Did you know that flying with your little one requires special safety gear? When you travel by air, keeping your child safe in their seat is a top priority. Choosing the correct car seat for an airplane can feel confusing. You see different labels and rules, and you just want peace of mind. Many parents worry if their familiar car seat is safe for the journey above the clouds.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what “FAA Approved” means for car seats. You will learn why this approval matters so much for air travel safety. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which seats meet the standards. Get ready to feel confident about buckling up your child for your next flight. Let’s dive into the details of FAA-approved car seats!
Top Faa Approved Car Seats Recommendations
- 10 Years One Car Seat - from Birth to Booster (5 - 120 lb) it's all you will need. Grows with your child, ultimate protection on every road trip. 4 modes in 1 seat!
- Rear Facing for Longer - lovingly engineered to keep your child rear-facing up to 50 lb.
- Fits 3-Across - our famous slim-fit design with zero compromises to safety, space, or comfort.
- Mechanically engineered from reinforced automotive grade high-strength steel, our unique core shell shields and protects your child.
- High-quality ComfortPlus Memory Foam, always included.
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (26.5-65 lb)
- Slim car seat design saves space in your back sea
- Compact and lightweight to easily transfer from car to car
- Travel car seat is certified for aircraft use to help keep your child safe while flying
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes
- 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
- ⚠ NOT UNIVERSAL – Compatibility Check Required: This car seat travel cart is NOT compatible with all car seats. Due to size and base design differences, it fits SELECT models only. Please confirm compatibility before ordering to avoid returns.
- 📏 MEASURE Your Car Seat Before Buying: The bottom of the car seat should be flat,Designed for car seats with a base width between 30–45 cm and sufficient bottom clearance for straps. Car seats outside this range will NOT fit. Measuring before purchase is strongly recommended.
- ❌ NOT Compatible With Certain Designs: Car seats with uneven bottoms are not suitable,the dollys Not suitable for extra-wide bases, too heavy car seats(all in 1, etc), or car seats without bottom gaps for secure strapping. If your car seat cannot be firmly strapped on car seat trolley, this product is not recommended.
- ✈ TRAVEL / LIFE HELPER: When compatible, this car seat cart allows parents to roll heavy car seats through airports instead of carrying them. Ideal for air travel, layovers, and long terminal walks.
- ⚠️NOTE PlEASE: 1.please make sure no one is sitting on the seat When using car seat dolly to roll the car seat, 2.when using the stroller, you must use the two separate included webbing straps. They are essential for securing the car seat. If you are not sure whether your car seat will fit, contact us!
- 10 Years One Car Seat - from Birth to Booster (5 - 120 lb) it's all you will need. Grows with your child, ultimate protection on every road trip. 4 modes in 1 seat!
- Rear Facing for Longer - lovingly engineered to keep your child rear-facing up to 50 lb.
- Fits 3-Across - our famous slim-fit design with zero compromises to safety, space, or comfort.
- Mechanically engineered from reinforced automotive grade high-strength steel, our unique core shell shields and protects your child.
- High-quality ComfortPlus Memory Foam, always included.
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 lb) to forward-facing harness (26.5-65 lb)
- Extend2Fit 4-position adjustable extension panel provides up to 5" additional legroom, allowing your child to safely ride rear-facing longer
- Up to 50 lb rear-facing, allowing your child to safely ride rear-facing longer
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered to the newest testing standards for side and frontal impact, and beyond—because the safety of your child shouldn’t stop at the standard
- No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
- 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (26.5-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb)
- Slim design with dual integrated cup holders that rotate away, making the seat 10% slimmer to save valuable back seat space
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered to the newest testing standards for side impact and beyond—because the safety of your child shouldn’t stop at the standard
- No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
- Choose the perfect headrest height from 10 positions to get the safest fit for your child as they grow
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for FAA Approved Car Seats
Flying with your little one? You need a car seat that is safe and approved for airplane travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives the okay for specific car seats to be used on planes. This means your child stays secure during takeoff, landing, and any bumpy air. Choosing the right one makes your trip much smoother.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important things:
- FAA Approval Sticker: This is the most important thing! You must see a sticker or writing on the car seat that says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” If you don’t see it, don’t buy it for flying.
