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• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the Best Baby Formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though very unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was recently discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $25 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

The 10 Best Travel Car Seats In 2024 (For Airplanes & Transfers)

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Our process involves independent research, testing (by using it whilst we travel), reviewing, and recommending the best products. Click here  to learn more.

It can be so tricky to find car seats for airplanes.  

Deciding which car seat is in actual fact the  best travel car seat  can be even more challenging.

Did you know that you can only use a portable car seat for travel on an airplane if it is has been FAA certified?

Now take into consideration that we need to find the best lightweight car seat for travel so we can easily port it around and lastly that we also need to find a car seat that is slim enough to fit on the narrow airplane seats.

It is no easy feat to find to find the best car seat for flying, and that fits all of those criteria!

Don’t have time to go through the entire list?

THE BEST CONVERTIBLE LIGHT CAR SEAT FOR TRAVEL

Our pick: Safety First Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat  

• It is lightweight
• Slim design for airplane seats
• Suitable for weights from 5 - 65 lbs

See the Safety First Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat for travel reviews

Below you will find a list of best airplane car seats for 2024.

We also share some food for thought about whether you actually need a car seat as well as ideas on how to make it easier to actually travel with the car seat.  

PS.   Here is our guide to the best baby travel gear and the best travel gear for toddlers .  

Best Car Seat for Travel Guide & Top 10 Compact Travel Car Seat Reviews

In this airplane car seat buying guide, we suggest you check out our comparison chart of the best car seat for air travel and then read our portable baby car seat reviews of the seats that best suit your requirements.  

The below reviews are of the best convertible travel car seats, so if you are shopping for either:

• the best travel car seat for 1 year old, 
• best travel car seat for 2 year old,
• best travel car seat for 3 year old or
• the best travel car seat for 4 year old, 

we got you covered!

Click Here to See Our Pick for the B est Convertible Car Seat for Travel

FAA Approved Car Seats Comparison Chart

Below is a helpful airline approved car seat list of all the top rated car seats for travel, which are mentioned in this article.

You can then read my reviews below featuring the best car seat for airplane travel that 2024 has to offer.

Best Travel Car Seats Sorted by Age

We also thought it might be helpful to have a FAA child seat chart that is sorted by age.

Let's take a look at some options of the best travel infant car seat for babies from birth to 1 year of age  and travel toddler car seats options that are perfect for little ones from 1 - 4 years of age.

Also, let us show you our recommendation for a car seat for travel on airplane for 3 - 4+ year old.

Before you choose which is the best car seat for plane use, we do recommend that you read through all of the reviews to get a clearer picture.

Top 10 Best Travel Car Seat Reviews

Below you will find the list of the best FAA approved car seats and best FAA approved convertible car seats. We will have a close look at the top air travel car seats.  

I will outline the features, the pros and cons of each in detailed travel car seat reviews, which should help you choose the best travel car seat 2024 has on offer for you. 

1. Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It is only 18" in width - so it fits nicely on plane seats. The arm rests are low so we could use the plane tray table for eating.

Important to Note: For a car seat to be light, it has to compromise on comfort and quality, so we only keep this seat for travel purposes but have a better seat for when we are home.

This is one of the best selling travel baby car seat because you can use it straight from birth all way through to 65 lb.

It is cheap enough to take on a trip without worrying if it got dirty or banged up a bit. 

It is lightweight (14 lb) and slim (18"), but still offers some cushioning for little babies.

Tip: There are also 2 removable cup holders on each side, which will save more space and make it more compact. 

This safe travel car seat is certified for aircraft use in both the rear- and forward-facing positions

Lightweight

The Safety 1st car seat might not be the lightest car seat on our list (the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is), but it is still light enough at 14 lbs to carry with ease and offers more cushioning in comparison to the NEXT car seat.

It is important that your little one is comfortable which is why we prefer this car seat.

Convertible Car Seat

The seat is convertible and has a weight range of 5lb to 40lb when using rear-facing and a weight limit of 22lb to 65lb for forward-facing position.

Some Negatives

Whilst you can use this seat from 5 lb, we prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for infants. The straps are a bit hard to adjust and the padding slips around a bit.

Keep in mind this is a basic car seat (which is great as you won't mind if it gets knocked about on a trip), but a newborn baby, I prefer to spend more and get more protection for their necks.

Overall Opinion

The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Car Seat is one of the best cheap baby car seats for travel.  It is lightweight and slim enough to fit on airplane seats.

It has a wide weight limit so that you can use the seat for many years.

The seat is definitely one of the best car seat for traveling on an airplane and, in our opinion it is one of the best car seat for airplane 2024 options.

This is our pick for the best cheap car seat for travel and/or the best convertible car seat for air travel.

2.   Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It’s light weight and you can use it in a plane rear facing and front facing. 

Important to Note: It could have more padding where the airplane buckle goes.

This travel-friendly car seat is a lightweight car seat for travel that is also a FAA certified car seat. 

It has high safety ratings and it a bit taller in comparison to other cheap car seats, which means that the seat will last that bit longer before your little one hits the height limit.

It is FAA-Approved and can be used only on forward-facing positions on the plane.

The car seat is lovely and light at 12.76 lbs, which is the ideal weight for a car seat for aircraft use.

The seat is convertible and has a weight range of 5lb to 40lb when using rear-facing and a weight limit of 22lb to 65lb for the forward-facing position.

Whilst you can use this seat from 5 lb, we prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for babies and infants as it offers more support and protection for their necks.

The Cosco MightFit DX 65 Car Seat is a brilliant buy for older kids. The seat is cheap as chips and lightweight.

It is a great option as a portable car seat for 3 and 4 year old's, as the seat is nice and roomy.

It is also a fabulous car seat for home-use. You can fit 3 of these car seats in most cars, which is brilliant!

We love this car seat and I'm sure you will love it too.

3. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It folds! This is the narrowest and lightest car seat on our list.

Important to Note: This seat is so innovative, but it comes at a premium price.

Looking for a travel car seat for 2 years and up to 4 year old kids? This is a fabulous seat with extra room for growing kids. 

The WAYB Pico travel car seat is super lightweight (8 lb) and lovely and slim (14.5"). It is such a great car seat that I would even recommend it for the car at home as well. 

The car seat is lovely and light at 8 lbs, which is the ideal weight for a car seat for aircraft use.

Slim Design

The baby travel car seat is lovely and slim and at 14.5" it should fit comfortably on most airplane seats.

When folded the Pico car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried while walking through the airport or to-and-from the car! 

Forward-Facing ONLY

Because this seat is designed for older kids, you can only use it in the forward-facing position and it doesn't recline.

It is suitable for toddlers and kids older than 2 with a weight range of 22 - 50 lbs. It is roomy and lovely and tall for kids with height up to 45".

The WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is a brilliant buy for older kids.

The seat is our most expensive travel car seat however if you are looking for a super lightweight and lovely slim travel car seat this is a great option for 2 - 4 year old's.

It is also a fabulous car seat for home-use and due to it's lightweight you can easily move it from car to car and it will fit in most cars, which is brilliant!

Tip:  Check out our blog post on best portable car seat for 2 year old here.

4. Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

The Evenflo Sonus 65 is ideal for use as a travel seat on the airplane. It is a FAA approved child restraint seat, it is lightweight (only 11.5 lbs.), and has a perfect width of around 19".

The Sonus is a lovely light 11 lbs. It is the second lightest car seat on our list and is the perfect seat to cart through an airport, you might even get away with carrying it if you have to.

The width of the car seat is 19", which means that the seat should fit comfortably on all plane seats, although you might have to lift the arm rests on the very narrow 16.5" seats.

Convertible

The seat can be used in rear-facing position from 5 – 40 lbs. and in the forward-facing position from 22 – 65 lbs.

You can find out how to install this seat in rear- and forward-facing positions on the plane in the manual here . 

The Sonus 65 is a great convertible lightweight travel car seat.

It is suitable for babies and toddlers from 5 to 65 lbs. and offers 6 harness positions for a better fit. The seat is lightweight and slim.

We also love that the seat features a revolutionary air flow ventilation system that provides a temperature-regulated, which means that your little one will be comfortable no matter what the season or temperature is of your destination.

Read our review of this seat here.

5. Graco Contender Slim Convertible Travel Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It is light and compact. It is also a bit more comfy in comparison to the seats listed above.

Important to Note: If you need to use the seat in rear-facing, it will mostly likely be a very snug fit (and it might not even fit). It is better in forward-facing.

This Graco travel car seat is a great portable car seat that is FAA approved with a good safety ranking.  

Despite it having a fixed base it is still lightweight (16 lbs.).  

It is slightly more expensive than many of the other car seats on our list, but it is more cushioned and comfy.

The Graco Contender Slim Convertible car seat is a lovely lightweight car seat despite the fixed base, weighing in at only 16 lbs.  

It is slightly heavier than other car seats so we do recommend you invest in a car seat carrier.  

The Graco car seat is compatible with the Baby Trend Snap N Go car seat carrier.

It is a convertible car seat which means that you can use it in rear-facing to forward-facing positions.

It has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 lbs. and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs.  

The car seat is a bit more pricey in comparison to the cheap infant car seats such as Cosco, Evenflo and Safety 1st.

It also has a lower height (24.75") in comparison to Safety 1st (29.75"), which means that your little one might grow out of it before they hit the weight requirements.  

As with many other car seats on the list, it can be tricky to install on planes.

The Graco Contender Slim is a great seller due to being able to use it from infants up to toddlers. 

If you don't mind the slightly higher price tag, then this might be, in our opinion, the best travel convertible car seat for you.

It ranks high on our list as one of the best travel convertible car seat 2024 options, after all.

6.   Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great portable car seat FAA approved and with a good safety ranking.  

It is slightly more expensive than many of the other car seats on our list, but it offers better comfort from the cushion and padding.

The Graco SlimFit slim design makes the seat 10% slimmer despite the dual integrated cup holders.

It is a convertible car seat which means that you can use it in rear-facing to forward-facing positions. It is also used as a high-back booster seat.

It has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 lbs, and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs. When used as a booster seat it has a weight limit of 100 lbs. 

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great car seat for air travel.  

Although it is more expensive than the other car seats we have recommended, this car seat will provide value for money as you can use it from infants right up to the booster seat stage for your child. 

It is also a great car seat to use in your car at home.

7. Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat is not the best lightweight car seat for travel. It is a bit on the thicker and heavier side, but it is still an FAA certified car seat. 

This car seat weighs just over 17 lbs (it is not the lightest car seat on our list!) which means that you should consider using the following to carry it with you through the airport.

We still do recommend that you put it in a  car seat backpack  or a car seat roller like the  Baby Trend Snap N Go to make life easier.

Thicker Design

The Graco TriRide is not the slimmest with a width of 19" compared to other car seats we have recommended.  

It will still fit through the security scanners and it should still fit on most airplane seats with the armrest up. 

Please do check with the airlines to make sure that the size of this seat is allowed before you go.

Rear-Facing

The Graco TriRide car seat is a travel convertible car seat, which means that you can use this car seat in the rear-facing position for babies up to 40 lbs. and forward facing for little ones up to 65lbs. 

When using the booster seat option, the seat can take a wight limit of up to 100lbs.

It is important to note that this seat can only be installed on the plane in the forward-facing position.

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 is a very popular travel car seat because it offers value for money through the various weights and stages so can be used for a long time, but it also has high safety ratings.

The car seat is convertible and will last your bubs up until 100 lbs.  

8.   Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Travel Car Seat Review

The Evenflo Tribute LX is a favorite because it is such an incredibly lightweight infant car seat.

The Evenflo Tribute LX is the one of the lightest car seats on our list. It is compact and weighs only 12 lbs. which is pretty incredible!

The seat has been designed to fit on plane seats. It measures 22" so you might have to have the arm rest up on smaller seat planes.  

I would also suggest you check the width of the bulkhead seats as they tend to be slightly more narrow than normal seats.

This car seat is convertible which means that it is suitable for newborns up to a weight of 30 lb when used in the rear facing position.

It has a weight limit of up to 40 lbs for forward facing.

The Evenflo Car Seat is a great car seat for travel. It is compact and lightweight and at a width of 22" it will fit on most seats with the arms rests down.  

The seat will fit through the baggage security scanners. A great car seat with high safety ratings! 

Find information on how to install this seat in rear- and forward-facing positions on the aircaft in the manual here.

Read our review of this car seat here.

9. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Review

If you have a little baby, the best way to travel is with a capsule. Little babies sleep a lot and the last thing we want to do is to disturb their sleep by having to wake them up when we need to transport the seat.

Capsules are fabulous because you can leave your baby sleeping and simply grab the handle to carry baby through the airport.

Another fabulous things about this specific capsule is that it has the silent shade canopy which will help to block off the harsh plane lighting.

The capsule is suitable for infants from 4 - 35 lbs.

We also highly recommend that you can get the stroller frame that accompanies this capsule.

This travel system is ultra-lightweight at 16 lbs and is the perfect travel accessory for the capsule.

It also folds up great which is fabulous as it won't take up loads of room in your boot when you have to fit other luggage as well.

Grab the Graco SnugRider 3 Elite Car Seat Carrier here.

The capsule is lovely and lightweight at 10 lb. Important to note that you cannot use the base of the capsule on the plane (this is across the board with all capsules, not just this brand).

So best to pop the base in the overhead locker.

This capsule measures at 15.5 inches in width, which means that it definitely fit on all airplane seats.

Infant Travel Car Capsule

The Graco SnugRide is great for newborns babies up until 35 lbs.

It is a capsule style infant travel car seat which means that you can easily cary it around with the adjustable carry handle.

We absolutely love this baby capsule with the combination of the Graco stroller frame.

Both pieces are affordable, lightweight and small in size, which makes it perfect for vacations with your baby.

10. Graco Size4Me 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

The Graco Size4Me is a great and lovely cushioned seat for travel. T

he Graco car seat is FAA approved and whilst many people assume you can't travel with it due to its widest width being 22", you can actually still fit it on most plane seats with the arm rests down due to the narrow base and the way it is shaped.

The car seat is heavier than many other car seats on our list.  

It weighs 19 lbs. so do ensure you have a car seat trolley or car seat backpack to port it around the airport.

Whilst the seat measures at 22" at the widest point, it does have a narrow base.

Which means that the seat should fit beautifully (with the arm rests down) on the larger plane seats, but you will most likely have to fly with the arm rest up on the slimmer seats.

This car seat is great for 4-40 lbs babies in rear-facing position and 20-65 lbs. in forward-facing position. Which makes it a great travel toddler car seat.

Be aware that it is on the heavier side, so don't try to carry it around the airport.  

Due the width, you might also have to lift it up over the seats when you walk down the aisle in the plane (although friends have reported that it does fit down the aisle of some planes).

The Graco Size4Me 65 is a great portable toddler car seat to take along on trips. It fits beautifully on seats due to its narrow base and shape.

It is also really easy to install and adjust.

Important to note that it is slightly on the heavier side, but if you prefer a seat that is cushioned and super cozy for your baby, then we do recommend the Graco Car Seat.

Best Car Seat Travel Cart and Transporters for Airports

No matter how light the car seat is, I still suggest that you invest in either a car seat travel stroller or a backpack car seat bag to get around the airport.

Even with a trolley it might be slightly challenging to get your baby, luggage and car seat to the plane. Here are some great car seat cart options:

1. Britax Car Seat Travel Cart

The Britax Travel Cart is, in our opinion, one of the most popular travel carts for Britax car seat owners.  

It is a great car seat roller cart that allows seats to attach effortlessly using the car seat latch connectors.

The one-hand telescoping handle is great as it adjusts to fit any height. It will fold down compact enough to fit into most airplane overhead compartments.

The Britax car seat travel cart will work with all Britax convertibles and harnessed booster seats, as well as with most other brands.

The cart is a lot heavier (20.8 pounds) in comparison to the Go-Go Babyz cart (5 pounds) down below.

>>> Check pricing of this cart here .  

2. Go-Go Babyz Kidz Travelmate

The Go-Go Babyz Car Seat Luggage Cart is a great cart for USA car seats.

It works with both infant travel car seats as well as toddler convertible car seats. It has an additional fold down plate that you can use for larger car seats.

You can adjust the handle, which is great as you can make it shorter when stored and lengthen it out to make it easier to push (it has 4 positions).

It has wide-set 3" roller blade wheels which makes it easy to push along in the airport.

The Travelmate can be checked with your baggage, rolled to gate and checked, or rolled all the way on the plane to be used in flight or stored in the overhead compartment.

Folds to 28 x 17 x 5 inches. Weighs 5 lbs.

3. BRICA Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter

The Brica Sar Seat Roller Cart is great as it fits most major brands of convertible and forward-facing car seats.

The best travel carseat stroller must have a lightweight design.  

It has fold flat wheels as well as an adjustable telescopic handle which allows the cart to fold up in order to fit in an overhead locked on the plane.

Weighing just 5 pounds, this transporter folds flat (2-1/2 inches thick) for easy storage.

4. Car Seat Travel Accessory

For a small alternative, you can consider this car seat travel strap. Simply connect your car seat to your rolling carry-on suitcase and off you go.

Easy, although I would probably suggest you only use this option for the lightweight car seats.

Best Car Seat Travel Bag, Carts, Transporters and Protective Covers for Travel

I hope you managed to find a car seat for your next trip from our FAA approved car seats list, the next step is trying to figure out how to transport the car seat around the airport.

If you wish to check in your car seat, we highly recommend you purchase one of these top car seat bags for air travel.  

Some airlines might give you a thin plastic car seat cover for travel, but they offer no protective.  

The first time we traveled with our car seat, it got damaged so we never go without a protective car seat cover for travel now.

Here are some of the best infant car seat travel bags that we can recommend:

1. JL Childress Padded Car Seat Travel Bag

The JL car seat travel bag is a great option. It is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty.  It is adjustable, has padded backpack straps and a lifting handle.

The interior of the travel car seat bag is padded.  It has dual and lockable zipper openings and an ID card pocket to pop all your details.

>>> Check pricing of this bag here .  

2. Flightjoy Travel bag  

The Flightjoy Car Seat Bag for Travel is another great option.  It has adjustable straps. The material is heavy duty, durable and will last.  It is compatible with most baby car seats.

These infant car seat travel bags are also airline approved so you can carry it through the airport terminal gates when you want to use the seat on the airplane itself.

3. Britax Car Seat Travel Bag

The Britax Car Seat Airplane Bag is great for Britax car seats. The brilliant thing about this bag is that it has built-in wheels.

The car travel bag is light and has several straps to make it easy to carry. It is waterproof and comes at a pretty affordable price tag.

4. Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag

The Jeep Airplane Car Seat Bag is a great universal car seat travel bag.  It is nice and large in size to fit even the bulkiest of seats.  

It has shoulder straps and made from quality durable fabric.  it is also waterproof and lightweight.

You can also choose to invest in the Jeep car seat travel bag with wheels if you prefer.

5. JL Gate Check Car Seat Bag

After a simple, no-frills car seat gate check bag that will get the job done?  Then the JL Childress Car Seat Check Bag is for you.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry. It is large enough to fit most car seats.  Simple, but effective and affordable.

Does My Child Need a Car Seat on an Airplane?

Ultimately the answer to this question comes down to safety and how important your baby or toddler's safety is to you.

The American FAA does strongly recommended that you use an approved child restraint device when travelling with infants less than 2-years old.

Ultimately car seats are the safest and most comfortable way for infants to travel on a plane.

Plus a toddler travel car seat for airplane use really comes in handy as your child know that they are expected to stay put in the seat.

But, in saying all of that, you are not legally required to use a car seat on the plane, so it does come down to your own decision.

Of course, you would also need to purchase an additional seat in order to use the car seat on as well, so keep that in mind.

A convertible car seat on airplane can be an easy option, allowing for use both rear and forward facing. We prefer a convertible travel car seat over an infant travel car seat. 

You will also need to ensure that the car seat has FAA approval.  Not every car seat can be used on the plane!

More information and the best infant car seat for travel below.

FAA Baby and Toddler Car Seat Regulations for Airplanes

In order to be allowed to use your car seat on the plane, it must be FAA approved. How do you find out if your car seat is FAA approved?  

Have a look at the sticker on the side of the seat and see if it says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraf t .”

If you are located in Australia , the car seat must be approved to Australian Standards AS/NZS 1754. So make sure your seat has an AS/NZS 1754 approved safety label.

FAA Requirements

For a child less than 40 lbs. : Secure your child in an FAA approved car seat for the duration of the flight.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This would typically be in the rear-facing position.

For a child 22lbs – 44 lbs. : For babies and toddler at this age, you could either use an approved car seat or you could choose to secure them in the airplane seat in an  Airplane Child Safety Harness .

The harness restraint is the only FAA approved child airplane harness system that is allowed to be used during takeoff, landing as well as in flight. 

More about this device below.

More than 40 pounds: Kids can use an airplane seat belt, however many parents typically keep their child in a car seat till around 4 years.

FAA-Approved Child Harness Device

The Airplane Harness Child Safety Device is the only FAA approved harness restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 lbs (kids 1-year and older).

The benefits of a this harness is of course that it is small and portable enough to carry in your carry-on bags.  

The negatives are that your child will be required to sit up pretty straight on the airplane seats and the harness is really uncomfortable to sleep in.

So we do still prefer a toddler portable travel car seat as they are more comfy for kids.

>>>Learn more about this FAA approved child restraint or check out the airplane harness here .

You can find a list of 7 other great car seat alternatives for travel here.

Travel Car Seat Buyers Guide

Things that you should look out for when purchasing a car seat for travel use.

1. Weight of Seat

Ultimately the best car seats for travel should be lightweight, compact and portable. The weight of the seat is important for your own sanity.

We prefer a car seat that is around 10 lbs. (Slightly over is still okay).  

You will be required to lift the car seat in and out of the car, on to trolleys, port it around the airport as well as potentially have to lift it over peoples heads on the plane to carry it down the aisle. Stick to a lightweight car seat. Trust me!

2. Width of Seat

The width of the seat is another important consideration.  Just because the seat has FAA approval does not mean that it will fit on the plane seat.  

Plane seats can be anywhere from around 16" to 22". Most are around the 17 or 18" mark.  

You can check to see if your plane is list on the SeatGuru seat chart table to see what size your seat will be ahead of time.  

We find that child care seats around 18" or under fit on all airplane seats. Although you might have to lift the armrest on the 16" seat planes.

Another important consideration with slim designs is so that the seat will fit through the security scanner.

If the seat won't fit, the will need to hand inspect the seat and it would slow down the whole checking in process.

3. FAA Approval

As mentioned above, you will need to ensure that you purchase a FAA approved infant car seats or FAA approved toddler car seats.  

You can do this by checking the sticker on the side for this saying: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraf t .”

