Choosing the right car seat for travel is important for families who fly with young children. A car seat protects your child during car rides, but not all car seats are allowed on planes. FAA-approved car seats meet specific safety rules for air travel, making them a reliable choice when flying with kids.
FAA-approved car seats are tested to ensure they work well in both cars and airplanes. These seats often have labels showing they meet the FAA requirements. Since airplane seats are smaller and the space is limited, FAA-approved car seats are designed to fit safely in aircraft seats while keeping your child secure and comfortable.
When picking the best FAA-approved car seat, consider size, weight, ease of installation, and the seat’s safety rating. You want a seat that fits your child properly and works well in both your car and the airplane. We reviewed many models to find the best FAA-approved car seats that make travel safer and less stressful.
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Best FAA Approved Car Seats
We have tested and reviewed several FAA approved car seats to help you find the safest and most convenient options for air travel. Our list highlights seats that meet federal safety standards and offer comfort for your child during flights.
Graco Contender Slim
We recommend this car seat for families who need a safe, lightweight option that fits well in tight spaces and flies with ease.
Pros
- Slim design saves room in the back seat
- Easy to move from car to car
- FAA approved for airplane travel
Cons
- Takes up more space in very small cars
- Cup holder can get in the way sometimes
- Requires anchors for best installation
The Graco Contender Slim impressed us with its lightweight build. It feels sturdy but doesn’t weigh down travel. Moving it between cars or planes was simple and saved hassle during trips.
We liked how the seat adapts as kids grow with an easy harness adjustment. The slim shape helped us fit multiple car seats across the back seat without crowding. Installing with LATCH was quick, and the clear indicators helped us.
On the downside, if you have a very small car, this seat can feel a bit large. Also, the cup holder isn’t always convenient for every setup. Still, its safety testing means it’s solid for everyday drives and flights. This is a smart, versatile choice for travel and daily use.
WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
We found the WAYB Pico to be a smart choice for families who need a lightweight, FAA-approved car seat that’s easy to carry and use.
Pros
- Very light and easy to carry with the backpack-style bag
- Compact fold fits well in airplane overhead bins
- Strong safety features with a 5-point harness
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to typical car seats
- Limited to forward-facing use only
- No foam padding, so not the softest seat
The WAYB Pico makes travel much simpler. We appreciated how light it is—just 8 pounds—and that it folds up small enough to easily carry through airports or store in overhead bins.
Its aluminum frame felt sturdy while the mesh fabric kept things breathable for kids. The carrying bag is a big plus since it works like a backpack or clips to rolling luggage, making transport easier when juggling other bags.
Installation was straightforward, and knowing it meets both FAA and safety standards gave us peace of mind. It’s not the cheapest option, but for the ease and safety it offers during trips, it felt worth it for us.
CARES Travel Harness
This harness is a solid choice for those wanting a lightweight, FAA-approved way to secure their child on flights without carrying a full car seat.
Pros
- Quick and simple to install on any airplane seat
- Very light and compact for easy travel
- Provides extra security beyond the airplane seat belt
Cons
- Only fits children 22 to 44 pounds
- Might feel less bulky but not as padded as a full car seat
- Not suitable for emergency exit rows on planes
We found the CARES Travel Harness very easy to use. It installs in under a minute and fits all types of airplane seats. Carrying it in a small bag or pocket is convenient since it weighs about a pound.
The harness adds an important layer of safety, especially during turbulence. It is definitely more secure than just using the plane’s seat belt with a child.
However, it is designed for a limited weight range, which means that older or heavier kids won’t fit. Also, it lacks the padding and structure of a regular car seat, so it is less comfortable on longer flights. Still, it’s a good balance of safety and portability.
Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Car Seat
This car seat is a solid choice for families who want a lightweight, FAA-approved option that easily switches from rear- to forward-facing.
