Can You Take a Pack and play on a Plane?

If you’re going on vacation, it can be difficult to know what to do with your child’s pack and play. While you may be tempted to leave it at home, this isn’t always the best idea. Since it may get damaged or lost during travel, and you’ll need somewhere to put your child down when the plane lands. So, can you take a pack and play on a plane? 

Fortunately, many airlines now allow you to bring your pack and play on board with you, as long as it fits in the overhead compartment and meets certain other requirements.

What is a pack and play?

A Pack n’ Play is a travel crib or bassinet that functions as a bed and portable crib for your child. 

It can often serve as the only thing required for an overnight stay away from home, but it cannot be used instead of a regular crib when at home. They can come in many shapes and sizes to fit any need. 

If you’re flying with your little one, know that airlines may not let you bring a Pack ‘n Play onto the aircraft, so check with them before packing! Some airlines may let you take it with your checked luggage as well. So, get proper research.

Also, make sure to keep everything compact and light because most airlines have weight restrictions for checked luggage (typically 50 lbs) which can make the whole process more difficult. 

Keep in mind that the Pack ‘n Play won’t collapse into a smaller size, even if it’s folded up, it’s still quite large. 

Lastly, just like with other traveling toddlers, don’t forget to include some activities they can do while waiting at the airport.

Can you bring a pack and play on a plane for your toddler?

Pack and plays are lightweight cribs that are easy to set up just about anywhere. One of the best things about them is they can be folded up, which makes it really easy to travel with your little one! 

They’re also really versatile because they can be used as a swing, bed, or even just for napping when being transported in the car. 

It’s important to note that there are restrictions on what travelers can bring onto the airplane. The FAA recommends checking the dimensions of any type of stroller (including pack and plays) before flying. 

The weight must be suitable for checked luggage to put in. Regular fees will be applicable to it.

You should also check if your stroller has any of these features, as these may cause it to be considered hazardous material. For example, if your stroller has foldable metal or hard plastic wheels that can be extended, it will not be allowed onboard.

Why take it with you?

Taking your Pack ‘n Play is one way to provide a crib for your baby while they’re staying with family or friends, but it can also be useful to have one in the car or while traveling by air. One of the most convenient ways to transport your Pack ‘n Play is by taking it as carry-on luggage on an airplane. 

In order to do this, you’ll need to consult your airline’s website before flying. When you’re ready to check in online or at the airport, bring up your reservation details and print out the page that lists what items are allowed onboard. 

If you can’t find this information on their site, call them before flying so that you can plan accordingly. You may even want to contact the airline directly if you’ve never flown with your Pack ‘n Play before, just to make sure they don’t have any additional restrictions. 

As long as it meets the size and weight requirements (for instance, can fit under the seat), there shouldn’t be any issues bringing your Pack ‘n Play along when flying. 

Some airlines may require you to pay a small fee for the privilege of carrying on a stroller; this should not apply if you’re using your own! 

If you’re still unsure about whether your airline allows a Pack ‘n Play onboard, double-check with customer service before going through security. There can be specific rules about which strollers can fly and which ones cannot.

Things to know beforehand

A lot of people don’t know if they can take their Pack ‘n Play with them when they travel by air. Here are some important things to know before going to an airport with your little one in tow.

– Pack ‘n Plays are allowed as checked baggage, so you can put them in the luggage compartment of the airplane. Be aware that airlines might place additional fees for checking it as luggage, so check airline policies beforehand to avoid paying more than necessary. 

– Pack ‘n Plays can be taken through security checkpoints in most airports without being removed from the bag or unpacked. 

– If traveling internationally, make sure to check the rules and regulations for specific countries. 

– As long as everything fits within the dimensions, there shouldn’t be any issues taking your Pack ‘n Play with you on board. If not, try packing it into a suitcase and hope for the best! You can always buy another Pack ‘n Play once you get to your destination country.

– It’s also a good idea to call ahead of time and see what size will fit best at your destination airport before purchasing a new one. 

– Airlines usually offer information about what can and cannot be brought on the plane with you. Don’t forget to read over this information before making your way to the airport! 

– If you have an infant under two years old, it is recommended that they sit on your lap during takeoff and landing periods because this is considered part of flight safety measures. Make sure you ask for a seatbelt extender at the ticket counter, too! 

– Make sure to bring snacks and a toy to keep your child occupied during flights. Traveling can be tiring, so sometimes all they need is something familiar to keep them happy. 

– Bring extra pacifiers and diapers, just in case anything spills or gets dirty while on the go. And don’t forget small toys like baby rattles and teething rings to help keep them entertained! Try to come up with a game plan beforehand of activities they can do throughout the trip.

Pack ‘n Plays are helpful for parents who want to spend time exploring and sightseeing with their children, but also want peace of mind.

How to choose the right size for your trip

Always make sure that your bag or the personal item is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Your airline may even have limits to how large these items can be, so be sure to double-check with them before packing! 