3.  Convertibility

When you are shopping for the best car seat for international travel, make sure to get the best convertible car seat for travel option there is.

Buying a convertible car seat means that you will save money in the long run.

Convertible travel car seats can accommodate your child from infant to toddler with ease, from approximately 5 lbs. to 65 lbs. comfortably. 

Most of our seats on our list are convertible airline approved car seats.

With that in mind, please make sure to check out the convertibility features carefully and choose the travel car seat that suits you best.

Tips for using a Car Seat on an Airplane

Here is a list of some tips to make life easier when it comes to using your car seat on an airplane.

1.  Booking Seats

Important to note that you will need to use the car seat in a seat that won't block anyone's exit, so for example a window seat.

You will only get away with using your car seat in the bulkhead seats if your car seat is really narrow. Bulkhead seats have fixed armrests, thus reducing the amount of width available for a car seat.  

You won't be allowed to use the seat in exit rows or where it could block anyone's exit path.

2. Rear-Facing Car Seats

Another consideration is that if you use a rear-facing seat, the person in front of the seat might not be able to recline at all. So consider booking one parent to the right of your baby and one in front. 

3.  Notify the Airline of your Intent to use a Car Seat

Do take the time to make a call to the airline in advance to notify them that you intend to travel with car seat.

As extra precaution we also recommend that you request to have this noted to your booking and also ask for written confirmation of approval that you can bring out and take with you on the plane.

4.  Infant Capsule Seats with a Base

Another tip that might be useful is that the base of the capsule style infant travel car seats are NOT FAA approved and you would need to check-in your base or pop it in the overhead compartment (if it fits). You can only use the seat part on the plane itself.

5. Booster Seats and Plane Travel

According to regulations, booster seats are not permitted on-board.

Some airlines might let you use the booster seat for flying, but it will need to be stored for take-off and landing, but realistically speaking they can tell you that you are not allowed to use it at all as there are NO FAA approved booster seats. Sorry!

If you use a combination car seat/booster car seat, you can use the car seat with the internal harness, but the booster seat is not acceptable because there is no shoulder belt to use with the seat.

Tip: Here are the top 10 best travel booster seats .

6. Getting Around the Airport with your Seat

Making your way through the airport with a child, luggage, and a car seat can be a challenge.

Fortunately there are ways to make your life easier and easier means better! Last thing you want on the airport is an added struggle.

You could choose to invest in either a car seat trolley or choose to carry it around on your back with a car seat backpack.

You will find different recommended products for both of these options at the bottom of the guide.

>>> Click here for more helpful information on using a car seat for plane travel .

Answers to FAQ

1. should i bring a car seat on the plane.

Flying with a car seat is your safest option when flying with a baby or toddler. This is because the seatbelts on airplanes are not designed for their little bodies.

The general recommendation is for children under 40lbs to fly in an FAA-approved restraint which can either be one of the car seats for planes or an airplane harness. 

The great thing about taking your car seat with you is that when you reach your destination you have a car seat to use when traveling either in the taxi or in your rental car.

Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance.

This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats.

So yes, you should purchase one of the best car seats for airplanes so that you can keep your child safe.

2. Can you rent a car seat from an airline?

No you cannot rent a car seat from an airline. Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance.

3. Are all car seats airline approved?

The short answer is no, not all car seats are airline approved. We always recommend that you check if your airline does allow car seats and if it does, it must normally be an FAA or TÜV-approved seat. 

This means it is approved for use in an aircraft. To find out if you have an airline-approved car seat, check to see if it is marked "For Use In Aircraft".

Most car seats will have a sticker near the base of the car seat and it should have in red letters that it is approved for airplane or aircraft use.

4. What car seats can be used on planes?

Nearly every car seat in the US is approved for aircraft use - but not all are. But it is important to purchase car seats approved for air travel, so make sure it says it is FAA approved to avoid any issues with the flight attendants.

The only car seat that you cannot use is a booster seat as you require a seat belt that goes over the shoulder and lap when securing. 

We suggest using a high-backed booster seat as they are allowed on planes if they have a 5-point harness. 

5. What is FAA approved?

FAA approval means that the car seat has passed a standard airworthiness test and therefore allows you to travel with the car seat on a plane.

6. How do you pack a car seat on an airplane?

If you are checking in your car seat when flying we would recommend that you pack the car seat in a car seat travel bag. This will help prevent your travel car seat from being spoiled or damaged.

If your airport does offer baggage wrapping service we would also recommend this as it will add an extra layer of protection to the car seat.

7. Is it better to gate check a car seat?

Gate checking your car seat might not be as convenient as checking your car seat with your baggage when you check in, however the advantage to checking your car seat reduces the time and handling of your car seat by someone else.

This means less opportunity for your car seat being lost or damaged!

8. How do I check my car seat at the airport?

When you check in you can check your car seat at the same time if you wish it to go into the hold with the usual luggage.

First you will need to get it checked and tagged at the counter where you get your tickets and then you will most likely have to drop it off to the oversized luggage counter.

When checking in your car seat to the hold this is not counted as a part of your baggage allowance and most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free.

This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats. 

We always recommend checking with your airline first to be sure of the rules and what they will and won't allow.

9. Do airplanes damage car seats?

Unfortunately, any item that is checked into the hold is at risk of being damaged or even lost.

We would recommend that if you do plan to check in a car seat, purchase a cheap FAA approved car seat for the flight.

This way if it is lost or damaged, it is not your expensive car seat that you use in the car at home.

10. Can I take my baby in a taxi without a car seat?

A child can only travel in a taxi or private hire vehicle without a child car seat if he or she sits in the back.

However, even though this is allowed we would always recommend that a car seat is used when traveling in a vehicle as this is the safest option. 

Children older than three years old must use the car's adult seat belt and it is advised that children under three should not use a seat belt.

11. Do airports provide car seat bags?

No, airports do not provide car seat bags as each car seat is different in size and there is not one size fits all car seat bags available. 

We have at times grabbed a normal thin plastic bag from the counter to use, however it didn't add any protection for the seat so is not recommended.

Verdict on Our Pick of the Best Travel Car Seat

Your baby's safety will of course top priority when it comes to choosing a car seat for travel. You may also take into account the style as well as your preference, needs, and budget.

If you want a travel car seat that will work for both travel and home use then our top pick would be the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat . It is also great value for money as you can use it from birth up to 65 lbs which means you will get a good few years of use.

Although the Safety 1St Jive 2-in-1 can be used from 5 lbs, we do prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for babies and infants as it offers more support and protection for their necks.

If you prefer to travel light and with minimal fuss then the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is perfect. It folds up small and compact and does not take up much space when not in use or you have to transport it when not using. It is perfect for ages 2-4 years old.

If you want to travel super light and not have to worry about a car seat for when you arrive at your destination, a great option for children  aged two years or older who have their own seat and do not need much support is the Newroutes Airplane Safety Harness .

If you opt for the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 car seat we suggest investing in the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart as it will make transporting the seat around the airport so much easier.

We also recommend the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart for the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat. Although this travel cart is made by Britax it works with most other brands of car seats as well. If you want to check this travel seat in then we recommend the smallest of all check-in bags, the JL Gate Check Car Seat Bag .

To give your Cosco Might Fix 65 DX travel car seat the best protection when you check it in when not using it on the plane, be sure to get the JL Premium Backpack travel bag . 

We hope this article has helped you decide on the best travel car seat for flying. Have a safe and comfortable trip.

Why Trust Wanderlust Storytellers

Jolene Ejmont is an author with almost a decade of experience in researching and writing about travel and lifestyle products. 

Additionally, she is a mother to 3 kids. She has experience traveling with a baby, toddler, preschooler, tween and teenager.

In the process of creating this list, Jolene delved into the research of numerous products, scrutinizing crucial specifications such as dimensions, weight rating, and reviews, both positive and negative.

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Best Car Seats for Airplane Travel 

by Michelle Pratt | Apr 17, 2024 | Best of Lists , Choosing a Seat , Travel | 0 comments

When traveling as a family, safety is always the number one priority. And whether you’re traveling by land or air, a car seat is the best tool to keep your child safe and comfortable. That’s right – you read that correctly. A car seat is meant not only for the car but for planes too! 

Infant Seats

Evenflo DualRide

Nuna PIPA urbn

Clek Liingo

Convertible Seats

Cosco Scenera Next

Maxi Cosi Romi

Safety 1st Jive

Evenflo Sonus 65

Century Drive On

Graco Contender 65

Britax Emblem

Forward-Facing Seats

Graco TrioGrow SnugLock

Baby Trend Trooper

Booster Seats

Safety 1st Comfort Ride

Cosco Finale

Evenflo Maestro Sport

Diono Monterey 5ist FixSafe

Peg Perego Viaggio Flex

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends keeping your child in a car seat during flights. If there’s a rough landing or severe turbulence, keeping your kiddo hugged to your lap is not practical or safe. Plus, those airline seat belts aren’t meant for anyone under 40 pounds. 

Of course, we here at Safe in the Seat totally agree that when flying, you should grab a car seat and bring it along! And when we say bring a car seat, we don’t mean gate check it. We mean to bring it aboard, install it , and strap your child inside. Safe and snug! 

Bringing your car seat on the plane not only makes your child safer while on the aircraft. But safer when you arrive at your destination too. This is especially true if you’ll need a car seat for your rental car. Those rented car seats are a source of mystery and worry — we really don’t recommend them!

And if you check your seat with your luggage, you run the risk of it getting damaged. (We’ve all seen videos of how our bags are treated by airline staff.) If you leave your car seat in the hands of baggage handlers, you may find yourself at your destination with a damaged, unusable seat — or even no seat at all! This stress isn’t something we’d wish on anyone. 

All of this is to say, you should always plan to use your car seat on a flight. So, today, we’re dedicating a whole post to the best car seats for airplane travel! 

Best Car Seats for Airplane Travel 

Now, we know what’s going through your mind. You’re imagining breaking your nails as you try desperately to unhook those latch straps. You’re thinking about lugging around that massive 4-in-1 seat on your back while baby-wearing and chasing a toddler. And you’re picturing the flight attendants folding their arms impatiently as you try desperately to install that seat. What you see in your future is pure chaos!

Friend, relax. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’ve been reading our posts for a while, you know that not all car seats are equal . Because of this, many frequent travelers have opted to get a special seat just for travel. This travel seat is usually FAA-approved , lightweight, easy to install, and narrow enough for those 18-inch airplane seats. And, honestly, we think a car seat just for travel is a great idea!

To help make your summer of travel a total blast and completely stress-free (well, at least as stress-free as possible!), we’ve made a list of the best car seats for air travel. Whether you’re looking for an infant seat, convertible seat, or a booster seat, we’ve got a comprehensive list of the best FAA-approved airplane car seats just for you. Check it out:

Best Infant Seats for Airplane Travel

1. doona infant car seat.

The legendary Doona infant car seat is perfect for airline travel. It’s FAA-approved and narrow enough for airline seats. So you know it’s going to make it on that plane without a problem. But, the best thing about the Doona is that it’s both a car seat and a stroller. Not only are you free from lugging around two pieces of bulk gear, but you don’t have to worry about how you’ll carry the seat to the gate and to your connection. Just wheel it around! 

The downside to the Doona is that it is heavier and bulkier than other options out there. But, since it has wheels, this is only a problem when you’re carrying it to your seat on the aircraft. It won’t fit through most aisles, so you’ll have to lift it up and over. It’s also one of the priciest options on the list. But some feel it’s for good reason due to those handy wheels. If your baby will be a frequent flyer during that first year, the streamlined, multi-functional Doona could be worth the investment! Here’s our review of the Doona .

2. Evenflo DualRide

The  Evenflo DualRide  has 4 installation methods and can be used with or without the stroller base.

This infant seat-to-stroller combination could be a good choice for you if: ✔️ you want to be able to detach the stroller frame from the carrier ✔️ you want the added safety feature of an anti-rebound bar ✔️ you’re looking for a base with easy seat belt installation ✔️ you want to be able to install the seat baseless using European routing ✔️ you’re looking for a seat that will fit small babies well ⭐️ BONUS SensorSafe is available on all models!

You may want to reconsider if: ❌ you want a lightweight seat ❌ you need to fit seats side by side

Read the Evenflo Shyft DualRide review here.

Doona and Evenflo DualRide are the only two seats on the market with the unique feature of an infant seat and stroller in one. This car seat review video will compare car seats and detail their similarities and differences to help you choose the best infant car seat for you.

Here are the notable differences:

• DualRide can detach the stroller portion from the carrier
• DualRide will fit small babies better
• DualRide has a higher shell height to fit a baby longer
• Doona’s wheels are a bit more substantial
• DualRide’s base has a StrongLock tension arm for easy-to-install car seat
• DualRide’s stroller handle height is 1.5″ higher
• Doona harness: rethread. DualRide harness: no-rethread
• DualRide has buckle tongue holders
• DualRide has a SensorSafe chest clip
• Doona is lighter by 3 lbs.
• DualRide’s stroller has a detachable carry-all basket
• Doona has a parent attachment and cargo basket on some models

3. Nuna PIPA urbn

This new addition to the car seat market is truly revolutionary! This infant car seat comes without a base. But it has an amazing built-in latch system on the car seat itself that makes baseless installation just as easy as popping another infant car seat onto the base. For city dwellers or frequent fliers who rely on the convenience of baseless installation to lighten their load, the Pipa urbn’s baseless installation will be a game changer.

The Pipa urbn is currently available only as a travel system with a selection of Nuna strollers. One travel system option includes Nuna’s Trvl stroller, which folds up small enough to fit in the overhead bin on most airliners. If you know your little one will be a frequent flyer in their first year, the Pipa urbn might be your favorite travel companion!

4. Clek Liingo

The Clek Liingo truly stands out as an exceptional travel seat, offering a range of remarkable features and an intelligently designed structure. One of its key advantages lies in its compact size, which not only ensures easy maneuverability but also allows it to seamlessly fit into diverse modes of transportation, including airplanes, taxis, and rental cars. What sets the Clek Liingo apart is its innovative design that eliminates the need for a separate base. Instead, the seat incorporates lower anchors cleverly concealed within a compartment on the back.

This unique feature provides flexibility during installation, allowing parents to choose between utilizing the lower anchors or the seat belt, depending on their preference or the specific situation, without having to carry around a base. While it does not come as part of a travel system, it is compatible with many of the most popular strollers. Whether it’s the ease of installation or the versatility of use, the Clek Liingo proves itself as an exceptional travel companion that brings convenience and peace of mind to every journey.

Best Convertible Car Seats for Airplane Travel

5. cosco scenera next.

The Cosco Scenera Next is one of our favorite convertible car seats for air travel. First off, it comes at a great price and it’s well-loved by tons of families. Also, it’s super lightweight (8lbs!) and compact. So it’ll easily get through security, down the airplane aisle, and into your seat. Plus, the fabric is both washable and dryable, and it comes off the seat in one single piece. So, even if your seat gets a little dirty during your trip, you can quickly wash it and dry it once you get to your destination – ready for the next day of excursions! 

Some users did express concerns about the installation process; however, once you’ve practiced the “inside-out” install technique (pulling the cover out of the way so you have better leverage to tighten the seatbelt or latch strap) a few times, you’ll become a pro! This trick works for a whole lot of car seats. And we have a whole video about it on our YouTube channel!

Read our review of the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat here .

This seat isn’t very long-lasting, often being totally outgrown by age three or four. But while your child fits, you can’t beat the ease and convenience!

6. Maxi Cosi Romi

This cousin of the Cosco Scenera Next is another great convertible car seat for travel. Also, weighing in at about 8lbs, it’s so easy to carry this thing backpack-style when you’re walking to your gate. And you won’t break a sweat (or your back!). This one also has a cover that’s washer and dryer safe (and it’s also free of flame-retardant chemicals ). With a cushier cover and more padding than the Cosco Scenera Next, the most discerning toddlers are sure to find this seat a comfy ride!

It is a little pricier than others on the list. But it’s still a good choice for parents who want light and easy for a comfortable convertible car seat for young passengers too! It comes with a detachable cupholder too, which you and your kiddo both could use on a long flight. (Seriously, why has no one put cup holders in airplane seats?) 

7. Safety 1st Jive

Were we just talking about cup holders? Because this one has TWO! One for you and one for your kiddo, right? Anyway, the Safety 1st Jive is a fantastic airline car seat. It’s almost as light as the Scenera Next and the Romi. But it’s longer lasting than both those seats with a maximum forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs. If you want the most bang for your buck out of your travel car seat, this one is a great option!

It’s super narrow, so it will give you extra room when sitting next to the car seat, and still only weighs about 8 pounds. We’re sad to say that the openings for the rear-facing belt path are small. So you might pinch a hand reaching in to buckle that plane seatbelt. And nailing the perfect recline when you install it rear-facing in vehicles can be a little more finicky than the Scenera Next and the Romi. But with some patience and practice (this is another seat where the inside-out trick will be your best strategy!) You’ll nail that secure install. No stress!

Read our Safety 1st Jive Review here .

Watch our How to Install Safety 1st Jive Video here .

8. Evenflo Sonus 65

This seat is about the same weight as the Jive above, but it has a much taller harness height. This means it is far more likely to get a child to the stated limit of 65 pounds. This seat only has one allowed recline for rear-facing, but we’ve found it fits well in most vehicles. Just like we recommend with many seats, the Inside Out Trick will be helpful when installing this seat.

9. Century Drive On 3-in-1

Okay, this one might just be the cutest! (But, that’s not why we think it’s great for traveling.) The Century Drive On 3-in-1 is the first seat on our list to offer some fancier features like a no-rethread harness, meaning you just move the headrest up or down with the squeeze of a handle to achieve that perfect harness fit. With multiple rear-facing recline settings built into the seat, you’re sure to get the perfect install in that rental car at your destination!

Featuring two cupholders, removable infant padding, and even a high-back booster mode, this seat has it all — and still manages to weigh in at just about 14 lbs! If you want to travel light but still want a seat with premium features, this one is a great option at a great price. It is 19″ wide, so go ahead and flip those plane armrests up. And the single rear-facing recline line can give this seat a decent front-to-back footprint, especially for taller kids. But if you’re not super tight on space, consider this impressive and long-lasting seat!

10. Graco Contender Slim

The Graco Contende r is a tried-and-true travel favorite for frequent flying parents! It’s another inexpensive option with features you’d expect on a fancier car seat. Our favorite thing about this seat is the closed belt path design — meaning no bulky airplane buckle sticking out into your child’s back during your flight! This can be a big comfort issue for some kids when taking to the skies in the other car seats on our list. So this alone sets the Contender apart among travel seats. This closed belt path can make installing the seat in a vehicle more challenging.

Like the Drive On, this seat is wide enough that you’ll want to move that airplane armrest out of the way. But that installation process for planes and vehicles is simple (pro tip: ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extender when you board the plane so it’s easier to get the seat undone after landing), and it’s light enough that schlepping it through the airport won’t be an awful chore!

11. Britax Emblem

If you’re looking for the easiest possible vehicle install when you reach your destination, the Emblem might be the travel seat for you! This seat has so many fancy features and comfortable amenities, that lots of parents pick this as their child’s everyday car seat. But it’s a decent travel option too! While it’s on the heavier side for typical “travel-friendly” options (tipping the scales at a whole 18 lbs!) its ingenious lower anchor system makes it a cinch to install. And it even has convenient velcro to hold the straps out of the way while you load up your child!

It’s also one of the lightest and least expensive car seats that has a seatbelt lock-off feature, making it our top pick for international flyers! Did you know that locking seatbelts aren’t a thing outside the US and Canada? This can make life difficult if you’re traveling overseas with your little one. With a built-in lock-off like that on the Emblem , the seat takes care of that for you and holds the seatbelt nice and tight.

The Emblem has a single rear-facing recline setting, which is naturally pretty upright in most cars. And while that seatbelt lock-off is a must-have feature for any parent heading overseas, we’ll point out that seatbelt installation is a little more cumbersome than the super-easy lower anchors — so when possible, take advantage of that installation method for as long as you can (it’s allowed for kids up to 50lbs!). As you think about your travel car seat “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves,” the Emblem’s effortless lower anchor install and comfortable ride just might be worth a couple of extra pounds. The versions with SafeWash fabric are free of flame-retardant chemicals as well if that’s important to you!

Best Forward-Facing Car Seats for Airplane

12. graco triogrow snuglock.

The Graco TrioGrow SnugLock is one of our favorite seats for international travel. While it is 18 pounds, it is still one of the lightest options available if you want a seat that has a seat belt lock-off. As we mentioned above with the Britax Emblem description, seat belts in most vehicles outside of the US and Canada do not have the locking mechanism needed for a seat belt installation and that’s why we recommend taking a seat with a lock-off. Unlike the Britax Emblem above, this seat has multiple recline options for rear-facing, which makes this seat more compact front to back. You can find our full review of this seat here .

13. Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1

The Baby Trend Trooper is another super affordable and lightweight travel car seat option. It’s pretty easy to install, has a handy built-in cup holder, and fits newborns all the way through big kids! It’s also just 17 inches across, so it will fit right down that narrow airplane aisle. Super easy! 

We love that this budget-friendly seat offers comfy padding and a stripe on the harness to help prevent accidental twists. It does take up a lot of space, especially rear-facing for smaller passengers. And we’ve heard some of our more particular kiddos complain about the required harness pads. However, this long-lasting seat will be easy on the wallet and easy on your back as you carry it through the airport, so it’s a winner for us!  

Best Booster Seats for Airplane

14. safety 1st comfort ride.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting car seat for your forward-facing big kid, the Comfort Ride should grab your attention! It’s lightweight (12 pounds), narrow, has a no-rethread harness and is usable in three modes (forward-facing harness, high-back booster, and backless booster). While the booster modes aren’t plane-approved, you’ll still get lots of mileage out of this car seat! This seat is made from recycled materials, which is something we always like to see as well!

Read Safe in the Seat Safety 1st Comfort Ride Review here .

15. Cosco Finale

Here’s a phenomenal budget option for a forward-facing harness! This seat is a great next step for families whose little travelers need to move on from the Cosco Scenera Next — these two seats are so inexpensive that it’s often cheaper to buy these two seats over the course of your child’s car seat journey than one, longer lasting travel seat from our list! Like the Cosco Scenera Next, the beauty of the Finale comes in its minimalism: there’s nothing fancy about it, and that’s the headlining feature! It’s less than ten pounds, easy to use, and it fits almost anywhere!

Like other boosters, it can only be used with its 5-point harness while on the plane. The Finale does offer high-back booster mode, but don’t expect to get much use out of it — this seat isn’t adjustable in booster mode, making it hard to achieve a safe and comfortable seatbelt fit. However, for the price, it’s worth it just for its use as a great harnessed seat!

