Last update: January 9th, 2024 at 02:25 pm
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Are you looking for an FAA approved car seat for flying with an infant or toddler? Are you trying to decide if you even need a travel car seat for your child? Although I know the idea of flying with a toddler or a baby and a bunch of gear can seem overwhelming – help has arrived.
In this post, you will find answers to your car seat on airplane questions. These may include why you might need a car seat for travel, essential travel car seat features, tips for installing an airplane car seat and much more. Most importantly, you will find a guide to the best car seat for airplane travel 2021.
Please use the menu below to find the section you need quickly.
Important Disclaimer: I intend for the information on this website to serve as a general overview on matters of interest derived from my experience traveling with my own children. I am not an expert on the subject and safety of car seats for airplanes. I attempt to ensure that the content is current and accurate but I do not guarantee its currency and accuracy.
Table of Contents
Car Seat FAA Approved – Top Picks 2021
The FAA car seat guide below is very detailed and I appreciate that you might be in a hurry. If you just want our top 3 best travel car seat picks for 2021, here they are. Alternatively, each one (plus three more excellent choices) is detailed further down this post (#9 on the menu).
Best Car Seat for Travel (kids under 2 years)
The basic but extremely lightweight Cosco Scenera Next (7.65 lbs.) is a tried and true winner for flying families.
Best Convertible Airline Approved Car Seat
The tried-and-true Safety 1st Guide 65 weighs just over 11 pounds and has a weight range of 5-65 lbs.
Recently, there have been a few new convertible airline approved car seats that are getting close to the Guide 65, but we still think it is the best toddler travel car seat pick at a convenient 11.65 lbs. (The newer Safety 1st Jive 65 is about 1/2″ narrower but weighs 3 lbs. more.)
Best FAA Car Seat Approved for Toddler (World Traveler)
If you have a more flexible budget and have big travels planned, the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is amazing.
Constructed with minimal plastic and aerospace grade aluminum alloy, this stylish travel car seat for toddlers (22-50 lbs.) weighs only 8 lbs. and folds for carrying.
Do I Need a Travel Car Seat?
This is a very good question. Traveling with a baby or toddler already involves so much stuff that you might be looking for a way around this (I get it – I have been there) but I am going to try to convince you otherwise.
Flying with Car Seat Considerations
- Safety – Few people will argue the fact that a child is simply safer on an airplane when they are secured in an FAA approved car seat.
- Comfort – What is sometimes overlooked, however, is that most children are really very content sitting in a car seat on a plane. Being secured into a car seat is a familiar routine. More importantly, having your child secured in an airplane car seat allows you as a parent to have your hands free. You can get something out of the overhead bin, you can tie your shoe, you can…imagine…even have a sip of water.
- It’s Free – If you have chosen not to buy an extra seat for your baby on the plane (having them on your lap), airlines will typically transport your car seat for free to your destination.
- Time – When you rent a car seat from a car rental company, you are expected to install the car seat yourself (for legal reasons). Installing an unfamiliar car seat (especially after a tiring flight) can be a real pain. It is quite rewarding when you are able to install a car seat in a flash because you already know how it is done (even more so with taxis or Ubers).
- Cleanliness – There is also the issue of cleanliness. As much as car rental companies try hard to keep their car seats clean, this does not always happen.
- Convenience – Having your own car seat just makes things easier. You don’t have to cross your fingers that the car rental company hasn’t given away the last car seat seconds before your arrival. Having your own travel car seat buys you a lot of peace of mind.
- Cost – Most car rental companies charge a daily rate for a car seat. Uber also charges an extra $10/ride for cars with a car seat (available in some cities). It doesn’t take long for this to add up to more than the cost of the car seat itself. Several top selling travel car seats cost as little as $50 USD so you might actually save money!
Car Seat on Plane – Is it Mandatory?
A CRS (child restraining system = FAA approved car seat / flight harness) is recommended by the FAA (not mandatory) for airplane travel with a toddler or baby in the U.S. (or Canada).
The option of securing your child in car seat on the plane is only guaranteed to be available to you if you have purchased a separate airplane seat for your baby or toddler.
Since parents are not required to purchase a separate infant airplane seat or toddler airplane seat for a child under 2 years of age, some people choose to have their baby on their lap throughout a flight for economic reasons (as it is free or very discounted).*
*If you have not purchased an airplane seat for a baby or toddler (of under 2 years), an extra seat may still be offered to you free of charge if the flight is not full. For your best chance of this, arrive extra early at the airport to make this request at the check-in counter. Sometimes you get lucky.
Confession: I have travelled with my kids both as lap babies and secured in their own seats in an airline approved car seat.
Naturally a child is safer secured in their own seat, but my biggest reason for recommending an airplane car seat is convenience. I simply cannot impress on you how much easier it is to have your hands free on a flight and peace of mind that you will have a good car seat at your destination.
What About the Cares Harness?
You may have heard of the Cares Kids Fly Safe Harness. This toddler airplane harness is the only FAA approved harness for children (22-40lbs). It weighs only 1 lb. and is approved for use during the whole flight (including takeoff and landing).
This product is really convenient (super light weight) but please be aware that the Cares Harness is designed strictly for use on airplanes. It is not a car seat – meaning it cannot be used in a vehicle at your destination.
That said, if you are being picked up at your destination by someone with a car seat, the Cares airplane harness can be a very lightweight and convenient option to get you through a flight.
