Car seats are essential for keeping children safe when traveling by car or plane. Not all car seats can be used on airplanes, so families need special FAA-approved models. These seats are made to fit airplane seat belts and ensure proper protection during flights.
FAA-approved car seats come in different sizes and styles, like infant-only seats or convertible seats that grow with your child. Choosing the right seat depends on your child’s age, weight, and height, as well as the seat’s ease of installation and compatibility with airplane seats.
When buying an FAA-approved car seat, it is important to check the certification label to make sure it meets federal standards. Weight and size limits are also critical to consider because airplane space is limited. We spent time reviewing many FAA-approved car seats to find options that balance safety, comfort, and convenience for travel.
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Best FAA Approved Car Seats
We have tested and researched the top FAA approved car seats to help you find the safest options for air travel. Our list includes seats that meet strict safety standards and are easy to use on planes. Here are the best choices for your next trip.
Graco Contender Slim
This car seat is a solid pick for families who want a lightweight, FAA-approved option that grows with their child and saves space in the back seat.
Pros
- Slim design fits well in tight spaces
- Lightweight, easy to carry and transfer between cars
- Simple one-motion harness and headrest adjustment
Cons
- Takes up more room in very small cars
- Cup holder might feel a bit small for bigger bottles
- Recline options are limited to two positions
We found the Graco Contender Slim very easy to manage for travel. Its lightweight build made moving it through airports less stressful, especially when juggling luggage and little ones.
The slim profile really helped when installing it in our car alongside other seats. It fits snugly without crowding the back seat, which is a huge advantage for us.
Adjusting the harness and headrest was hassle-free, thanks to the system that moves both at once. This saved us time setting it up properly for our growing child.
The cup holder is nice to have but felt a bit small for larger drinks we carry on trips. Still, having it removable and dishwasher-safe gave us some flexibility.
Overall, this is a reliable car seat that stood up well to real-world use during everyday drives and flying. Its FAA approval makes it a convenient choice for families who travel often.
Graco TurboBooster 2.0
This booster seat is a solid choice for parents wanting a safe, easy-to-use car seat for kids who have outgrown harness seats.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move between cars
- Comfortable for long rides with adjustable height
- Cup holders tuck away neatly when not in use
Cons
- No harness included; relies on vehicle seat belt only
- Not suitable for kids taller than 57 inches
- Lacks latch installation, so must fully depend on seat belt
We found the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 very practical. It’s light enough to carry from car to car, making it great for families with more than one vehicle. The adjustable armrests helped us get a good fit for our child’s height, which made longer drives more comfortable.
The cup holders fold away, so they don’t get in the way, yet are handy when needed. Safety-wise, it meets high standards and felt secure during use, but you have to remember this seat uses the car’s seat belt with no separate harness.
Overall, this model is great for kids aged 4 to 10 within the recommended weight and height. We appreciated the simple setup and modern look. Just be sure your child fits the size limits and double-check your local car seat laws before buying.
Graco Extend2Fit
This car seat is a solid choice for anyone who wants a longer rear-facing option and easy daily use.
Pros
- Extends rear-facing time with extra legroom
- Easy harness adjustment with one motion
- Simple and secure installation
Cons
- Heavier than some other seats
- Limited recline range
- Bulkier size may be tough in smaller cars
We found the Graco Extend2Fit very practical for families wanting to keep toddlers rear-facing longer. The adjustable panel really frees up leg space, which keeps kids more comfortable on longer rides.
Adjusting the harness was straightforward and fast, making it easier to get our child in and out without hassle. The secure LATCH system clicked in quickly and gave us peace of mind during installation.
One downside is the seat’s weight and size, which can be cumbersome when moving it between cars. Also, while the recline settings help comfort, there’s less flexibility compared to some other models. Overall, it’s a dependable, safe choice for families focused on extended rear-facing use.
Evenflo GoTime Booster
This booster seat works well for older kids, giving a safe and comfy ride with simple adjustments as they grow.
Pros
- Easy one-hand height adjustments
- Converts from high-back to no-back booster
- Two cup holders keep snacks and drinks close
Cons
- Assembly takes a bit longer than some seats
- Instructions for fabric cover could be clearer
- Seat belt clip may need repositioning for some vehicles
We found the Evenflo GoTime Booster to be quite practical. The growing kids we tested it on appreciated the comfy padding and the smooth way the seat adjusts to fit their height. Changing from a high-back to a no-back booster was quick, which is handy for different car trips.
The two cup holders really come in handy. They hold drinks steady and help reduce spills on the road. Installing the seat was straightforward, though it took a bit more time than some other boosters we’ve used. Watching the online installation video was a big help to get everything right.
Cleaning the seat cover is easy since it’s removable and machine washable. Overall, the booster feels sturdy while still being lightweight enough to move between cars. It’s a solid choice if you want a safe yet flexible seat for your child’s airplane and car rides.
CARES Travel Harness
This harness is a solid choice for families who want a lightweight, FAA approved way to keep kids secure on flights.
