Does the thought of navigating an airplane with a toddler and all their gear make your palms sweat? You’re not alone! Traveling with little ones often means juggling car seats, and figuring out which one is safe and practical for air travel can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
Choosing the right car seat for flying is a big deal. You want your child to be secure, but bulky seats are a nightmare to lug through crowded airports. Then there’s the question: what do airlines even allow? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by safety regulations and size restrictions.
But don’t worry! This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about approved car seats for planes. You will learn about key features to look for, essential FAA guidelines, and how to make your journey smoother.
Ready to pack smarter and fly calmer? Let’s dive into finding the perfect travel companion for your child’s next adventure!
Top Car Seats For Flying Recommendations
- To keep little ones safe, returned car seats with open boxes must be destroyed (per industry standards). So, before you unbox your Pico, please make sure it's the exact item you intended to purchase and wanted for your on-the-go needs. Thanks for doing your part to keep car seats out of landfills and on to new adventures with your family!
- ANYWHERE YOU GO: Pico travel car seat is ideal for kids ages 2+ and within the range of 22-50 lbs. and 30-45 inches. Whether you’re ridesharing or road-tripping, Pico’s 5-point safety harness has you and your little ones covered. Each bundle comes with a Carry Bag where Pico can be stored and carried as a backpack, with the carrying handle, or slipped on the handle of rolling luggage.
- DESIGNED FOR SAFETY: Pico meets all U.S. safety standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, so it’s ready for road or air travel. FAA approved sticker is located on the bottom of the seat (see image for detail).
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighing just 8 pounds, the Pico travel car seat makes it easy to travel light. Our AeroWing aerospace-grade aluminum frame offers lightweight strength, and the AstroKnit performance wool/polyester mesh fabric cover keeps kids cool and comfortable. The Pico Carry Bag is responsibly made with 100% bluesign certified recycled polyester; no PU, EVA, or EPS foams
- FOLD & GO: Pico is easy to carry and stow! Folding down to a compact 11.6" L x 14.5" W x 18.9" H, the Pico car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried while walking through the airport or to-and-from the car
- IT IS UNCONVENTIONAL and INNOVATIVE. This is a vest type Child Restraint System and uses a revolutionary technology to increase safety for the little traveler by optimizing the adult seat belt fit for their body.
- IT IS SAFE AND LEGAL. This is certified for use in motor vehicles, meets or exceeds all applicable FMVSS 213 requirements so is legal to use in all US states.
- IT IS COMPACT, ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT, AND PORTABLE. This is perfect for a family travel, fits 3-children in the same row of a vehicle with comfort and ease; ridesharing, taxi, or rental car. Great for grandparents and caregivers because it’s lightweight and easy to install and use.
- IT CAN BE USED WITH OR WITHOUT TETHER. This is to use with a vehicle lap belt and top tether by securing the vest with a top tether anchor in the vehicle. Also, this can be used with a lap and shoulder belt only without a tether strap.
- WHO CAN USE IT? The small size is recommended to use 3 years and above and a weight between 30 lbs. and 60 lbs.
- Wide Compatibility: This car seat travel bag for airplane comes in a 34x18x18inch size which can easily accommodate almost all major brands of Infant carriers, booster seats, convertible car seats, fits for Doona/Graco/Evenflo/Maxi Cosi/Britax/Cybex/Chicco.
- Durability and Protection: Our carseat travel bag for airplane made from highly durable nylon material, protects infant carriers, convertible car seats and booster seats from dirt, scuffs, grease & moisture. It ensures your car seats stays safe and clean during your travels.
- Reinforced Tear Resistance: Car seat bags for air travel made of durable tear resistant and lightweight material with special stitching techniques and extra strong thread to protect it from rips and scuffs.
- Personalized Design: Built in PVC protected ID box ensures your car seat cover is easily recognizable and prevents smudging of your contact information. Comes with luggage handling, convenience for carrying when traveling. Features drawstring closure that tightly closes around the car seat.
- Compact and Travel Ready: It can stuffs quickly into attached pouch. Compact size easily fits in diaper bag, backpack, stroller basket or carry on bag. Lockable drawstring closure. You are easy take it out on the go. It is the best baby travel essentials for flying.