Pros
- Very light and easy to carry for travel
- Simple harness adjusts well for growing kids
- Side-impact protection adds extra safety in both modes
Cons
- Basic design with minimal padding
- Buckles can be a bit stiff to adjust
- Not ideal for bigger toddlers near max limits
We found the Cosco Onlook to be great for trips, especially on planes. Its light weight made maneuvering through airports less stressful. The familiar seat gave our child comfort on flights, which helped calm them down.
Installing it with LATCH was straightforward, and the front-adjusting harness made quick changes easy without fussing with the back. While the padding isn’t plush, it felt secure enough for daily drives and travel.
One drawback is the harness sometimes takes more effort to loosen or tighten, which can be annoying when you’re in a hurry. Also, the seat is better suited for kids on the smaller side of the weight range, as it got tighter for our toddler near 40 pounds.
Overall, this is a dependable, no-nonsense car seat that works well for travel and everyday use. It meets safety standards and packs light, making it a smart pick for families on the go.
Diono Radian 3R Slim Fit Car Seat
We found the Diono Radian 3R to be a great all-in-one car seat that grows with your child and fits well in tight spaces.
Pros
- Slim design fits three seats across most cars
- Allows rear-facing up to 50 pounds for longer safety
- Strong steel frame provides solid protection
Cons
- Heavier than many other car seats
- Installation can be tricky for some users
- Only one reclining position
The lightweight seats can be easier to move, but with the Radian 3R, its weight gives us peace of mind about safety. Even though it feels heavy, this seat does not take up much space, making it great for families needing three car seats in the back.
Rear-facing longer means our younger kids stay safer during car and plane trips. The slim fit also helps if your back seat is crowded. We appreciated the FAA approval, making travel by air smoother without switching seats.
Installation took a bit more patience than usual, but once set, the seat stayed firmly in place. The washable covers are easy to remove, which made cleanup after spills quick. Overall, the Diono Radian 3R is a solid pick if you want one car seat to last through many years.
Graco Extend2Fit
We recommend the Graco Extend2Fit for families who want a safe car seat that grows with their child and offers extra legroom for longer rear-facing rides.
Pros
- Provides extra legroom to keep kids comfortable rear-facing longer
- Easy harness adjustment with one simple motion
- Quick and secure installation with the one-second LATCH system
Cons
- Bulkier size may not fit well in smaller cars
- Headrest design can make harness adjustments tricky at first
- Recline range is good but not the widest available
Using the Graco Extend2Fit, we found that the extra extension panel really makes a difference. Our child stayed rear-facing longer without feeling cramped, which is important for safety. The transition to forward-facing also felt smooth as the seat adjusts well.
The harness system is a standout. Adjusting it is simple and fast — no rethreading needed — which saved us time during busy days. The latch system clicks in quickly and securely, so installation was straightforward and gave us confidence.
While the seat is sturdy and well-padded, it is larger than some other models. This means it takes up more space and is heavier when moving it between cars. Still, the comfort and safety features make it a solid choice for parents who want both.
Graco TurboBooster 2.0
We recommend the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 for parents who want a simple, safe, and lightweight backless booster for kids aged 4 to 10.
Pros
- Easy to move between cars
- Comfortable for longer rides
- Strong safety features for multiple crash types
Cons
- No back support, which some kids may miss
- No latch system included
- Not suitable for children under 40 pounds
The TurboBooster 2.0 feels lightweight yet sturdy. We found it easy to strap in and transfer from car to car. Its hide-away cup holders are a nice touch, making snacks and drinks handy on the go.
Comfort is solid, especially for kids who have outgrown high-back seats. While it doesn’t recline, the adjustable armrests helped our child sit properly with the seat belt.
Safety is a strong point here. The seat has been tested for frontal, rear, and rollover crashes which gave us peace of mind during trips and flights. It’s a good balance of protection and convenience in one seat.
Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
This seat works well for families who want a long-lasting, easy-to-use car seat that grows with their child.
