Traveling with children often means bringing a car seat to keep them safe and comfortable on the airplane. Car seats designed for air travel must meet specific safety standards and be easy to carry through airports. These seats help parents secure their children during the flight and make airline travel less stressful.
The best car seats for airplanes are usually lightweight, compact, and easy to install. Many models have features like removable covers for washing and travel bags for carrying. While some seats work only for certain age groups or weights, others offer a wider range of use, making them more versatile for families.
When choosing a car seat for air travel, the most important factors are size, weight, FAA approval, and ease of installation. Seats must be FAA-approved to be used onboard, and lighter seats are easier to carry through busy airports. Comfort and durability also matter since traveling can be tiring for kids and parents alike. We tested several car seats to find the ones that balance safety, convenience, and comfort for air travel.
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Best Car Seats for Airplanes
We have tested and reviewed a range of car seats that are safe and easy to use on airplanes. Our list includes options that meet FAA guidelines and offer comfort for your child. These picks help make traveling by air smoother for both kids and parents.
Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Car Seat
This car seat offers great value for travel with a lightweight design and easy installation, making it a reliable choice for flying with young kids.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry through airports
- Uses LATCH system for secure installation
- Simple to clean with a removable, machine-washable cover
Cons
- Basic design with fewer advanced comfort features
- Harness adjustments may feel stiff at times
- Weight and height limits may not fit all toddlers fully
We found the Cosco Onlook easy to handle while traveling, especially through busy airports. It felt light enough to manage alongside other bags, which really helped during our trips.
Switching between rear- and forward-facing modes was straightforward. The side-impact protection gave us good peace of mind without adding too much bulk.
Although the seat is on the simple side, it met our expectations for safety and travel approval, making it a solid pick if you want a no-frills, dependable car seat for airplane use.
Safety 1st Ellaris Car Seat
This car seat works well for families who want a travel-friendly, long-lasting option that adapts as their child grows.
Pros
- Fits three across most car seats thanks to its slim design
- Adjustable headrest and harness for a comfy, secure fit
- Compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry on planes
Cons
- Can feel tight in smaller vehicles
- Not the best choice if you rely heavily on rear-facing for long periods
- Installation can be tricky for some users
We found the Ellaris easy to carry through airports because it’s lighter than many other convertible seats. It doesn’t take up much space, which makes traveling with it less stressful.
The 3-in-1 design means it grows with your child, so you don’t have to buy a new seat every year. Adjusting the harness and headrest worked smoothly, which gave us confidence in the seat’s comfort and safety.
One downside is that it can feel bulky inside smaller cars, so fitting three seats might still be tough depending on your vehicle. Also, the rear-facing setup wasn’t as simple to secure for us, so it may require extra effort. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want a versatile, travel-friendly car seat.
WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
We found the WAYB Pico to be a solid choice for families who want a lightweight, easy-to-carry car seat for travel.
Pros
- Very light and easy to carry for long airport walks
- Folds compactly to fit in overhead bins
- Comes with a backpack-style carry bag that helps with transport
Cons
- Price can be a bit high compared to traditional seats
- May require additional belt clips for some rental cars
- Forward-facing only, so limited for younger infants
The WAYB Pico stands out because it weighs just 8 pounds, making it surprisingly easy to move through busy airports. We appreciated the backpack bag, which kept our hands free and made carrying less tiring.
Installation was straightforward on multiple cars we tested, including rentals abroad. While setting it up on some vehicles, we had to use belt clips to get a secure fit, which means you might want to check compatibility before your trip.
The seat folds down neatly, creating a compact size that fits overhead bins without a struggle. Its materials felt durable but breathable, so our child stayed comfortable during rides.
If you want a no-fuss car seat made for travel with solid safety standards, the WAYB Pico works well without extra bulk.
Graco Contender Slim
This car seat is a smart pick for families who want a space-saving, lightweight option that works both in cars and on airplanes.
Pros
- Slim design fits well in tight spaces
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Grows with your child from rear- to forward-facing
Cons
- Takes up more space in smaller cars than expected
- Requires LATCH anchors for best fit
- Adjusting the harness can be tricky at first
We found the Graco Contender Slim to be very practical for travel. Its slim frame helped us fit it comfortably in both the car and on the plane, which made airport transitions smoother. Carrying it around was less tiring compared to bulkier seats we’ve used before.
The adjustable harness system was useful as our child grew, changing the headrest and straps in one easy step. The install process went quickly thanks to the LATCH system and clear instructions, although you do need anchors which not all cars have.
Comfort-wise, our little one stayed cozy, and the cup holder came in handy. The seat feels sturdy without being heavy, providing peace of mind on flights and car rides alike. Overall, it balances safety and convenience well for families on the go.
YOREPEK Car Seat Travel Bag
This car seat travel bag is a solid choice for parents wanting a reliable, hands-free way to carry their child’s seat through airports.