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for any carry-on size limitations imposed by the airlines. These limitations can vary from flight to flight, so please check with your airline’s website for more information. 

In general, the rules tend to apply per passenger; however, it can depend on how many passengers are traveling together. For example, if you’re traveling with three other people, there might be room for one piece of luggage per person (four total) plus one personal item each. 

If you’re traveling alone, the limit would be two pieces of luggage (two total). 

Again, this all depends on what the airline allows. The maximum weight allowance varies as well, typically 50 pounds for a checked bag. 

It can always help to call ahead or ask at the airport desk when purchasing your ticket to find out what their policies are. 

And don’t forget about those pesky fees! Airlines can charge for checked bags, changing flights, and printing boarding passes, and baggage. However, some airlines offer fee waivers if you book directly through their site or app, just do some research beforehand to see which carrier is best for you.

So be mindful about the size while picking the pack and play for your toddler. It has to be at most the weight approved for carry-on or must perfectly fit inside your checked luggage.

How to set up an airplane portable crib (pack ‘n play)

The Pack n’ Play is designed to be taken out of the box, folded in half, then unfolded and set up. 

This may seem like more work than it’s worth, but keep in mind that a child needs the comfort of his or her own bed while they are away from home. 

If they aren’t feeling at ease, then there is no way that you will be able to make them comfortable enough for them to sleep. 

The best thing about taking your child’s crib with you is that it can fold down into something small enough to fit in your suitcase without taking up too much space.

You don’t have to worry about what your baby will do if he gets scared when you’re not there, because he’ll be surrounded by all of his favorite things, the ones he knows so well and trusts so deeply. 

Just make sure that your baby is comfortable in his crib before leaving him alone. If he isn’t, it’s probably best to get him used to sleeping in it first.

How to fly with a pack ‘n play

If your baby is still using a Pack ‘n Play as his/her crib, don’t worry. You can bring the entire set on the airplane with you. 

However, it will need to be checked at the gate before boarding. It cannot be brought into the cabin of the aircraft or put in an overhead bin or under a seat. 

The size is too large for these spaces. Once the flight lands, you can pick up your Pack ‘n Play at baggage claim. Be sure to get there early so that you have time to grab it before other passengers check their bags. 

Otherwise, it may not make it off the plane in time! 

Also, remember that you can’t just toss it into any old piece of luggage. A hard-sided suitcase should do just fine, but this is something to keep in mind when choosing what to bring with you on your trip. 

If you’re flying with a baby who sleeps mostly during takeoff and landing (which most babies do), he or she can sleep comfortably in the Pack ‘n Play for those periods! 

In fact, many parents find they enjoy having their child’s bed nearby while they travel because it provides comfort. But if your child is one who doesn’t like change and gets fussy about nap times, then you might want to consider giving him or her a bottle right before takeoff. Then another one right after landing so they can feel more grounded and secure.

Most airlines allow strollers

The first thing to do is check the airline website to see if they list anything about bringing a stroller or car seat. 

Strollers are very common, so most airlines allow them, but many have strict limits, like how long it can be or how big it can be. 

Most airlines allow up to two strollers for free when traveling with children over two years old. 

Check with your airline’s customer service department before packing your stroller to find out the specifics of their policies on this issue. 

If you can’t get in touch with anyone, then call the airport that you’re flying into to find out what their regulations are. Finally, make sure that your stroller is FAA-approved if you’re flying by air. If not, then leave it at home! 

Will it cost to check the pack and play?

Before you start packing, be sure to check with your airline to see if there are any restrictions. Most airlines will let the baby sleep in the car seat while they are seated in their own car seat. Some airlines may not allow the car seat to be checked into baggage, so plan accordingly.

However, sometimes, You will need to pay for your stroller as checked baggage if you want to bring it on board with you. 

It can cost upwards of $75 per item depending on weight and size, which could add up quickly if you’re traveling with more than one child! Plus, an extra bag fee is going to cost you anywhere from $25-$50 each way. 

When flying with kids, it’s always best to keep everything as light and compact as possible because those fees can really add up. You might find that folding down the Pack-N-Play works just fine for getting some rest when you get to your destination and don’t have access to a crib or bassinet. 

If your little one can’t sit still, this might not work out too well, though.

Are there any alternatives to bringing your own stroller, car seat, etc. on the airplane for our next family vacation?

It is always wise to make sure to bring your own car seat or stroller on board with you when flying, however, if this is not possible there are some alternatives. 

If flying with children, check to see if your airline offers any complimentary services. Most domestic carriers offer car seats for young children. In most cases, parents are required to return their seat back to its original form before deplaning. 

If you aren’t sure if your airline offers car seats or strollers, contact them directly prior to booking your flight. 

Another option may be to rent equipment through an outside company. Some companies offer airport pick-up, delivery, and set-up in the airport’s arrival area for about $20 per day.