Read reviews and check prices for the Cares Harness on Amazon.
Car Seat FAA Approved – Key Features
When selecting the best travel car seat for your little one, there are several main points to consider.
1. Weight
The weight of a travel carseat is very important. Flying with a car seat is a little cumbersome therefore you want to make sure you find a lightweight car seat that still keeps your baby or toddler comfortable.
The best car seats for airplane travel should be ideally under 12 lbs. (but some are as lights as 7.5 pounds). A typical car seat for every day use usually weighs over 20 lbs. which is not ideal for lugging around an airport.
The lightest travel car seats tend to be a little light on padding since padding adds weight. While the slim profile does not compromise safety (all car seats go through rigorous testing), it can compromise comfort for a little one.
If they will not be spending a lot of time in the travel car seat this may not matter. If they will be spending a lot of time in the travel seat, you may want to choose something slightly heavier but with extra padding.
2. FAA Approved Car Seat Sticker
In the U.S., FAA approved infant car seats, and FAA approved toddler car seats must have a sticker affixed to them that reads:
“This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”.
The majority of car seats sold in the U.S. and Canada are certified for use on aircraft. That said, many family travelers prefer to buy a lighter weight version exclusively for travel.
Note: In Canada, the labelling is different. It is the National Safety Mark logo, which indicates the number of the standard(s) to which the restraint device conforms, i.e. CMVSS 213 (child restraint device) or 213.1 for (infant restraint device).
A flight attendant may check your car seat for the appropriate labelling when you are boarding. Typically, U.S. airlines will accept the Canadian symbol as acceptable proof as well. To save time, make sure you know exactly where this label is located on your travel car seat.
3. Width
When trying to find the best car seat for travel on airplanes – width matters. The FAA recommends that airline approved car seats be no wider than 16″.
In my opinion, this is totally ridiculous as there are very few FAA approved car seats that fit this criteria. Most travel car seats are in the 17-20″ width range.
Do not fret terribly about this point however, since as long as your portable cars seat for travel has the appropriate labelling on it certifying if for use on planes, you will be allowed to use it.
Note: A flight attendant friend of mind told me that they don’t worry a lot about the width of the car seat since they can always lift the arm rests if it is a tight squeeze. Furthermore, since car seats are often positioned in the window seat (so as not to block other passengers), a bit of overlap would likely only infringe on the parent.
4. Age Range
Most bucket style infant car seats are suitable as an airline car seat (as long as they are FAA approved with the appropriate sticker). If you are searching for the best travel car seat for toddler aged children, however, you should be paying close attention to the age/size range limits.
For example, one of the most popular FAA approved car seats has an upper weight limit of 40 lbs. (Costco Scenera Next). In our FAA approved car seat list, you will find several more with a range of 5-65 lbs. like the very popular Safety 1st Guide 65 toddler travel car seat.
5. Safety
Safety is of course paramount when it comes to choosing a travel car seat. All of the model included in this post meet or exceed rigorous motor vehicle safety standards in the U.S.A and are certified for use on aircraft.
It should be noted that Canadian and U.S. car seats have different certification processes which is why you should only buy a car seat in your home country. (Ex. If you plan to use your travel car seat in vehicles at home, a U.S. certified car seat may not be legal in Canada and vice versa.)
FAA Car Seat Regulation Details
How is an airline approved car seat different you might be wondering? An FAA car seat, along with other criteria, must have a 5-point harness and meet FAA inversion requirements for airplane use (an additional testing process).
If you would like to know more about your flying with car seat (CRS) rights and requirements, please see this section from the FAA website. You may want to print and keep a copy of this on you while traveling. The website outlines important information including how a seat should be positioned on the plane (Example: a car seat cannot block a passenger from an exit.)
As far as your rights go, probably one of the most important rules for airline approved car seats (from the FAA website) is the following:
If an approved CRS, for which a ticket has been purchased, does not fit in a particular seat on the aircraft, the airline is responsible for accommodating the CRS in another seat in the same class of service. However, a CRS may not fit in some oblique seats in certain premium class cabins.
From the FAA website (Feb. 2021), here are the recommendations for car seats on planes.
- Make sure your car seat (CRS) or device is approved for use on airplanes.
- Measure the width of your car seat (CRS). It should fit in most airplane seats if it is no wider than 16 inches.
- Ask your airline for a discounted fare. Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a portable baby car seat (CRS).
- Reserve adjoining seats. An air travel car seat (CRS) must not block the escape path in an emergency. Many airlines have policies that require a CRS to be placed in a window seat. Do not place a CRS in an exit row.
- Always use a CRS when driving to and from the airport.
- If you do not buy a ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an empty seat. If your airline’s policy allows this, avoid the busiest days and times to increase the likelihood of finding an empty seat next to you.
- A CRS must be installed in a forward-facing aircraft seat, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. This includes placing the CRS in the appropriate forward- or aft-facing direction as indicated on the label for the size of the child.
Is a Booster Seat on a Plane Allowed?
No. If you are considering travel car seat toddler solutions, it should be noted that you are not permitted to use a travel booster car seat on a plane.
The reason for this is that for use on an airplane, a car seat must have a 5 point harness and be designed to be secured to the airplane seat with a lap belt only.
In the U.S. and Canada, booster seats are designed to be used with a 3 point lap and shoulder belt. There are numerous travel booster seat options on the market but they are intended for use in cars only (rental cars, taxis, Ubers etc.)