16. Wayb Pico

This lightweight car seat is crazy cool! It’s only eight pounds, suuuuper narrow, and TOTALLY foldable. This means it’s the smallest car seat on our list! If you are looking to make it even more portable, there is an optional add-on travel bag that perfectly fits the seat. We love efficiency! 

Some users do report that the Pico is a tough install, especially when you use the vehicle seatbelt instead of the lower anchors. The straps also take some getting used to — they tighten separately at each hip instead of with a single strap between your child’s feet. And the last big complaint we often hear about this seat is that it’s not very supportive for sleeping on those long haul flights. This seat is definitely pricey, but it offers a unique convenience that you simply won’t experience anywhere else. If you’re the parent of a tiny frequent flyer, this seat provides a tempting solution!  

Read our Wayb Pico Review here .

17. Evenflo Maestro Sport

Another great car seat option is the Evenflo Maestro Sport Booster Seat — this one is great for taller kids! It’s wider than some of the other seats here but it’s still an easy ten pounds. It’s also got a little more padding and head support than the Finale, which sleepy travelers will appreciate!

Like the other forward-facing seats on our list, this seat must be in harness mode for airplane use. And like the Finale, it doesn’t usually make a great booster seat because the booster mode can’t be adjusted for the best seatbelt fit. However, like the Finale, the price tag, size, and user-friendliness of this seat keep it high on our list of favorites for travel!

Read our Evenflo Maestro Sport full review here .

18. Diono Monterey 5ist FixSafe

This booster seat is meant for the sky! Why do we think this? Because it looks like it’s from the future. (Well, and a few other reasons). The car seat is only 13 inches wide at the base and can completely fold up for easy carry. In fact, it has a built-in handle and carrying straps – no extra device is needed here for comfortable carrying!

That folding feature is key: this seat is small enough to fit in the overhead bin on most aircraft. Since boosters can’t be used on airplanes — they require a lap/shoulder belt, but planes only offer lap belts — most parents of big kids are left checking their child’s booster seat with luggage. This is a risky move! You never know whether your checked car seat will arrive in usable condition if it arrives at all. That won’t be the case for users of this car seat, who’ll fold it up and carry it right onboard. Upon landing it’ll be waiting in the overhead bin, safe and sound and ready to hit the road!

Read our Diono Monterey 5iST FixSafe review here .

19. Peg Perego Viaggio Flex

This is another great foldable booster option that has a carrying case accessory! It’s narrow and only 16 lbs, so lugging it on your back or attached to some luggage will be no problem. It’s another ultra-comfy car seat choice that has separate height and width adjustments to get a perfect, comfortable fit now and as your child grows. 

This seat will function on your trip just like the Diono booster would — carry it onboard and store it in the overhead bin to keep it safe in transit. The only downside is that this foldable booster will cost a pretty penny, especially if you go for the added case. But if you need the ultimate comfort and the utmost convenience, this is a fantastic travel (or every day!) booster seat choice.

Read our Peg Perego Viaggio Flex Review here .

Flying with one of these FAA and Safe in the Seat-approved car seats will keep your child safe while traveling and keep you sane on the airplane!

Car seats on planes are a must. But, traveling with your seat doesn’t have to be a chore when you have one of these great airline options! Carrying, installing, and using your seat will be a walk in the park (or on the beach) when you arrive at the airport with one of these carefully curated car seats. But if you prefer not to buy a separate car seat just for travel, you may find that your everyday car seat is FAA-approved already. Nearly every harnessed seat in the US is. You can find a sticker on the side of your car seat that has red lettering describing its aircraft approval or you can check your manual.

Once you’ve selected your seat, read our 7 tips for bringing your car seat on an airplane and take our Wheels Up: Airplane Travel Course to ensure you’re 100% prepared for your holiday! Because when it comes to traveling, the more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel. And a relaxing trip is what a great mama like you deserves. Have a great vacation and don’t forget your trusty car seat. 

Whether you’re flying with kids or flying with a baby, it’s not only important to travel safely– but to keep your little ones happy and occupied on the journey! Being prepared and confident before your flight is key! Check out my recent Amazon Live , where I share my favorite products, toys, fidgets, and tips for flying with kids. 

Ready, jet set, go!

Affiliate links are included above. Safe in the Seat earns a small commission when you purchase through these links with no cost to you. We so appreciate your support.

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7 Best Portable Car Seats for Babies, Toddlers and Big Kids

We prioritized lightweight car seats for travel by plane, rental car and rideshare.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Portable Infant Car Seat

Doona car seat stroller.

Best Value Portable Booster Seat

Graco turbobooster 2.0.

Best Portable Convertible Car Seat

Cosco scenera next.

Best Portable Foldable Booster Seat

Peg perego viaggio flex 120.

Best Portable All-in-One Car Seat

Graco 4ever dlx.

Best Lightweight Portable Car Seat

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Best Portable Travel System for Babies

Nuna pipa urbn + trvl stroller.

Aside from requiring a lot more gear, traveling with kids can be quite stressful, and in between packing your luggage and investing in a travel stroller , there's little mental energy for anything else. Fortunately our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab have been testing car seats for decades, including the best convertible car seats and the best booster seats . We test based on safety features, functionality, ease of use and value. Our picks are based on tests done in-Lab by our experts, evaluations from our consumer testers and extensive research.

Head to the end of this guide to find more information on how we test, whether or not you should use a car seat on a plane, what to look for when shopping for the best portable car seats and more. Looking for more to make traveling with kids as easy as possible? Check out our favorite outdoor-ready stroller wagons , good diaper bags and the winners of our Family Travel Awards .

The Doona car seat is our pick for the best overall car seat and stroller combo and it's one of our past Parenting Award winners. A dedicated fan following backs it up; see its more than 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The Doona makes it easy to switch between car seat and stroller mode in seconds even with your baby strapped inside. In short, you don't need a separate infant car seat and a stroller, because this is both.

"It's the easiest stroller to maneuver through airport security and around an airport terminal," says one tester who's a mom of two young kids. It goes into a rideshare vehicle using the seat belt (no stroller to put in the trunk!). It's also FAA-approved for use in an airplane cabin and fits on most economy airplane seats, which are often about 17 inches wide.

Rachel Rothman , the Good Housekeeping Institute's former Chief Technologist and a mom of three, is a fan of this for travel. But it's important to note that, as well as being pricey, the Doona is only for rear-facing use and for toddlers up to 35 pounds. Toddlers outgrow it typically at age 2. But if you'll travel a lot in those first two years — even if it's just catching Ubers around town — you'll be grateful for the Doona.

Big kids need a bit of help ensuring that the seatbelt is hitting their body just right, so this backless booster gives them that extra height. It's also exceptionally small, lightweight and easy to travel with; you might even keep several in your car's trunk for when you're carpooling other kids.

Because it's backless, it doesn't offer as much support as a highback booster (for that, see the Peg Perego on this list). It is okayed for ages 4 and up as long as they weigh at least 40 pounds and could be great for a quick trip when you don't want to lug something large. This fits into a tote bag!

With its two hideaway cupholders, machine-washable seat cushions and padded armrests, this tucks a lot of features into a (really!) affordable seat. It's no surprise that it has more than 59,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. While it isn't airline approved — all booster seats require a shoulder belt, which you won't find on an airplane — its compact size makes it incredibly simple to slide into your overhead bin to later use in taxis, Ubers or other vehicles once you get to your destination.

For a little more money there's a TurboBooster LX version that works with LATCH; nice if you'll be keeping this in one car for a length of time.

Got enough to carry already? At 10 pounds, this is the best lightweight convertible car seat for traveling and it won't break the bank. Five harness heights and three buckle locations help customize the seat to your baby or toddler's size, though it's the kind of harness you have to rethread each time you need to change it.

The Scenera can be installed rear-facing for babies and toddlers and forward-facing for preschoolers up to 40 pounds but lacks the cushioning and other comforts, like a recline mechanism, we've come to enjoy in an everyday toddler car seat . Still, with its deep bucket seat, this will keep your tiny passenger comfy enough and car seat compliant when you're traveling and in and out of other people's vehicles. It's especially great as a rear-facing travel option for 2- and 3-year-olds who have outgrown an infant car seat.

You can remove both the cupholder and seat pad for washing. The seat pad can even go in the dryer. The brand claims that three of these seats fit across a back seat and our tests were able to validate that in certain vehicles. It can be installed with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. It's approved for airplane seats and like our best overall pick it fits on most economy seats.

Kids who are at least age 4 and who weigh 40 pounds or more will appreciate the comfort of this belt-positioning booster seat just as much as parents will appreciate its ability to fold down to a fraction of its size.

The Flex 120 has an exceptionally large weight range, functioning for kids up to — you guessed it — 120 pounds. While it's a bit pricier than some other booster options, its ability to compact down makes it perfect for folding up and storing in a bag that you can then gate-check, or even fit into the overhead bin while in-flight. Note that no belt-positioning booster is certified for use in an airplane cabin because they're meant to be used with a car's shoulder belt, not an airplane lap belt. The big kids who fit this are good to use the airplane belt anyway! This is perfect for use in a rideshare, taxi or a far-off relative's vehicle when you land.

Customize this booster to your child by adjusting the headrest, upper backrest, side wings and seat. In addition to being an easy portable car seat, this is another great choice for grandparents or other caregivers who only occasionally drive big kids around because it so easily fits into a car's trunk when not in use.

This is larger and heavier than any of our other choices. However, this is the most portable all-in-one car seat that grows with your little one from a rear-facing infant car seat to a backless booster, from 4 to 120 pounds .

Its versatility means that it may be the only car seat you ever have to buy, and if you travel infrequently, you could manage to tote this on a few trips and avoid buying something separate just for travel. It is certified to work on an airplane seat with the harness (so, up to 65 pounds), but it's about 3 inches wider than many economy airplane seats so the fit isn't great; one Reddit user said they put it in the window seat and then just accepted squeezing themselves into the middle-seat position.

While testing, we appreciated how easy this car seat was to install and use, making it pretty difficult to mess up due to user error. We also love how highly adjustable it is, with a six-position recline and a no-rethread harness with 10 possible heights. The easy-to-remove washable seat pads make it simple to clean up after your little one. If you're taking it with you into a rideshare and can't use the LATCH installation system, there's an integrated belt lock off on the back of the seat that helps make seat belt installation as simple as possible.

This is a pricey option that has a fan following with frequent travelers who travel with a preschooler. It folds down into its own carrying case, which can be worn as a backpack, so you can easily get it through the airport and store it in a hotel. It's got a five-point harness and is meant for kids up to 50 pounds. The brand says it's for kids as young as 2 but because rear-facing is safest and this only faces forward, we would not recommend using it for a child until they are at least age 3, preferably 4.

The Pico does not have side-impact protection and other safety features we want on an everyday car seat, but for travel we agree that this has portability appeal. It also gets knocked in reviews for not being comfortable for long car rides if your child likes to nap, but again, we're putting it on this list for on-the-go families who are in "something is better than nothing" mode, even for short train, bus or van rides.

Our experts appreciate how lightweight this seat is (8 pounds), and that it easily fits even on the smallest economy airplane seat (it's FAA-approved). The seat can either be installed using the LATCH system or the seatbelt in a car or airplane.

If you're a city family that doesn't even own a car, there's a big reason to love the PIPA portable infant car seat: It's built to be installed without a base and is exceptionally easy to move between vehicles, including rideshares like Uber.

It's got a built-in rigid LATCH system or alternatively you can use the back seat seatbelt. Plus, the PIPA urbn only weighs 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats we know of and an easy one to carry from place to place. The stroller, too, is lightweight at just under 14 pounds and can be folded down using just one hand. The car seat is built to ride on top of the stroller, for instance to get them both through an airport, and we named it our favorite lightweight travel system .

The infant car seat does not have a high weight limit, however. Your baby will outgrow it when they hit 22 pounds or are 29 inches tall, whichever comes first. For some that can mean by their first birthday. But the stroller will stay useful through the preschool years since it has a weight limit of 50 pounds. The car seat is airline-approved and will fit on most economy cabin seats.

How we test the best portable car seats

The Good Housekeeping Institute's engineering and parenting pros have reviewed dozens of car seats over the past five years, including portable car seats . Our Lab experts work with parents to test these car seats on a variety of vehicles of different brands and sizes to ensure that you can find the right car seat for your family.

Each car seat we consider has passed Federal Safety Standards. We perform tests both in the Lab and at home to evaluate each product's safety, ease of installation, stability, ease of adjustments, stroller compatibility and portability. To accomplish this, we set up each car seat in a variety of vehicles and strollers. We evaluate how easy it is to secure the harness as well as how difficult it is to install the car seats. For portable car seats we pay special attention to whether they can be installed without a LATCH system and to whether they are approved for use in an airplane cabin.

What to look for when shopping for a portable car seat

Whether you're going on a trip or often take your child places in a rideshare vehicle, if you need a portable car seat you should consider these things:

✔️ Height and weight limits : All car seats come with minimum and maximum height and weight specifications. To ensure proper seatbelt placement and optimal security, make sure your child fits within those ranges. Once they meet the maximum in either height or weight, it's time to switch. If you have an adjustable car seat that transitions to a booster look at the labels on the car seat, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer so you know when it's time to switch modes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help you determine the right kind of car seat for your child based on their age, weight and height. That will help you figure out if you can use an infant car seat or if you need a convertible car seat and if you're ready to move on to a booster car seat for travel.

✔️ Weight : The lightest car seats are often the most portable. We get especially excited when we find any that are less than 15 pounds, though a few on our list are heavier than that.

✔️ Easy cleaning : Regardless of age, spills happen. Luckily, like many other car seats, most portable seats offer removable machine-washable seat covers and padding.

✔️ Design : Traditional car seats have a ton of padding, robust side-impact protection and extra features that are important for everyday but might be overkill for short trips. The best design for a portable car seat is a slim, streamlined one.

✔️ Ease of installation : Since you will be re-installing the car seat each time you put it in a new car or aircraft, it's important to find a car seat that is so easy to install it won't take more than a few minutes. The easiest car seats for traveling can be installed without a car seat base.

✔️ State laws : Before you bring your car seat across state lines, check state laws to be sure you'll be compliant. Often children through age 7 must be in a child-restraint seat. But if you're heading to Florida for Disney World, the laws there only apply to children through age 5.

Should you bring a car seat on the plane?

While it is not mandatory to strap your little one into a car seat on an airplane, many parents opt to do so since it can be both a safer and more comfortable for everyone . It's recommended to do so for children under age 2 by the FAA and AAP. Note: For your child to ride in a car seat, you'll need to buy them their own plane ticket so they're guaranteed to have the space. If your baby under age 2 is flying as a free "lap baby" you are not guaranteed space for your car seat.

Before you bring a car seat onboard, check that it has an FAA-approved sticker. It's also a good idea to bring along your car seat manual to help ensure that you're properly installing the seat on the aircraft. There are helpful videos on YouTube, too, that show how to buckle a car seat in with a lap belt. (This one from the FAA shows how to install a forward-facing car seat on a plane .) Watch some before your trip!

The average airline seat is about 17 inches wide and measures 30 inches from the back of the seat to the seat in front of you — but size can vary depending on which airline you are flying. Because of this, it's best to pick a narrow, compact car seat. Infant car seats fit better than most convertible car seats, though we find that the Cosco choice on our list generally fits well.

For those who are traveling with a car seat who don't plan to use it while on the plane, many airlines will check the car seat or booster seat for free at the check-in desk or at the gate. It might be a good idea to purchase a travel bag to fit it in, to help avoid damage.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lab pros and journalists at the Good Housekeeping Institute provide expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including portable car seats.

This article was overseen by Rachel Rothman , former Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute, who was trained in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. As a mom to three kids, she personally used many of the products we recommend.

In her former role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brought years of experience to the Institute and wrote the first iteration of this story. It has since been updated by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the car-seat market for 25 years, previously for Parents magazine and American Baby magazine. She's also a mom of two.

Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People , covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

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The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

 Amazon

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

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Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Traveling with kids? Whether an extended road trip or airplane ride is on the agenda, your little one needs a travel car seat to stay safe on the journey. Travel car seats are a bit different from everyday ones, as they’re typically lighter in weight, easier to move and set up from car to car, and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take in the air.

A travel car seat also comes in handy if you find yourself in ride-shares or taxis regularly. Many models don’t require a base, so it’s simple to strap the unit in without spending half the afternoon figuring out which piece goes where. The best travel car seats are so convenient, in fact, that you might stick to them altogether.

Table of Contents

• Best Travel Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat  »

Various features for correct installation

Can be installed without a base via European belt routing

Five height positions and six recline positions

Includes base and newborn positioner

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection

JPMA certified and GreenGuard Gold Certified

Not super light

Travel bag sold separately

There’s no need to worry about properly installing the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat. It comes with multiple features to ensure you do it correctly, including LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, and RideRight bubble level indicators to make sure it’s at the right angle.

This best travel car seat comes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ sun protection. It also comes with a base, but doesn’t require one in order to use. That means you can keep the base in your car for regular use and still be able to install it in other vehicles, thanks to its European belt routing system. It only weighs 10 pounds and is FAA approved, so it’s ready to bring on an aircraft. The Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag , however, is sold separately. But with the five height positions and six recline positions, your baby is bound to be comfortable no matter how you choose to travel. And once you reach your destination, keep the car seat looking fresh by tossing the fabrics in the washing machine.

They KeyFit 35 is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), meaning it meets minimum government requirements based on safety and use, and GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat  »

Affordable price point

Aircraft certified and TSA-friendly designed

No additional base needed

Side Impact Protection

Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad

Installation may be tricky with some seat belts

May fit snugly on older babies

If you’re looking for a secondary car seat, chances are that you’re hoping to keep the cost low. With the Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat, you’ll save money without losing the factors that make a travel car seat desirable. At just 6.8 pounds, this is one unit you won’t struggle to carry through the airport. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it has built-in Side Impact Protection.

This model can carry a child up to 40 pounds and 43 inches tall. It has five harness heights and three buckle locations, so it’ll grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. This affordable car seat comes in seven designs with black details. And Cosco Kids makes it easy to clean with its machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad and dishwasher-safe removable cup holder.

While this may not be the ideal pick for everyday use, the no-base, lightweight design makes it a smart pick for upcoming vacations or times when you need to move it between cars often. Just use the LATCH connectors to safely secure it in place.

Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus  »

Only 17 inches wide

Seats folds up

FAA approved

Supports kids up to 120 pounds

12 headrest positions

Available in five colors

Heavy at 30.6 pounds

Booster mode can’t be used on a plane

LATCH connectors not available for all weights

At just 17 inches wide, the Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus comfortably fits in even the most compact cars. If you have a full backseat, three of these models can fit across the backseat. Don’t let its compact size fool you, though. This travel car seat was designed to grow with your child from 4 to 120 pounds, in rear-facing position, forward-facing position, and booster mode.

This unit comes with a detachable rear-facing base, which Diono recommends using, but it can be used without it. The base shouldn’t be used in the forward-facing position or in booster mode. To make sure your little one is happy, the Radian boasts a 12-position headrest that you can adjust with just one hand. The covers are machine washable, and the shell and components on the rest of the car seat can be spot cleaned.

This convertible car seat folds to make travel easier, and its FAA-approved status means it’ll be your airplane companion. Just keep in mind that it can only be taken on a plane in rear-facing and forward-facing positions, not booster mode.

Doona + Car Seat & Stroller  »

Converts from car seat to stroller in seconds

Comes fully assembled

FAA approved and can be pushed down airplane aisle

Available in seven colors

UPF 50+ sun protection and water-repellant canopy

Includes LATCH base, infant insert, head support, and vehicle seat protector

Can only be used up to 35 pounds

The Doona + Car Seat & Stroller can be used with or without the included base, but the real magic comes in when you’re using it in between car and airplane rides. Within a matter of seconds, this innovative model goes from car seat to stroller with the push of a button. Plus, it comes fully assembled, so you can use it the moment it arrives.

The water-repellent canopy provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and comes in seven bold colors, including Racing Green, Flame Red, and Blush Pink. The adjustable handle is a nice touch, too, for a more comfortable gliding experience for adults.

Not only is the Doona approved by the FAA, but at just 17.4 inches wide, it can easily be pushed down an airplane aisle so you can get in your seat easily. Although it’s pricey, the fact that it acts as both a travel car seat and stroller means that it’s a great value. Consider this the all-in-one travel system that makes navigating the world with a baby so much simpler. Megan Wood, Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, uses the Doona as her family’s main car seat and loves how easy it makes running errands and travel without having to pack a separate stroller.

Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat  »

Fits in most airplane overheads bins

Only weighs 8 pounds

Installs via LATCH or car or plane seat belt

Folds down to 11.6 inches long by 14.5 inches wide by 18.9 inches tall

Made with space-grade aluminum alloy and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified wool

On the pricier side

Can’t be used until child is 22 pounds

Make your next flight with your child as easy as possible with the Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat. With a compact design that folds up—so much so that it fits in most airplane overhead bins—this FAA-approved model goes wherever you do. Weighing just 8 pounds, this travel car seat is installed via LATCH connectors or using the car or airplane seat belt.

Unlike the other best travel car seats on our list, the Pico is a forward-facing option that’s designed for children 22 to 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall. Wayb recommends it for ages 2 years old and up. While you can’t use it for a newborn, it’ll be your little one’s travel companion once they grow a bit.

The Pico is available in five colors, and an optional carry bag, vehicle seat protector, and cup holder are sold separately. If you have multiple children, you can snag a few of these and three can fit in a row in the backseat of most vehicles.

Nuna Pipa RX x Pipa Relx Base  »

Five-second installation

Can be used with or without the included base

Removable UPF 50+ canopy

GreenGuard Gold Certified and fire retardant-free materials

Connects with all Nuna strollers

Doesn’t fold

If installing a car seat isn’t something you’re looking forward to, make it easy on yourself with the Nuna Pipa RX. It comes with Pipa Relx Base, but you don’t need it in order to put it to use in a car or on an airplane. If you do decide to use it, however, the base features a stability leg that absorbs impact to prevent motion from transferring to your baby. Plus, installation takes just five seconds.

At 7.6 pounds (not including the canopy or infant insert), it’s one of the lightest options on our list. This travel car seat has a four-position recline, and you don’t have to reinstall it to change the position. It features an infant insert that can be removed when your little one grows. But no matter what age they are, you’ll want to take advantage of the removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

This unit has the green light to be part of air travel, and you can feel good knowing that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified and made with fire retardant-free materials.

Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat  »

High-strength steel frame and SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy

Accommodates children up to 65 pounds

Aircraft approved

10-position harness and headrest adjust together

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

On the heavier side

Any piece of baby gear you put your child in needs to be sturdy and durable. The Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat was built to last. Its frame is made of high-strength steel, and it features SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy, so you can feel confident that your little one is protected. Its fabric is tough and can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer to refresh it after a spill or accident.

