Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
Which car seats are the best travel car seats for airplanes? When you fly frequently with kids, you want to find a car seat that is easy to install, uninstall, use safely, and is easier to carry though airports. Which are the best car seats for flying with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers?
I’m an advocate for car seat safety. Children should be in their correctly installed car seats, buckled properly by an adult every time, and rear facing until they outgrow the limits of their seats. These safety measures certainly extend to air travel. My children always rode in their car seats on airplanes until they were ages 4 and 5 AND met the AAP guidelines for safe lap belt use. I strongly encourage all parents to follow proper use guidelines to the best of their ability.
What is the best travel car seat?
Are you wondering which are the best travel car seats? Which is the best car seat for airplane travel? Is it hard flying with a car seat? Can I use a car seat on the plane?
As always, the best car seat for plane travel are the seats the adults will be able to install correctly and use correctly every time.
All US carriers should allow the use of FAA approved car seats on airplanes. Check the rules of the airline you’re flying. I’ve never been hassled by an airline employee during any of our flights (United). All attendants have been helpful and accommodating.
Rules may different on flights outside of the US, so check the rules of the airline with which you’ll be flying.
Disclaimer
Blissmersion a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain contain affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission. I purchased my travel car seats with my own funds and have not received any free products or compensation of any kind.
Check out the best travel booster seats for big kids!
Yes, we took these in and out of four airplanes total and at least one car per day while house hunting in Mexico with our kids last year. My kids loved having their car seat, airplane sty;e while we traveled.
Here are some great toddler travel bed options, too!
Do I need to have a car seat for plane travel?
No. However, it is best practice to buy a seat for your child under 2 and use the infant seat on the airplane. Additionally, checking your baby’s seat on the plane can damage it. You will have no idea if your seat is safe to use after checking it and I strongly recommend that you don’t check it all. If you do feel the need to gate check it, use the original box and padding and then another box with padding around it! There are still no guarantees (check with the manufacturer for additional information).
For older children who are ready for booster seats, be aware that booster seats cannot be used, because they require a shoulder belt. According the FAA website, children 40 pounds and under should be in a child restraint device.
What is the Best Car Seat for Airplane Travel?
Chicco Keyfit 30
We used the Chicco Keyfit for our kids as infants and it was very easy to use. It is incredible easy to install in the car, thereby making traveling with it easier. It also has a stroller system you can buy, making it one of the best infant car seats for travel.
Pros: It’s approved by the FAA for flying, easy to install. Additionally, it’s recommended for premature babies. It comes with a full body insert for babies between 4-11 lbs (1.81 kg – 4.99 kg). This seat can be used up to 30 lbs (13.61 kg), 30″ (whichever comes first).
Cons: The car seat weights 17.15 lbs (7.78 kg). It’s only 9.6 lbs (4.35 kg) without the base. Check your manual for proper installation instructions.
Best for: Infants up to 30 lbs, Easy to install, Comfort
Graco SnugRide Snuglock 35 Infant Car Seat
The Graco SnugRide 35 is another popular car seat that also travels well. It’s for babies 4 lbs – 35 lbs (1.8 kg-15.87 kg) and who are 32″ or less. The seat weighs 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) without the base and together, it’s 14.17 lbs (6.43 kg). It is also easy to install, which makes it a great option for airplane travel. When you’re tired from traveling, it’s great to have an easy to install seat! It is FAA approved.
Best for: Easy to install
Need to know what to bring for traveling with baby? Check out tips for baby’s first flight.
Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible
This is a budget friendly and lightweight seat, the Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible car seat weighs in at just over 9 lbs. Wow! What a lightweight convertible car seat. This seat is so lightweight, I’d definitely consider it for airplane travel if I’m ever traveling with toddlers again. It can be used be used from 5 lbs rear facing, so this is a great model from infant up to outgrowing the seat!The maximum weight for this seat is 40 lbs.
I do thinks it’s the best convertible car seat for air travel given the light weight of the seat.
Best for: Lightweight, Budget
Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat
The Cosco Apt 50 convertible car seat is an awesome seat for airplane travel. It’s lightweight at 11 lbs and it’s consistently one of the lower priced car seats available. It can be use rear facing from 5 lbs – 40 lbs and forward facing from 22 lbs to 50 lbs. It has side impact protection. Keep in mind that it’s not quite as easy to install as some of the more expensive seats. Definitely practice installation with this seat.