To clarify, your options for securing a child of 2 years or more in a required purchased seat are to:
- Let them use the regular airplane seatbelt.
- Secure them in an FAA approved car seat.
- Secure them using the Cares Kids Fly Safe Harness (not for vehicle use).
Best Car Seats for Airplanes Comparison Chart
You can sort the chart by tapping on a given heading. If you are on a mobile device, swipe to the left on your screen to see the whole chart. To read about each car seat in detail, please see the next section.
| Name | Image | Weight | Range | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 7.6 lbs. | 5-40 lbs. | $45-$60 | |
  | 9.3 lbs. | 5-40 lbs. | $65-$75 | |
  | 8.0 lbs. | 5-50 lbs. | $45-$60 | |
  | 9.8 lbs. | 5-65 lbs. | $110-$150 | |
  | 11.8 lbs. | 5-65 lbs. | $80-$95 | |
  | 8.0 lbs. | 22-50 lbs. | $300-$350 |
The 6 Best FAA Approved Car Seat List 2021
Following is our list of the best FAA approved car seats for airplanes.
1. Cosco Scenera Next Travel Car Seat
This Cosco Scenera Next travel infant car seat is, in my opinion, one of the best portable car seat options. It also happens to be our #1 best seller in the compact car seat for travel category for about 5 years running.
The key is in its no frills, lightweight travel car seat design, making it very easy to transport through airports. It is also very affordable at under $60 USD.
Important note: Although this infant travel car seat can be installed forward-facing for children in the appropriate age/weight/height range, Cosco recommend on their website that you use it rear-facing only. This is because research shows that infants under 2 are safer when their car seat is installed in the rear-facing position.
Features:
- Rear-facing 5-40 lbs. (19-40″)
- Forward-facing 22-40 lbs. (29-43″) for 2 years+
- Dimensions – 23″ H x 17″ W x 22″ D
- Weighs only 7.65 lbs.
- Includes a detachable cup holder
- Removable machine washable cover
- Made in the U.S.A. (Columbus, Ohio)
- LATCH equipped
- FAA certified travel car seat for airplanes
- Fits 3 in a row in most cars
- Meets or exceeds U.S.A. Federal Safety Standards
- Canadian model meets or exceeds CMVSS 213 and 213.1 standards
- Transports easily with a car seat carrier strap
- Learn more about the Cosco Scenera in this video.
- Read reviews and check prices for the Scenera Next on Amazon.
Pros ✓
- Inexpensive at less than $60 USD
- Incredibly light at only 7.65lbs
Cons ✘
- Padding is not super thick
2. Tribute LX Car Seat
The Tribute LX is a very popular travel car seat with an upper range of 40 lbs. While a little more expensive and slightly heavier than the Scenera Next it has some extra padding which can be great for longer travels.
Features:
- Rear-facing 5-30 lbs. (19-39″)
- Forward-facing 22-40 lbs. (28-40″) for 2 years+
- Dimensions – 26.5″ H x 18″ W x 22″ D
- Weighs only 9.3 lbs.
- 4 shoulder strap positions
- Removable cup holder
- Removable extra head and seat padding
- Machine washable cover
- LATCH equipped
- FAA certified travel car seat for airplanes
- Fits 3 in a row in most cars
- Meets or exceeds U.S.A. Federal Safety Standards
- Canadian model meets or exceeds CMVSS 213 and 213.1 standards
- Transports easily with a car seat carrier strap
- Read reviews and check prices for the Tribute LX on Amazon.
Pros ✓
- Decent padding for a travel car seat
- Relatively inexpensive at less than $85 USD
Cons ✘
- Upper weight limit of 40 lbs
3. Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat
The Cosco Apt 50 is a very lightweight and inexpensive convertible car seat with a slightly higher weight range than the very popular Cosco Scenera Next.
Features
- Suitable from 5-40 lbs. (19-40″) rear-facing
- Suitable from 22-50 lbs. (29-43″) forward-facing
- Dimensions – 26″ H x 20″ W x 24″ D
- Weighs only 8 lbs
- 2 integrated cup holders
- 5 point harness with 6 harness heights
- 3 buckle slots
- Removable machine washable cover
- Made in the U.S.A. (Columbus, Ohio).
- LATCH equipped
- FAA certified travel car seat for airplanes.
- Meets or exceeds U.S.A. Federal Safety Standards
- Canadian model meets or exceeds CMVSS 213 and 213.1 standards
- Transports easily with a car seat carrier strap
- Read reviews and check prices for the Cosco Apt 50 on Amazon.
Pros ✓
- Very lightweight
- Higher upper weight range than Scenera Next
- Very inexpensive at under $60 USD
Cons ✘
- Build in cup holders make it 3″ wider
- Padding is not super thick
4. Evenflo SureRide Convertible Airplane Car Seat
If you are looking for a convertible car seat for travel that can last you for years (from 5-65 lbs.), the relatively new Evenflo SureRide is a top pick. While convertible car seats are sometimes a bit heavy, this amazing model weighs only 9.8lbs!
Features:
- Rear facing from 5-40 lbs (19-40″).
- Forward facing from 22-65 lbs (28-54″)
- 6 strap height adjustment levels
- Easy access front strap adjuster
- Dimensions – 28.5″ H x 19″ W x 19″ D
- Weighs of only 9.8 lbs.