This best travel model is designed to grow with your child, as it accommodates them from 5 pounds all the way up to 65 pounds. As they get bigger, you can adjust the harness and headrest, which move together in 10 different positions.

The Emblem is on the heavier side at just under 20 pounds, but it’s still reasonable enough to bring with you in a ride-share or carry it on for aircraft use. Just utilize its installation features, including LATCH connectors and level indicators, to ensure that it’s correctly set up.

Graco Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat  »

Only weighs 6.8 pounds

Four-position carry handle

Machine-washable seat pad and canopy

Doesn’t convert to front facing

Graco refers to its Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat as “The Weightless Wonder,” and it’s clear why. This lightweight car seat only weighs 6.8 pounds. If you count the base, it only goes up to 10.4 pounds. It’s the lightest carrier on our list, so it’ll truly become a travel must-have when vacation is calling.

Approved to take on an airplane, the Graco Century has a carry handle with four adjustable positions, so both you and your baby will be comfortable. It comes with a base that can be installed via LATCH connectors. However, it can be used without one for even quicker installation with a vehicle or airplane seat belt. And if an in-flight spill dirties the seat pad or canopy, both are machine washable.

The Century is designed for babies up to 35 pounds. Even though it won’t go the long haul, it’s a budget-friendly option that does its job well while it can. Plus, it’s compatible with all Century strollers and car seat bases from Graco that can be purchased separately.

The Bottom Line

The market is far from short on car seat options, and that rings true for travel car seats, too. To choose the best one for your child, consider how often you plan to use it. If it’s a secondary car seat that you’re planning to only break out a couple times of year for vacation, then you may want to keep your budget low. But if you’re looking forward to road trips and airplane rides on the regular, better quality and durability may be more important. Once you see how much use you’ll get out of it, you can focus on what features are necessities in your book. Does it need to fold? Does its weight need to stay super low? But if you’re not totally sure what you need in a travel car seat, the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat, our Best Overall pick, is FAA approved, weighs just 10 pounds, comes with a UPF 50+ canopy, and comes with a base but doesn’t need it in order to install.

Things To Consider When Buying Travel Car Seats

Safety Certification and Compliance

The good news is that if you’re buying a new travel car seat from a reputable retailer in the United States, you’re probably in good shape.

“All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet stringent safety regulations, following the requirements set by the NHTSA,” says Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. “A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.’”

Don’t forget that car seats also have expiration dates, and when they hit it, toss them, reminds Samora Coles, founder and executive director of The Alex House Project , an organization that supports low-income families and young mothers with their transition to parenthood. While this is one piece of baby gear you’re likely to want to buy new, if you’re using a secondhand model, it’s even more imperative that you check its expiration date and look up if any recalls or malfunctions have been reported.

Size and Weight Suitability

Most—but not all—travel car seats can be used right from birth, so keep in mind when you plan on using it and if your little one is big enough to be safely strapped in. Some options have one mode while others convert to various positions, including rear facing, forward facing, and booster to grow with your child. Each mode has its own weight and height limits, and those numbers vary depending on the brand and model. It’s important to read through and follow those instructions for safety.

“Car seats, when not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, could be less likely to protect a child from injury,” says Colella. “Car seats are safety devices that are designed and tested to protect children when used as directed by the manufacturer.”

Many travel car seats have an adjustable headrest that you can raise as your child grows. If longevity is important to your buying decision, check to make sure it has this capability so you’re not stuck getting a new one in a year’s time.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

The first time you put a typical car seat in your vehicle may have taken a while. That kind of time isn’t provided when you’re on the tarmac, so the best travel car seats need to be easy to install. It’s a smart idea to do a test run in a car so you can feel confident in its setup.

Even though many travel car seats come with a base, they’re typically not a must-use on the road. Some models just need a vehicle’s or airplane’s seat belt to safely strap in. Others also offer LATCH connectors that provide a super-secure installation.

“Most travel car seats are compatible with any vehicle, but parents want to research car seat company manuals and reviews from other parents,” says Coles. To assure parents that they did it correctly, some units have colored indicators that give the thumbs up when it’s ready to use or level indicators that confirm it’s not tilted. If you’re concerned about always setting it up and taking it out, look for a model that eases your worries.

Portability for Frequent Travel

Whether you’re hurrying to your gate or rushing to the taxi stand, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy travel car seat weighing you down. Even if you don’t plan to carry it around while your baby is in it most of the time, you want the unit to be built for portability. That starts with looking at the car seat’s weight. The lowest on this list is 6.8 pounds, and it goes up quite a bit from there. It’s also helpful if the travel car seat folds down — not only so that it fits in the overhead bin on an airplane, but so it’s convenient to carry along with your weekender bag.

“When considering portability factors, parents should consider dual abilities in a travel car seat,” explains Coles. “Seats that can act as strollers can help parents limit necessary items they must carry while traveling.”

Don’t forget to check out the handle, too. Even if it’s lightweight, if the handle doesn’t boast an ergonomic design, parents can feel quite uncomfortable.

Convertibility as the Child Grows

Some travel car seats grow with your child, so they’ll go from rear facing to forward facing to even booster. Each of these stages have their own weight and height limits. However, things can get tricky depending on where you’re traveling to.

“Every U.S. state and territory has a law that defines how a child must be restrained in a vehicle and also requires car seat compliance with the aforementioned safety regulations. State laws vary significantly, and travelers must follow the law for the state in which they are traveling,” says Colella. “For example, 19 states and the District of Columbia require that children ride in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2, while other states use age 1 or do not specify a rear-facing age requirement. Most states also require the use of car booster seats, though the maximum age for those requirements varies from 5 to 10 years old.

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

Nothing is more important than safety when we’re talking about baby gear. U.S. News 360 Reviews kept it at the top of mind when hunting down the best travel car seats, but we also considered price, weight of the carrier, weight and height limits, and installation. To ensure we had the must-know information, we consulted the director of Child Passenger Safety at JPMA and the founder and executive director of an organization that helps young mothers with their transition to parenthood. They provided insight on which key components to understand before landing on the travel car seat for your personal lifestyle. Before adding to cart, think about when and where you’ll use it and what features truly matter to you.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, has been researching, testing, and reviewing products since 2017. This means she has years of experience honing in on what’s important when shopping for a product, including baby gear. Fitzpatrick is a mom herself and has done her own personal deep dive on what makes one car seat better than another. That’s why she concentrated on safety as the top priority when choosing the best travel car seats. Megan Wood , Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, focuses on baby gear and recommends the Doona Car Seat + Stroller for traveling families.

“While the FAA does not require the use of car seats on airplanes for children, and those under the age of 2 are allowed to ride on their parents’ lap, this is not considered best practice,” says Colella. “Turbulence can happen with little or no warning, and appropriate car seats provide the safest way for children to travel on airplanes.”

Most travel car seats are certified to use on aircrafts, but be sure to check that it’s the case with your specific model. It can also make a difference which airline you fly and if you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Booster car seats and child restraint harnesses are generally not supposed to be used on an airplane. All of the recommendations on this list are approved for airplane use.

As far as adjustability, many models feature adjustable straps, height/headrest positions, and recline positions.

The best travel car seats are typically easy to install. After all, they’re expected to be moved between vehicles or on and off airplanes regularly. Some of these models come with a base, but don’t necessarily require it for the unit to be secured. Many travel car seats come with LATCH connectors. “This system is compatible with vehicles with anchors located at the lower and upper tether of their seats where the car seat can be secured,” explains Coles. “Since all vehicles must have seat belts, all car seats have a space to secure car seats using the seat belt.”

Two of the most important factors when shopping for the best travel car seat are installation and portability. You want it to be easy to secure on an airplane and in a ride-share, and simple to carry it with you wherever your adventures lead.

“Additionally, factors such as the age, weight, height, and overall condition of the seat should be considered as they can help determine the overall value of the car seat, especially for those with limited resources and busy lifestyles,” says Coles.

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor

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The Ultimate Guide To Flying With a Car Seat in 2023 [U.S. Airline Policies]

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FAA-approved Car Seats

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Flying with young children can be a great way to help get them used to travel and on their way to becoming mini jet-setters. However, any parent that has boarded a plane with a little one (or more than one) in tow will tell you that it can be very stressful.

Being a parent and just having a day at home is stressful enough. But adding packing, planning, airport security, delays, paperwork, and more is enough to discourage even the most seasoned travelers.

At the end of the day, we all want our kids to have a comfortable, and most importantly, safe flight. And the best way to accomplish that is by having them fly in their own seat, using an approved car seat whenever possible.

In the U.S., children under the age of 2 are allowed to fly for free as a lap child on the ticket of a paying adult. In many situations, it is very likely that a small child would spend the majority of the flight in the arms of their parent, especially on a short flight. However, turbulence and accidents do happen, so that is why car seats are recommended whenever possible. 

With full flights being very common, having an empty seat next to you is not guaranteed. And it’s no secret that paying for an extra ticket isn’t ideal if you don’t have to. But if you are planning on bringing a car seat on your next flight in the U.S., there are some basics that you should be aware of.

Here is an overview of what you need to know about car seats on planes.

First of all, if you want to use a car seat on your next flight, it must be a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved car seat or child restraint system (CRS). The airline crew will look for a sticker on the car seat that says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” Without that information, you will not be able to use your car seat on board.

According to the FAA , the car seat or CRS must be used in a forward-facing aircraft seat, so keep that in mind if you are booking a business class cabin that offers both forward- and rear-facing seats. The car seat itself should be used as indicated by the manufacturer, as you would in an automobile. So the car seat can be rear-facing in a forward-facing seat, for example.

Booster seats, harness vests, and baby chest carriers/slings/wraps are allowed during flight, but not during take-off and landing.

How do you install your car seat on an airplane? It’s best to follow the guidance of the instruction manual provided by your car seat’s manufacturer. The FAA also has a helpful video offering tips for installing forward-facing car seats on a plane .

Car Seat Policies for U.S. Airlines (Overview)

Hot Tip: Traveling soon? Here are our best tips for less stress and more family fun ! 

Individual U.S. Airline Car Seat Policies

Alaska Airlines strongly recommends small children use a car seat or child-restraint system whenever flying in their own seat. Lap infants may use the seat next to their parents at no cost if it is not otherwise occupied.

To use a car seat on board, it must have both of the following labels attached to it:

• This restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
• This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft (in red lettering)

In addition to those requirements, there are some restrictions as well. Child-restraint systems are not permitted in:

• Any aisle seat
• Emergency exit rows
• Rows immediately in front of or behind the exit rows
• “A” seats in rows 1 to 4 on flights operated with Embraer E175 aircraft

To prevent the blocking of passengers in the event of an emergency, it is recommended that car seats are placed in a window seat first, or a middle seat if a window is not available.

Since Alaska aircraft have so many configurations, not all car seats will fit in all planes. If you are traveling on a Boeing 737-700, car seats wider than 17 inches (43.1 cm) will not fit. If you are flying on a 737-800/900/900ER, the limit is 17.5 inches (44.4 cm)

It is best to check with the airline to confirm if you have any doubts.

Allegiant Air has 2 options for passengers younger than 24 months: either fly for free as a lap child or as a ticketed passenger in an FAA-approved car seat.

Children older than 2 years must have their own seat, and it is highly recommended that they travel in a car seat or a child restraint system if they weigh less than 40 pounds.

Car seats or child restraint systems must have at least 1 of the following labels on them:

• The FMVSS.213 insignia
• Language indicating that they are certified or approved for use in motor vehicles and on aircraft
• Language indicating they conform to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

If the car seat is wider than 17.88 inches (45.4 cm), it is unlikely to fit in an Allegiant Air seat.

You can check the minimum and maximum seat widths of the different aircraft types on the Allegiant website .

American Airlines is pretty clear about what car seats can be used and where they can be used on its flights.

The airline says that “most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft” as long as they have a solid back and seat, restraint straps, and the proper labels.

The labels to look for will likely have:

• “This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,” and “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft,” or “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”
• Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations

While it is recommended that parents purchase an additional seat if they plan to use a car seat, if the neighboring seat is available, it can be used for the child.

Like other airlines, car seats are not allowed in exit rows and window seats are preferred, although middle seats can be used if necessary. The child must remain in the car seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the “fasten seatbelt” sign is on, especially during turbulence.

Since American Airlines has some first and business class products with angled seats, car seats are not allowed in the following cabins:

• Airbus A321T (first class)
• Boeing 777-200 (business class)
• Boeing 777-300 (business class)
• Boeing 787-800 (business class)
• Boeing 787-900 (business class)

Avelo Airlines is a relatively new, low-cost airline from California and it has plenty of information for young travelers.

When it comes to car seats and child restraint systems on board, there are some basics you need to know.

The car seat must have:

• A solid backseat
• Placards to determine the orientation of the device in the airplane seat
• A width of no more than 16.5 to 17 inches (which is the space between the seat armrests on Avelo aircraft)
• Restraints installed to secure the car seat to the aircraft and internal restraint straps installed to secure the child to the car seat
• Appropriate labels indicating the seat is approved for use on an aircraft
• 2 labels: “This CRS conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Standards” and “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” in red lettering

To use a seat that was not built to U.S. standards, the seat must have a label showing approval from a foreign government or that the seat was manufactured under standards of the United Nations. This label consists of the letter “E” surrounded by a circle followed by a number of the approving country.

As is standard practice, car seats cannot be used in exit rows and cannot block other passengers.

Delta Air Lines has plenty of information for parents traveling with young children.

For parents traveling with a child restraint system or car seat, they must:

• Ensure that the child restraint seat meets FAA guidelines
• Ensure that the child restraint seat functions properly and is free of obvious defects
• Secure the child according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure the child does not exceed the restraint’s weight limit
• Ensure the child restraint is secured to the aircraft seat using the aircraft seat’s safety belt

If the car seat was manufactured in the U.S. after February 25, 1985, it must have the following labels on it:

• Conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Standards
• Is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft

If the car seat was manufactured outside of the U.S. it must:

• Have the approval of a foreign government
• Have been manufactured under the standards of the United Nations

Booster seats are not allowed, and car seats cannot be used in a seat equipped with an airbag seat belt.

Other seats that car seats cannot be used onboard a Delta flight include:

• Aisle seats
• Any seat 1 row forward or 1 row back from an emergency exit row
• Bulkhead seats when the safety seat is a combination car seat and stroller
• Flatbed seats in the Delta One area of theAirbus A330-200 or A330-300 or Boeing 777, 767, or 747 aircraft due to the airbag seatbelt

Frontier Airlines encourages little ones to travel in their car seats, as it is the safest way for them to fly. However, seat widths vary by aircraft, so you will need to double-check before boarding.

The minimum seat widths are 17.4 inches (44.1 cm) on the A319 and A320 and 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) on the A321.

As is industry standard, only FAA-approved car seats are allowed on board and must have the proper labels. If the labels are missing, it cannot be used.

Booster seats may be used during the flight, but not during take-off and landing.

Car seats cannot be placed in:

• Rows directly in front of or behind emergency exit rows
• The very first row

Car seats are recommended to be placed in window seats so as to not impede aisle access to fellow passengers.

Hawaiian Airlines wants to make sure your “keiki” (kid) arrives safely on the islands and back home, so its website is loaded with valuable information.

Regarding car seats and child restraint systems, using an FAA-approved front-facing or rear-facing car seat in flight is recommended.

In order to use your car seat, it must bear 2 labels, written in red:

• “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards”
• “This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft”

Since Hawaiian Airlines has a variety of aircraft, seat sizes can vary, which may prevent some car seats from fitting in some seats. Here are the seat dimensions from the inside of one armrest to the other:

• Airbus A321 — Main Cabin: 16.3 to 18 inches (41.4 to 45.7 cm), Extra Comfort: 18 inches (45.7 cm), First/Business Class: 21 inches (53.3 cm)
• Airbus A330 — Main Cabin: 16.5 to 18 inches (41.9 to 45.7 cm), Extra Comfort: 18 inches (45.7 cm), First/Business Class: 19.5 to 20.5 inches (49.5 to 52 cm)
• ATR 42-500 — Main Cabin: 17 inches (43.1 cm)
• Boeing 717 — Main Cabin: 18 inches (45.7 cm), Extra Comfort: 18 inches (45.7 cm), First/Business Class: 19 inches (48.2 cm)

Car seats and child restraint systems cannot be used in the following locations:

• Rows immediately in front of or behind an exit
• Row 4 on the B717 planes

JetBlue Airways is a fun airline for kids thanks to free snacks and free live TV during the flight.

For parents, here is what you need to know about flying with a car seat on JetBlue:

• The CRS or car seat must be FAA-approved and have the appropriate labels
• Car seats should be placed in the window seat but can be used in the middle seat or aisle seat as long as the other seats remain empty
• Car seats may not be placed between 2 passengers
• If a seat is equipped with an airbag seatbelt, a seatbelt extension must be used

JetBlue has quite a few different aircraft, so seat sizes vary. Car seats must be able to fit in the following dimensions:

• Airbus A220 — 17.8 to 18.9 inches (45.2 to 48 cm)
• Airbus A320 Core — 16.3 to 18.36 inches (41.4 to 46.6 cm)
• Airbus A320 Even More Space — 17.5 to 18.65 inches (44.4 to 47.3 cm)
• Airbus A321 Core — 16.3 to 18 inches (41.4 to 45.7 cm)
• Airbus A321 Even More Space — 17.3 to 18 inches (43.9 to 45.7 cm)
• Airbus A321 Long Range — 16.55 to 18.36 inches (42 to 46.6 cm)
• Airbus A321 Mint — 18.87 to 22.25 inches (47.9 to 56.5 cm)
• Airbus A31neo Core — 16.55 to 18.36 inches (42 to 46.6 cm)
• Airbus A321neo Even More Space — 17.5 to 18.65 inches (44.4 to 47.3 cm)
• Embraer E190 — 18 inches (45.7 cm)

Booster seats may be used during the flight, but not during taxiing, take-off, and landing.

Southwest Airlines is another family-friendly carrier thanks to its generous cancellation and free checked bags policy.

Onboard, car seats and child restraint systems are welcome and encouraged. However, if the car seat was manufactured before February 25, 1985, it must have one of the following labels. If it was manufactured on or after February 26, 1985, it must have the following first 2 labels:

• “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
• “This child restraint device conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.”
• “FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR PART 21.305 (D) APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY.”

Car seats approved by foreign governments or the United Nations are also allowed in flight. The CARES CRS is the only harness-type device approved for use on board. The device is designed for small passengers weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.

The car seat or CRS should be used in a window seat or a middle seat as long as it doesn’t block the path to the aisle for other passengers.

Car seats cannot be used in:

• Emergency exit row seats
• Seats directly in front or behind the emergency exit row

Southwest’s aircraft fleet is pretty standardized, so almost all seats should be the same size. However, here are the seat dimensions to ensure your car seat will fit:

• Boeing 737-700 — 15.5 to 17 inches (39.3 to 43.1 cm)
• Boeing 737-800 — 15.5 to 17.8 inches (39.3 to 45.2 cm)
• Boeing 737-MAX 8— 15.5 to 17.8 inches (39.3 to 45.2 cm)

Spirit Airlines welcomes parents to bring on FAA-approved car seats on their flight as long as a dedicated seat has been purchased for it (there are no free seats for a lap child).

If the car seat is too large for your selected seat, you may be moved to another seat for free, but not the Big Front Seats which are a “premium product” and would come with an additional charge.

Seat width dimensions for Spirit Airlines aircraft are:

• Airbus A319 — Big Front Seats: 22 inches (55.8 cm), Deluxe Leather Seats: 15.5 to 17 inches (39.3 to 43.1 cm)
• Airbus A320 — Big Front Seats: 22.8 inches (57.9 cm), Deluxe Leather Seats: 15.5 to 16 inches (39.3 to 40.6 cm)
• Airbus A321 — Big Front Seats: 22 inches (55.8 cm), Deluxe Leather Seats: 15.5 to 17 inches (39.3 to 43.1 cm)

As expected, car seats are not allowed in emergency exit rows and may not be used in any seat equipped with an inflatable seat belt.

Additionally, rear-facing child restraint systems may not be accommodated if the height exceeds 25 inches (63.5 cm).

United Airlines welcomes families with FAA-approved car seats and child restraint systems in certain seats, including in Basic Economy.

The preferred location of car seats during the flight is a window seat. However, if a member of the same party is in the window seat and the car seat doesn’t block the exit to the aisle, it may be used in the middle seat.

Car seats cannot be used in the following locations:

• Rear-facing seats
• Directly in front of, behind, or in the emergency exit row on any aircraft
• United Polaris business class on 767, 777, and 787 aircraft

And finally, booster seats are not allowed at all during the flight.

Hot Tip: If your baby is breastfeeding, read our guide on flying with breast milk  and how to find nursing rooms at airports .

Traveling with kids can be very stressful, so eliminating some surprises is a good way to reduce some of that stress.

Here are some tips that may help with your next flight.

Unless you have decided to pay for an extra seat, you will need some luck on your side to get an empty seat next to you.

But you can increase your luck by booking in advance and letting the airline know that you will be traveling with a lap child.

If the plane is not completely full, the airline may block an empty seat next to you for the baby, which you could then use for the car seat. This is not guaranteed, but it could help.

While most airlines won’t let you choose an exit row if you have a small child on your reservation, if you haven’t added your child yet, be sure to know the rules when selecting your seat.

Each airline has its own rules, but in general, you should avoid emergency exit rows, the rows immediately in front of or behind them, and even some angled lie-flat seats, if you plan on using a car seat in flight.

Many parents dream of taking their kids to Walt Disney World for their birthday, but be careful if you are flying around the child’s second birthday.

If you traveled when the child was 1 year and 364 days old and then returned after they turned 2, the child would need a paid ticket for the round-trip flight.

One way to avoid that would be to book 2 one-way tickets, so at least the outgoing flight would be free as a lap child.

While your child won’t need an ID to get through TSA security or to board the plane, the airline may request proof of age at check-in.

This would only be in the case of a lap child flying for free, as the airline would want to charge an extra ticket if the child was older than 2.

There is no way to sugarcoat this part. Navigating security and getting around the airport with a car seat can be a pain, especially if you are traveling with a large infant car seat.

Many stroller and car seat manufacturers offer travel systems that allow the car seat to be connected directly to the stroller. That is a good way to get through the airport once dismantling everything for TSA . Most airlines will allow you to gate-check the stroller and board with the car seat during boarding.

If you are looking for a travel-friendly setup, Doona  offers a 1-piece car seat and stroller combo that folds into itself and can be rolled right onto the airplane.

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth buyer’s guides to the best travel strollers and best travel baby carriers .

If you are crossing your fingers for an empty seat next to you for your lap child and you find the flight to be full, you will not be able to use a car seat.

