta follows FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines when it comes to car seats. Here are the basics:
FAA-approved seats only – The car seat must have a visible label showing it’s approved for aircraft use.
Placement – Car seats must be installed in a window seat so they don’t block other passengers. They can’t be in aisle or exit rows.
Age and weight – Infants under 2 can travel as lap infants or in an approved seat. Toddlers and older children should have their own seats with proper restraints.
Size limits – Most Delta seats are 16–17 inches wide, so wider car seats may not fit.
📞 Not sure if your car seat qualifies? Call (877)297-0699 and confirm before your trip.
(Visual idea: Diagram showing a car seat properly installed in a window seat.)
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Book a seat for your child if you plan to use a car seat. Lap infants under 2 can fly without a seat, but they won’t be able to use a car seat on your lap.
Bring your FAA-approved car seat with the label visible.
Install it in the window seat for safety and accessibility.
Follow crew instructions — Delta staff will guide you if needed.
💡 Reminder: Refunds for seat fees usually don’t apply to lap infants, but booking a seat gives you peace of mind and more space.
✅ Check seat size — Make sure it’s narrow enough to fit Delta’s seat width.
✅ Choose lightweight models — Easier to carry through the airport.
✅ Arrive early — Gives you extra time to board and install the seat.
✅ Ask for help — Delta’s staff are used to assisting with family travel.
👵 Example: Susan from Ohio flew with her 3-year-old grandson. She brought a lightweight FAA-approved car seat, and Delta’s crew helped her install it quickly. It made the flight safer and more comfortable.
If carrying a car seat feels like too much hassle, there are other options:
CARES harness – An FAA-approved child harness for kids 22–44 pounds. Delta allows this on most flights.
Lap infant travel – Infants under 2 can fly on your lap for free or at a reduced fare.
Rental gear – Some airports offer travel-friendly rentals if you’d rather not bring your own seat.
Both the FAA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend car seats or restraints for young children. Why? Because turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries to kids. A properly secured child is far safer than one riding on a lap.
📊 FAA safety reports emphasize that using an approved child seat significantly reduces risk during turbulence.