- Space saving fold-down cup holder
- LATCH equipped
- Aircraft certified
- Meets or exceeds U.S.A. Federal Safety Standards
- Canadian model meets or exceeds CMVSS 213 and 213.1 standards
- Transports easily with a car seat carrier strap.
- Read reviews and check prices on Amazon.com
Pros ✓
- Super lightweight
- Wide age range can last you for years
Cons ✘
- No pads covering shoulder straps
- Light padding (keeps product weight down)
5. Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
For many years this lightweight convertible car seat has been a big favourite of family travelers.
Features:
- Rear facing from 5-40 lbs (19-40″).
- Forward facing from 22-65 lbs (29-49″)
- 3 height adjustment levels
- Easy access front strap adjuster
- Dimensions – 27.2″ H x 18.5″ W x 20.2″ D
- Weighs only 11.8 lbs.
- Fits 3 across in most vehicles
- LATCH equipped
- Detachable cup holder
- Aircraft certified
- Meets or exceeds U.S.A. Federal Safety Standards
- Canadian model meets or exceeds CMVSS 213 and 213.1 standards
- Transports easily with a car seat carrier strap
- Read reviews and check prices on Amazon.com
Pros ✓
- Slim profile
- Lightweight but still good padding
Cons ✘
- Slightly heavier than some other options
- Difficult to install in the rear-facing position
6. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
This exciting new forward facing (only) travel car seat is a great solution for big trips. The WayB Pico is pricey for sure (at over $300 USD) but if you have big adventures planned (like that round the world trip) it might just be a very worthy expenditure.
Features
- Forward facing (only),22-50 lbs. and 30-45″
- Weighs only 8lbs.
- Made from Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (strong & light)
- Made with minimal plastic and no PU foam.
- Mesh fabric keeps kids cool
- Recommended for children 2 years and up
- Dimensions – 22.8″ H x 14.5″ W x 15.2″ D
- FAA certified car seat for travel on airplanes
- Meets all NHTSA and FAA safety requirements
- LATCH equipped for car use.
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles.
- Read reviews and learn more on Amazon.
Pros ✓
- Exceptionally light and portable
- Very strong
Cons ✘
- Expensive
- Crotch strap can be short for some children
- Not yet approved in Canada
Best Car Seat Travel Cart Options
Are you in need of a car seat travel cart for the airport? If your travel car seat simply clicks into a lightweight stroller base, then you are in luck. Otherwise, here are our top car seat transporter options to get you through the airport.
Perhaps the easiest, and certainly the cheapest option, is a car seat travel belt. These simply allow you to attach your car seat to a rolling carry-on bag. Alternatively, you can go with a rolling car seat cart.
1. Car Seat Travel Strap
- Turns your rolling bag into a car seat carrier
- Easy to attach or remove car seat in seconds.
- Compatible with most 13″- 56″ rolling bags
- Read reviews and learn more on Amazon.
2. Holm Car Seat Transporter
- Compatible with most convertible car seats
- Can carry up to 70lbs total
- Weighs only 3.5 lbs
- Smooth-ride silicone wheels
- One hand maneuverability
- Read reviews and learn more on Amazon
Best Car Seat Travel Bag Options
If you are looking for a car seat bag for airplane travel, here are our top picks. Whether you plan to check your car seat with your luggage or if you need to find a good car seat gate check bag – we have you covered.
1. J.L. Childress Car Seat Bag
- Backpack style allows you to easily take your baby travel seat everywhere.
- Fits most car seats and all travel car seats mentioned in this post.
- Fully padded and ergonomically designed for comfort.
- Dual, lockable zipper.
- Read reviews and learn more about this car seat bag for travel here.
2. J.L. Childress Car Seat Bag with Wheels
- 360 degree spinner wheels
- Fully padded on top, sides and back
- Dual locking zippers
- Fits almost any brand of car seat
- 2 padded backpack straps help keep your hands free.
- Read reviews and learn more on Amazon
How to Install a Car Seat on an Airplane
1. Practice Makes Perfect
The last thing you want to be doing is to be looking at a a car seat instruction manual on an airplane. Familiarize yourself with the section on how to install on an airplane before you first trip.
Another suggestion is to filter Amazon reviews for your car seat model using words like “plane”, “airplane” and “travel”. This will usually lead you to some helpful tips from other parents who have flown with the same car seat model.
2. Installing a Rear Facing Baby Car Seat on an Airplane
First of all, yes you can install an infant car seat in the rear facing position on a plane if that is what the car seat manufacturer recommends for the age/size of your child (provided the actual airplane seat faces forward, not backwards).
Make sure your baby is not blocking anyone from exiting to the aisle (generally meaning that your baby should either be next to the window, or in a center section of the plane). If it is recommended that you use a seat belt extended to install your car seat on an aircraft, just ask the flight attendant for one when boarding.
3. Installing a Forward Facing Car Seat on an Airplane
Follow the instructions provided to you in your car seat manual for installation on aircraft. Can find your manual? Not to worry, you can usually find it online.
To make installation easier, you may want to recline the seat so that you can more easily feed the seat belt through (returning to an upright position to tighten the belt). If you are having a hard time feeding the seatbelt buckle through the back of your car seat, you could ask for a seat belt extender from the flight attendant.
Here is a video from the FAA on how to install a forward facing car seat on an aircraft. Now, let me tell you, it is a heck of a lot easier when you have the bulkhead seat (as shown in this video), but still, it is useful video to watch.