- GATE CHECK CAR SEAT TRAVEL BAG - Specially designed for gate check, this lightweight cover bag fits all child car seats and offers reliable protection and convenience for families on the move
- BUILT TO LAST - Our large car seat bag is crafted with durable polyester, reinforced stitching, a sturdy carry handle, and a built-in pouch that keeps the bag compact when not in use
- AIRTAG COMPATIBLE - The new built-in AirTag holder securely attaches an AirTag inside the bag, allowing you to track your car seat every step of its journey for peace of mind (AirTag not included)
- SECURE CLOSURE - The lockable drawstring ensures your car seat stays tightly sealed, keeping it clean and protected during air travel. Plus, the wipeable polyester makes it easy to clean if needed
- EASY TO SPOT - The bright red color, bold Gate Check logo, and large white ID box help airport staff quickly recognize your bag and return it to you at the gate
- Wide Compatibility for Air Travel: This 17"(L) × 17"(W) × 28"(H) YOREPEK car seat travel bag is designed for airplane travel and airport use. With ample interior space, it fits most major brand car seats. Not compatible with some larger models. Not fits for evenflo envolve 360, NOT fits for UPPABABY Knox
- Hands-Free Backpack Carry: YOREPEK infant car seat travel bag simplifies carrying your baby's car seat during travels; Equipped with padded backpack straps and a waist strap, car seat bag for airplane travel provides a comfortable, hands-free carrying option for parents on the go, allowing you to focus on your young ones, pull luggage, or maneuver a stroller
- Secure Car Seat During Flights: Travel car seat bag for airplane ensures the safety of your convertible or booster car seat, saving you from rental fees; Carseat cover for airplane travel features interior wings and an internal fixing strap to secure the infant car seat in place; Elastic pockets on both sides offer extra space for essentials like diapers, towels, clothing, and more. There isn't padding in the front
- Travel-Ready Materials: YOREPEK car seat cover for air travel is crafted from water-resistant polyester, with protective feet; It shields baby car seats and baby travel essential from scratches and dirt; The car seat travel bag offers dual zipper convenience; Elevate your travel experience with YOREPEK
- Foldable for Easy Storage: Easy to fold the car seat airplane travel bag into a flat shape to facilitate the next use; YOREPEK carseat bag for travel contains a small transparent name card slot, you can easily find your car seat backpack travel bag in airport
- MADE TO BE WITH YOU FOR YEARS The Safety 1st Ellaris Convertible Car Seat adapts to your growing little one with 3 modes of use, making this car seat a key piece of your family for years to come.
- 3 WAYS TO USE The Safety 1st Ellaris Convertible Car Seat offers extended use for your little one with Rear-Facing Infant (5–30 lbs.), Rear-Facing Toddler (30–40 lbs.), and Forward-Facing (30–65 lbs.) positions.
- COMFORT AND FLEXIBILITY The convertible car seat’s slim design fits 3 across the back seat of most vehicles. With an easily adjustable 5-position headrest and harness, it provides a comfortable ride no matter how fast your little one grows.
- FEDERAL SAFETY AND SIDE IMPACT STANDARDS This convertible car seat was engineered and tested to meet or exceed federal safety standards. It also meets the federal Side Impact standard.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad. 2 removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders. Hook-style LATCH for easy installation. Airplane ready, its compact design makes for a better travel experience from the airport to the flight.
- 3-in-1 harness booster helps protect your child, from toddler to youth
- Grows with your child from forward-facing harness (26.5-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb*) to backless booster (40-100 lb) *To continue to meet industry standards, we have increased the weight minimum from 30 to 40 lb
- No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
- Lightweight, portable seat is ideal for busy, active parents
- One-hand, 9-position adjustable headrest grows with your child
- With two modes of use, this extra-comfortable LATCH-equipped Cosco Kids car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and kids up to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode.
- The five-point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features five heights and three buckle locations.
- Built-in side-impact protection keeps your little one extra secure. Designed to be just the right size, the seat takes up less space while rear-facing so parents can have more leg room.
- Three of these seats can fit side-by-side in the back seat of most cars, perfect for growing families.
- With plush padding and premium fabric, this seat gives your child an extra-comfy ride. Easy to clean, the fabric car seat cover is machine-washable and dryer-safe.
Your Essential Guide to Buying a Car Seat for Flying
Traveling with little ones just got easier! Choosing the right car seat for air travel requires careful thought. This guide helps you find the perfect travel companion so your child stays safe and comfortable on the plane.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an FAA-approved car seat, several features make travel much smoother.
- FAA Approval Sticker: This is non-negotiable. Look for a sticker or label that clearly states the seat meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. This lets you use the seat on the aircraft.
