We travel frequenty with our daughters, ages 3 and 5 1/2. Both always have ticket, usually award tickets. We bring the car seat for for our three year old for safety and parental control. It's much easier to deal with a temper tantrum when she is physicaly restrained in the seat. Also,she is more at ease as it is a familiar setting, and she can sleep without falling over. The only downside is carrying on more thing. We usually have one stroller stacked high with the car seat, diaper bag, cooler, kitchen sink etc, and make the kids walk !