Flying with a toddler car seat can be challenging, for sure. Please feel free to share your tips in the comment section below. Do you know some awesome car seats approved for air travel that aren’t mentioned here? Please let us know !
For more pre-flight suggestions, please see my tips section in the menu above.
62 Responses
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Kelley Hurst
Hi there. I did a bunch of research to try to find a frame that would fit one of my carseats. (I have a 2-year old toddler) The frame that you mention as compatible (the Go-Go-BabyZ Deluxe) is not in stock anywhere, including on the manufacturer’s website. I have emailed the company to ask about it. There are not many options for those of us who already have a car seat, and are looking for a frame to create a makeshift stroller for a trip….I have a Triumph and Evenflo doesn’t make a frame, unfortunately…
Tara Cannon
Hi Kelley,
I have emailed them as well. Let’s get to the bottom of this. I hope they haven’t discontinued making it.
Tara
Comprehensive List Of The FAA Approved Car Seats - Family Hype
[…] that it is effortless to install because of its center-pull adjustment. It is the number 1 rated infant car seat in America, with a 5-point harness and a recline feature that uses proper leveling […]
Jaime
Hello,
What an informative post!!!! Thank you!!!
I was wondering. I will be travelling with my 5 year old in a evenflo maestro (I don’t have worris with install on plane for him)
My concern is with my 13 month old! I have an evenflo SureRide and am worried that I won’t be able to rear face his seat on the plane.
A little insight would be appreciated!!
Thanks
Tara Cannon
Hi Jaime,
Where are you traveling to? Canadian and U.S. based Airlines are required to make sure you are in a spot on the plane where you can fit your rear facing car seat if that is the appropriate position for the age of your child. You can also download the instruction manual for the SureRide which outlines installation on an airplane (both in the forward facing and rear facing position). Just go to Google. 🙂 I’m assuming you have purchased a ticket for your 13 month old, right?
This is directly from the FAA website (https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/).
“If an approved CRS, for which a ticket has been purchased, does not fit in a particular seat on the aircraft, the airline is responsible for accommodating the CRS in another seat in the same class of service. The airline may have polices that dictate the specific safe seat locations for specific aircraft. See Regulatory Requirements Regarding Accommodation of Child Restraint Systems (PDF) to learn more. However, a CRS may not be used in oblique seats in certain premium class cabins. FAA guidance (PDF) to airlines explains this prohibition.
Jaime
We are travelling to Orlando from Plattsburgh NY (I live in Canada ). We are flying Allegiant Air. Would you happen to know where I would find information on their policies regarding CRS in aircraft? They only mention not being able to sit in an emergency row and only by the window seat.
Yes I have purchased a seat for my 13 month old.
I am nervous I am going to have issues ….
Thanks again for your prompt reply!!!!
Tara Cannon
Hi Jaime,
1. Double check to make sure you can locate the sticker on both car seats indicating that they are certified for airplane use (usually on the bottom or the back). Occasionally they can fall off so you want to make sure they are still there in case Allegiant checks.
2. Here is the Allegiant policy, but remember that they are governed by the FAA (the link I sent you in the previous email). https://www.allegiantair.com/traveling-with-children . You have purchased the seats, you are allowed to use FAA certified car seats in them.
3. You can also call the airline to discuss exactly what your concerns are to see if they have any further comments.
4. Remember to be ready to show identification for your little ones.
5. One more thing, for you older child, you will be using the Maestro as a full car seat with the 5 point harness, correct? (Booster seats not allowed for use on planes because they cannot be used with a lap belt).
6. I know it is stressful. Just remember that knowledge is power !
P.S. If you think of it later, I would to hear back from you after your flights. 🙂
Jaime
Yes my son will be in 5 point harness mode (not yet ready to move him to booster belt mode yet)
I assume that we can fly with a “Canadian” car seat! I’ve flown with a Canadian car seat on Transat to Mexico without issue!
It has the red maple leaf sticker not the FAA one with a plane (obviously Becuae it’s not an American seat)
Also the policy states that they will do their best to accommodate a family to be seated together – but says a child needs to be seated next to an adult (silly question …) but does that mean an adult meaning a stranger could be seated next to my children Becuae they are an “adult”??
Sorry …..I’m sleep deprived running on coffee !!!
For sure I will give you an update upon our return!
Tara Cannon
I am running on coffee too.
First of all, my apologies. Although I am Canadian, most of the questions I field are on U.S. car seat regulations for airplanes (as that is where 90% of my audience comes from).
I see the dilemma since in Canada we only need to state if the car seat “is not” suitable for airplanes.
I have just emailed the airline on both questions. I’ll get back to you when I hear. 🙂
Update Sept 30th: Hey Jaime. They have not replied to my email. I have re-sent it but I will also try their online chat tomorrow (seem to be closed today – Sun).
Tara Cannon
Hi Jaime,
I had an online chat with Allegiant today. The told me the following.
1. That you and your little ones will be given assigned seating together when you check in.
2. That you will be allowed to board the plane early with member of the military and people who have purchased priority access passes.
Thanks. Tara
Kirsten
Hi Tara – this is a great article. Thank you for sharing! I’ve been doing a lot of research in regard to a convertible car seat for traveling, and was wondering if you happen to have any thoughts on the Evenflo Tribute? This car seat has come up in a number of articles and was wondering if you had experience with it.
