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Pro tip: select lightweight for travel-friendly options!
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!
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends keeping your child in a car seat during flights. Yes, that means buying a ticket, even for the babies. If there’s a rough landing or severe turbulence, keeping your kiddo hugged to your lap is not practical or safe.
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 child restraint system, we don’t mean gate check it. We mean to bring it aboard, install it, and strap your child inside. Safe and snug!
Planning to travel soon? Our Flying with a Car Seat Guide walks you through everything parents should know before bringing a car seat on a plane.
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!
Flying with a car seat? Start here.
Choosing the right travel car seat is only one piece of the puzzle when flying with kids.
Many parents are surprised by how many details come into play when bringing a car seat on a plane - from navigating the airport with it to installing it correctly in the aircraft seat.
Before your trip, grab our Flying with a Car Seat Guide, which walks you through the entire process step-by-step so you can travel safely and confidently with your child.
Inside the guide you'll learn:
• how to install a car seat on an airplane
• how to get through the airport with kids and gear
• what travel seats work best
• common travel mistakes parents make
Created by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians
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, and easy to install. And, honestly, we think a car seat just for travel is a great idea!
To help make your holiday 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 our favorite travel 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 car seat through the airport, 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. Graco GoMax
The Graco GoMax Baseless car seat is an affordable and convenient option for families who frequently use ride-shares or taxis when traveling. Its rigid lower anchors make installation quick and effortless, while the automatic snap-back feature keeps the recline setting in place for future use. It also has a no-rethread harness, unlike the other baseless infant options on the market. It has a bubble level instead of a recline line as well, so it's easier to tell if the recline is correct when installing it in vehicles.
3. Nuna PIPA urbn
This infant car seat comes without a base. But it has an amazing built-in rigid 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 Nuna Pipa Urbn was the first baseless seat to come with rigid lower anchors.
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.
5. Joie Mint Latch
The Joie Mint Latch was the second infant seat in the US to offer rigid lower anchors on the carrier. It's a far more economical option than the first, Nuna Pipa Urbn! In addition, the Joie can be bought by itself, where as the Nuna only comes as part of a travel system. The rigid lower anchors make this seat very easy to travel with. You can easily take it to any destination that has vehicles equipped with lower anchors/ISOFIX.
Want to feel fully prepared for your flight?
Flying with a car seat involves more than just picking the right model.
Our Flying with a Car Seat Guide walks you through:
• navigating the airport with a car seat
• installing it on the airplane
• choosing travel-friendly gear
• avoiding the most common mistakes parents make
Best Convertible Car Seats for Airplane Travel
6. Cosco Scenera Extend
The Cosco Scenera Extend is one of our favorite convertible car seats for air travel. First off, it comes at a great price. Also, it’s super lightweight (8.5 lbs!) and compact. So it’ll easily get through security, through the airport, 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 Extend Convertible Car Seat here.
This seat isn’t very long-lasting, often being totally outgrown by age three. But while your child fits, you can’t beat the ease and convenience!
Many families choose a lightweight travel seat like this one. But before your trip, make sure you understand how to bring a car seat through the airport and install it on the plane. Our Flying with a Car Seat Guide walks you through the entire process.
7. Maxi Cosi Romi
This cousin of the Cosco Scenera Extend is another great convertible car seat for travel. Also, weighing in at about 9 lbs, 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 Extend, the most discerning toddlers are sure to find this seat a comfy ride! It also has premium lower anchors, which are easier to use than the basic lower anchors that are found on the Cosco Scenera Extend!
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?)
8. Safety 1st Ellaris
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 Ellaris is a fantastic airline car seat. It’s almost as light as the Scenera Extend 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!
Nailing the perfect recline when you install it rear-facing in vehicles can be a little more finicky. 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!
9. Graco Contender Slim
The Graco Contender 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.
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!
10. Graco TrioGrow SnugLock
The Graco TrioGrow SnugLock is one of our favorite seats for international travel. While it is 18 pounds, it is still the lightest option available if you want a seat that has a seat belt lock-off. 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. You can find our full review of this seat here.
Best Forward-Facing Car Seats for Airplane Travel
11. Wayb Pico
This lightweight car seat is crazy cool! It’s only eight pounds, super 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.
12. 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.
Best Booster Seats for Airplane Travel
You may be wondering: can i take a booster seat on an airplane?
booster seats are prohibited on planes. This is because boosters require lap and shoulder belts. But since planes typically don’t have shoulder belts, boosters cannot be used on a flight. Although a few first class cabins may have lap and shoulder belts, these are still not approved for use with boosters.
Read more here.
13. 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!
Ready to feel confident flying with a car seat?
Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating airports, installing seats on planes, and managing all the gear.
Download our Flying with a Car Seat Guide to learn exactly how to travel safely and confidently with your child.
Free guide created by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians
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 as 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 if you can't find it on the label.
Once you’ve selected your seat, read our 7 tips for bringing your car seat on an airplane and take our Safe in the Sky 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 Amazon Live, where I share my favorite products, toys, fidgets, and tips for flying with kids. Here's our latest blog post on keeping toddlers entertained on the plane and here's one on installing your car seat on an airplane.
Ready, jet set, go!
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