- Lightweight Design: You will carry this seat through busy airports. A lighter seat reduces strain. Aim for a model under 15 pounds if possible.
- Narrow Profile: Airplane seats are tight. A narrow car seat fits better within the airplane seat width, ensuring it doesn’t block the aisle or annoy seatmates.
- Easy Installation (LATCH vs. Seatbelt): Check how the seat installs. Since you cannot use LATCH (lower anchors) on planes, ensure the seat installs easily and securely using the standard aircraft lap belt.
- Built-in Lock-offs: These clips or mechanisms help tighten the lap belt around the seat without needing extra tools. They simplify securing the seatbelt.
2. Important Materials in Travel Seats
The materials affect safety, weight, and comfort.
Most quality travel seats use strong, lightweight plastics for the main frame. This plastic needs to be durable enough to handle baggage handling and daily use. Cushioning should feature breathable, easy-to-clean fabric. Since spills happen, look for removable covers that machine wash well. Avoid extremely bulky materials, as they add unnecessary weight.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a travel car seat often shows in its construction and ease of use.
Improving Quality:
- Durable, one-piece plastic shells offer better integrity than seats with many separate parts.
- High-density foam padding provides better impact protection and lasts longer than cheap, soft foam.
- Simple, intuitive adjustment mechanisms mean you spend less time fiddling at the gate.
Reducing Quality:
- Seats that rely heavily on large, complex metal parts increase weight significantly.
- Flimsy connectors or easily broken plastic cup holders often indicate lower overall build quality.
- Extremely complicated recline or harness adjustment systems frustrate parents quickly during travel.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the seat matters greatly.
The Gate Check vs. Carry-On Debate:
Most parents choose to carry the seat on board. This guarantees the seat is not damaged by baggage handlers and ensures you have it immediately upon landing. If you carry it on, you must be able to maneuver it through security and down the jet bridge. Many manufacturers sell a separate **stroller attachment** or **wheeled carrier** specifically for this purpose. This accessory greatly improves the user experience for gate-to-gate travel.
If you check the seat, you must use a sturdy, padded travel bag. Remember, checked luggage often receives rough treatment.
Best Use Cases:
- Infants (Rear-Facing): Look for lightweight convertible seats that allow rear-facing installation on the plane, which offers the best protection.
- Toddlers (Forward-Facing): A slim, forward-facing model works best here. If your toddler is comfortable using a CARES harness instead of a full seat, that might be an ultra-lightweight alternative for older kids, though it offers less side impact protection.
- Frequent Flyers: Invest in the lightest, most compact FAA-approved seat you can find. Every ounce counts when you are running to catch connecting flights.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Flying with Car Seats
Q: Do I have to pay for a seat for my baby?
A: Yes, if you want your child under two years old to ride in a car seat on the plane, you must purchase a ticket for them.
Q: What does FAA-approved mean for my car seat?
A: It means the seat has passed rigorous tests by the Federal Aviation Administration and is safe to use on commercial aircraft. Always check for the sticker!
Q: Can I use the LATCH system on the airplane?
A: No. Aircraft do not have LATCH anchors. You must always install the seat using the standard aircraft lap belt system.
Q: Is it better to check my car seat or bring it on board?
A: Bringing it on board is generally better. It keeps the seat safe from damage and ensures it is available instantly when you land.
Q: What is the CARES harness, and when should I use it?
A: The CARES harness is a supplemental restraint system, not a full car seat. It is often used for older toddlers (usually over 22 pounds) who are comfortable using just the belt path and shoulder harness, making it much lighter than a full seat.
Q: How do I know if my travel car seat will fit the plane seat?
A: Most standard aircraft seats are about 17 inches wide. Look for seats advertised as “narrow” or check the product specifications against that measurement.
Q: Does my car seat need to face the same way on the plane as it does in the car?
A: If your child is rear-facing in your car, they can usually remain rear-facing on the plane, provided the seat fits correctly and the flight attendants approve the installation.
Q: What is the best way to carry my car seat through the airport?
A: Many parents use a dedicated wheeled carrier or attach the seat to their stroller frame using adapters. This saves your back!
Q: Do I have to remove the sunshade or bulky accessories before flying?
A: Yes. Remove any large, non-essential parts. They add weight and bulk, and they can sometimes interfere with a secure seatbelt installation.
Q: What happens if the flight attendant says my seat won’t fit?
A: If your seat cannot be installed safely in your assigned seat, the flight crew must find you an alternate seat where it fits. If no seat is available, you may have to gate-check the seat.