Tara Cannon
Hi Kirsten,
Thank you for reaching out. Although I haven’t reviewed this car seat, I should, because lots of people do seem to buy this one for travel. If I were you, I would look it up on Amazon, click on “reviews” and then do a word search for “plane”, “airplane”, “travel” etc. This will bring up reviews specific to travel. Having just looked myself, it seems like a good bet. A couple of people mention the thin padding and the plane seatbelt buckle issue. A few days ago, a traveler commented on this post with a great suggestion. She recommended asking for a seatbelt extender from the flight crew so that the buckle won’t sit directly behind the middle of the car seat. Let me know how you make out. Happy travels. 🙂
Jesus
Hi. I was wondering what you think of the doon. It is a stroller and car seat in one.
Tara Cannon
Hello there. I have not used the Doona, but I think it looks like a reasonable solution. It is certified for use on airplanes which is great. The only thing I want to mention is that every time you combine something (a stroller and a car seat, for example), you start to lose some features. For example, there is no storage pouch on the Doona (but they do sell an additional bag). It is also a 1 year solution, or less depending on how quickly your child passes the 35lb or 32″ mark. I think it looks really great, but as it is pricey I would add up everything else you may need to buy (sun shade – because you cannot move the existing one etc.) and see if it makes sense for your first year with the baby. I also want to say that although they say that you can roll it right to your seat, I am skeptical about this claim. I use a carry-on bag that is 14″ wide and I am often bashing into chairs with it in the economy section and I end up rolling it sideways down the aisle (it is 9″ deep). Being that the Doona is 17″ wide, I think that it is more likely you would end up lifting it down the aisle just above the seats. Not a big deal, but just something to keep in mind. I hope this helps. If you do buy it, please let me know how you like it. 🙂
Richelle
I love the light weight of the Cosco seat, but the forward-facing belt path is directly behind the child’s back, with only the thin cloth cover over it. Thus, when installed forward-facing on airplanes the buckle of the lap belt is a hard object the child has to lean her back on. This is uncomfortable and I have to place a blanket or small pillow behind my child to lessen the discomfort. Do you know if any lightweight seats with a forward-facing belt path that the child would not feel?
Tara Cannon
Hi Richelle,
Thank you for reaching out. I realized this must be rather frustrating. The problem of course is that when you add bulk (padding) to a car seat, you also add weight. The other two I like are the Safety 1st Guide 65 (15lbs) and the Evenflo Tribute (9 lbs). I do believe that Amazon has quite a flexible return policy on most items. If you are not able to look at these seats in a store, I wonder about ordering them from Amazon and then returning one/both if they do not look like they would be better. (Please check Amazon’s policy before ordering of course, and make sure the seller is Amazon, not a 3rd party.)
Carole
Hi, Richelle. We recently traveled with our cosco on a longhaul flight to Europe. We were able to get around the situation you describe by asking for a seatbelt extender and making sure the buckle wasn’t directly behind our toddler’s back. Best of luck finding a situation that works for you!
Tara Cannon
Carole,
What a fantastic suggestion. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment here and help out a fellow family traveler. 🙂
Warm Regards,
Tara
Seana
Hi! Thank you so much for putting this guide together! I will be flying solo next month from the US to Canada on WestJet with a 1 and 3 year old. I have seats purchased for all 3 of us, but am curious as to where I will have to put the car seats. Was hoping to sit in the middle, with the baby next to the window…but am thinking they make me take the aisle (which would be SUCH a pain!). Thoughts?
Tara Cannon
Hello Seana,
This is a very good question. Obviously, it would be much easier for you to be in the middle. I’m going to delve into this and get back to you. P.S. How lovely you will be visiting Canada (we live in Vancouver). 🙂
Seana
Wonderful! Thank you so much! We are definitely looking forward to it, Canada is a lovely country!
Tara Cannon
Hi Seana. See below from a flight attendant friend.
If the 1 yr old is in rear facing car seat, that seat has to go in the window. Forward facing seats can go in any spot as long as they won’t block the aisle. If I were her, I would put the younger one in the window rear facing if needed and older one in the aisle forward facing. Mum sits in the middle to assist both. So thinking safety and if the masks drop mum is able to put her mask on first and then the kids more easily if she’s in the middle.
The one yr old can be lap held anytime the seatbelt sign is on for feeding or fussiness. It’s safest if they are in the car seat but as long as they are under 2 they can be lap held. The older one will have to be in their car seat any time the seatbelt sign is on but can sit on mums lap if desired if the seatbelt sign is off.
Seana
Fantastic information! Thank you so much!!
Gem
Tara
I am traveling with a 2 yr old with Allegiant. I purchased a seat for him. Allegiant website is unclear whether a car seat or an approved harness is mandatory for the 2 yr old. Can you comment on that?
Thanks.
Tara Cannon
Hi! The rules are actually set by the FAA, not Allegiant. For a child 2 years and up, neither a car seat or a harness is mandatory (use of the regular lap belt is fine). The FAA used to have very specific language around this on their site, but as they are trying to encourage more parents to put their kids in car seats or harnesses (even over the age of 2), they seem to have removed it. I hope this helps ! 🙂
Sam Miller
Hey guys if you are traveling with a car seat i would recommend buying a strong and sturdy car seat bag to protect your childs car seat. I found this one on Amazon:
http://amzn.to/2tVnD5a
I really liked this bag it held up really well for the multiple times that ive used it and its still going strong.
