When flying with young children, you need to be super organized and that means taking everything you need to keep the little ones calm, comfortable and happy. Many vacations or long-haul trips often mean you also need to travel in a car when you arrive at your destination, so a car seat is most likely on your packing list.
If the seat is FAA approved you can use it on board for your toddler to sit on during the flight, or you may opt to check it. Whatever you choose, when traveling with a car seat you want to keep it handy and protected. Which is where a car seat travel bag comes in.
We take a look at the best car seat travel bags for flying with children, so you can be sure of a happy family vacation.
The Best Car Seat Travel Bag
ZOHZO Car Seat Travel Bag
Padded with backpack straps and a built-in handle, everything about the ZOHZO car seat bag has been designed to make a parent’s flying life easier. This is a strong and well-made car seat carrier and will fit most of the major brands, so dollar for dollar it is also good value for the money. We particularly like the shaped design of this car seat travel bag for easy access and the fact that it is waterproof with a lockable double zipper, so it will stand up to the rigors of transport, both in the air and on the ground. And it is comfortable to carry, even over longer distances from check in to your gate, thanks to the adjustable shoulder and waist straps.
Yes, it is heavy, but you get the padding and security peace of mind that’s worth lifting a few extra pounds.
PROS
- Comfortable and easy to carry, hands-free design
- Durable – padded and waterproof
CONS
- The heaviest car seat travel bag in our review
Angel Baby Car Seat Travel Bag
Designed to catch the eye, you certainly won’t lose sight of this bright car seat travel bag on the baggage carousel. Made from a water-resistant double-strength polyester fabric, the car seat luggage bag is a good size and will fit most mainstream baby seats but when not in use folds down into a super-convenient zipper pouch that can easily fit inside your bag or suitcase.
The duffel bag design makes it easy to fit over your car seat and then seal with the drawstring lock closure, and the padded strap makes it comfortable to carry. For a good value car seat cover for flying that is tough for most trips, this is a good choice as it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
PROS
- Bright color means you will always spot it at baggage reclaim!
- Folds neatly down into a small pouch when not in use
CONS
- No padding so best to check in at the gate
- The drawstring closure means it is not totally watertight
Gorilla Grip Car Seat Bag
If you don’t want to spend too much on your car seat travel bag but still want a product that can do the job, then check out the Gorilla Grip Stroller bag. It looks simple, but don’t underestimate it. This convertible car seat travel bag transforms from a small pocket pack to a decent-sized bag that will fit most standard sized strollers and car seats.
You get all the essentials you need to get your car seat safely on to your flight. Made from a lightweight yet durable fabric, it should protect your car seat from most knocks and bumps as well as keep it dry and dirt free thanks to the tight, drawstring closure. Carry the Gorilla Grip as a rucksack or a hand carry; there’s enough easy use and versatility to get you and your car seat to the check in gate. This car seat cover for air travel is also machine washable and comes with a 10-year guarantee.
PROS
- Great value carrier bag that packs down into a storage pouch
CONS
- The drawstring top can come loose so double tie for security
Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag
This car seat cover for travel from Jeep is a bit of a beast, and we mean that as a compliment! It is really large, so can you feasibly fit in a booster base or two, as well as your car seat and the wide, central zipper opening makes getting everything inside a breeze. And, despite its size, this car seat travel bag is pretty easy to carry, thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap that can also be worn across the body. Made from a super-durable nylon, that is also waterproof, this is one of the best bags for checking into the hold, and its universal size means it’s a good fit for most car seat models. Plus, you get a handy side storage pocket to make your traveling life even easier. A well-made, hardworking car seat travel bag for the money.
Birdee Car Seat Travel Bag
This is a tough cookie and is great for the adventurous, traveling family. Made from a super-impressive 1680D ballistic nylon, it is certainly rugged and thanks to the unique stitching on the seams is remarkably strong and waterproof. OK, there is no inner padding but for transporting your car seat to the gate, this car seat luggage bag is going to look after it when checked into the hold. And the drawstring/top buckle closure combo keeps everything nice and secure.
