Have you ever wondered if you need to use a child restraint system (CRS) or a car seat on an airplane? Well, you are not alone. While there are so many guides offering tips on car seat installation and use for your vehicle, there are so few such recommendations for the best car seats for travel or for FAA approved car seats. Even the FAA website will not provide an FAA-approved car-seat list which is why I have prepared this essential guide for FAA car seats that you may use during travel.
While car seats are not required while traveling in an aircraft in the US or Canada, nor are there airline approved car seats, the Federal Aviation Authority recommends that you secure your baby on the aircraft. Many parents with kids under two years will just have the kid on their lap for the entire flight particularly if they are under two years old though flying with a car seat is always the safest way to travel.
But here’s the thing:
If you have a toddler, or any child older than two years, and you are on a long haul flight you may have either of two problems or both:
- A toddler is very active and will not be content to sit on your lap the entire time. I can tell you from experience, toddlers can get bored very easily and want to walk all over the plane playing with other passengers
- A toddler without a convertible car seat may be a nuisance on the flight since even if they are on your lap they will never let you enjoy your airplane movie or a meal, at least with a seat your hands will be free.
While there are many car seats on the market, some that claim to be the best car seats for airplanes, you can only use an FAA-approved car seat on an airplane. An FAA-approved car seat typically has a sticker with the words “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
FAA Recommendation and Regulations for Baby and Toddler Car Seats
- Ensure that your child restraint device (CRS) is FAA approved for use in an airplane.
- Ensure that your child’s seat is no wider than the FAA recommended 16 inches.
- You may use the car seat for a kid of any size or age as long as they within the weight and age limits set out in the car seat manufacturer’s manual.
- You may use a combination seat as long as you ensure that you use it in the five-point harness mode and that the seat has been approved for use in airplanes and in motor vehicles.
- You have the right to install the aircraft baby seat on a seat in any of the classes of the airplane if you bought the ticket as long as the child safety seat does not interfere with safety procedures or with the movement of passengers during an emergency. Note that the best plane seats for installing the car seat are the ones on the windows.
- Call ahead arrange for a discounted price from the airline if you will be using a car seat. You can only use the car seat if you purchase a ticket for your baby.
- When calling the airline, ensure that you not only book adjoining seats but also a window seat so that the car seat will not block the exit or be a source of discomfort to other passengers.
- If you do not want to purchase a ticket, ask the airline if they would be fine if you used an empty seat for your CRS. nonetheless if you plan to travel on busy days or seasons it is highly unlikely you will find an empty seat.
- If you will be making connecting flights, ask the airline to assist you with protocols for lugging a child car seat and luggage through the airport.
Top FAA Approved Car Seats Reviewed
Diono Radian RXT Convertible Car Seat, Review
The Diono Radian RXT is one of the best convertible car seats in the market. Made of a steel frame there is no safer car seat on the market than the Diono Radian.
Its relatively affordable price makes this one of the best car seats on Amazon if you are on a budget. Moreover, the seat is narrow and making it one of the best car seats for airplane travel.
Pros
- Safe car seat from a trusted brand
- A Narrow and compact car seat that is sure to fit in an airplane seat and also in your small car.
- Comes with a tether for rear-facing usage
- Comes with a shoulder strap making it easy to lug around the airport
- Made with EPD foam ensuring your child’s comfort
Cons
- At 24 pounds the seat can be quite heavy
- Can be quite expensive when compared to similar seats
- Its design is not that appealing
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat Review
The Cosco Scenera convertible car seat comes at one of the best prices you can find for a car seat
The aircraft baby seat has some of the best reviews particularly with regard to being one of the narrowest and among the lightest car seats making it great for travel through airports or if you need to fit it in a small car.
Pros
- If you need cheap car seats, then you can not go wrong with the Cosco Scenera, one of the best top quality car seats you can find
- At 11 pounds it is a lightweight convertible car seat which makes it very portable and good for lugging around an airport
- The Cosco toddler car seat comes with 4 harness slots means you can adjust it to use with children of different ages
- A rear-facing limit of 35 pounds means you can prevent the kid from kicking the seat in front
- Compatible with most car seat transporters
- The Cosco car seat has a two-position recline so that you can place the child in the most comfortable position according to their age.
Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat, Review
Similar to the Cosco Scenera NEXT, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is one of the top-rated cheap car seats you could get. It must be said though that it is one of the top-rated convertible car seats for travel.
This snug seat comes in handy as it is within the FAA regulation regarding car seats.
Pros
- Small size and light car seat making it ideal for airplane travel
- Comes with a headrest and side-impact protection for maximum safety and comfort
- One of the best toddler car seats for travel with a removable cup holder for older toddlers and a machine washable cover to ensure your car is not all messy.
- The Safety first toddler car seat has a very wide limit meaning you can use it for a long time
- The safety 1st is a 3 in 1 car seat which means it supports both rear-facing and front-facing modes and can also be used as a booster seat.
- Has very few colors to choose from
- The chest clip is a little bit too huge
- Installation can be a little bit tricky
Graco ComfortSport Convertible Car Seat, Reviews
One of the best rear-facing car seats that offer maximum protection during travel.
It comes with a very detailed user guide which I found very useful in the installation and use of the car seat.
Pros
- Specifically designed to be rear-facing to enhance your baby safety
- Come with foam memory and removable pillows
- Greater seat depth makes it comfortable for older toddlers
- Has a removable snack and cup tray
- At 13 pounds it is relatively lightweight making it one of the best faa approved cars seats from Graco
Cons
- Deeper seats may cause it to take up more space than other seats
- Very few height adjustment slots on the harness and so your child might outgrow it fast
Lilly Gold The Sit ‘n’ Stroll, Beverly Hills Review
The Lily Gold Sit ‘n’ Stroll is one of the best travel car seats for an infant, toddler until the child transitions to seat belts as it is a stroller, convertible car seat, and booster seat all in one.
It is quite a fancy car seat as with a simple pull of the handle, it becomes a fully functioning stroller that you use at the airport and rolls to your gate after the long flight making it essentially a 4 in 1 convertible car seat.
Pros
- Works as a stroller, car seat, and booster seat
- Comes with a washable cover which is very handy when you have toddlers
- Easy to belt up and change modes making getting into taxis or the plane a breeze
- Measures “16” and hence can fit in most airplane seats
- The sit and stroll car seat comes with an organization bag and the canopy as an optional extra
- You can use it as a substitute for a stroller when sightseeing with the baby instead of hiring a stroller
Cons
- The stroller and car seat are quite low and may present a problem for tall parents
- It is quite an expensive car seat though the fact that it is a 3 in 1 car seat more than makes up for it
FAA Weight Recommendations for Airplane Travel
- More than 40 pounds – Airplane seat belt
- 22-44 pounds – CARES Child Restraint System
- 20-40 pounds – Forward-facing car seat
- below 20 pounds – rear-facing car seat
FAA Approved Child Restraint System (CRS)
For children between 22-44 pounds, the CARES child restraint system is the only FAA-approved child restraint that you could use throughout the flight.
Child Airplane Travel Harness – Cares Safety Restraint System
Pros
- Adjusts to fit almost any airplane seat size
- One of the easiest FAA CRSs to install as it is mostly composed of straps.
- It is a lightweight travel car seat making it easy to carry around on your journey
- Wide range of settings making it suitable for almost any child above age 1
- Compact and fits easily in a rucksack
Cons
- No strap between the legs meaning the child may slide down the seat if not strapped in properly
- You may have to pass the strap through the back of the seat interfering with a fellow passenger’s comfort
CARES Child Restraint System Video Review
How to Install a Car Seat on the Plane
It is always best to install the aircraft baby seat the same way that you install it in your car. If the passenger sitting in the front seat complains that the seat prevents them from reclining, politely tell them that your baby will sleep better and will not disturb them by kicking the seat.
You need a greater deal of time and attention installing a forward-facing car seat than you would a rear-facing one. Nonetheless, by following these instructions you should be able to install your aircraft approved car seat relatively fast and easily.
- Recline the airplane seatback
- Thread the belt through the car seat belt path.
- Cinch the belt with the buckle flap facing the aircraft’s seat back making it easy to release.
- Tighten the seat belt and raise the back of the seat
Check out the FAA’s car seat installation instruction’s on Youtube