Pros
- Adjusts easily without rethreading
- Lightweight and easy to move between cars
- Includes convenient cup holders
Cons
- Cup holders are detachable, which can be less sturdy
- Not as heavily padded as some other models
- Higher weight minimum for booster use
We found this car seat simple to adjust as our child grew. The headrest and harness move together, making transitions fast and hassle-free. Its light weight helped when switching the seat from our vehicle to a friend’s car during trips.
The design is slim, which helped fit comfortably in smaller back seats. While the padding isn’t very thick, it still gave enough comfort for longer rides. The cup holders are handy for drinks or snacks, though they pop out and might not feel as secure as built-in holders.
Overall, this booster offers solid safety and flexibility. It’s a good choice for parents needing a seat that adapts to different ages and is easy to install and clean.
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat
This car seat is a solid choice if you want something that grows with your child and saves space in a crowded back seat.
Pros
- Adjusts easily as your child grows with one-motion harness and headrest changes
- Slim design with rotating cup holders frees up back seat room
- Easy installation with a one-second LATCH system
Cons
- Some may find the recline angles limited for taller kids
- Harness straps can feel a bit tricky to figure out at first
- Heavier than simpler car seats, so moving it can be a workout
We found the Graco SlimFit really works well for kids from infancy to booster age without needing a new seat each time. It’s compact, which helped when juggling more than one car seat in our car. The rotating cup holders were a nice touch for keeping drinks handy yet out of the way.
Adjusting the harness height and headrest at the same time made daily use less frustrating. Installing the seat was quick thanks to the push-button LATCH system that clicks securely fast. The four recline positions kept our little one comfortable even on longer drives.
However, the harness straps took a few tries before we got used to all the settings. Also, if you plan to move the seat often, the weight might slow you down. Still, its strong frame and safety features give peace of mind, meeting the latest side impact standards well.
For families needing one seat that adapts from newborn to booster, this Graco model strikes a good balance of safety, comfort, and space-saving design.
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat
This inflatable booster is a smart choice for families needing a lightweight, compact seat for travel without losing safety.
Pros
- Inflates quickly and fits in small bags
- Works well for car rentals, taxis, and rideshares
- Slim design fits three seats across easily
Cons
- Not as secure for very long trips
- Backless design may feel less stable to some
- Needs to be inflated before every use
We found the BubbleBum easy to carry and set up on the go. It’s great for quick rides when lugging a heavy car seat just isn’t practical. The ability to fold it small means it fits into backpacks or purses, which is perfect for travel.
While traveling, the seat gave us peace of mind because it meets important safety tests and fits kids from about 40 to 100 pounds. The backless style lets us fit three kids across the car’s backseat, which is a big plus for carpooling.
On the downside, it’s best for short rides. The inflatable foam is comfortable but doesn’t feel quite as solid as traditional boosters for longer drives. We make sure to inflate it properly each time for the best fit and safety.
If you want a travel-friendly booster that saves space without skipping on safety, the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat is worth considering.
Buying Guide
When we choose the best FAA-approved car seat, safety is the top priority. We should make sure the seat is certified for use on airplanes. Look for a label that says it is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Next, size and weight limits matter. We need to check the car seat fits our child’s age, height, and weight. The seat should be comfortable and support our child well during the flight.
We also want a seat that is easy to install on an airplane seat. Some car seats work better with airplane belts or have clear instructions for plane use. This can save us time and hassle when boarding.
Some features help with convenience:
- Lightweight design for easier carrying
- Removable and washable covers
- Good padding and head support
- Adjustable harness to fit our growing child
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Approval | Legal for airplane use | FAA sticker on the seat |
| Size & Weight | Fits child’s dimensions | Manufacturer’s guidelines |
| Installation | Easy to secure on airplane seat | Clear instructions, compatible belts |
| Portability | Easier to carry during travel | Lightweight and compact design |
| Comfort | Keeps child comfortable | Padding and adjustable straps |
Our goal is to find a seat that meets all these points. This helps keep our child safe and comfortable on the flight.
