Child car seat and restraint systems
To ensure a safe and comfortable journey for young flyers, we’ve covered the information you need to know about using a car seat or restraint system onboard.
On this page
Things to know
If you’re planning to take your own car seat or child restraint system onboard, review the requirements below and what is prohibited as carry-on before flying.
Booster seats are prohibited on our aircraft. A booster could be simple cushion or a shell base, back with side wings, and does'nt contain a built in harness. It only enhances the positioning of the seat's harness on the child.
Seat allocation for use of car seats and child restraint systems is restricted, and availability may vary by aircraft type. Not all aircraft and all cabins are able to accommodate car seats and child restraint systems, particularly those that require the use of a top tether point
While we make every effort to carry passengers in pre-assigned seating, seating is subject to change for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding.
Child car seats
Child car seats must have at least one the following relevant certifications:
| Country of sale | Standard design or requirements |
|---|---|
| Australia and/or New Zealand |
Australian/New Zealand design standard AS/NZS 1754 New Zealand Standard: NZS5411 |
| America |
Either:
|
| Canada |
Any one of the following:
|
| Europe and UK |
European Safety Standard requirements of United Nations ECE Regulation 44 (UN/ECE 44). |
Child restraint system
The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is an approved alternative to car seats. This harness style restraint device is suitable for a child weighing 10-20kg (22-44lb) whose height is 100cm (40 in) or less and who is capable of sitting upright alone. It's required to be fitted to the aircraft seat by the responsible adult travelling with the child. Find out more about the CARES system.
The following information can be used as a guide:
- Forward facing child restraint systems for infants and children weighing between 9 and 18 kgs (20lbs and 40lbs).
- Rear facing child restraint systems for infants weighing under 9kgs (20lbs) (although some seats may be certified to carry children of greater weight). Rear facing seats are generally large and may not fit in Economy seats or only selected seats. Rear facing seats are permitted without an attachment base only if certified by the manufacturer as suitable for installation in aircraft seats without the base. You will need to contact your local Qantas office to make arrangements for the seat.
For children over the age of four or over 18kgs (40lbs) and/or over 100cm tall - an aircraft seat is recommended.
All restraints must be in good condition, show no signs of damage and be fitted to the aircraft seat in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions by the responsible adult travelling with the child.
Aircraft types and using a car seat or child restraint onboard
The below information applies to Qantas operated flights on the following aircraft types A330/A380/B737/B787:
- The seat must have a single release harness, which secures the child’s lap/torso/shoulders,
- the use of booster seats and capsules are prohibited,
- the parent/guardian is responsible for fitting the car seat/child restraint according to the manufacturer’s instructions (using the aircraft seat belt), and for ensuring that the infant/child is seated and secured correctly,
- the parent/guardian must occupy a seat beside the car seat/child restraint,
- it must not impede the evacuation of other passengers,
- it must not be fitted to an aisle seat if it will impede the evacuation of other passengers,
- it must not be fitted in an emergency exit row,
- if more than one car seat/child restraint is required, it may be fitted to each row provided they are from the same family,
- the seat in front must be able to fully recline,
- car seats which incorporate a top attachment point, must only be fitted in specific car seat attachment locations.
Once the car seat/child restraint is fitted, Cabin Crew will check:
- the infant/child is restrained within the car seat/child restraint,
- the infant/child car seat/child restraint is correctly restrained using the aircraft lap belt and that there is no slack in the belt and it fits within the aircraft seat space,
- the aircraft seat armrests are lowered, and
- the aircraft seat is in the fully upright position.
If the above requirements are not met, the device will not be permitted for use.
Car seats and child restraints requiring a top tether point
QantasLink flights (QF1400 - 2899) operated by Dash-8 aircraft or Fokker aircraft can't accommodate a child car seat that is only certified for use if a top tether point is used to secure it. Please be aware that this includes some Australian certified car seats.
Preparing for travel on Qantas
The safety of our infant travellers is our top priority, so it’s important customers ensure that they review this information, to avoid issues during your travel.
- Customers are responsible for supplying their own car seat or child restraint system.
- Ensure you have checked the requirements for your car seat or child retraint
- At check-in, you’ll need to show your device to our Airport Staff.
- Onboard, you’ll need to show your device to cabin crew, prior to installing.
- Customers are responsible for installing the device themselves and this will be checked by Cabin Crew.
- Non-compliant devices may be required to be checked in, as overhead locker space cannot be guaranteed.
- Cabin Crew decision is final regarding the use of devices onboard aircraft.
International requirements
Some international devices may be accepted at the sole discretion of Cabin Crew on the day of travel provided the device meets the requirements. Please notify Airport Staff at check in.
Travel with other airlines
If any of your flights are operated by an airline other than Qantas, you must review that airline’s requirements directly, and contact them if required.