The Birdee is a wide convertible car seat travel bag too, so it will fit pretty much all the major car seats out there, yet it will fold neatly down into its own travel pouch when not in use. And finally, you get a lot of carry comfort thanks to the rubberized handle and two padded shoulder straps, for when you need to go backpack style and hands free.
PROS
- Super-tough construction and reinforced seams for strength
CONS
- The buckle is made from plastic so can wear
Bububee Car Seat Travel Bag
Made by a former airline worker, this car seat travel bag from Bububee has the inside track on what makes a high-performing carrier. And you get a lot of quality for your money.
Made from tear and water-resistant Oxford nylon, this bag is sized for all the major brands and has a generous fit. You also get a nice touch of extra inner protection, thanks to the base lined with neoprene to keep your car seat dry and grime free, even when in the cargo hold. And if security is a priority, then you get a four-step closure system (drawstring, lock, ties and cover) to keep things safe when being handled. The comfortable backpack straps let you go hands free and the whole bag folds down into its own carry case when not in use. Quality, styling and durable – and affordable.
PROS
- Some nice touches to make the bag airport-tough and ready
- Four-step closure to keep your car seat safe and secure
CONS
- No padding
Gate Check Pro Car Seat Travel Bag
The color may be bright and cheerful, but this is a mid-priced car seat travel bag that means business. Made from a ballistic-grade nylon that has been used by the military, the Gate Check Pro is a tough bag that knows its job. And that’s to keep your car seat safe and clean in transit. It is nice and spacious, fitting pretty much all the major brands, as well as space for a booster base and the drawstring top closure is tight and secure. We like the carrying style of this car seat travel bag with its reinforced shoulder straps making it a breeze to carry hands free. Plus, you get side handles for extra versatility. And despite the tough nature of the fabric, this car seat luggage bag folds easily down when not in use, packed away inside its own travel pouch.
PROS
- Great color and styling – as well as super-tough and easy to carry
CONS
- No padding inside
Rogue Kidz Car Seat Travel Bag
For ample car seat bag carrying ability – and then some – check out this cavernous carrier from Rogue Kidz. Sized to take all the major car seat brands or a stroller as well as other baby essentials, this is a super versatile car seat luggage bag. It is durable, and waterproof thanks to its rip-stop nylon outer and will keep your car seat protected and dry and despite its size is actually easy to carry in a range of ways. You get three hand carry straps plus backpack straps if you prefer to go hands free. For extra security you also get a Velcro flap and a top buckle closure. And a great thing about the massive Rogue Kidz convertible car seat travel bag is that it almost disappears into a small fold down pouch when not in use.
PROS
- Large capacity for your car seat or stroller
CONS
- Be aware of the size and the potential to overweight
Glogex Durable Car Seat Travel Bag
You can travel in style with your toddler’s car seat thanks to the smart looks of the Glogex travel bag. Designed to fit most car seats, this car seat bag is not just a pretty face either as it is made from 1680D water-resistant polyester with a double-padded base. There’s plenty of space inside the Glogex, and it fastens with a drawstring top. Choose from the backpack style straps or the side handle for easy carrying to the gate. We like the bright color of this car seat travel bag, it will certainly stand out to be collected on the baggage carousel and it also folds down into its own matching mini-pouch to be stored after your trip.
PROS
- Large, stylish and tough bag with added protection
CONS
- The lighter color will show up any scuffs and marks
Alphabetz Travel Bag for Car Seats
For an all-round decent performer when it comes to space, durability and easy maintenance, the Alphabetz is a good choice. This is a large car seat travel bag and can easily accommodate all the main brands plus space for a booster seat base and a few more essentials. It has a straightforward design with a wide top entry and drawstring closure and is made from waterproof nylon that is travel-durable. Despite its size, this car seat bag is also relatively easy to carry, with a single adjustable shoulder strap. What we also like about this car seat carry bag is how easy it is to keep looking good, wiping clean with just soap and water.