Pros
- Comfortable backpack straps make it easy to carry
- Good protection against dirt and scratches
- Extra pockets for small travel essentials
Cons
- Not padded enough in front, so extra padding might be needed
- Fits most, but some bigger car seats won’t fit
- Backpack straps can feel a bit uncomfortable if the car seat is heavy
We used the YOREPEK travel bag on a recent trip, and it made airport travel much smoother. The backpack design really helped when juggling luggage and kids. It saved us from dragging the car seat or awkwardly carrying it by hand.
The material feels tough and water-resistant, which kept the car seat clean despite rough handling. We liked the side pockets for quick access to diapers and wipes. However, the bag doesn’t have padding in the front, so we added some foam to keep the car seat better protected.
Overall, this is a practical choice if your car seat fits in the bag. The shoulder and waist straps take some weight off, but if your seat is bulky, the straps might dig in during long walks through the airport. If you want basic protection plus easier carrying, the YOREPEK bag is worth considering.
J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Car Seat Bag
This car seat bag is a solid choice for parents wanting comfort and protection while traveling through airports.
Pros
- Thick padding protects the car seat well
- Backpack straps free up our hands while moving
- Fits most infant, booster, and convertible seats
Cons
- Can feel bulky when carrying for long times
- Not perfectly padded on all sides
- Takes some effort to slide the car seat in and out
We found this bag easy to carry compared to others. The padded straps let us keep our hands free, which really helped when juggling luggage and kids.
The thick padding gave us peace of mind that the car seat stayed safe from rough baggage handling. It felt sturdy and well-made, not flimsy at all.
However, the bag is a bit large and gets heavy with the seat inside. Putting the car seat securely inside requires some practice, and it’s not quite soft in every spot. Overall, it’s reliable for protecting your seat on flights.
WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
This lightweight, foldable car seat is great for plane trips and easy to carry, though it may feel small for bigger kids.
Pros
- Very lightweight and easy to carry
- Quick to install with 5-point harness
- Meets all safety standards for cars and planes
Cons
- Limited availability due to re-certified stock
- May be tight for taller kids near 45 inches
- No built-in carry handle or backpack straps
We found the WAYB Pico to be incredibly convenient for traveling through airports. At just 8 pounds, it is easy to hold alongside luggage. The folding design really saves space when boarding a plane or getting into taxis.
Installation took just a few minutes. It felt secure using either the LATCH system or a regular seatbelt. The 5-point harness is simple to adjust, making it quicker to get kids buckled in when traveling.
The seat’s size is perfect for kids in the 22-50 pound range, though if your child is on the taller side of that scale, it might feel a bit snug. While we wished for a backpack-style handle, the robust build and breathable mesh make up for that small inconvenience. This is a reliable option for frequent flyers looking to keep their child safe without bulky gear.
Zhtangrui Car Seat Dolly
If you need an easy way to roll your lightweight car seat through airports, this dolly is handy and folds up small for travel.
Pros
- Wheels roll smoothly on airport floors
- Folds compactly for simple storage
- Straps keep the car seat secure
Cons
- Not made for heavy or large car seats
- Missing a strap can make securing tricky
- Only fits certain car seat models
We found this dolly really helped with airport travel. Instead of lugging the car seat, we rolled it easily alongside our other bags. The wheels worked well on different surfaces, which made moving through busy terminals less tiring.
It folded down small enough to tuck into a bag or under the plane seat. That convenience made a big difference since we didn’t want extra bulky gear. The straps held the seat firmly, though one strap was missing in our set, making it a bit harder to lock in place.
Keep in mind, it’s designed for lighter car seats only. We wouldn’t trust it with big, heavy seats like the 3-in-1 types. Still, for smaller seats, this dolly cuts down on strain and speeds up travel.
Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Car Seat
We found the Cosco MightyFit 65 DX to be a solid, practical choice for families looking for a car seat that fits well on planes and in cars without extra bulk.
Pros
- Fits three across in most cars, great for families with multiple kids
- Comfortable padding that kids seem to enjoy
- Compact rear-facing design gives more leg room for parents
Cons
- Installation can be tricky if you’re not used to LATCH systems
- Lacks fancy extras like headrests or cup holders some other seats have
- Heavier than some other travel car seats, so not the easiest to carry
This seat’s size struck us as just right. It doesn’t take up too much room when rear-facing, which is a big plus on planes and in small cars. The built-in side impact protection gave us extra peace of mind.
Our kids seemed comfortable thanks to the soft fabric and good padding. Plus, cleanup was simple because the cover is machine washable, which is a must on any trip.
While setting it up took some patience, once installed, it felt secure. The harness adjusts easily from the front, making daily use smoother. Overall, this seat balances comfort, safety, and convenience at a price that makes sense.
Graco Extend2Fit Car Seat
This car seat is a solid choice for families who want to keep their child rear-facing longer with added comfort and strong safety features.
Pros
- Extra legroom helps kids ride rear-facing comfortably for longer
- Easy-to-adjust harness and headrest with one simple move
- Quick and secure installation with one-second LATCH system
Cons
- Heavier and a bit bulky for travel
- Bulkier size can be harder to fit on some airplane seats
- Some may find the recline options limited
We’ve found the Graco Extend2Fit to be dependable and safe, especially because you can keep your child rear-facing up to 50 pounds. The adjustable legroom makes a big difference when you’re flying and your little one needs extra space to stay comfortable during the trip.