In that circumstance, you will have a couple of options, mostly depending on the type of plane you are on and how much overhead bin space is available.

If there is space and your baby’s car seat can fit, you can store it in the overhead bin. However, if it doesn’t fit, you will need to gate-check the car seat. That means it will be tossed under the plane and is likely to get dirtier than you might like.

While some airlines might offer a plastic bag for protection, you shouldn’t count on it and should plan to have some sort of cover or bag to place the car seat in to help keep it clean.

Hot Tip: From newborns to 18-year-olds, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to read “ What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? “

Traveling with your child can be stressful, though it can also be incredibly rewarding and memorable. The most important thing is that your kids have a safe flight, and the best way to ensure that is to have them fly in their own FAA-approved car seat.

While every airline has its own rules and size limitations, the general guidelines are the same throughout different U.S. carriers. As long as you do a little research in advance, your next trip with a car seat should go smoothly.

Safe travels and (try to) enjoy the memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do car seats count as checked bags.

No, most airlines will not charge you to check a car seat or stroller if you do not want to bring it on board.

Can I bring my car seat on a plane?

Yes, and it is strongly encouraged as it is safer and more comfortable for the child. The car seat must be FAA-approved and have the proper labels on the side.

Does a 3-year-old need a car seat on a plane?

Although it is not mandatory, the FAA highly recommends that children use an approved car seat or a CARES harness when flying.

Do airlines have an approved car seat list?

Approved car seats will have 1 or 2 labels on the side written in red lettering. If the car seat is from a foreign country, it must list the government approval or United Nations label on the side to be allowed on U.S. flights.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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What’s the best toddler travel car seat? (2023 reviews)

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This article, written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn, is about the best lightweight travel car seat for a toddler and may contain affiliate links.

One of the most frequent questions we’ve always gotten about traveling with kids is what to do about car seats. In particular, it’s a tough conundrum for parents whose kids have outgrown their infant car seats but aren’t yet old enough for the Wayb Pico , the Ride Safer travel vest , the Bubblebum or another innovative travel car seat. Because it needs to rear-face, a toddler travel car seat just doesn’t lend itself to such a creative solution. So what’s a globetrotting parent to do about flying with a car seat ?

One option is to buy the lightest convertible car seat possible. Fortunately there are plenty of great travel convertible car seat options on the market that will work for kids of all sizes and families with all budgets. This detailed guide will take you through what to look for in the best convertible car seat for travel for your needs and some of the top models available to consider. Remember, there’s no universal “best car seat for airplane travel” because every kiddo is different.

Quick Picks: Best Travel Car Seat for Toddlers

If you want to skip the details, here are my top picks for the best lightweight convertible car seat for travel:

• Cosco Scenera Next DLX or Scenera Deluxe – cheapest toddler travel car seat (also the lightest convertible car seat) and pairs perfectly with the Mountain Buggy Nano
• Evenflo Sonus 65 – best balance of light weight, long-lasting, reasonable price and nice quality for everyday use ( also available at Albee Baby , Amazon and Target )
• Graco Contender Slim / Graco Contender GO – lightweight car seat that allows rear facing beyond 40″ (but only up to 40lbs) and has a closed belt path for comfortable forward facing

Lightest Car Seat For Toddlers Comparison

I’ve used many of these light weight car seat options myself and have gotten feedback on the others from our Facebook group and fellow CPSTs. Check out this broader quick comparison of the best lightweight car seat options to begin your search:

Check out these full-featured, comfortable convertible car seats to use for long drives and at home

If you’re on a budget, jump to this in-depth comparison of the Cosco travel car seats

How to choose the best lightweight convertible car seat for travel

It can be extremely difficult to whittle down the choices when you’re looking for the best convertible car seat for travel for your family. After all, everybody’s needs are different! Here are some key features to look for as you consider your options for a light car seat for travel:

What is the lightest convertible car seat for travel?

One of the most important features of a travelling car seat is light weight. Why? Because you’ll be moving it around much more than you normally would at home. Out of the car when you arrive at the airport, through the airport, into the scanner at security, to the gate, on to the plane, off the plane, through the airport, on the rental car shuttle and then into a car – that’s our typical routine! 

All of that will be much easier with a lightweight convertible car seat. What does “light” mean? Most of the big fancy car seats like this and this weight 25 to 30lbs. The best convertible car seats for travel weight 8 to 15lbs, which can make a huge difference. This one is the lightest convertible car seat available.

The weight of the car seat doesn’t matter quite as much if you plan to use a car seat travel cart , but makes a much bigger difference if you’ll get it through the airport in your arms or in a car seat backpack .

The right size travel convertible car seat

We often think that “smaller is better” when it comes to travel gear, but in the case of a travel car seat it’s more about the right size for your situation and your child. What should you consider?

A car seat’s “shell height” refers to how much space there is along your child’s back and head. For kids who are in a rear facing travel car seat, they should have at least 1” of shell above their heads in addition to being within the car seat’s state’s height limit (if there is one). Once you switch your convertible car seat to forward facing you’ll need to make sure that the tops of your child’s ears are still within the shell and that the top harness slots are above your child’s shoulders. 

By the same token, you may not need to get the tallest possible car seat. Once your child is around 4 years old, you might want to switch to an ultra-light solution like the Ride Safer Travel Vest . So the tallest convertible car seats for travel might be the best choice for an ultra-tall kid, but could be unnecessary for another.

There’s truly no ideal size, just what suits your needs best. A car seat with a short shell will generally be lighter (less material!) and fit better in cramped spaces like economy airplane seats and subcompact rental cars. A car seat with a tall shell and harness slots will accommodate tall kids for longer. 

An easy to install travel car seat

When you’re traveling with a car seat, one things for sure: you’re very likely to have to install it in an unfamiliar car! The last thing you want after a long flight with a cranky kid is to be huffing, puffing, crying and swearing as you try to muscle an uncooperative car seat into your rental car (me in Phoenix circa 2013).

What can make or break a travel car seat’s ease of installation? In my experience, there are a few important things to look for. 

If you’re traveling with an infant or very young toddler in a convertible car seat, some seats may require a very reclined installation. Some seats have a flip down foot or a curved base to make it easy, but others might need a tightly rolled towel or a pool noodle.

The actual method of installation can vary a bit as well. All American car seats can be installed with either the LATCH system (sometimes up to a certain weight) or a seatbelt to give you total flexibility. Some LATCH clips are very basic hooks that can require more maneuvering, while others are the easier push-on style (with a red button to release). But they’ll all work in the end.

If you’re traveling overseas or need to put a car seat in a middle seat that might not have LATCH, prepare to install your travel convertible car seat with the seatbelt. Practice in advance! In the US all cars have locking seatbelts to make this easy. But in other countries it can be hit-or-miss. You can either look for a convertible car seat for travel that has a lock-off built in, or you can purchase an inexpensive locking clip and learn how to use it before your trip.

It’s especially important to practice if you’ll be taking taxis or Uber’s at your destination. Some will get impatient and pressure you to hold your child on your lap if it’s taking too long. Ignore them. Just keep the door open while you install and that car won’t go anywhere. They might start the meter while you’re installing to compensate for their time, and that’s ok.

Another important installation consideration is whether or not your car seat requires you to use a top tether for forward facing. They’re ideal for safety, as they decrease your child’s head movement 4-6″ in a crash, but not every car around the world has a tether anchor available! You’ll find them in nearly every car in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand; they’re increasingly prevalent in the EU (newer rental cars should have them). But if you’re riding in an old taxi or planning to drive in Eastern Europe, South America, Asia or Africa you’re unlikely to find one. At that point you’d need to make the judgement call on whether or not to install against the manufacturer’s directions.

A comfortable convertible car seat for travel

This last factor is perhaps the most subjective. But the last thing you want is a cranky kid on a long-haul flight! Some travel car seats have virtually no padding over the plastic shell. If you’re just using the car seat on the plane and then for a quick taxi ride, it won’t matter too much. But if you plan to use that seat every day during your trip or go on a long road trip at your destination, the last thing you want is a complaint every five minutes (me in Vancouver circa 2015). 

Want to know all my best secrets? Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro!

Read more: 5 Car Seat Tips for New Parents That I Wish Everyone Knew

The best convertible car seats for travel

Ready to dive in to the travel car seat for toddler reviews? We’ve reviewed the best convertible car seats for travel in 2023 below to help you choose the one that’s right for your family.

Cosco Scenera Next DLX review

Key stats: -Weight 7lbs -Shell height 23” -Max harness height 13.5” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-40lbs, 29-43″

Pros: ✔ Compact ✔ Lightest convertible car seat ✔ Low price

Cons: ✘ Low size limits ✘ Hard to install in some cars ✘ Limited padding for patterned covers ✘ No extra protection in headwings ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

The most popular convertible car seat for travel is the Cosco Scenera Next DLX . What makes the Cosco Scenera car seat so insanely popular and one of the best car seat for travel options? It’s as easy on the scale as it is on the wallet! The Cosco Scenera Next is the lightest convertible car seat and the cheapest convertible car seat as well, making it an ideal toddler travel car seat.

Just how light is it? It would be no problem to carry on your back in a car seat backpack like this one , and some parents even use these hooks to hang it from the back of the stroller as they walk through the airport. It’s the lightest car seat for travel and has held that crown for many years.

It’s good to know that the top harness slots are just 13.5” high, so some kids will outgrow the Scenera Next forward-facing even while they still have another year or two rear-facing. Remember, when your kid is forward-facing the straps need to come from above their shoulders. For rear facing, short shell means that very few kids will get to 40″ with the required 1″ above their heads.

If you’re debating the Cosco Scenera vs Evenflo Tribute, definitely go with the Cosco Scenera Next convertible car seat . It’s lighter, fits small babies better and lasts longer for toddlers and the price is comparable to the Evenflo travel car seat. It’s a solid choice for occasional travelers looking for a lightweight travel car seat. The Scenera is widely regarded as the best travel car seat for 1 year old globetrotters!

Our petite kids were able to rear-face in the Scenera Next until almost 4yo. However, it wasn’t necessarily a comfortable seat at that age. The crotch strap that comes with the seat is extremely short – like, newborn short. They will send you a longer one for free if you provide the serial number, so make sure you reach out to them the minute your seat arrives if you have a trip coming up. 

The Cosco Scenera Next fills an important niche as an affordable seat that travels fairly well and keeps kids rear-facing until at least 2.5yo. It’s also the best convertible car seat for small cars if you’re on a tight budget. Many parents feel that it’s the best travel car seat for 2 year old globetrotters.

It’s an excellent portable car seat for city trips because many parents are able to attach it to various lightweight travel strollers thanks to its compact shell and light weight. The Mountain Buggy Nano has a car seat strap built in, making the Scenera + Nano a very popular combination. Be sure to get 20% off with the monthly rotating coupon code (for example, APR20 in April).

Why don’t I love it? We found it very challenging to get a truly tight installation (especially on leather seats) and the patterned version of the seat that we got has absolutely no padding. Babies may not notice or complain but our preschooler was clear that it wasn’t the seat for him!

There’s now a DLX version that comes in solid colors but has more padding, so if you opt for the Cosco Scenera Next be sure to pick up that one even though it costs a few dollars more. Even better, Cosco now offers the Cosco Scenera Deluxe convertible car seat . They’ve basically taken the Cosco Scenera DLX and added a head pillow, lower back pad and strap covers. These are good changes that will appeal to many parents who don’t like the idea of their precious cargo riding in such an unpadded seat. I’m sure that my kid who complained about his original (non-DLX) Cosco Scenera Next would have been pleased!

Another version available for 2023 is the Maxi-Cosi Romi . It uses the Cosco Scenera Next shell but adds Maxi-Cosi’s flame retardant free PureCosi cover in addition to a head pillow and harness covers. Be sure to grab the monthly coupon (three letter month and 20, like APR20 for April) to save 20% at one of my favorite stores . That puts the price tag around $100 for this version, plus you’ll accumulate valuable rewards towards future purchases.

Despite its short shell, the Scenera may still need to be installed more upright than technically allowed on many planes. That’s ok with older infants and toddlers, but not for very young babies without head and neck control. We always found it easier to travel with an infant car seat as long as the kids fit.

If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you bring a locking clip . Cars in many other countries may not have locking seatbelts like the ones in the US; they lock in an emergency, but you can’t manually lock them by pulling all the way out. You should be able to use LATCH in cars where available, but if the seating position you want to use doesn’t have LATCH or it’s an older car without LATCH then you will need a locking clip.  Grab a locking clip here – it’s cheap and doesn’t take up any space!

As with all of Cosco’s seats, they now require use of the top tether when forward facing in cars (that’s not relevant when you’re choosing the best carseat for flying , as planes in most countries don’t have top tethers). It’s great for safety, but you may not find one when you’re traveling outside of the US, Canada, EU, Australia and New Zealand (or if you’re in an older car in one of those places). If you come across that situation, you’ll have to make a judgement call on whether or not to install your car seat against the manufacturer’s directions.

Read more: Cosco travel car seat comparison

Cosco Onlook review/Safety 1st Getaway review

Key stats: -Weight 8lbs -Shell height 24” -Max harness height 16” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-40lbs, 29-43” (the 43” limit may not be realistic depending on how long your child’s torso is)

Pros: ✔ Low price ✔ Compact front-to-back when installed more upright

Cons: ✘ Same size limits as Scenera but more expensive ✘ Extremely wide near the head ✘ Hard to install in some cars ✘ Limited padding for patterned covers ✘ No extra protection in headwings ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

Around the same time that Cosco ditched the old Scenera model in favor of the Cosco Scenera Next and Cosco Scenera Next DLX, they also refreshed the slightly larger Cosco Apt in favor of the Cosco Apt 50 convertible car seat. In mid-2022, they dropped the Apt 50’s weight limit back down to 40lbs and slapped two new names on it: the Cosco Onlook and the Safety 1st Getaway .

I’ll be totally honest: I don’t quite understand why Dorel is making both of those seats and the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 (which has been around for years as the Safety 1st Guide 65 – more info below) especially with the lower weight limit of the new Onlook. There’s a lot of overlap between the three Cosco convertible car seat options, so if you’re considering one of them it’s worth considering the others as well to make sure you’re choosing the one that best suits your needs – read my detailed comparison .

The Cosco Onlook is much the same as its younger sibling, the Cosco Scenera Next. It’s one of the lightest weight convertible car seat options, well-priced and gets the job done with minimal frills. The shell height is similar to the Scenera Next so it won’t buy you any extra time rear-facing, but thanks to the higher harness height, skinny kids kids can comfortably forward face in the Cosco Onlook until at least 4 years old. It’s a solid choice if you want a convertible car seat for travel that allows for extended rear facing but you don’t have a big budget.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Onlook over the Scenera Next is that it’s extremely wide near the top – several inches wider! It’s not your best choice if you’re trying to fit three-across in a tiny European rental car. It also needs to be very reclined for kids under 22lbs, so might be a tight squeeze if you’re trying to rear-face on a plane with a baby. And if you’re flying overseas, be sure to bring a locking clip just in case.

As with all Cosco carseat options, they now require use of the top tether. It’s great for safety, but you may not find one when you’re traveling outside of the US, Canada, EU, Australia and New Zealand (or if you’re in an older car in one of those places). If you come across that situation, you’ll have to make a judgement call on whether or not to install your car seat against the manufacturer’s directions.

Baby Trend Trooper review

Key stats: -Weight 10lbs -Shell height 24” -Max harness height 16.5” -Rear-facing size limits 4-40lbs -Forward-facing size limits 23-65lbs, up to 50”

Pros: ✔ First from preemie to elementary school ✔ Extremely narrow convertible car seat ✔ Built in cup holder ✔ Very clear labeling on car seat and inserts

Cons: ✘ Very steep recline under 22lbs ✘ Doesn’t last as long as the Evenflo Sureride ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

Baby Trend has a newer offering in the compact car seat space and she’s got a lot to offer for traveling parents! The Baby Trend Trooper convertible car seat (be sure to check prices here too ) ticks many boxes for traveling families.

What’s so great? For starters, it’s very lightweight at just 10 lbs and extremely narrow. It’s even a hair narrower than the Cosco Scenera Next. But unlike the Scenera, the Baby Trend Trooper will fit most kids until until around age 6. The price tag is higher, but you’ll get about double the use from it! The Trooper also has a few different padding configurations available (some with weight limits, some totally optional) including a body pillow, a head pillow and harness pads.

I don’t recommend the Baby Trend Trooper for families traveling with a newborn or young infant. The car seat will fit your baby well thanks to tons of adjustments, but the steep recline for babies under 23 lbs will take up a ton of space and can be tough to get right. It’s much more compact once your child reaches 23 lbs (around 18 months on average).

The Trooper won’t last quite as long as the Evenflo Sonus 65 (below) for forward-facing, but the more compact shape could make that trade off worth it for many families. This is the best travel carseat for families who need to fit 3-across on a budget, with the added benefit that they’ll only have to learn the rules for a single seat.

It may seem like a small detail, but I appreciate Baby Trend’s attention to labeling and instructions on this seat. In a world where the vast majority of car seats are misused , clear labels make such a difference. Baby Trend tells you the weight limit for the insert right there on it. The special harness routing for newborns is labeled on the seat. The harness has stripes to let you know it’s laying flat with no twists. There’s a big picture of an airplane on the side of the seat to show flight attendants, rather than searching for obscure red lettering.

The manual itself is useful. Truly! There’s a page with clear cleaning instructions for each part. There’s another page that lays out the rules for various padding that comes with the seat. There’s a quick safety checklist for parents to review. The manual is full of easy-to-digest information to help parents use their car seat correctly. Be sure to read it for the seat’s many adjustments. There’s even a QR code to scan that gives direct access to installation videos.

Evenflo Sonus 65 review

Key stats: -Weight 11lbs -Shell height 25” -Max harness height 18” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, 28-50”

Pros: ✔ Generous size limits ✔ More comfort features than other travel car seats ✔ Nice enough to use as an everyday car seat ✔ Somewhat narrow convertible car seat

Cons: ✘ Requires top tether , which may not be available in all countries ✘ Heavier than Cosco Scenera Next and Cosco Apt 50 ✘ More expensive than Cosco car seats ✘ Can be a tight squeeze front-to-back when rear-facing on some airlines with limited seat pitch ✘ 6 year expiration

The Evenflo Sonus 65 is a replacement for Evenflo’s older introductory-level lightweight car seat, the Evenflo Tribute LX (which won’t seem to die). We’ve had several well-loved Evenflo car seats over the years so we’re glad to see they’re offering a great option for younger travelers now!

The Evenflo Sonus 65 is a great choice for a lightweight car seat for travel thanks to its more generous size limits combined with light weight. Most kids will make it to their fourth birthday rear-facing in this traveling car seat. This is one of the best travel convertible car seat options to come on the market in the last few years.

It offers reasonable padding for kid comfort (unlike some other bargain models) and gives kids built-in cup holders to boot so many families use this as an everyday lightweight toddler car seat. The Sonus 65 not only has a higher forward-facing weight limit (65 pounds vs 50 pounds) than the regular Sonus , but it also adds a recline wedge to get the correct angle without needing a pool noodle or rolled towel.

If you mostly fly on airlines with limited seat pitch (the space between the seats) it may be a tight fit to install the Sonus 65 rear facing, particularly if you have a newborn or young infant and need the full recline. If your child is old enough and big enough, you can consider forward facing for your flight and then rear facing again in the car. Even better, it’s low-profile enough that your child will be able to use the tray table on many airlines!

PSA: I’ve read that the seat comes with the LATCH strap set up to install forward-facing. If you want to install rear-facing, be sure to switch it. Read the manual and do it before your trip because it can be tricky!

Graco Contender Slim / Graco Contender GO review

Key stats: -Weight 15lbs -Shell height 27” -Max harness height 18” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, under 49″

Pros: ✔ Fits from newborn to elementary school ✔ “Closed” belt path means no buckle in the back when forward facing on a plane ✔ Easy to install with either LATCH or seatbelt ✔ Allows rear facing past 40″ (as long as there’s 1″ of head room) ✔ Newer version is narrower near the legs so it fits better on airplanes

Cons: ✘ Tall shell won’t fit well rear-facing in compact cars and economy airplane seats

What’s a 15 pound monster doing in the middle of a list of featherweights? If you want to keep rear facing a tall child or have a child who will be forward-facing on a plane now or in the near future, the Graco Contender Slim (or its twin, the Graco Contender GO ) deserves at least a moment of consideration. These are the same seat except that the GO comes with two removable cup holders to lose instead of one. I recommend buying whichever is cheaper!

Unlike nearly every lightweight car seat, the Graco Contender does not have a 40″ standing height limit for rear facing. That means you can keep your tall, lanky kid rear facing longer in the car (even if they forward face on the plane – it may be a little big to rear face on the plane due to its recline).

The Contender has a really neat trick up its sleeve for flights. Unlike most other lightweight car seats, it has a “closed belt path” for forward facing. What is a closed belt path? It means there’s a panel separating your child’s back from the airplane seat belt buckle. Having flown long-haul with kids forward-facing in other car seat, I can tell you that’s a big deal for their comfort.

The other nice feature for forward facing on planes is that there’s plenty of natural recline to the seat while many others are extremely upright. Double-win for in-flight comfort! Unfortunately that reclined position means your child wouldn’t be able to use the tray table so you’ll need to evaluate how important that is for you. Like some other tall, reclined seats it’s also not ideal for flying with an infant as you may not be able to recline it as much as you need to.

It also has all the other great features of a full-sized car seat: ample padding, a cup holder, easy installation. You could certainly use this as your everyday seat for many years.

The major downside compared to other options on this list is just the size. Getting it through the airport won’t be as easy as with a lighter car seat. One of these would definitely come in handy!

Century Drive On review

Key stats: -Weight 14lbs -Max harness height 16” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, under 49″ -High back booster size limits 40-100lbs, 43-57″, age 4+

Pros: ✔ Fits from newborn to early booster years ✔ Good fit in all modes ✔ Light enough for travel ✔ Simple to install ✔ Works with inflatable seatbelts ✔ Fun colors

Cons: ✘ Recline line must be parallel to the ground, requiring a rolled towel in some cars ✘ 40lb rear facing limit won’t get big kids to 4 years old ✘ Low top harness slots so not ideal for tall/long torso kids

If you have an average to petite child and only want to buy one travel car seat ever , it’s time to read up on the new Century Drive On . This isn’t actually a lightweight convertible car seat; it’s the lightest all-in-one car seat (more accurately called a “multi-mode car seat”). The Drive On offers a simple solution for both home and away. You may never have heard of the Century brand, but the name has been around for decades and was recently revived by Graco’s parent company to product a line of budget-friendly seats.