Best for: Budget, Lightweight
Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
Britax carseats are my favorite brand because they are really easy to install and use. In fact, it’s so easy to install on aircraft, I always prefer to install this seat when flying. It weighs 25 lbs . I let my husband install our other seat (which is an older Britax which isn’t available anymore, this is the updated version). Since it cannot rear face, it is better for children who are too tall to rear face. Children up to 65 lbs can use it with the 5 point harness and it lasts as a booster up to 120 lbs. It is FAA approved when used in harness mode (as boosters aren’t approved for use in airplanes).
Best for: Ages 2 and up, Easy to install, Comfort
Other Options
AmSafe CARES Kids Fly Safe Airplane Seat Harness
The CARES harness is a great alternative to lugging around a car seat, if you already have a car seat at each destination or your child is in a booster. It is the only type of harness type device for use in airplanes that is certified by the FAA as an alternative to a car seat. Your child can use this between 22 lbs – 44 lbs (9.98 kg – 19.96 kg) and must have their own seat for use. The device itself weights less than 1 pound. CARES is approved to use for all phases of flight.
When Your Child reaches 40 lbs and is 5 Years Old or Older
The FAA website says children over 40 lbs can safely use the lap belts on airplanes. While they are still much safer in 5 point harness seats both in an airplane and in a car, there are many great portable booster seats that make traveling with kids easier.
If you want to get a kids travel pillow for use on the airplane, there are many great options.
What’s the Best Car Seat for an Airplane & Travel?
A light car seat for air travel is best for most families. Make it’s also a seat that you will be able to use correctly every time. When in doubt, opt for the one you will always be using correctly. It’s always going to be the best car seat for travel. Your child’s safety depends on it!
Best Car Seat Travel Cart
A car seat cart can be a lifesaver for getting through an airport. The great thing about using a cart is that you can buckle your child into their seat and wheel them between gates, too. I wouldn’t run through an airport using this with a child strapped in it, though. Please follow manufacturer instructions. What do you do with the cart while flying? Gate check it.
Before Flying with a Car Seat on an Airplane
Before buying your car seat for air travel, check that it has a “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” sticker. Find it beforehand so you are able to show it to the flight attendant if asked.
Practice taking it out and installing in your vehicle (and other vehicles, if you have the option). It will be easier and faster to install into the rental car in your destination. This will also help with quick installation in the aircraft.
Check the rules of the airline with whom you’ll be flying, preferably before booking your tickets.
Be aware that airlines outside the United States have different rules. You will have to check each airline separately. It may be necessary to bring copies of documentation regarding use of car seats inflight from the airline.
Can I Use a Car Seat On Plane?
Yes!
Is it Hard Flying with a Car Seat?
While it feels difficult to fly with a car seat, especially while traipsing through the airport with one or more car seats, bags, and your kids, it’s actually pretty easy. Practicing installing and uninstalling ahead of time helps, too. Bringing car seat cart also helps a lot. The peace of mind of using car seats on the airplane and in the rental cars at destinations is worth every minute of travel.People use car seats on planes all the time and you can do it, too!
Can I Gate Check My Stroller?
Yes, you can gate check strollers, stroller frames, and car seat carts without a safety compromise. If you’re planning on a lot of travel, buying a seat with a stroller travel system available for purchase is a great idea!
Best Travel Car Booster Seat for Road Trips
Though I like the rider safer travel safety vest as a booster seat for travel via airplane and ease of dragging through an airport, for road trips, I still prefer to use regular car seats in my every day life. Most children aren’t mature enough for booster seats as early as parents start using them, so please consider keeping your children in a 5 point harness a little longer. My 6 year old still uses the Britax G1.1 Frontier Clicktight Combination Harness-2-Booster Car Seat (check prices here) as a 5 point harness. It can be used that way up to 90 lbs, as long as the child’s shoulders fit correctly in the harness. It can continue to be used as a belt-positioning booster seat up to 120 lbs.
Go Forth, Travel, & Use the Car Seat on a Plane
As always, the best and safest car seat for travel for children of any age is always the seat that you are able to install and use correctly every time. Also, an adult should always make sure the child is buckled correctly. FAA approved car seats can be used on flights in the USA. It has been my experience that kids like their car seat plane ride!
As always, go forth, travel, and take the kid, babies, and the airplane car seat!
Do you have feedback on the best car seat for flying? The best feedback comes from readers! Please leave a comment with your thoughts and suggestions.