Tara Cannon
Thank you Sam ! So many of the bags out there rip quite easily, so it is good to know that this one is durable.
Diana
HI there,
I am traveling with my 2yr old and need to know if this Portable Thickened Baby Child Safety Car Seat Beige & Gray L, is a FAA approved for airplanes??
Tara Cannon
Hi Diana. Do you know who the manufacturer of this product is? I could only find it on dodgy looking websites (ex. Tmart which is based in Wanchai HK) and the product does not seem to be made by a reputable company. I highly doubt that it is FAA certified. When I dug a little deeper on Google I found a post warning about these possibly illegal car seats. I would strongly advise against buying one. I hope this helps. 🙂
The Beyond Sleep Training Project Car Seat Stance – The Beyond Sleep Training Project
[…] https://pintsizepilot.com/faa-approved-car-seat-on-airplane/ […]
4 Safety Precautions Every Person Should Take While Traveling - CableTel
[…] The FAA recommends every child under 40 pounds use a car seat that is suitable for airplanes. […]
Leah
Hi there,
I will be traveling for the first time with my husband and kids ( ages 3&5) we will be staying in Cali for 2 weeks so the car seat for a car is definitely needed. I am struggling with finding an affordable seat to use just for this trip that meets the guidelines for the plane and car. Spirit airlines says car seas larger 15.5 w X 25 H & 25 D may not fit but if meets FFA they will try to accomdate. Any tips or feedback? I would greatly appreciate it. ?
Tara Cannon
Hi Leah. As long as the car seat has the sticker on it saying that it is certified for use on aircraft, it is the airline’s responsibility to find a seat that will accommodate you. Honestly, it is one of my greatest frustrations that many airlines (and the FAA) recommend that car seats be 15-16″ wide when there are hardly any car seats sold in America that meet this criteria. So that said, something that is in the 17-18 inch zone should work fine (you will put the armrests up on the seat to make more room). The Safety 1st Guide 65 is a pretty good choice (or see if the car seat you own already is FAA certified and a reasonable size so you don’t have to buy a new one?). Alternatively, you could use a Cares Air Safety Harness for the plane and rent a car seats at your destination. Basically, a flight attendant is going to be more concerned about making sure that your seat is FAA certified than if it overlaps on the other seat slightly (probably only infringing on you anyway).
Ashley Denny
Hi, I was wondering if you can use a child secure seat belt vest on a plane? Would that have to be FAA approved sense you use the seat belt with it?
Thanks, Ashley
Tara Cannon
Hi Ashely. Unless something has changed very recently, the only safety seat belt vest that is allowed to be used for the whole flight (meaning also during takeoff and landing) is the Cares Airplane Safety Harness. Are you referring specifically to the RideSafer Delight Travel Vest? If so, I have emailed the company and will confirm back as soon as I hear. I know it would be nice if there was something that could be used both on the plane and in a car, but other than a FAA certified car seat, I am not aware of anything. Another baby safety airplane vest on the market is the Baby B’Air, but it is not certified for use during takeoff and landing (nor for vehicles).
Tara Cannon
Hi again Ashley. If you were referring to the RideSafer Travel Vest, please see below for what I heard back from their online customer service department when asking if the vest was certified for use on airplanes (Feb. 5th, 2018). I will mention that our family used an earlier version of the RideSafer vest on some of our travels for use in rental cars (not on airplanes) and it provided a convenient solution (rather than bringing along a car seat).
From Safe Ride 4 Kids:
“It is not yet approved for use on airplanes.
FAA says it doesn’t fit into their categories so they have to rewrite some policies before the RideSafer can be approved. We have no idea how long that may take. The manufacturer may request an exemption in the meantime but even that could take several months. We do know it is high on his list of priorities to keeping pushing for airline use.
Once the airline approval goes through there will be an accessory released that will provide upper body restraint. As it stands now, the using the RideSafer with the plane’s lap belt won’t offer much more protection than just the lap belt itself.
If you decide to let your children sit in the airline seat without a car seat, the RideSafer is wonderful for keeping in your carryon and having available as soon as you reach your destination. Since our kids were 4 and 5 and started using the RideSafer they attached it to their backpack and stuffed it under the airline seat. “
smart.dke.univie.ac.at
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing issues with your website.
It appears like some of the written text within your content are running
off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to
them too? This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Appreciate it
Tara Cannon
Hi, Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Could you tell me which browser you are using?
Sandy
Hi All, Out of interest, does anyone know if US airlines would tend to require only the FAA sticker for aviation suitability or if they would also accept the European ‘CE’ aviation suitability sticker? I believe that in the UK, those airlines that enforce a requirement for an aviation approved car seat (not all appear to) accept either the CE or FAA certification. I wondered if this was the same in the US or whether it would need to be FAA only? If the latter, is it possible to buy FAA certified car seats outwith the US e.g for a traveller from the UK travelling on a domestic US flight? As an aside, we recently flew with Southwest in the US with our cheap, European car seat that attaches to or travel system an which is not aviation approved. We assumed we were travelling with a ‘lap infant’ and when we went to check in the car seat, the Southwest staff said “just take it onboard, there’ll be plenty of seats, you can use it wherever you like” – irrespective of the fact we hadn’t booked a seat or have an FAA sticker! Great for us and very flexible of them but possibly not ‘by the book’…. Many thanks, Sandy
Tara Cannon
Hi Sandy. If you click the link called “FAA Guidance” in this document under the heading “About Child Restrain Systems” (https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/), point #9 leads me to believe that other CRSs meeting their guidelines may be used. That said, if you were going to use one in the U.S.A. with the appropriate EU certification, I would keep a copy of those guidelines with you, just in case you get hassled about it. Good luck ! 🙂
Maria
I notice all the car seats suggested are more than 16″ wide. Yet airlines say it should be only 16″ wide… any advice??