The Drive On gives plenty to love with just a few downsides. There will always be trade offs, but for some families it’ll be a wonderful choice to fulfill their travel convertible car seat needs.. The first reason why I recommend the Century Drive On is that the fit has been great on every kiddo I’ve seen in it, from newborn to late preschool/early elementary school.

Second, the installation is very straight-forward with no major quirks to report. It’s simple and it works. If you’re short on storage space, it’s nice to just have one travel seat kicking around your house (or even installed in a secondary car) rather than keeping a parade of shorter-lived seats around.

Speaking of short-lived, there’s the rub with the Century Drive On… while average/petite kiddos or those with short torsos will be able to use this seat until as old as 8 years old (once in booster mode), it won’t last tall kids quite as long as a lightweight convertible car seat with tall harness slots like the Evenflo Sonus 65 . The rear facing mode is nice because it doesn’t have a standing height limit vs the 40″ rear facing limit for many travel car seats, but the tallest harness slot for forward facing just isn’t that tall.

The earliest kids have the maturity to use a booster seat is typically 5, but some kids do best in a harness until 6 or even 7. If they happen to be tall and need more time harnessed, the Drive On may fall short.

The other annoyance with the Drive On in some vehicles is that the recline line is supposed to be parallel to the ground at all times when rear facing, no matter how old your kiddo is. This is probably a rule to save money on testing by just allowing a single recline, but the included adjustable recline foot might not be enough in cars with extremely sloped seats. Some people overcome this with an 11″ piece of pool noodle while others use a rolled towel to prop it up. This method can also be very effective.

It’s also worth noting that the Century Drive On comes in a neutral gray, a beautiful blue and a cheerful pink. Not that color should be a determining factor in a car seat it’s nice to see a little variety now and then! The covers are all made from recycled plastic but feel nice and soft.

Safety 1st Guide 65/Cosco Mighty Fit 65 review

Key stats: -Weight 11lbs -Shell height 24” -Max harness height 17” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs, 19-40” -Forward-facing size limits 22-65lbs, 29-49”

Pros: ✔ First from infancy to elementary school ✔ Somewhat narrow convertible car seat

Cons: ✘ Tall shell won’t fit well rear-facing in compact cars and economy airplane seats ✘ Doesn’t last as long as the Evenflo Sureride ✘ Won’t fit newborns well ✘ Requires top tether for forward-facing

This portable car seat has been around for a long time but has gained in popularity thanks to fresh branding. Dorel has now added its well-respected Safety 1st Guide 65 to the popular Cosco toddler car seat lineup as a longer-lasting convertible carseat option, renaming it the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DLX. As with other Cosco car seats, you may find the best price at Walmart . I’ve had an opportunity to work with the DLX version specifically, and it offers nice padding for kid comfort.

The Guide 65 has proven its worth as a travel carseat for many years and continues to work well for many families. It’ll last rear-facing kids until a safe age for forward-facing, and then for a few years beyond until they’re ready for our favorite travel booster seats .

One of the biggest downsides of the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 is that the steep recline needed for kids under 22lbs is tough to achieve without using a pool noodle or rolled towel – which is not the kind of gear we prefer to travel with. It sort of defeats the simplicity of bringing a compact, lightweight car seat!

The other issue worth considering for international travel is that the Mighty Fit 65 requires you to use the top tether when installing forward-facing. The top tether’s job is to decrease head movement – and that’s a good thing. But in some countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America and even Eastern Europe you won’t find a top tether is many cars. At that point you’d have to make a judgement call about how to install the seat when you can’t follow the manufacturer’s rules.

It’s also worth knowing that you can only use LATCH to install the Mighty Fit 65 until 40 pounds. After that, you’ll have to install with a seatbelt – both options are just as safe, but for travel overseas I recommend bringing a locking clip and knowing how to use it in case you encounter a car with seatbelts that don’t lock.

Britax Allegiance review

Key stats: -Weight 18lbs -Shell height 26” -Max harness height 17” -Rear-facing size limits 5-40lbs -Forward-facing size limits 20-65lbs, under 49″

Pros: ✔ Fits from newborn to elementary school ✔ Premium LATCH connectors ✔ Lock-off for seatbelt installation ✔ Integrated carry handle ✔ Allows rear facing past 40″ (as long as there’s 1″ of head room) ✔ Multiple recline options

Cons: ✘ Tall shell won’t fit well rear-facing in compact cars and economy airplane seats if you need the full recline for a newborn ✘ Heavier than other travel car seats

And now for the moment when all the readers will think I’ve lost my mind. The Britax Allegiance convertible car seat weighs in at almost 18lbs and it’s not an especially compact car seat for travel.

But the Allegiance has one amazing feature that you won’t find anywhere else on this list: a built-in lock-off. Simply put, you can install this car seat using the seatbelt without having to lock it or use a locking clip. That’s extremely handy if you’re traveling in the developing world or other places where you may not find LATCH or locking seatbelts. If you do come across LATCH, the Allegiance has premium push-on connectors rather than the frustrating “j hook” style on light weight travel car seat options.

Beyond the installation, parents looking for the best car seat to travel with will also appreciate the integrated carry handle and multiple recline options. It also has a no-rethread harness, which is useful if you forward face on the plane and rear face in the car right afterward.

This isn’t the longest-lasting choice on this list of the best car seats for travel, as the top harness slot for forward facing is not quite 17″. It should be adequate to get most kids to a safe booster age and size, but not if they’re very tall or need a little extra time to mature.

We hope this guide has helped you choose the right travel car seat for your family. Wondering how to transport that car seat through the airport, weird installation quirks, travel car seats for other age groups and other nitty gritty of traveling with car seats? Check out our epic guide to traveling with car seats.

Still searching?

Best car seat for travel with toddlers FAQs

The Cosco Scenera Next DLX is the lightest convertible car seat, weighing just 7.65 pounds.

All car seats sold in the United States have to pass the same minimum standards – if they can’t pass, they can’t be sold. The most critical piece of a car seat’s safety are that it fits your child properly, is appropriate for their developmental level, and is used properly every time. Find out more here. While heavier car seats often add more features in the interest of safety or comfort, there’s no publicly available data comparing crash test results so it’s hard to accurately compare the safety of lightweight car seats versus heavier seats with extra safety features.

In most cases, yes you can take a car seat on a flight. That’s especially true for US airlines, which are governed by FAA rules. International carriers set their own rules but usually permit car seats on board if you buy a seat for your child. Find more information here.

Not necessarily, but you may prefer a lightweight carseat. Nearly all car seats sold in the US are FAA-approved, but some of the bigger ones can be cumbersome to take through the airport and on to the plane. If you’d rather take your everyday car seat on the plane, one of these options will make it easier.

The most compact convertible car seat depends a lot on how old your child is. Newborns and young infants need to be very reclined to protect their vulnerable airways, while older infants or toddlers can usually be more upright if their car seat allows it . For toddlers over 22 pounds, the Cosco Mighty Fit or Baby Trend Trooper makes a very compact car seat on a budget. If you’re looking for a high-end compact car seat for small cars, consider the Nuna Rava or Britax One4Life .

Canada has different options for the best lightweight travel car seat – some of the seats have different limits and the selection isn’t identical. Read about the best travel car seats in Canada .

More resources: – Flying with a car seat – Best travel car seat for every age – Wayb Pico review – Ride Safer Delight travel vest review – Bubblebum inflatable booster seat review – Most comfortable convertible car seats for long trips – Car services with car seats around the world

Did you find this helpful? Pin it to share with your friends!

10 thoughts on “What’s the best toddler travel car seat? (2023 reviews)”

Can’t you check in the car seat at the ticket counter to the final destination (traveling on United domestically)? If so, then you only need to worry about the weight of the car seat to carry it from the departures area to the check-in area right? Am I missing something? Or will I be forced to gate check the car seat?

Or is there an advantage to having the car seat on the plane?

“Out of the car when you arrive at the airport, through the airport, into the scanner at security, to the gate, on to the plane, off the plane, through the airport, on the rental car shuttle and then into a car – that’s our typical routine! “

You are permitted to check a car seat at the ticket counter, but that’s the riskiest option on many ways. You run the risk of your car seat being lost or damaged, which is a really terrible way to start your vacation! Bringing your car seat on the plane and using it for your child is the best way to keep your child safe during a runway event or severe turbulence. You’ll find lots of helpful information in this article .

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Safe travels, Melissa

Hi, For the car seats that require a top-tether while forward-facing, does that apply for US flights?

Thanks for stopping by! US car seats that require a top tether only need it for installation in a car. You don’t need to use a top tether on flights.

In case you happen to be based in Australia or NZ, those seats have different rules and MUST be top tethered on the plane. Australia-based carriers have a limited number of seating positions on their flights that will accommodate an Australian car seat and they must be reserved in advance over the phone/chat.

Safe travels,

Are you really able to use a convertible car seat in the stroller caddy? On the stroller page it says it is only compatible with infant car seats.

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for stopping by! I wouldn’t use most convertible car seats in one, but the Cosco Scenera Next is similar in size to an infant car seat (just a little taller), lighter than some infant car seats and has a similarly located belt path for rear facing.

Is the top tether requirement a problem in German rental cars? Do you have any experience with the Graco slim fit 3 in 1? Thank you!

Hi Jeanette,

Thanks for stopping by! Newer European cars (2014+) should be equipped with a top tether, as it’s part of the R129 standard.

What are wondering about the SlimFit? The top tip I can give you is that the *original* SlimFit isn’t actually that slim at around 19″. The newer SlimFit3 LX (also called True3Fit ) is under 17″ wide and many families like traveling with it since it’s easier to fit on airplane seats. It also has a lock-off for easy seatbelt installation when forward facing.

Hi! I’m kind of confused about what to do. The Wayb Pico seems SO convenient but we are a family that is big on safety. How much safety are we sacrificing by choosing it over some of the other options? I have a 2 year old boy who is pretty big for his age – 37 inches and 35 lbs.

Thank you! Emily

The good news is that at that age any harnessed seat that’s used properly is VERY safe. I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Pico for your kiddo at this point, and in fact he has outgrown some of the more common travel car seats for 2 year olds. Don’t miss my suggestions for how to get a WAYB Pico discount !

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9 Best Car Seats and Boosters for Air Travel

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: December 22, 2022

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I’ve been on over 200 flights with my kids, and there is one question I still always have trouble answering before a flight: what car seat or booster should I bring? My travel priority the last decade plus has always been to transport my kids safely, but I know doing do can sometimes be a major pain! Car seats and boosters are awkward, bulky, and add a lot of logistics to air travel.

I’ve written a pretty comprehensive guide to common questions about car seats and air travel . But sometimes you can solve some of those problems simply by investing in the right travel gear in the first place. Quite a few new car seat and booster products have come onto the market the last few years. Products are more compact and designs are more innovative. Taking a car seat on a plane and being able to use it at your destination grows ever easier. It’s about time!

So, what are all these must-have innovative products that are revolutionizing family air travel? If you are planning to fly with a baby, toddler, preschooler or older child, this guide has car seat and booster recommendations for every age and stage. Note that not all of the products in this guide can actually be used on planes. Instead, they are child restraint devices for use in getting to and from the airport in cars that are also small enough to bring with you successfully during air travel. So check the specs carefully to make sure you buy the product that makes sense for your travel needs.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Best Car Seats for Air Travel for Infants

Chicco keyfit 30.

For infants, the classic bucket-style car seat is ideal for airplanes. The Chicco Keyfit 30 is a reasonably priced option that also works for everyday use, so there’s no need to buy a special additional product for travel. It can be used on the plane if you’ve purchased a seat for your baby. It’s also lightweight enough to carry down an airplane aisle, even with a baby in it. Then it can be used in a car at your destination without the base, by installing it with a regular seat belt.

We used a Chicco Keyfit 30 on planes with both of our kids when they were babies very successfully. We combined it with a lightweight stroller frame that we gate checked so we could easily push the baby in the car seat through the airport.

Important Specs for the Chicco Keyfit 30

• Recommended Age: newborn, infant (use weight/height limits as guide)
• Weight Limits: 4-30 pounds
• Height Limits: Up to 30 inches tall
• Dimensions of Seat: 27.5″ x 17″ x 24″
• Weight to Carry: 9.6 pounds
• FAA approved for use on a plane?: Yes
• Fits in an overhead bin of a plane?: No

The Doona came onto the market just a bit too late for me to use it with my younger child, but it has been pretty game-changing for parents of babies on the go. The Doona is the first product of its kind that is both infant car seat and stroller in one. The stroller wheels pop back and fold up under the seat, turning the product into a bucket style infant car seat. This product works so well for travelers who are going to be in and out of cars and then who need a stroller when they arrive at their destination. It can also be used on the plane, so it has a lot of versatility.

With a list price of $550, the Doona is an expensive product. As a result, it probably only makes sense for frequent travelers or for city-dwellers who would use it a lot for taking ridesharing services or taxis.

Important Specs for the Doona

• Recommended Age: 0-18 months
• Weight Limits: 4-35 pounds
• Height Limits: Up to 32 inches tall
• Dimensions of Seat: 28.5 x 18.3 x 16 folded (40 x 17.3 x 32.3 inches unfolded in stroller mode)
• Weight to Carry: 16.5 pounds

Best Car Seats for Air Travel for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Cosco scenera next.

Taking a convertible car seat on a plane is one of my least favorite things about flying with kids. They are big and bulky but oh-so-necessary. So going compact and light is essential. One of the most lightweight convertible car seats on the market is the Cosco Scenera NEXT . Luckily, it’s also one of the cheapest on the market too (it’s sold only at Walmart and costs about $49-59 depending on color).

The Cosco Scenera NEXT was my go to airplane car seat during the toddler and preschooler travel years (see my full Cosco Scenera NEXT review ). We flew with this car seat with our son after he graduated from the infant bucket seat until he was ready to graduate to a booster. It’s lightweight enough to balance on top of a roller bag or carry down an airplane aisle. We also loved that if and when we did choose to check it (instead of using it on board), it was cheap enough that we could afford to replace it if an airline damaged it. And when we weren’t traveling, the seat worked well as an extra for grandma’s car or anywhere else we needed one!

The Cosco Scenera NEXT is approved for infant use as well, so you can definitely start using it earlier. We found though that using the bucket-style seat with a stroller frame was easier than dragging a convertible car seat and a separate stroller through airports for a baby.

Important Specs for the Cosco Scenera NEXT

• Recommended Age: 0- 4 or 5 years old (use height & weight limits)
• Weight Limits: 5-40 pounds
• Height Limits:  Up to 19-40 inches tall rear-facing, 29-43 inches forward-facing
• Dimensions of Seat: 17.63 x 15.75 x 30.25 in
• Weight to Carry: 10.4 pounds

WAYB Pico Car Seat

For anyone who hates the convertible car seat balancing act, there is a new option on the market for 2-5 year olds as of just a few years ago. The WAYB Pico is a car seat with a 5 point harness that folds up small enough to put in a backpack and fit in an airplane overhead bin. It also can be used on the airplane! I have a complete review of the WAYB Pico in all its MacGyver awesomeness. We tested it out with our son on a trip to Hawaii and were totally sold.

To be sure, the Pico is expensive, retailing at $380. Like the Doona, it’s probably a seat that works only for a speciality audience. But if you can justify the price, the product solves a lot of usual the air travel car seat dilemmas with toddler and preschoolers.

Important Specs for the WAYB Pico

• Recommended Age: 2-5 years old
• Weight Limits: 22-50 pounds
• Height Limits: 30-45 inches tall
• Dimensions of Seat: 11.6″ x 14.5″ x 18.9″ in
• Weight to Carry: 8 pounds
• Fits in an overhead bin of a plane?: Yes

Ride Safer Travel Vest

One child restraint option that a lot of travelers don’t know about isn’t a car seat or a booster at all – it’s a vest! The Ride Safer Travel Vest is approved for kids ages 3 and up and retails for $169. The vest helps position a regular shoulder and lap belt in a proper spot that is safe for smaller passengers. In addition to being good for travel, this compact option also helps squeeze three kids across in back seats that would not accommodate multiple car seats.

This vest comes in three sizes. But since most families probably won’t purchase multiple items just for travel given price tag, I’d probably recommend the small which is good until about 60 pounds and 47 inches tall (around age 6). This would cover most younger kids until they get to be of an age where a less expensive travel booster (see below) would be a viable and safe alternative.

One word of warning – please, please be careful in purchasing vest-like child restraint devices on sites like Amazon. There are a number of fakes sold from overseas that are definitely not approved and not safe. If the price looks too good to be true, it’s probably is. Be sure to only purchase products from the companies “Safe Ride 4 Kids” or “Safe Traffic System Inc.”

Important Specs for the Ride Safer Travel Vest

• Recommended Age: 3-6 years old (small), 5-11 years old (large), 9-14 years old (XL)
• Weight Limits: 30-60 pounds (small), 50-80 pounds (large), 80-110 pounds (XL)
• Height Limits: 35-47 inches tall (small), 45-57 inches tall (large), 55-64 inches tall (XL)
• Weight to Carry: 1.5 pounds
• FAA approved for use on a plane?: No
• Fits in an overhead bin of a plane?:  Yes

Best Boosters for Air Travel for Older Kids

The BubbleBum is an inflatable booster that is just ideal for air travel. Small enough to fit in a backpack or purse when deflated, parents can just throw this in a carry on bag and have a safe child restraint upon landing at their destination. Retailing at $34.99, it’s also a very affordable.

The BubbleBum is the travel product our family has used most, hands down (see my complete BubbleBum review ). We’ve had one since my daughter reached booster age and height. She used until her 10th birthday on all of our travels (when she finally hit 4’9” and could now go without!). My son has used the newer design of this very same product regularly when we rent cars or take Uber/Lyft at our air travel destinations.

Important Specs for the BubbleBum

• Recommended Age: 4-11 years old
• Weight Limits: 40-100 pounds
• Height Limits: 40-57 inches tall
• Dimensions of Seat: 12 x 4 x 12.25 in
• Weight to Carry: 1.2 pounds

UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat from Hiccapop

Very similar to the BubbleBum is the UberBoost Inflatable Booster from Hiccapop . It’s a tad more expensive than the BubbleBum (usually about $2 more) and serves exactly the same function so most families won’t need both.

So what are the key differences to keep in mind when selecting between these similar products? The UberBoost has two features that some families may prefer: a wider seat that may be comfier for older or larger kids and a non-skid bottom that can help prevent slipping. But it also relies on a pretty bulky shoulder clip to position the shoulder belt that a lot of kids find uncomfortable.

Important Specs for the Hiccapop UberBoost

• Weight Limits: 40-110 pounds
• Height Limits: not listed
• Dimensions of Seat: 14.5 x 4.5 x 14.5 in
• Weight to Carry: 1.3 pounds

The biggest competitor to the inflatable boosters like BubbleBum and Hiccapop UberBoost for a super-compact booster option is the mifold . Basically the size and depth of a clutch purse, this child restraint is as small as it gets for squeezing into a bag or backpack. Instead of lifting a child up (like a traditional booster), it positions the seat belt down into the proper place.

My kids found the mifold a bit uncomfortable for sitting for long periods of time because it doesn’t have much padding. We also struggled to get the right belt fit a bit more than compared to the BubbleBum. But I know many families prefer it because it’s even more compact. The mifold can be a smart choice for shorter rides when space is really at a premium.

Important Specs for the mifold

• Recommended Age: 4-12 years old
• Dimensions of Seat: 1 x 13 x 7 in
• Weight to Carry: 1.7 pounds

hifold Highback Booster

Many parents prefer the safety and security of a highback booster seat, even for older kids. But highback boosters are mostly just as big and bulky as convertible car seats. No longer! The makers of mifold came out with a folding highback booster seat a couple of years ago that is ideal for taking on a plane – the hifold .

A lot of traveling kids technically big enough for a lowback booster aren’t really ready for one, especially those in the 4-6 year old age ranges. The hifold bridges this gap, offering a highback option small enough to fit in backpack or also in an airplane overhead bin.

We tested out the hifold recently with my sister’s 4 year old and it worked really well. When folded, it’s really not that much larger than a typical hard shell low back booster. It does have a bit of a learning curve with all the moving pieces so take time to learn its quirks before a trip by using at home first.

Important Specs for the hifold

• Recommended Age: 4 years old & up (subject to weight/height max)
• Weight Limits: 33-100 pounds
• Height Limits: 36-59 inches tall
• Dimensions of Seat: 9.8 x 13.5 x. 13.5 in folded, 29.7 x 15.6 x 18.9 in unfolded
• Weight to Carry:  10 pounds, 2 ounces

Have you used any of these car seats or boosters in travels with your kids? Share your favorites in the comments!

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Wednesday 10th of May 2023

Hi! How old is your child in the picture with the Cosco Scenera NEXT? I'm trying to decide whether to use my Chicco Keyfit 30 or grab a cheap upgrade for my upcoming flight. My daughter will be about 1 year old.

Leslie Harvey

Friday 12th of May 2023

He was a few months shy of turning 2 in that Costco Scenera NEXT photo. About 1 you could probably go either way between the bucket style seat or the convertible.

• Car Seats /

Best Car Seats for Travel

Our favorite travel-friendly infant, convertible & booster seats for the baby days through the big-kid years., by jen labracio.

Ever try to lug a 20-pound car seat through an airport while thinking to yourself, “There has to be a better way?”

Traveling with babies and young children can be a great adventure, but it can also be a bit of a logistical nightmare. Where will they sleep? (A travel crib or a travel bed usually do the trick.) Can you fly with breastmilk ? (Yes.) How do you keep a toddler entertained on a long flight? (Thoughts and prayers.)

Car seats can be especially confusing when you’re away from home. Most present a bit of a conundrum: you want your to keep your little one safe and secure, but you don’t want to throw out your back lugging a big, bulky car seat around with you wherever you go. The good news is there are plenty of travel-friendly car seat options on the market—you just need to know what features to look for.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Car Seats

Best infant car seats.

• Lightest Infant Car Seat: UPPAbaby Aria Car Seat
• Best Affordable Infant Car Seat: Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat
• Best Luxury Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base
• Best Infant Car Seat + Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

Best convertible car seats

• Best Convertible: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
• Longer Lasting Convertible: Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Most Compact Convertible: WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

Best booster seats

• Best High-back: Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat
• Best Backless: Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

In This Article

• How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats
• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Car Seat?

Do you need a travel car seat, features to look for in a travel car seat, babylist’s picks for the best car seats for travel, infant car seats, lightest infant car seat for travel.

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat - Jake

The UPPAbaby Aria, one of our top car seats for infants , hit the market in early 2024 and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The brand’s OG car seat, the Mesa , is a popular choice for expecting parents but is a few pounds heavier than many comparable seats. The Aria comes in much lighter, weighing just under six pounds without the canopy and inserts, making it the lightest infant seat currently on the market. This is great if you’re using the seat daily, but even better if you’re using it for travel.