While it may seem like a hassle at first, it’s best to plan ahead, as many airports now charge up to $50 each way for checked baggage which doesn’t include the cost of baggage fees.

As a traveling parent, there are some things that can be very stressful about flying. It can be hard enough finding an airline with affordable prices to your next destination, not to mention taking care of all of your little one’s needs throughout your flight. 

To make your travels with your child as smooth as possible, I recommend flying Southwest. There are many reasons why I love them, but one of my favorite things about Southwest is that they let you bring up to two bags free of charge. 

That means it will be easier for you to store your necessities like diapers, wipes, bottles and more in one bag while the other can hold your necessities like clothes, snacks, and toys. You can even use the second bag as a carry-on! 

What should I do with the pack and play when you get to your destination?

When the time comes to make your way to your final destination, there are some things you’ll need to do with your Pack ‘n Play. I recommend folding it up so that it can fit in its original bag or carrying case. 

If your Pack ‘n Play has wheels, just be sure to put them in the same position as when it was folded up; if not, slide the front wheels out at an angle and pull out the back wheels. 

You may want to remove any toys or stuffed animals that are attached to the top of the Pack ‘n Play, so they don’t get bent. Place them in the bag before you close it up.

Then fold down all the sides of the Pack ‘n Play and zip it closed, leaving one side open for your little one’s head. Tie off this opening with a loop of string to keep the baby from crawling out. 

Finally, place the Pack ‘n Play on your luggage cart or trolley and wheel it through the airport! 

Most airlines allow Pack ‘n Plays onboard because they can serve as seats for babies who aren’t old enough to sit upright on their own. Some airlines require passengers to pay an additional fee, but most provide these seats free of charge.

What about other gear, like car seats, high chairs, strollers, etc.?

Most airlines will allow you to bring your car seat, high chair, stroller, etc. with the purchase of an additional ticket. But be sure to check ahead of time because not all carriers will have this option. 

There are also some restrictions as to how much gear you can bring on board; for example, no more than three bags plus one carry-on bag per person (some limit it to two bags plus one carry-on). If you plan on bringing a lot of gear for the entire family, it may be worth renting it all when you get there! 

There are many shops where you can rent baby equipment such as cribs, booster seats, toys, and even things like tents for camping.

Take the hassle out of packing by having everything ready to go before you leave so that when it’s time to go home you can just throw your suitcase in the trunk and head back home!

Do your research before buying your next airline ticket

It may seem obvious, but not all airlines allow the use of a baby’s car seat, stroller, portable crib, or pack and play. 

While many airlines will let you gate check these items for free, this can become difficult if there is only limited space available at the gate. 

If you plan to travel with your own crib or bedding for your child on an airplane, please make sure that it complies with each airline’s requirements for size and weight. 

You can find information about your specific airline’s policies by checking their website or by contacting them directly. 

Additionally, if you are traveling with a car seat, it’s important to find out how many years old your child has to be in order to use one during takeoff and landing. Some airlines will not allow children under 2 years old to sit in a car seat for safety reasons. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do airlines charge for pack and play?

Airlines have strict regulations when it comes to carry-on luggage. Whether you are checking or carrying your items, there are strict guidelines about what can be taken through security. Airline staff can refuse any item that is not permitted in the cabin of the aircraft. Pack and plays are often considered to be bulky items because they don’t meet the size restrictions of most carry-ons (many airlines restrict carry-ons to personal items that can fit in an overhead bin). If the weight and the size are more, then the airline might charge you.

Can a pack n play fit in a suitcase?

Many airlines have guidelines that allow only one carry-on bag in addition to your personal items, such as a laptop case. Because of their size, it is possible to bring along larger baby travel products such as cribs or playpens, which can easily be converted into beds for young children. Most pack and play fit suitcases as well. That said, you will want to research your airline’s policy before packing them. 

Can I check my stroller when flying? 

Most airlines will allow you to check the stroller for your toddler.

Can I get my stroller at baggage claim? 

If you checked your pack and play during the reservation process, it should already be waiting for you at baggage claim. Otherwise, you can either pay $25 to have a tag put on your stroller while going through security or wait until after passing through customs to see if someone left theirs behind by mistake. You can also purchase one from an airport retailer if needed!

Do I require a stroller bag when flying?

If you don’t want to check your stroller, make sure to bring a bag for it. Airline policies vary about whether personal items can be kept in overhead bins, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Wrapping up

The answer to the question of whether can you take a pack and play on a plane is yes, you can. Pack-and-plays can be taken onto planes. But, there are several important things to keep in mind before trying to bring your baby’s crib onboard with you.  

Firstly, make sure that your pack-and-play is FAA-compliant by checking the label or contacting the manufacturer for confirmation. Secondly, if you plan on storing it during takeoff and landing periods while traveling by air, make sure that it can fit into an overhead compartment or under a seat, as many airlines require this. Finally, make sure that it is properly secured so as not to pose any safety risks for other passengers.