PROS
- Large, hardwearing bag that is easy to maintain and keep clean
- Folds neatly and easily down when not in use
CONS
- Single shoulder strap gives limited carry options
FlightJoy Car Seat Travel Bag
Built to last yet lightweight and foldable, Flight Joy produced a good-looking car seat travel bag to get your trip with the little one off to a flying start.
Well-priced, this is a quality car seat luggage travel bag that gets on with the job, while looking good. The color is nice and bright and the bag is made from heavy-duty ballistic, double-stitched nylon. This bag will fit all the standard sized car seats plus there is extra space for more of your toddler’s travel essentials. Waterproof, everything is kept safe and secure with a top drawstring closure. Padded backpack-style shoulder straps make it easy to carry to the gate, and it all packs away in its own small pouch when you get to your destination.
PROS
- Plenty of space for a standard car seat plus baby essentials
CONS
- The slip knot on the drawstring can slip if the bag is overweighted
Travel Babeez Durable Car Seat Travel Bag
Bright and cheerful with the robust looks of a drybag, this is a tough car seat bag that travels well. With enough space for all the main car seat designs, this bag is made from lightweight, waterproof and tear-resistant ballistic nylon and is available in a luminous yellow so you can easily keep it in your sights.
The wide top opening makes loading your car seat neat and easy, while a durable zipper keeps it secure and safe. You also get two padded shoulder straps and a carry handle to make transporting your car seat around the airport as easy as possible when you also have junior in tow. A luggage label finishes the look. It is a generously sized car seat travel bag, which means it could be a little cumbersome when filled but it does fold down into a small pouch for storage at your journey’s end and makes a good storage bag for your car seat when you get home.
PROS
- Bright color makes it easy to spot in baggage reclaim
CONS
- Padding on the shoulder straps is on the thin side
Best Car Seat Travel Bag Buying Guide
What to Look for in a Car Seat Travel Bag
The best car seat travel bags make a parent’s traveling life so much easier by not only protecting your child’s seat but making it simpler to transport and keep with you. But before you buy it’s essential you check out the carrier’s credentials, so you know you have the right one in the bag. The following are essentials you should look out for:
Comfort: that is for you as the one who will be carrying the bag! With all the other paraphernalia that comes with traveling with children, you need to make sure your new car seat bag is easy and comfortable for you to transport around. Look for a rucksack style, with an extra handle to carry on to the plane. Opt for padded and adjustable straps if you can.
Protection: car seats are not cheap, so you want yours to arrive at your final destination in tip-top condition, so this is where the protection the carry bag offers really counts. Go for the most durable and hardwearing fabric – ballistic nylon is a good choice – and check the seams to make sure they have the strength to hold everything together. A water-resistant fabric is a good idea too as you may need to check your seat into the hold, and it will need protecting from the condensation that can build up in cargo. Padding is also a good addition for your car seat luggage bag, just make sure it doesn’t add too much weight or bulk as you are the one that’s got to carry it around!
Easy to clean and maintain: traveling with kids can get a bit mucky so look for a car seat cover for travel that makes it easy for you to keep things hygienic and clean. A water-resistant, wipe-clean fabric is ideal, especially if it can also be rinsed and washed after the trip.
Ease of use: when it comes to your car seat cover for flying, keep it uncomplicated, as you have enough to do! Easy and secure fastenings, hands-free carrying, quick and easy to fold and store – these are all key features that will make your travel life so much easier.
Benefits of Car Seat Travel Bags
If you want to make your trip with your small child as stress-free as possible, a car seat travel bag can really beneficial to your journey. Not only will it make carrying the car seat easier, it also means that if you’re not taking the seat into the cabin with you, it will be protected as it is stored in the cargo hold. A car seat travel bag also helps to keep your child’s car seat clean as during your time in the airport.
Our Top Pick
For an easy-to-carry car seat cover that is padded and fits most brands, our top pick the ZOHZO Car Seat Travel Bag really does make the life of the traveling family easier. Tough, waterproof and hands-free, this is a secure, solid-performing carrier that will keep your car seat safe, protected and dry. It’s a great value for a quality product that can stand up to the rigors of flying.
