What Size Baby B'air Flight Vest Do I Need
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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.
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 seatmay 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costco Scenera Next |   | 7.6 lbs. | 5-40 lbs. | $45-$60 |
| Tribute LX |   | 9.3 lbs. | 5-40 lbs. | $65-$75 |
| Costco Apt 50 |   | 8.0 lbs. | 5-50 lbs. | $45-$60 |
| Evenflo SureRide |   | 9.8 lbs. | 5-65 lbs. | $110-$150 |
| Safety 1st Guide 65 |   | 11.8 lbs. | 5-65 lbs. | $80-$95 |
| WAYB Pico |   | 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.
Further Reading
- The Best Compact Stroller for Travel
- The Best Travel Booster Seat
- Best Noise Cancelling Kids Headphones
- Top Wireless Kids Headphones
- Best Travel Cribs and Travel Bassinets
What Size Baby B'air Flight Vest Do I Need
Source: https://pintsizepilot.com/faa-approved-car-seat-on-airplane/
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