- Harness System: A five-point harness (two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and one buckle between the legs) offers the best security.
- Appropriate Size: Make sure the seat fits well in an airplane seat. Some huge seats might not fit narrow airplane seats.
- Easy Installation: Since you will install it on a plane and maybe in your car, look for a seat that is easy to buckle in both places.
Important Materials and Construction
The stuff your car seat is made of affects safety and comfort.
- Strong Frame: Most good seats use very strong, rigid plastic or metal frames. This frame protects your child in a crash or sudden stop.
- Energy-Absorbing Foam: Look for thick layers of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam. This foam soaks up crash forces, keeping the impact away from your child’s head and body.
- Durable Fabric: The fabric covering should be tough enough to handle spills and repeated cleaning. Breathable fabrics keep your child cooler during long flights.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all FAA approved seats are equal. Quality matters for long-term use and maximum safety.
What Makes Quality Better:
- Side Impact Protection (SIP): High-quality seats have extra padding or specialized shells around the head area. This shields your child if the plane or car hits from the side.
- Easy Adjustment: Seats where you can quickly adjust the harness height without rethreading the straps are much better. This saves time and ensures a perfect fit every time.
What Lowers the Quality (or Safety):
- Old Expiration Dates: Car seats expire, usually 6 to 10 years after manufacture. Never buy a used seat unless you know its history and expiration date. Old plastic can become brittle.
- Missing Parts: If the manual or necessary installation hardware is missing, the seat might not install correctly, reducing its quality and safety rating.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the seat changes what you should buy.
For Infants (Rear-Facing):
If your baby is small, you need a rear-facing seat. These offer the best head and neck support for infants. Make sure the base of the seat doesn’t take up too much room, as space is tight on planes.
For Toddlers (Forward-Facing):
Once your child reaches the weight limit for rear-facing, you switch them forward. For air travel, look for lighter models. Carrying a heavy seat through busy airports is tough. A lighter seat improves your travel experience greatly.
Installation on the Plane
Remember, you use the plane’s seatbelt, not the LATCH system (which planes do not have). The seat must thread easily through the airplane belt path. Always check that the seat locks tightly into the aircraft seat. A wobbly seat is not safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About FAA Approved Car Seats
Q: Do I have to use my car seat on the plane?
A: No, you do not have to. If you don’t bring it, your child must sit on your lap until they are two years old. However, experts strongly recommend using an approved seat for safety.
Q: Where do I find the FAA approval label?
A: Look for a sticker, usually on the side or back of the seat shell. It clearly states it is approved for both vehicles and aircraft use.
Q: Can I check my FAA approved car seat instead of carrying it on?
A: Yes, you can check it for free. However, checking it means it might get damaged during baggage handling. Carrying it on protects your investment and ensures it is ready for use.
Q: Are booster seats FAA approved for planes?
A: Generally, no. Most booster seats do not meet the strict FAA requirements for aircraft use because they rely on the adult seatbelt fitting correctly over a larger child.
Q: What if the flight attendant questions my seat?
A: Always bring your car seat manual with you. The manual will show diagrams and state the FAA approval clearly, which helps answer any questions quickly.
Q: Does my seat need to be installed every time the plane moves?
A: Yes. You must install the seat securely whenever the captain turns on the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign, including taxiing, takeoff, and landing.
Q: How do I clean my travel car seat?
A: Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Most fabric covers remove for machine washing, but the plastic shell should only be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Q: Can I use a seat that expired last month?
A: Absolutely not. Safety standards change. If a seat is expired, it is not considered safe or legally usable for air travel, even if it seems fine.
Q: What is the weight limit for using a seat on a plane?
A: The weight limit depends on the specific seat model, but generally, it follows the rear-facing or forward-facing limits listed in the manual.
Q: Do I need to buy a special travel version?
A: Not necessarily. Many standard car seats are FAA approved. Travel versions are often lighter and sometimes have special adapters, but your regular seat might work just fine if it has the approval sticker.