Pros
- Quick and easy to install in under a minute
- Very light and small enough to fit in a purse or carry-on
- Works on almost all airplane seats regardless of size
Cons
- Takes some practice to attach properly at first
- Only designed for kids between 22 and 44 pounds
- Not suitable for emergency exit rows
We found the CARES Travel Harness quite handy for trips. It slips into a small bag, and it doesn’t weigh down our luggage. Setting it up on the plane was fast once we got the hang of where the straps go.
The harness gives good peace of mind especially during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Our child seemed comfortable with the adjustable fit, which helped reduce fussing.
While it’s not a full car seat replacement, it’s much easier to carry and fits well in tight airplane spaces. The weight limits mean it’s best for toddlers rather than infants or bigger kids. Overall, it’s a practical safety item for flying parents.
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat
This car seat offers a great space-saving design and adjusts easily as our child grows, making it a solid choice for families who need one seat for many stages.
Pros
- Slim design frees up back seat space
- Easy harness adjustment with one motion
- Secure, simple installation with a push-button latch
Cons
- Initial buckle stiffness may slow down use
- Could use extra recline options when forward-facing
- Some find cushioning to be on the firm side
We liked how the SlimFit saves space but still gives our child room to move comfortably. The rotating cup holders that tuck away were a smart touch, helping fit the seat smoothly alongside other gear or seats.
Adjusting the harness and headrest together was a real time saver. It felt straightforward to get the right fit without fiddling too much. Installation felt solid and quick, which made travel prep easier.
The seat’s firmness was noticeable at first, but our child seemed fine after a few rides. The recline options worked well to keep them comfy on longer trips, though an extra tilt for forward-facing might be better. Overall, this seat blends safety, convenience, and space-saving well for everyday use.
Baby Trend Hybrid SI Booster
This booster seat offers strong safety features and good comfort, making it a solid choice for families who want a car seat that grows with their child.
Pros
- Converts from harness to high-back and backless booster
- Great side impact protection with extra padding
- Comes with two cup holders for convenience
Cons
- Cushion inserts don’t always stay in place well
- Not the most comfortable for very long trips
- Installation can feel a bit bulky at times
We appreciated how easy it is to switch between modes as kids get bigger. The five-point harness works well for younger children, then transitions smoothly to booster styles.
The side impact pods give a real sense of safety. The adjustable headrest fits comfortably and provides good support. Our child usually feels secure and snug in this seat.
However, the seat padding can shift during use, which might annoy some kids. Also, on longer drives, the padding isn’t the softest, so comfort could be better. Still, overall it’s sturdy and a practical option for many parents.
WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
The WAYB Pico is a solid choice for families needing a lightweight, FAA-approved car seat that travels easily on planes and in cars.
Pros
- Very light and easy to carry with the included backpack-style bag
- Compact fold fits easily in overhead bins or tight car spaces
- Meets strict U.S. safety standards for air and road travel
Cons
- Pricier than some other travel car seats
- Designed only for forward-facing children in a narrow weight and height range
- Some users may need extra car seat belt clips for non-U.S. vehicles
We liked how simple it was to fold and carry the Pico. At just 8 pounds, it didn’t add much bulk when moving through airports or hopping into rideshares. The included carrying bag made it easy to grab and go without awkward handles.
Installing the seat felt sturdy and straightforward. The aluminum frame gave a sense of strength while keeping the weight down. The mesh cover also helped keep our child cool during warm travels.
While it is on the higher end price-wise, the peace of mind knowing it is FAA approved and made for travel made it worth the cost for us. Just keep in mind this seat is best for kids 22 to 50 pounds and must be forward-facing only. Overall, it’s a reliable option for families who want safety and portability on the move.
Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
This car seat works well for families wanting a flexible, FAA approved seat that grows with your child and fits nicely in most vehicles.
Pros
- Converts easily between three modes as your child grows
- Slim design fits three seats across most cars
- Lightweight and simple to install
Cons
- Padding could be thicker for longer trips
- Harness adjustment can feel a bit stiff at first
- Cup holders may be small for bigger bottles
We found the Baby Trend Trooper quite handy on flights and everyday drives. Switching from rear-facing to forward-facing modes was straightforward, which helped as our toddler got bigger. The seat’s shape made it easier to squeeze three seats in the back, something not all seats manage.
Installation was faster than expected, thanks to the reclining flip foot that helps get the right angle. The lightweight design made carrying through airports less of a hassle, which we appreciated during travel. Still, the padding felt thinner than some other models, so we think it might be less comfy for long car rides.
Overall, the Trooper balances convenience and safety well. It keeps children secure with its deep side wings, and the adjustable harness fits growing kids up to 65 pounds reliably. If you want a practical, FAA approved seat that is easy to handle and fits well, this one is worth considering.
Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Booster
This car seat grows with our child and fits well for travel on planes, making it a solid choice for families needing FAA-approved versatility.
Pros
- Grows from harness booster to backless booster easily
- Lightweight and easy to move between vehicles
- Simple one-hand harness and headrest adjustment
Cons
- Cup holders are removable and can be lost
- Padding could be thicker for longer trips
- Fabric stains easily with light colors
The Graco Tranzitions felt right from the start. Adjusting the harness with just one hand saved us time, especially when our child was impatient. It’s not heavy, so moving it from the car to the airplane was less of a hassle than bigger seats.