Editor’s Choice
We chose the Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller as our top pick for the best FAA-approved car seat. It stands out because it easily converts from a car seat to a stroller. This feature saves space and time when traveling.
The Doona is lightweight, making it easy to carry through airports. It also meets all FAA safety standards. Parents often praise its simple installation and secure fit in most airplane seats.
Here is a quick comparison of key features:
| Feature | Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller |
|---|---|
| FAA Approved | Yes |
| Weight Limit | Up to 35 lbs |
| Convertible Design | Car seat + stroller |
| Installation | Easy, with LATCH and seat belt |
We believe this car seat offers the best balance of safety, convenience, and comfort for air travel. Its design helps reduce hassle when moving between car and plane.
For families traveling frequently, this model offers practical value with no need to bring a separate stroller. It meets strict safety rules, so we feel confident recommending it.
Where to Buy – Best Amazon Deals
We found Amazon to be one of the best places to buy FAA-approved car seats. It offers a wide choice from trusted brands. This makes it easy for us to compare models and read real user reviews.
Amazon often has deals and discounts on car seats. We can save money by watching for sales or using promo codes. Plus, you can check if the seat meets FAA rules right in the product details.
Here’s a simple list of what to look for when shopping on Amazon:
- FAA approval mention in the product title or description
- Good customer ratings (at least 4 stars)
- Free shipping options
- Return policy details
We also recommend using Amazon’s filters to narrow down options by price, size, and brand. You can add seats to your wish list to monitor prices over time.
Below is a quick comparison of popular FAA-approved car seats available on Amazon:
| Brand | Model | Price Range | Rating (out of 5) | FAA Approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicco | KeyFit 30 | $150 – $200 | 4.7 | Yes |
| Graco | SnugRide SnugLock | $130 – $180 | 4.5 | Yes |
| Britax | B-Safe Gen2 | $170 – $220 | 4.6 | Yes |
We suggest checking these regularly for new offers. Amazon makes it easy to order and ship directly to your door.
FAQs
What makes a car seat FAA approved?
FAA-approved car seats meet specific size and safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration. They can be used on planes during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Can all car seats be used on airplanes?
No. Only car seats labeled as FAA approved are allowed on planes. Using a non-approved seat can be unsafe and may not be allowed by the airline.
How do we know if a car seat is FAA approved?
Look for a label on the car seat that says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” This confirms the seat meets FAA rules.
Can we use an infant car seat on the plane?
Yes, as long as the infant seat is FAA approved. Many infant seats work well, but always check the label.
Should we bring the car seat on the plane or check it?
Bringing the car seat on allows you to secure your child safely in their own seat. Checking the car seat can risk damage or loss.
What age or size is best for FAA approved seats?
FAA-approved seats range from infant to toddler sizes. Choose one that fits your child’s weight and height according to the car seat rules.
| Tip | Note |
|---|---|
| Check airline policy | Some airlines have specific rules about seats |
| Install correctly | Follow instructions carefully for safety |
| Reserve early | Space on planes can be limited for seats |
Conclusion
Choosing the best FAA approved car seat means looking for safety, ease of use, and comfort. We want seats that meet strict federal rules and keep children secure during flights.
It’s important for us to pick a car seat that fits our child’s size and age. The right fit helps protect them properly. We should also check how easy it is to install and carry, especially in airports.
Here is what we should remember when choosing a car seat:
- FAA approval for safety
- Size and weight limits for our child
- Ease of installation on the plane
- Comfort for long trips
- Durability and quality materials
By focusing on these points, we make sure our child is safe and comfortable. Using an approved seat gives us peace of mind when flying with kids.
We recommend always reading the latest FAA rules before flying. Rules can change and it’s best that we stay informed.
With careful choice, the right FAA approved car seat can make our travel smoother and safer for everyone.