Child Seats in Airport Transfers — What You Need to Know
Travelling to the airport with young children raises an immediate question: what about the car seat? You need one for the transfer, but you might also need it at your destination. You might be flying to a country where you will rent a car. Or you might be arriving in London and need a seat for the ride to your hotel.
We provide child seats free of charge on every airport transfer — infant, toddler, and booster — professionally fitted by your driver before your journey begins. No extra charge, no need to carry your own, no compromise on safety.
UK Child Seat Law — The Rules
Under UK law, children must use the appropriate car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm (4ft 5in) tall, whichever comes first. The correct seat depends on the child's weight and age:
| Group | Seat Type | Age | Weight | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 0+ | Infant carrier | Birth – 15 months | Up to 13kg | Rear-facing |
| Group 1 | Child seat | 9 months – 4 years | 9–18kg | Forward-facing with harness |
| Group 2/3 | Booster seat | 4 – 12 years | 15–36kg | Forward-facing with seatbelt |
The Private Hire Exemption
UK law includes an exemption for licensed taxis and private hire vehicles: if no child seat is available, children under 3 may travel on an adult's lap in the rear, and children aged 3+ may use an adult seatbelt. However, this exemption exists for practical reasons — it does not mean travelling without a seat is safe. We provide seats so your children travel with the same protection they would in your own car.
Our Child Seat Fleet
Group 0+ — Infant Carrier (birth to 15 months)
A rear-facing infant carrier, correctly installed using either ISOFIX or the vehicle seatbelt. Suitable for babies from birth to approximately 15 months (up to 13kg). Your driver will ensure the seat is securely fitted before your baby is placed in it.
Group 1 — Toddler Seat (9 months to 4 years)
A forward-facing child seat with a five-point harness. Suitable for children who have outgrown their infant carrier but are too small for a booster. Installed using ISOFIX or seatbelt as appropriate for the vehicle.
Group 2/3 — Booster Seat (4 to 12 years)
A high-back booster seat that positions the vehicle seatbelt correctly across the child's body. Suitable for children from approximately 4 years old until they reach 135cm or 12 years old. This is the most commonly requested seat for airport transfers.
How It Works
- Request at booking: When you book your transfer, specify the number and type of child seats needed. Include the child's approximate age and weight if you are unsure which group they need.
- Driver prepares: Your driver arrives with all requested seats already in the vehicle, professionally fitted and checked
- Safety check: Before departure, your driver confirms each seat is correctly secured and shows you how to buckle your child in
- Journey: Your children travel safely and legally for the entire journey, just as they would in your own car
- Arrival: At the airport, seats remain in the vehicle — no need to carry them into the terminal
Bring Your Own vs Use Ours
| Factor | Bring Your Own | Use Our Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Familiarity | ✓ Child knows the seat | May be different style |
| Convenience | ✗ Extra item to carry | ✓ Nothing to carry |
| At destination | ✓ Available for rental car | ✗ Need to arrange at destination |
| Airport hassle | ✗ Must check or gate-check | ✓ Walk in hands-free |
| Quality | Depends on your seat | ✓ Maintained, inspected regularly |
| Cost | Risk of airline damage | ✓ Completely free |
Our recommendation: If you need the seat at your destination (for a rental car or extended stay), bring your own and your driver will help install and uninstall it. If you do not need it at your destination, use ours — it is simpler, and you have one less thing to manage at the airport.
Multiple Children? Multiple Seats
We regularly accommodate families with two, three, or even four children requiring car seats. Here is what fits in each vehicle:
- Standard saloon: Up to 2 child seats (with 2 adults)
- Estate car: Up to 2 child seats (with 2 adults + extra luggage space)
- Mercedes V-Class: Up to 3 child seats (with 3 adults) — the best option for larger families
- Minibus: Up to 4+ child seats depending on configuration
For detailed vehicle recommendations based on your family size, see our family transfers guide.
Your child's safety is non-negotiable — and neither should it cost extra. Every child seat is free, professionally fitted, and available for every journey. Book your family transfer now.