Installation is simple with the click-in LATCH system, which gives us peace of mind knowing the seat is secure. Adjusting the harness height and headrest together saves time, which is always helpful when traveling.
While it is a bit heavy and takes some room, it’s built like a tank, making safety the top priority. If you want a sturdy car seat that grows with your child and supports longer rear-facing rides, this one is worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best car seat for airplanes, we focus on safety, size, and ease of use. The seat must fit in an airplane seat and be approved for air travel. Look for seats labeled as FAA approved.
We also check the weight and size. A lightweight seat is easier to carry. Compact seats fit better in tight airplane spaces. Make sure the seat fits your child’s age and weight.
Comfort matters for long trips. Look for good padding and adjustable straps. A seat that reclines or has multiple positions helps keep kids calm during the flight.
Installation is another key factor. A seat with clear instructions and simple straps makes travel easier. Some seats use a latch system, while others use the airplane seat belt. We want seats that work well with airplane belts.
Features to Consider
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| FAA Approval | Required for airplane use |
| Size & Weight | Fits in plane seats, easy to carry |
| Safety Harness | Keeps child secure during flight |
| Comfort Padding | Helps child stay comfortable longer |
| Easy Installation | Saves time and hassle at the airport |
Editor’s Choice
We chose the Cosco Scenera NEXT as our top pick for the best airplane car seat. It is lightweight, easy to install, and FAA approved for use on planes. Its compact design fits well in most airplane seats without taking up too much space.
Another strong option is the Graco SlimFit3 LX. It offers multiple modes to grow with your child, from infant to booster seat. It is also FAA approved and provides great comfort and safety for longer flights.
Here is a quick comparison of our favorite picks:
| Model | Weight | FAA Approved | Age Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosco Scenera NEXT | 9 lbs | Yes | 1-4 years | $50 – $70 |
| Graco SlimFit3 LX | 14 lbs | Yes | Infant to 10 | $150 – $200 |
We looked for seats that balance safety, size, and ease of use. Both models meet strict safety standards and are trusted by many parents.
Choosing the right car seat for airplanes is about making travel safer and easier. We think these picks give parents the confidence to travel with kids comfortably.
Where to Buy – Best Amazon Deals
We find Amazon to be one of the most convenient places to buy airplane car seats. It offers a wide variety of brands and models all in one spot. This makes it easy for us to compare features and prices quickly.
Amazon often has competitive prices, especially during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday. We recommend checking the product pages regularly to spot discounts or bundle deals. Some sellers even offer free shipping, which can save us more money.
Here are a few tips for buying car seats on Amazon:
- Read customer reviews to understand real experiences.
- Look for seats with good ratings and detailed descriptions.
- Check if the car seat is FAA-approved for air travel.
Many popular car seats on Amazon also come with videos or FAQs. These help us make informed decisions without leaving the site.
We can also use the Amazon filters to narrow choices by price, brand, or customer rating. This tool helps us pinpoint what fits our needs faster.
Finally, return policies on Amazon are usually friendly. If the car seat doesn’t meet our expectations, returning it is often straightforward. This peace of mind makes shopping on Amazon a good option for airplane car seats.
FAQs
Can we use any car seat on an airplane?
Not all car seats are allowed on planes. We need to check if the seat is FAA-approved. Look for a label saying it is certified for use on aircraft.
How do we install a car seat on a plane?
We usually use the airplane seatbelt to secure the car seat. The instructions from the car seat manufacturer will guide us on proper installation.
Are convertible car seats allowed on planes?
Yes, many convertible car seats can be used on airplanes. We should check the size and approval to make sure they fit well.
Can we bring a car seat on the plane as carry-on luggage?
Car seats are not carry-ons. We must bring them as a separate item or check them at the gate.
Is it safer to use a car seat on the plane?
Using a car seat can offer better protection for your child during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. We recommend bringing one for safety.
What size car seat fits best on airplanes?
Smaller, lightweight, and narrow car seats work best. They fit easily in airplane seats and are easier to carry.
Do we need to buy a special car seat for air travel?
Not necessarily. Many regular car seats are FAA-approved. We just need to confirm the approval before travel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right car seat for airplane travel helps keep our children safe and comfortable. We need to pick seats that are FAA-approved and easy to install on the plane. This ensures a smooth experience for both parents and kids.
We should also think about the size and weight of the seat. Smaller, lighter seats are easier to carry but must still meet safety rules. Comfort is important, so padded seats and adjustable features help during long flights.
To make our choice easier, here is a quick checklist:
- FAA approval for air travel
- Lightweight and compact design
- Easy to install and remove
- Comfort features like padding and reclining options
- Durability to withstand travel conditions
Our best seats balance safety, comfort, and convenience. They give us peace of mind while traveling with children. By focusing on these key factors, we can find the ideal car seat for our trips.