Tara Cannon
Hi Maria.If your child is between 3-40lbs you could go with the Combi Coccoro. Do not stress, however, if your CRS (car seat) is a little wider than 16″. As long as it has the sticker on it saying that “This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft”, you are good to go. Please see the comment above regarding the fact that airlines in the U.S. must find a seat that will accommodate your car seat as long as that seat is certified for use on aircraft. Ideally, however, it is nice to have a car seat for travel that is not huge and heavy. Good luck with your travels !
Alexis
I am having similar concerns. Do you know if anyone has used the Cosco Scenera Next on a Boeing 777-300 international flight? If it isn’t a domestic flight, do they still have to accommodate you? According to Cosco, the Scenera Next is 19″ wide (though I’ve seen it listed as 17″ and 17.5″ in other places).
Tara Cannon
Hi Alexis. I have sent an email to Cosco to try to confirm those dimensions. Hopefully, I can get back to you on that shortly. As far as your flight go, which airline are you flying with and where to/from?
Update: To confirm, the Cosco Scenera Next is 19″ wide.
Anna
Hi Tara,
I will flying solo with my 3 year old and 17 month old to South Africa on Lufthansa. I have purchased a Cosco Scenera NEXT and the Safety First Guide 65 for my 17 month old (still trying to decide which one would be best as they haven’t arrived in the mail yet for comparison). For the 17 month old, will he need to sit RF on the plane? Also, I wanted to use the CARES harness for my 3 year old since I’m not sure how I can haul 2 car seats, carry-on, diaper bag, and two boys through the air port by myself. I have gotten mixed reviews regarding the use of the CARES harness on international flights, specifically on Lufthansa. I have not been able to get a consistent answer from customer service yet, but was wondering if you knew anything about if CARES harnesses are accepted on international carriers, specifically Lufthansa. Thanks!
Tara Cannon
Hi Anna! Good for you for planning ahead. Depending on which car seat you go with, I would contact the manufacturer to confirm which way the seat should be facing on the aircraft. Sometimes this is specified in the manual (based on age/weight), but sometime it is not. In my experience,car seat manufacturers tend to respond quite quickly to inquiries. Likewise, I would call Cares to discuss the use of the flight harness when flying abroad. Although their FAQ section on flying internationally does not specifically name Lufthansa, they may be able to shed some light on the subject as they sell a lot of these units. I totally agree that trying to make your way through the airport with two little ones and two car seats would be quite difficult. I wish I could be of more help to you Anna, but this guide was written specifically for Canada and the U.S. I might also suggest traveler forums such as a Lufthansa thread on Flyertalk.com where you can sometimes get very specific questions answered by frequent flyers. I would love to know how you make out if you have time to comment again post trip. Good luck Anna !
Julie
Thank you Tara. Yes unfortunately the customer service reps are not reliable for Royal Jordanian and their website is not nearly as helpful as Lufthansa. The rep said no car seats allowed but the website says they are for kids up to 36 mo. Then no specifics listed on which car seats or window vs aisle seats. Just wondered if you knew if it was airline specific or an FAA regulation. Thanks!
Tara Cannon
Ugh. Don’t you hate that? Personally, I like dealing in certainties. I might suggest going to the website “Flyertalk” and seeing if you can find a forum thread on Royal Jordanian. You may find a Royal Jordanian frequent flyer who can provide a little more information. Good luck Julie. 🙂
Julie
Hello, do you know if for international airlines, is it a requirement for carseats to be in a window seat only or will an aisle work?
Tara Cannon
Hi Julie. For this article I only researched airlines in the U.S. and Canada. That said, I just had a read of Luftansa’s car seat policy to get an idea of what some international airlines do. In their case, they say that a car seat cannot be in an exit row, nor can it block a traveler from exiting their seat in any other row (thus it should be in a window seat or in a center section). Lufthansa also had a PDF stating which car seats were acceptable to be used on their flights (it was a long list). To be safe, I would contact the airline you will be flying with. 🙂
Yen
I am planning for my infant son’s first flight. Do I take the base of the car seat too or just the car seat?
Tara Cannon
Hi Yen ! For installing the seat on the airplane, follow the instructions in your car seat manual. If you do not have it, the manufacturer should have it on their website. You could also email the manufacturer and specifically ask. I have found most companies to be quite responsive. When we flew with an infant car seat, we would check the base (for use in a car rental later on), but just use the infant seat on board.
Erin S
Great article! I was happy to read that it is the airline’s responsibility to find a seat that fits the car seat as long as it says that it is FAA approved for airline travel. Thank you so much!
Tara Cannon
So glad to be of help Erin. Happy travels !
CM
It is the airline’s responsibility to find a seat that fits the car seat?
Erin S
Yes, if you look at the FAA regulations, as long as the car seat is FAA-approved, it is the airline’s responsibility to find the seat that fits.
Tara Cannon
Thank you Erin. 🙂