We liked how the seat stayed secure through multiple uses and the nine headrest positions meant it fit our growing child comfortably. The fabric cleans well with the cover removed, though we noticed some quick staining in lighter colors, something to keep in mind.
Cup holders are handy but pop out easily. While it’s nice to have them, we worried about losing them on trips. Overall, this seat meets FAA standards and works well for travel and daily use, balancing convenience with safety.
Buying Guide
When we choose an FAA-approved car seat, safety is the top priority. We need to make sure the seat fits well in the airplane and meets all FAA rules. Look for a label that says the seat is approved for use on aircraft.
Comfort matters too. Our child should sit comfortably during the flight. We want seats with good padding and adjustable straps. This helps keep our child secure and relaxed.
Size is important. The seat must fit in the airplane seat without blocking emergency exits or other passengers. Measure the airplane seat space before choosing a car seat.
We also check ease of use. Car seats that are easy to install and adjust save us time. Clear instructions and simple buckles are helpful features.
Other useful features to look for:
- Weight and size limits: Make sure the seat is appropriate for your child’s age and weight.
- Durability: Choose seats with strong materials to protect our child in case of turbulence.
- Harness system: Five-point harnesses offer better security than three-point versions.
- FAA approval label: This must be visible on the seat.
| Feature | Importance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Approval | Required | Look for FAA label |
| Size and Fit | Very important | Measure airplane seat space |
| Comfort | Important | Padding, adjustable straps |
| Ease of Use | Helpful but not critical | Clear instructions, simple buckles |
| Weight/Size Limits | Vital | Match your child’s age and weight |
| Harness System | Safety | Prefer five-point harness |
Editor’s Choice
We picked the Chicco KeyFit 30 as our top FAA-approved car seat. It fits most airplane seats well and is easy to install. Its light weight makes carrying it through airports less stressful.
Another strong choice is the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35. This seat offers solid safety features and good comfort for babies. Installation is quick, which helps when time is tight.
We also like the Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit. It has strong side impact protection and a secure harness system. This car seat is a bit heavier but provides great peace of mind for air travel.
| Car Seat Model | Weight | Key Feature | FAA Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | 10 lbs | Easy to install | Yes |
| Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 | 9.9 lbs | Quick installation | Yes |
| Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit | 11 lbs | Strong side protection | Yes |
Our choices focus on safety, convenience, and FAA approval. We believe these seats meet the needs of most traveling families.
Where to Buy – Best Amazon Deals
We find Amazon to be one of the best places to buy FAA-approved car seats. It offers a wide selection from trusted brands. Plus, customer reviews help us decide which models work well.
Look for special discounts and daily deals to get the best prices. Amazon often has sales, especially during holidays or events like Prime Day.
Here are a few tips when buying on Amazon:
- Check if the car seat is marked as FAA approved.
- Read recent reviews for real-world use.
- Compare prices to find the best deal.
Here is a quick list of popular FAA-approved car seats often found on Amazon:
| Car Seat Model | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Graco SnugRide 35 DLX | $150 – $200 | Lightweight, easy install |
| Britax Marathon ClickTight | $250 – $300 | Secure fit, multiple recline |
| Chicco KeyFit 30 | $180 – $230 | Simple latch, good padding |
We recommend using Amazon’s filtering tools to narrow down choices by price, brand, and customer rating. This makes it easier for us to pick the right seat.
If you have Amazon Prime, you can get fast shipping. This is useful when you need the seat quickly before a trip.
FAQS
What makes a car seat FAA approved?
FAA approved car seats meet specific safety standards for use on airplanes. They have a label that says they are allowed for airplane travel. We should always check this label before buying a car seat for flying.
Can any car seat be used on a plane?
No, not all car seats can be used on planes. Only those with FAA approval are allowed. Using a non-approved seat may cause safety issues during travel.
Are FAA approved car seats safe for everyday use?
Yes, mostly. FAA approved seats are tested for both car and airplane safety. They must meet regular car seat safety rules too. Using them daily is fine if they fit your child’s size and weight.
How do we install an FAA approved car seat on a plane?
We use the airplane seat belt to secure the car seat. It’s important to follow the car seat manual and the airline’s rules. Sometimes flight attendants can help with installation.
| Tip | Note |
|---|---|
| Check the label | Only use seats with FAA label |
| Know your child’s size | Use the right car seat for your child’s weight and height |
| Practice ahead | Practice installing the car seat in your vehicle before travel |
Conclusion
We know that choosing an FAA-approved car seat is important for safety and convenience when flying. These seats meet strict regulations to protect children during air travel.
It’s best to pick a car seat based on your child’s age, weight, and height. Make sure the seat is easy to install on an airplane and fits within airline rules.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Always check the label for FAA approval.
- Select a seat with good padding and support.
- Confirm that the seat fits in airplane seats without blocking emergency exits.
Using the right car seat helps keep our children safe and comfortable during the trip. It also gives us peace of mind while traveling by air. We hope this guide helps us make the best choice for our family’s needs.