The Aria is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and can be installed with or without its base, another travel plus. (It features something called a European belt path , a routing system that makes installing the seat without its base safer and more secure.) A no-rethread harness makes fit adjustments easy and there’s a load leg and an anti-rebound bar for safety and stability. We also love the XL canopy for shade and darkness and that you won’t need adapters if you’re connecting the seat directly to a Vista or Cruz stroller.

Additional Specs

Best affordable infant car seat for travel.

Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat - Knowville Gray

You don’t have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a travel-friendly infant car seat. Evenflo’s LiteMax (another of our top baby car seats ) costs a bit over $100 and weighs only eight pounds, making it affordable and travel-ready. You can install it without its base—it even has a European belt path. There’s a full-coverage canopy and an ergonomically designed handle for easier carrying.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more and are looking for some extra safety features, check out the LiteMax DLX , which features a load leg. (Just remember that the load led extends from the base, so if you’re using just the seat you won’t have that benefit.) And for another affordable infant car seat for travel, check out Graco’s SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat . It weighs just over seven pounds and can be installed without the base when you don’t feel like bringing it along.

Best Luxury Infant Car Seat for Travel

Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base - Granite

The Pipa Rx is a stellar combination of safety + convenience and works just as well as an everyday car seat as it does for travel. It’s pricey, but it’s also a sleek, modern seat with two key features that make it ideal for travel: weight and ease of installation. The Pipa weighs just over seven pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats on the market—a huge plus when you’re carrying it through the airport or taking it in and out of your car. And like other seats on our list, you can install it without the base using your vehicle’s seat belt and the European belt path.

It’s also packed with high-end features that you’d expect in a higher-priced seat. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and doesn’t contain any added fire-retardant chemicals, and there’s an oversized canopy for shade. Safety-wise, it excels, featuring both a load leg and an anti-rebound panel (both extra safety features that help absorb impact and rebound in the event of a crash).

For another high-end, travel-friendly seat, check out the Clek Liingo . It’s a bit heavier, but it features LATCH anchors built right into the car seat itself, meaning you can skip the base and the seat belt and install it securely in seconds.

Best Infant Car Seat Stroller Hybrid for Travel

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Nitro Black

There’s nothing quite like the Doona. This one-of-a-kind hybrid stroller + car seat is a favorite of on-the-go parents and is a great item of baby gear to own if you’ll be traveling frequently with your little one during their first year or so.

The Doona transforms from an infant car seat into a stroller with the click of a button. When it’s time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels pull up and fold under the car seat. It’s a dream if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of gear you’re lugging around when you’re away from home and if you’re looking for a seat that’s easy to get in and out of ride shares or rental cars. (It’s a great seat for city dwellers too.)

Convertible Car Seats

Best convertible car seat for travel.

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Most convertible seats aren’t designed for travel. Weighing in at an average of about 20 pounds, convertibles don’t snap into strollers and are heavy, bulky and meant to be installed in your car and stay there. For parents who travel frequently or don’t own a car, getting around with a convertible seat poses quite the challenge.

The Next, which is ranked as one of our best convertible car seats , solves for this dilemma. It weighs about 10 pounds—light for any car seat but especially so for a convertible. It’s easy to sling over your shoulder while you’re walking through the airport or install in an airplane seat or a ride share. (It’s FAA-approved for plane travel.) It’s totally no-frills and can be a bit tricky to get a secure install, but it’s slim, safe and affordable and can be used both rear- and forward-facing.

A Longer Lasting Travel-Friendly Convertible Pick

Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat - Rocco Red

The Sonus 65 is a travel-friendly convertible car seat and a good choice if you’re looking for a seat with a higher height and weight maximum than the Cosco Scenera Next. It weighs a bit more, but only by about a pound, and you’ll be able to use it until your little one reaches 65 pounds or 50 inches as opposed to the Next which maxes out at 40 pounds and 43 inches.

In addition to its extended use capabilities, the Sonos is an affordable seat with a few noteworthy features. It’s a fairly narrow seat, so it won’t take up much room across your back seat and can be used three across. There’s also a built-in ventilation system, a reinforced frame, five shoulder strap positions and two integrated cup holders for drinks and snacks.

Most Compact Convertible Car Seat for Travel

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

The WAYB Pico is like no other convertible car seat on the market. Designed specifically for families who travel or are frequently on the go, it’s one of the pricer options on our list but is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for an innovative, safe and incredibly compact convertible car seat option.

The creators of the Pico were inspired to create a completely unique convertible-style seat after watching parents struggle trying to lug car seats through airports and in and out of taxis and ride shares. There’s no feature here that hasn’t been completely (and ingeniously) thought through. The Pico’s frame is made from lightweight, aerospace-grade aluminum; there’s a five-point harness and seat fabric made from a cool, breathable mesh; and the seat installs either via a seat belt or LATCH system. The Pico weighs just eight pounds and folds up for easy transport either by hand or in the brand’s carry bag .

One thing to keep in mind: the seat is forward-facing only, so if you’re looking for a rear-facing convertible for travel, this isn’t a good fit for you.

Booster Seats

Best booster seat for travel.

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat

Booster seats use a vehicle’s seat belt as a restraint and were developed to help elevate children in a car’s seat, making adult seat belts fit better on smaller bodies. You’ll have to wait quite a while until you transition your little one from a convertible car seat into a booster; most experts recommend waiting to make the leap until your child maxes out their forward-facing car seat, meets the height and weight requirements of the booster and is mature enough to sit properly upright (no leaning, twisting, moving around etc.).

There are two types of boosters: high-back and backless. Graco’s TurboBooster falls into the first category, with a high back and a seat belt guide to thread your vehicle’s shoulder belt for a proper fit. Due to their height, no high-backs are particularly great for travel, but this one is one of the best you’ll find in terms of price (affordable) and weight (just over eight pounds). It’s also easy to install and fits a wide variety of children well, and transitions to a backless booster for years of use.

Best Backless Booster Seat for Travel

Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

Most experts recommend using a high-back booster for as long as possible , but once you’re ready to make the switch to a backless model, your life is going to get a whole lot easier (and a lot lighter!). Cosco’s Rise is a no-frills seat that’s affordable, lightweight and compact, making it ideal to toss into a bag or even a tote for travel. The wide base and high armrests make it easy for your child to buckle in themselves and there’s a shoulder belt positioning clip to ensure you’ll get the proper fit.

How We Chose Our Best Car Seats for Travel

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey , which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel car seats.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

There’s no specific category or true definition for a “travel” car seat; instead, what defines a travel-friendly car seat is more about its features. Things like a light weight, compact design and ease of portability are all factors to consider when you’re shopping for this type of seat.

Determining if it’s worthwhile to invest in a car seat just for travel depends on your family’s lifestyle. If you’re a family who tends to stay close to home or use your own car when you’re traveling, you can likely skip a travel-friendly seat. But if you’re planning on hitting the road (or the skies) frequently with your little one in tow, then purchasing a car seat specifically for travel can make your life on the go a whole lot easier.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to use a travel-friendly car seat just for travel. A compact, lightweight car seat is a great choice if you’re an urban family that doesn’t own a car, for example, if you need a seat for a grandparent or other caregiver or if plan to switch your seat frequently between cars.

There are some specific features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a car seat that’s well-suited for travel.

• Weight. This is a biggie. Lugging around a heavy car seat isn’t a fun way to spend any part of your vacation. Choose the lightest seat you can within your budget—your lower back can thank us later.
• Design. A slim, compact seat is easier to transport than a big, bulky one. Keep this in mind when choosing what type of seat you’ll purchase for traveling.
• Ease of installation. Does spending 40 minutes trying to install a car seat in your rental car sound like fun? Make sure the car seat you choose for travel can be installed quickly and easily in the widest range of car makes and models.
• FAA-approved. This one’s important if you plan on doing a lot of travel via plane. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ride in child safety seats on airplanes —but you’ll need to make sure your seat is approved for airplane use . Look for a label on the seat that reads “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” to be sure. This includes infant seats, convertibles, forward-facing seats and some harnessed boosters.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

Best FAA-approved Car Seats For Airplanes

Updated on: September 19, 2023

Written by: Fatima O. Millers, CPST

This post contains affiliate links. We might be compensated if you buy using our links .

When traveling with children, parents’ first priority should be the safety and well-being of the children. That’s why here at the Car Seat Parent community, we highly recommend using a car seat when fl y ing with your baby. 

It’s certainly an additional expense and effort, but the peace of mind that the child is much safer in a properly secured seat is incomparable to her sitting on our laps. 

But if you do choose to secure your tiny creature in a car seat, you will have to do a lot of research on the airlines, and their car seat rules, and then find a suitable car seat before you book your tickets. 

In this round-up, we will reduce your efforts and list our favorite car seats for airplane travel. Most of these car seats are narrow enough to slide into those cramped economy seats, light enough to lug around the airport, and most importantly FAA-approved . 

Let’s begin!

Comparison Chart: Best car seats for airplanes

Top car seats for airplane travel.

Below are our individual car seat reviews, including infant, and convertible car seats (Booster seats are not allowed on the airplane).

Read our reviews if you are looking for:

• A car seat to use on the plane for your 1 year old , 
• A car seat to use on the plane for your 2 year old ,
• A car seat to use on the plane for your 3 year old ,
• A car seat to use on the plane for your 4 year old

Doona (Best car seat-stroller combo for airplane travel)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel: A great car seat stroller combo that will make transporting your child through the airport easier. 

There is nothing better than having a car seat and a stroller in one and the Doona offers you just that. 

The Doona is an infant car seat that converts into a stroller in seconds . You just pop the legs out and you are ready to roll. 

The best part is that you won’t have to worry about carrying a heavy car seat through the airport. 

The Doona is a rear-facing car seat that’s FAA-approved. Meaning, you are allowed to use it on the plane as a safety seat.  

It is also sufficiently narrow (17 inches only) to fit on airplane seats and in 3 across installations in your car. 

Key Specs: 

• Dimensions: 23″ H x 17″ W x 22″ D
• Fits: Rear-facing only (4 to 35 lbs; up to 32″ in height)
• Weight: 16.5 lbs

Read our full review of Doona here

Chicco KeyFit 30 (Best Infant Car Seat for Airplanes)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel: A budget-friendly infant car seat that’s easy to use and install on the airplane. It’s also very lightweight.  

Best compact infant car seat for small cars

The all-time popular Chicco Keyfit30 is also suitable for aircraft use. This infant seat measures only 16.5 inches wide and it is one of the lightest infant seats on the market (9.5 lbs without base).   

The Chicco Keyfit 30 can be used from 4 to 30 pounds rear-facing and it provides a secure and comfortable fit even for premature babies.

We love the Keyfit 30 because it’s easy to use and install.  

This seat is an affordable infant car seat for air travel ( Around $190 on Amazon ). So, you won’t have to worry about getting your fancy $500 car seat banged up at the airport. 

And trust me, traveling with a car seat can get things really messy!

• Dimensions: 27.5” x 17” x 24”
• Fits: Rear-facing (4 to 30 lbs; up to 30″ in height)
• Weight: 9.6 lbs

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX (Best budget car seat for Airplanes)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel: Budget-friendly convertible car seat that can be purchased as a second seat just for traveling purposes. Easy to carry, compact and it costs less than $100. 

If you are looking for a dedicated travel car seat that can last you a bit longer, we recommend the Cosco Mighty Fit. 

This FAA-approved convertible seat is both compact and lightweight and it comes at a great price point (Less than $100). 

You can use the Mightly Fit for both rear-facing and forward-facing from 5 up to 65 pounds , this gives you a few years of use which is not a bad investment for the price.

It is however not the best car seat to install. It took us a lot of effort and time to get the hang of it. But this is not a superrise. Most affordable car seats are a bit tricky to install and use.  

But if you are looking for a more user-friendly convertible car seat, check out our next seat on the list.    

• Dimensions: D14″ x W18.50″ x H30.50″
• Fits: Rear Facing (5-40 lbs, and 19-36″); Forward Facing (22-65 lbs and 29-52″)
• Weight: 12.76 lbs

Graco Contender Slim (Best comfortable car seat for Airplanes)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel : A go to travel car seat that’s easy to install, and comfortable for long trips. It’s lightweight which makes it our favorite convertible car seat for airport travel.  

Frequent traveler families love the Graco Contender slim . It’s a popular travel car seat for so many reasons. It can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing, cozy, compact, easy to use, and affordable. 

It’s equipped with a No-rethread harness so it’s easy to adjust the harness height as your child grows. 

Plus, when installed on the plane seat, the airplane seat belt buckle goes behind the Contender’s frame and won’t rest against your child’s back. This provides a more comfortable flying experience for you and your child. 

Similar to the Graco Contender Go, the Contender Slim has ditched the fixed cup holder that the original Contender 65 had and replaced it with a clip-on cup holder. 

Both the Contender Slim and Contender Go have the exact same features of the original model but they are slightly slimmer thanks to the removable cup holder feature. 

• Dimensions: L21.5 x W18.9 x H24.75 inches
• Fits: Rea-facing 5-40 lb and your forward facing 22-65 lb
• Weight: 16 lbs

Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 (Best user-friendly car seat for Airplanes)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel: It’s super light weight allows you to easily transport the Safty 1st Jive through the airport. It’s also well priced for the long use period it offers. 

Safety 1st Jive is another great car seat option for travel. It’s not too heavy to carry in a car seat backpack or strap it to your carry-on-suitcase, and it installs super easily on both planes and cars. 

For around $100, the Safety 1st can be used from 6 months up until your child is 6 or 5 years old which is a worthwhile investment to be honest. 

We also like how compact it is when installed rear-facing in the car, so if you have a small car, it’s definitely a win. 

• Dimensions: 18.13 D x16 W x 29.75 H 
• Fits: Rea-facing (5-40 lb); Forward facing (22-65 lb)
• Weight: 10 lbs

WAYB Pico (Best portable car seat for air travel)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel: Wayb Pico is a foldable car seat that’s easy to handle when traveling through the airport, taking Taxis and Ubers. Plus, it comes with its own premium travel bag. 

WAYB Pico is a forward-facing only car seat that fits kids 22-50 lbs. The special thing about this car seat is that it can actually fold and be carried in a bag that comes with it.

The best part is that it weighs just 8 pounds. With the WAYB Pico , no more backbreaking heavy lifting! 

It has a 5-point harness to keep your child safely strapped in the car or plane (It’s FAA & NHTSA approved)

You can easily install it using either the LATCH system or seatbelt.

• Dimensions : 15.2“L x 14.5”W x 27.8”H
• Fits: Forward-facing only (22-50 lbs, 30” up to 45” tall)
• Weight: 8 lbs

CARES (Best Airplane harness for kids)

Reasons to consider for airplane travel: If your child is 1 year old or more and for some reason you cannot use a car seat on the plane, consider the CARES safety harness as your plan B. Cares insures that your child is safely strapped in aiplane seat.  

While CARES is not a car seat, it’s an aviation restraint system for kids. It’s designed specifically for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds to use on the airplane. 

It’s basically an FAA-approved safety belt that attaches to the plane seat to support the regular seatbelt. 

We love this brilliant solution because it’s easier to install than a car seat. It literally takes a minute to install it on the airplane seat. 

And this is what CARES set up looks like when installed on the airplane. 

Good to know: CARES is an Aviation only harness system and cannot be used for cars.

Key specs: 

• Dimensions: Can be folder to fit in a 6” pouch
• Fits: 1 year old or more (22 up to 44 pounds)
• Weight: 1 lbs

Buyer’s Guide: How to choose a car seat for Airplane travel?

Car seat must be faa/caa -approved.

Depending on the airlines you are using, the car seat must adhere to the rules imposed by the international airlines association (FAA-Federal Airline Association in the USA) or (CAA-Civil Airline Association in the UK).

Once you know which regulation your car seat must follow, check for the label. The car seat must clearly state that’s allowed to use on aiplanes. Generally there is a sticker/label on the frame of the car seat that says: THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED TO USE ON MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCARFTS.  

If you are not usre where to start, check our car seat recommendations listed above. These are all FAA-approved and accepted on American airlines and several other airlines as well. 

But, make sure to read through the airlines guidelines bout car seats before you go a head and purchase. Car seat regulations very from one airlines to another and they may have other requirements/rules to consider.

Check these airlines rules about flying with a car seat: 

• American airlines car seat rules
• Southwest Airlines car seat rules
• Frontier Airlines car seat rules
• British Airways car seat rules
• Cathay Pacific car seat rules
• Delta airlines car seat rules
• JetStar car seat rules  
• Emirates airlines car seat rules  
• Qatar airlines car seat rules
• Ryan Air car seat rules
• Singapore airlines car seat rules
• Virgin Australia car seat rules
• Virgin Atlantic car seat rules  

Car seat must be compact  

Airplane seats are tight, and you need a car seat that’s narrow enough to fit in most seats on the plane. Ideally a car seat that’s 16 inches wide.  

Not too many seats are 16 inches in width but check the airlines seat dimensions and find a car seat that’s suitable for their requirements. 

Car seat must be lightweight

Lighweight car seats are easy to transport throught the airport. You can use a car seat strap to attach your car seat to the suitcase, a car seat backpack or even a car seat trolley.  

There are so many ways to go about carrying a car seat in the airport but when the car seat is heavy trust me it’s not gonna be fun. 

That’s why we love the Doona car seat-stroller combo. You can easily switch your car seat to a stroller when you need to. 

If you are going for a regular car seat make sure it weighs 10 lbs or less. 

Can you bring your car seat on the plane?

Yes, you can bring an approved car seat on the airplane if you choose to do so. Using a car seat for your child on the plane is not a requirement but the FAA advises that a child weighing up to 40 lbs (18 kg) use a certified, harnessed child seat while traveling on an airplane. 

What is an FAA-approved car seat?

An FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved car seat is a child safety seat that has been certified to meet the specific safety standards set by the FAA for use on airplanes.

Do car seats count as checked bags?

No, a car seat is not counted as a checked bag if you are flying with an infant. Most airlines allow you to bring a car seat and stroller in additional to your normal baggage at no extra charge.

Do you pay to have a car seat on the plane?

Yes, you do have to pay the regular price of seat to have your child in a car seat.

Can I use a Booster Seat on an Airplane?

No, all airlines do not allow booster seats to be used as a restraining system in an aircraft. Only infant and convertible car seats can be FAA approved. 

Do crew members install the car seat for you? 

While this depends on the airlines, crew members are generally not responsible for installing your car seat on the aircraft. If they do help install it, don’t expect them to be an expert in car seat safety.

Will the car seat fit on any seat on the Airplane?

Airplane seats vary not only from premium class to economy class, but the seats within the economy class also vary from each other. Generally, if an airline accepts FAA-approved car seats (and yours is), they have to provide a seat that fits your car seat. 

About Fatima O. Millers, CPST

Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Fatima delivers insightful car seat reviews and recommendations. Combining her CPST expertise with an engineering background, her advice is both safe and practical.

Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane?

Medical review policy, latest update:, can you bring your child’s car seat on an airplane, flying with a car seat vs. holding your infant on your lap, read this next, what to consider when flying with a car seat, your child’s height and weight, the airline’s policies, the type of car seat you have, whether you’re traveling by car at your destination, can you check a car seat.

Ultimately, your baby or toddler doesn’t have to ride in a car seat when you fly. But it’s safer, and despite the perceived hassle of lugging a car seat through the airport, it might actually make your journey a little easier. Just be sure to check the airline’s policies before making your decision and buying your ticket so you know what to expect when it's time to board. 

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With a Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.

Go to Your Baby's Age

Trending on what to expect, the covid-19 vaccine for infants, toddlers and young children, how to create a night shift system when you have a newborn, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., when do babies start laughing, baby-led weaning, what happens in the ‘4th trimester’ (and is it a real thing).

Best Travel Car Seats for Toddlers

Here are my recommendations for the best travel car seats for toddlers. Some can be used both rear-facing for babies and forward-facing for toddlers, while others may be forward-facing only (see details for each). All of these car seats are FAA-approved for use on airplanes.

However, bear in mind that most car seats are FAA-approved for air travel and with little to no consideration given to the size or width of the car seat and how it might–or might not–actually fit in an airplane seat(!). For that reason…

Car seat dimensions are included for each of these along with other considerations for car seat travel pros and cons. And hey–your click-throughs from this page help fund this site at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support!

See also:  Infant Car Seats      Safety Boosters      Car Seat Alternatives        Car Seat Travel Accessories

Wayb pico folding car seat.

The WAYB Pico is a travel-friendly folding car seat for kids 2 years and older, weighing from 22 lbs. up to 50 lbs., and from 30″ to 45″ tall. If your child is already 2 years and riding forward-facing, this one may just check all the boxes for you.

First, the WAYB Pico only weighs 8 lbs. Seriously. (Note that the next lightest car seat on this page weighs in at 14 lbs!) But does that mean you’re sacrificing safety? Hardly–it’s got an airplane-grade aluminum frame.

The car seat also adapts to the height of your child, so it’s also shorter in the younger years: 15.2”L x 14.5”W x 22.8”H shortest setting, 15.2”L x 14.5”W x 27.8”H highest. And it folds to just 11.6”L x 14.5”W x 18.9”H 

Better still? The WAYB Pico comes with its own storage/carrying case to help you get through the airport or out to the Uber with ease. And yes, it’s made to easily install with a safety belt, whether in the airplane or a car. You can read more in my WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat Review with additional photos and installation video .

See deals for the WAYB Pico at: Amazon.com

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 Convertible Car Seat

The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 car seat seems to be built with travel in mind. With an airplane-friendly seat width of only 17″ and a rental-car-friendly seat height of 23.5″ (takes up less leg room installed rear-facing), you might be surprised that it can also accommodate kids up to 65 lbs. And if you run with a crowd, you can fit three of these across the back seat of most cars.

The car seat itself only weighs a mere 14 lbs, making it an easy travel companion. And 5 harness heights with easy up front adjustment and three buckle locations ensure a good fit as your child grows from infant through the preschool years. Yep, it’s got side-impact protection, too.

However, if you expect your child to stay on the tall side of the growth spectrum–or having an optional cup holder is important to you, you might prefer the Safety 1st Guide 65 below.

The Mighty Fit 65 can be used rear-facing from 5 lbs. to 40 lbs. rear-facing, and forward-facing up to 65 lbs. measures 22″ x 17″ x 23.5″ H and weighs 14 lbs.  FAA certified for airplane use. See deals for the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 at:     Amazon.com

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat (AKA Sport)

Why Shelly recommends it:

Without its cup holder, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is just shy of 18″ wide–one of your best bets for an FAA-approved car seat for travel that with actually fit in an airplane seat (ahem). Like the Scenera above, the Safety 1st Guide 65 can fit three across most car back seats as well.

