Flying with a toddler comes with enough to think about already, without wondering what you'll do for meals once you land. An inflatable high chair has become one of the go-to solutions for parents who want a proper seat for their child without adding bulk to their luggage. Here's what to know before your next flight.
Why Inflatable Beats Bulky
Traditional travel high chairs, even the "compact" ones, often still take up real space in a suitcase. An inflatable option works differently. It deflates down to a fraction of its size, so it packs into a carry-on or even a large diaper bag without eating into your luggage allowance.
For families flying with a lot of baby gear already, that space difference matters.
Is It Allowed on Planes?
An inflatable high chair itself isn't something you'd use during the flight, it's for mealtime once you land, not for the plane seat. There are no special restrictions on packing a deflated seat in carry-on or checked luggage, since it's just soft fabric and an air valve. Always double check with your specific airline if you're unsure, but generally these travel the same way any soft baby gear would.
How It Holds Up on the Road
A good inflatable high chair should be able to handle repeated inflating and deflating without losing its shape or support. Look for:
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A sturdy air valve that inflates quickly without a pump
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Secure straps that attach to a range of dining chair styles
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A wipeable, easy-clean fabric, since travel meals are rarely tidy
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A weight range that actually covers your child's age (most cover roughly 9 months to 3 years)
Using It at Your Destination
Once you've landed, setup takes just a couple of minutes. Inflate the seat, secure it to a dining chair using the adjustable straps, and it's ready to go for restaurants, your hotel room, or a relative's dining table.
This is especially useful in destinations where high chairs aren't standard, which is common in many countries outside Australia and the US. Eating out once you land? Take a look at our tips on finding the best portable high chair for restaurants.
Not flying this time? Our guide on how to pack a travel high chair covers road trips and other travel too.
Introducing High Kiddie
High Kiddie is a portable, inflatable booster seat built with travel in mind. It inflates in seconds, packs down small enough for a diaper bag or carry-on, and fits most standard dining chairs. For families who fly often with little ones, it's designed to be the kind of gear you'll actually want to pack every time.
High Kiddie is launching on Kickstarter this October. Sign up here to get early access before we go live.