Also like the Scenera, it can be used rear-facing from 5 lbs to a respectable 40 lbs. However, forward-facing it can carry your child through 65 lbs. If you want to use the Guide 65 with an infant, it includes multi-position adjustable head support and lumbar body pillows, though you will likely remove these once your child uses the car seat as a toddler.

Other helpful features of the Safety 1st Guide 65 include a 5-point harness with up-front adjustment, 5 harness heights and 3 buckle locations for a safe and comfortable fit, EPP energy absorbing foam, and a removable cup holder you can pop off when preparing to fly with your toddler.

Rear-facing 5 to 50 lbs, forward-facing 22 to 65 lbs. Measures approximately 30 x 17.9 x 14 inches without cup holder, and weighs 15 lbs. FAA certified for airplane use. See deals for the Safety 1st Guide 65 at:    Amazon.com

Diono Radian 3RXT Folding Car Seat for Travel

The combination of safety, size, and portability make this a top pick among Best Travel Car Seats. The Diono Radian 3RXTis narrow enough to fit three across the back seat of most cars–an impossibility with other car seats that meet this higher weight limit, and at only 17″ wide you can also use it in airplanes with confidence.

When you check in for your cruise, you can simply fold it and store it away in your closet. Its safety features also exceed U.S. standards with a full, steel alloy frame for strength and four panels of EPS foam for impact (including side impact). And it also features a tether for use when rear-facing for enhanced safety and stability.

Again, it is not the lightest-weight car seat for travel, but you may feel the safety, size, and convenient storage features “outweigh” this one drawback. FAA-approved for use in aircraft. Measures 28.5″ x 17”W x 16″D open, folds to 28.5″ x 17″ x 10″. A car seat carrying case with shoulder strap is also available.

Rear-facing from 5 to 50 lbs, forward-facing to 120 lbs., then converts to a belt-positioning booster for kids up to 120 lbs. Weighs 28 lbs.  FAA certified for airplane use. See more photos and read up on my experiences in this review of the Radian RXT. See deals for the Radian 3RXT folding car seat at: Amazon.com

Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat

While you might have to guess how to pronounce the Clek Fllo, you won’t have to guess if its narrow enough to fit in most airplane seats. It’s 16.9″ wide and, like many others here, should fit in most airplane seats and even fit three across a car’s back seat.

The Fllo has some similarities to the Diono Radian RXT, such as its whopping 25 lb. weight owing to a metal substructure. However, it does not fold fold for travel. Still, it has some notable differences, which may appeal.

In rear-facing mode, it accommodates children up to 50 lbs for extremely extended rear-facing use–up to the 4th birthday for some children. It also has a steel anti-rebound bar to use in this mode, providing an extra measure of safety not found in others on this page (remove when facing forward).

Unlike most convertible car seats, the Clek Fllo requires a 14 lb. weight minimum for earliest rear-facing use, though that won’t be a problem if you start your travels with an infant car seat. Be warned that if you want a cup holder, it will cost around $20 to purchase separately.

Use the Clek Fllo rear-facing from 14 to 50 lbs., forward-facing from 22 to 65 lbs. Measures 22 x 16.9 x 26″. FAA certified for airplane use. See deals for the Clek Fllo car seat at:      Amazon

Britax Marathon Click Tight Convertible Car Seat

COMFORT and the “Click Tight” quick-and-easy installation using safety belts. Just lift the front of the car seat up out of the way and buckle the car’s safety belt right across the seat with nothing blocking your way, then click the car seat shut and you are ready to load your child.

While it jumps in weight up to 28.5 lbs (see Car Seat Carriers & Travel Bags for help getting it through the airport), and it is not always the best fit for coach seats, if you have much travel in changing vehicles in your future–rental cars, taxis, relative’s cars, shuttles–you’ll enjoy this fool-proof super-safe system many times over. Plus, the Marathon is hard to beat for comfort in the car, and if you have many lengthy road trips in your future, the higher price of this car seat may be worth it.

In addition to extra padding, plush fabrics, and an adjustable recline for both rear-facing and forward-facing installations (great for snoozing): it offers the widest width for any harnessed child up to 65 lbs. The 12-position easy-adjust harness also makes it easy to keep up with your fast-growing child.

The Britax Marathon Click Tight is FAA certified for airplane use. It measures 18.5″W x 26″H x 21″D. Rear-facing from 5 to 40 lbs, forward-facing up to 65 lbs. Weighs 28.5 lbs.  See deals for the Britax Marathon car seat at: Amazon.com      and  Baby Earth

More car seat-related posts you might like:

Review of the WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat

Car Seat Alternatives for Travel

Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat Through the Airport

Five Things You Should Know Before Flying with a Car Seat

Review of CARES flight safety harness for children on airplanes

Car Seat Travel Accessories

Review of RideSafer Travel Vest

Best Infant Car Seats for Travel

Car Seat Travel Advice and Family Road Trip Tips (Index)

Best Safety Boosters for Travel

Car seats in Taxis and What You Need to Know

Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals

More family travel help posts you might like:

How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby

Best Lightweight Travel Strollers

Checklist for Travel with Babies and Toddlers

Travel Stroller Accessories

Five Things You Might Not Think to Pack for Travel with Babies and Toddlers

Return to Great Baby Travel Gear and Family Travel Products

American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler

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Flying with Children

The safest place for your child under the age of two on a U.S. airplane is in approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in your lap. Your arms aren't capable of holding your in-lap child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence, which is the number one cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane.

The FAA strongly urges you to secure your child in an approved CRS or other approved device for the entirety of your flight. Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS. It's the smart and right thing to do so that everyone in your family arrives safely at your destination.

• About Child Restraint Systems (CRS)
• How to install a Forward-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane
• How to install a Rear-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane
• FAA-Approved Child Harness Device (CARES)
• How to install the CARES Device in an Airplane

Tips for Parents

Children with special needs, where can i find more information, about child restraint systems.

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A child restraint system (CRS) is a forward- or rear-facing hard-backed child safety seat. For motor vehicles, car seats are self-certified by the car seat manufacturer to meet federal safety standards, including strict crash performance standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates car seats based on ease-of-use so you can make an informed decision about the right seat for your child.

A CRS must be certified for use in aircraft. Confirm your child’s seat has “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” printed on it or it is approved by a foreign government and bears the required label or marking.

Required label for CRS Manufactured to U.S. Standards

Read the user’s manual to confirm that your CRS can be secured properly in an airplane seat. Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage.

How to install a forward-facing child seat in an airplane

How to install a rear-facing child seat in an airplane.

A CRS must be installed in a aircraft seat, according to manufacturer's instructions. This includes placing the CRS in the appropriate forward- or aft-facing direction as indicated on the device label for the size of the child.

The FAA prohibits passengers from using booster seats or backless CRS during ground movement, take-off and landing.

FAA-Approved CARES Device

AmSafe’s Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device is FAA-certified for children who are up to 40 inches tall and who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. The device provides for those who are capable of sitting upright alone in a forward-facing position and who occupy their own seat. This supplemental restraint is used with the existing aircraft seatbelt for improved child safety. CARES is lightweight and adjusts to fit virtually all economy-, business-, and first-class airline seats. This type of device provides an alternative to using a hard-backed CRS. CARES is approved for use during all phases of flight—movement on the surface (taxi), take-off, landing, and turbulence, and is approved only for use on aircraft, but not for use in motor vehicles. If you're using a CARES device, make sure it has "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" or "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d), Amd 21.50 6-9-1980, Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it.

Beware of CARES counterfeits sold online. Buy direct from the manufacturer to be sure the CARES device you use is authentic and manufactured with the same industrial-strength webbing as aircraft seat belts. The FAA is aware of disreputable third-party retailers who offer reproduction devices that resemble CARES for sale but that have not been engineered to the highest aviation-safety standards by AmSafe®. Learn more about CARES .

How to install the CARES device in an airplane

• Make sure your CRS or device is approved for use on airplanes.
• Measure the width of your CRS. It should fit in most airplane seats if it is no wider than 16 inches.
• Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS.
• Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS must not block the escape path in an emergency. Many airlines have policies that require a CRS to be placed in a window seat. Do not place a CRS in an exit row.
• Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a CRS, a child, and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.
• Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
• Always buckle up your child in the right seat for their age and size when you drive to and from the airport.
• Wear your seat belt at all times.
• A CRS must be installed in a forward-facing aircraft seat, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. This includes placing the CRS in the appropriate forward- or aft-facing direction as indicated on the label for the size of the child.
• Flying with kids older than 2? Help your children know what to expect at the airport and in the airplane by watching videos like Kid’s First Flight .

If your approved CRS, for which a ticket has been purchased, does not fit in a particular seat on the aircraft, the airline is responsible for accommodating the CRS in another seat in the same class of service. The airline may have policies that dictate the specific safe seat locations for specific aircraft.

Listen to the "Flying With Kids: Tips From A Expert" episode of The Air Up There Podcast

How to Install a Forward-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane

How to Install a Rear-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane

Lap Children 

Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight. While there is no regulatory prohibition from using a booster seat or harness vest (or other non-approved devices) for a lap child during the cruise portion of the flight only, airlines have policies which may or may not allow the use of those devices. Check with your airline.

Children Under 18 with Special Needs

Most young children who use a CRS weigh 40 lbs. or less. However, there are some children with physical challenges who weigh more than 40 lbs. and need the support and security of a CRS or device so they can travel safely on an airplane.

Airlines must allow a child who is under the age of 18 to use an approved CRS that is properly labeled, appropriate for the child's weight, and as long as the child is properly secured in the CRS. Many companies manufacture CRSs approved for use on aircraft that are specifically designed for larger children who are physically challenged.

Adults with Special Needs

Adults (18 years or older) who have physical challenges that require the support and security of a CRS or device in order to travel safely on an airplane may request an exemption to the FAA's regulations that require each passenger to be properly secured by a safety belt. This request may also be made by an airline on the passenger's behalf. Several companies manufacture restraint systems for adults with physical challenges.

How to submit a petition for exemption

• Go to  regulations.gov: Instructions on Filing a Submission to the FAA
• Select the "Comment Now!" button
• Enter your comment
• Provide contact information
• Select category (i.e., to submit a comment on a Docket, choose "Public Comments(s)")
• To attach files/documentation (as part of your submission), select the "Choose file(s)" button. Once desired file(s) are uploaded, select the "Continue" button
• Select the "Continue" button
• Now you will see the "Your Preview" screen. This shows you how your comment will appear on Regulations.gov
• Read and agree to the disclaimer. To submit your petition/comment, check the disclaimer box for "I read and understand the statement above"
• Select the "Submit Comment" button

To review previously granted exemptions on special needs travel, go to the FAA Automated Exemption System and type "7831", "8264" or "9834" in the "Exemption Number" search field and hit "enter" or click on "Search" on the left side of the screen. Highlight the document you wish to view and click on "View Document" on the left side of the screen.

• Information about Family Travel
• Kids Fly Safe: CARES Child Safety Device
• FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Children
• Passengers with Disabilities
• Listen to the "Flying With Kids: Tips From A Expert" episode of The Air Up There podcast
• USDOT Airline Family Seating Dashboard

Flying With A Car Seat? Here's What You Need To Know

Y ou've probably already heard it but it bears repeating: Bringing a car seat for your baby on a flight is the safest way for your child to fly. And although it's not required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the agency strongly encourages parents to bring a car seat or other FAA-approved child restraint system or device when flying with young children. This means the car seat has the required label noting it is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.

And, no, it's not enough to hold them in your lap, especially during turbulence, which is the leading cause of pediatric injuries on a plane, according to the FAA. As Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, told The Washington Post , "We've seen airplanes go through turbulence recently and drop 4,000 feet in a split second. The G-forces are not something even the most loving mother or father can guard against and hold their child. It's just physically impossible." You'll also need your hands to put on your oxygen mask in cases of low cabin pressure.

So, yes, flying with a car seat is a good choice, especially if you're flying with a young child, i.e., under 2 years. But, if this is your first time flying with one, it's understandable that you have questions. We'll do our best to answer the most important queries you might have. So let's dive in.

Do You Have To Pay To Bring A Car Seat On The Plane?

Technically, no, but you'll have to hope and pray that there's an open seat and that the flight attendant will allow you to use it. Otherwise, you'll have to check your car seat and hold your child in your lap for the duration of the flight. In short, when you don't pay for a seat, there's no guarantee your child can sit securely in their car seat next to you during the flight.

Although paying for an extra seat can be hard on the budget, you should carefully consider it. Having peace of mind and assurance of your child's safety during the flight is priceless. Plus, if you have a toddler, a car seat can keep them behaved, and you  stress-free . As a user commented in the Toddlers Reddit forum's car seat discussion : " ... [I]t's so nice to have her contained! Someone behind me was trying to get their toddler to sit down the whole flight and it sounded exhausting."

Which Plane Seat Is The Best For A Car Seat?

When you bring a car seat on a plane, your options for seating are limited. Of course, you should book adjoining seats. The FAA says not to put car seats in exit rows, and you should avoid rows in front of or behind exit rows as well. Additionally, a lot of airlines ask that you put a car seat in the window seat. Putting children in aisle seats can be dangerous due to the possibility of falling items from overhead compartments and hot beverages spilling from carts. But, if you're flying on an aircraft with two aisles, a middle seat in the center is a good option too. Basically, book a seat for your baby's car seat that won't hinder another passenger from exiting or accessing the aisle.

And, when booking first class and business class, check that your car seat can fit in the seats you book. Sometimes, these cabin seats have angles that won't fit a car seat. In fact, double-check your car seat's weight limitations and dimensions against your plane's seat — it should be no more than 16 inches wide for most airlines. However, if you find that your car seat doesn't fit the seat, the FAA requires your airline to find another seat where it will fit.

If in doubt or you have questions, reach out to your airline for confirmation and answers. Also check with your airline if they allow car seats in the bulkhead, as many don't. If they do, book seats there for more leg room.

How Do You Install A Car Seat On The Plane?

Once on board the plane, your next agenda will be to install the car seat. While asking for the help of a flight attendant might sound like a good plan, don't rely on them. You are responsible for knowing how to install your car seat. The FAA has videos explaining the installation of forward-facing and rear-facing car seats, but it's always best to read the manual beforehand to be sure you're not going to break or damage anything.

If, after reading the manual, you have some questions, seek out the advice and expertise of a child passenger safety technician (CPST). You can search the National Child Passenger Safety Certification training program's website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's online directory, or reach out to your local Safe Kids Coalition. Don't forget to have your child's weight and height info, your car seat's manual, and, if possible, your child, among other things during the checkup.

In general, you can install either a forward-facing or rear-facing car seat. First, locate the right belt path in your car seat, loosen the airplane seatbelt and get it through the belt path, and then buckle and tighten it. If you're using a rear-facing car seat, note that it will interfere with the recline function of the seat in front, so you might arrange for a companion to sit there, if you're traveling with one.

Should You Buy A Rear-Facing Or Front-Facing Car Seat?

There's no prohibition against any of these types of car seats. You can bring a front-facing or rear-facing car seat on a flight as long as it is installed in a forward-facing plane seat. According to BabyCenter , children below 20 pounds should be seated in a rear-facing car seat whereas children from 20 to 40 pounds should be seated in a forward-facing car seat.

With this in mind, infants and toddlers should generally use a rear-facing car seat, while children more than 3 years old and younger than 7 years old or who have reached the height and weight limits can be placed in a forward-facing car seat. Basically, your child's age, weight, and height will dictate what type of car seat they'll use.

As mentioned, the car seat you bring with you on a flight should be one that's FAA-approved, i.e., it should have the certification label required for air travel. You can find this in a sticker with red text. Make sure you know where it is before boarding the plane as flight attendants will look for this label upon boarding. If you don't know where it is and the flight attendant can't find it, you might be asked to check your car seat instead.

How Do You Check Your Car Seat?

If shelling out those extra bucks just isn't in the budget, then you can check your car seat for free with most airlines. And whether you check it at the ticket counter or at the gate, remember to get your luggage tag, fill it out, and attach it to the car seat immediately. This way, you don't have to worry about it upon boarding.

If you gate check your car seat, you can drop it at the ramp right before boarding or a flight attendant will take care of it for you. Upon arrival, your car seat should be waiting for you at the jetbridge. If not, go to the baggage claim or ask a flight attendant about it.

If you check it at the counter, you might want to invest in a car seat travel bag. While this doesn't guarantee that your car seat won't be damaged, at least it will not be dirty. After deplaning, head to the oversized luggage section at the baggage claim area. You can usually claim car seats and strollers there, but call your airline to double-check. If you have a connecting flight, ensure you have time to retrieve your luggage, get to your next flight, and install the car seat there. Also, have a plan B in case your car seat gets damaged or lost. This typically means buying a new one or renting, so research in advance to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Read this next: Tips For Making Road Trips With Your Newborn Less Stressful

Flying with Multiples?

• Long Flights & Toddlers
• Preventing Drops (Cups, Hats, Etc)
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• Kindle Fire for Toddlers
• A Celiac Abroad
• Nima Gluten Sensor Review
• Nima Tips: Getting a Good Food Sample
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Moscow with a Baby or Toddler – Logistics

Want to travel to Moscow but you don’t know where to start? Already have a trip planned but your concerned about getting around the city? Here’s our favorite tips in regards to visas, airports, and getting around Moscow with a baby or toddler. Looking for activities with kids instead? Click here .

Getting to Russia

Most visitors to Russia need a visa to enter the country. You can check here to see if your exempted from needing one, but please always check with your local Russian Embassy or Consulate, as visa requirements change regularly. Since most of our readers are from the United States, this section will provide some more detail about the process for Americans applying for visas to Russia.

As of 2018, Americans generally can get either a single entry, double entry, or three year multiple entry visa for Russia. You will usually need to fill out an application form, obtain a letter of invitation (from either a travel agency, hotel, tour company, or Russian citizen), and then submit your application, passport, and letter to the nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate. We always found it easier to obtain visas with the help of a visa agency, such as ILS or other related companies.

Airports and Getting Into Moscow

Moscow is a huge city and is served by four international airports. Most likely, you will arrive at either Sheremetyevo ( SVO ) or Domodedovo ( DME ). After arrival, we have discovered several options to get into the city:

Playroom at Domodedovo Airport

• Taxi or Private Car (90 minutes to 3 hours): Generally it will cost between $50 and $150 for a private car transfer into the city, cheaper options may be available, but quality can vary. If you use a Taxi, some options include Uber , Yandex Taxi , or Gett Taxi . They have excellent mobile apps and are generally of good quality in our experience. We prefer to use them for intercity trips instead of airport transfers due to cost. Private Car hire is also possible, and there are several companies that offer this option. If you are booking with a travel agency, they may be able to arrange something for you. When traveling with children, we often use this option if we have a lot of luggage. If you need child car seats in your taxis, you can also look at Lingo Taxi and Detskoe Taxi .
• Bus: There is bus service to the airports, but we do not recommend it for first time visitors to Russia, as it can be easy to get on the wrong bus. We generally use buses for inter-city transportation only.

Getting Around Moscow

Moscow is a very walkable for such a large city. The city center is full of historic sites that you will want to see and walking is the easiest way to get to them. There are some very wide roads in Moscow and you will notice that many crosswalks are actually underground. Many areas have tunnels that connect a large amount of streets and sites, particularly near the Kremlin. The only problem with walking in Moscow with a baby or toddler are the perehods if you have a stroller. If you are using a baby carrier, you will find the city is easy to walk between the major sites.

Moscow Metro Logo

The Moscow Metro is iconic. Not only is it the easiest way to get around the city, most of the stations are sites themselves. Many metro stations are heavily adorned with many types of art and chandeliers. Moscow has been adding signs with Latin characters and English translations to help tourist navigate the city. You can get to most destinations with only one transfer. The hardest part about using the metro in Moscow with a baby or toddler is that most stations require using long escalators. This can make using a stroller challenging. There are usually stairs involved when transferring stations.

If you are riding during peak times, do not be surprised when a Muscovite steps up to help. It is expected that passengers will give up seats to the elderly, handicapped, or children. If a passenger stands up as you board and you have a baby or toddler, then that seat is for you and you will be expected to take it. Likewise if you are a healthy-looking male traveling with your family, you will be expected to give up your seat in a car without empty seats.

Buying a Ticket

You will need to get a ticket at either an automated machine or cashier. At the machines you may buy a single or double ride ticket (these tickets also cost more than higher multiple tickets). At the cashier, you can buy any number of rides or monthly, quarterly, or yearly metro passes. All tickets are usable on the metro and bus system.

Troika Card

A Troika card has been extremely useful. This is a hard plastic card that can be used for metro and bus rides, in addition to paying for several other locations in the city. The card is cheap (approximately $1) and is simply loaded with Russian rubles either in cash or via credit card. Discounted fares are automatically taken from your card when you enter the metro, bus, etc and touch it to the ticket terminal. You may purchase these at any Metro cashier. For more details on the metro and the current prices, visit their official website (Russian) . A current map of the metro is here .

Moscow has a large bus and train system that serves the entire city and outlying regions. The buses can be very useful in Moscow with a baby or toddler because they are easy to ride with a stroller. Often, travel by bus can be quicker than travel by metro depending on the destinations involved. Many of the bus stops in the center of the city now have electronic signs indicating the next bus arriving and an estimated arrival time for the next several buses. Apps such as Yandex Maps or Google Maps are often able to provide you with the specific bus and stops that you need and have been very helpful to us.

Yandex/Uber/Gett/Taxis

Moscow has a very active taxi market. We have had great success with Uber, Yandex.Taxi, and Gett – but many other options also exist in the city. Be sure to have the apps downloaded prior to your arrival for the best experience.

Boarding SAPSAN train Moscow-StPeter / which car to choose? - Moscow Forum

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Boarding SAPSAN train Moscow-StPeter / which car to choose?

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If I understand correctly, there is only one main entrance to the platform?

Which car (economy class) should we choose so that it'd be closer to the entrance? (Previously in Seville we had to run the length of the platform to get to our car , and I don't want to repeat that experience.)

Any other useful tips would be appreciated!

I think I'd rather be boarding closer to the entrance -- God forbid any delays getting to the station in Moscow. And then walk the length of the train upon arrival in St. Peter. So do I understand correctly that cars number 9, 10 would be the closest to the entrance?

Regarding the luggage space: it appears each car has allocated space for luggage, but I wonder how big it is. We are traveling as a group of 15 and each person will have at least one suitcase. Would we be able to fit all luggage in one car ?

Seats: can they be turned around so that they are all facing the direction that the train is going? In the illustration on RZD site, some seats are facing each other. Not sure if they can be turned around.

> Seats: can they be turned around so that they are all facing the direction that the train is going?

Seats cannot be turned. This is a purpose of the train diagram-you can determine seats direction. Most people travel with luggage and manage it. Smaller suitcases could be placed at overhead racks as well. Enjoy!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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