When it comes to family travel, the safety of your child is always a top priority. Whether you're traveling by land or air, a car seat is the best tool to keep your child safe and comfortable. Yes, you read that right - a car seat is not just meant for the car, but for airplanes too!
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends keeping your child in a car seat during flights. Rough landings or severe turbulence can make it unsafe to have your child on your lap, and airline seat belts are not designed for children under 40 pounds. So, it's essential to bring your car seat on board and secure your child inside it for a safer and more comfortable journey.
Bringing your car seat on the plane not only ensures your child's safety during the flight but also when you arrive at your destination. This is particularly important if you'll need a car seat for your rental car. Rental car seats can be unreliable and cause unnecessary worry. Additionally, checking your car seat with your luggage poses the risk of it getting damaged or lost. To avoid this stress, it's always best to plan to use your car seat on a flight.
In this article, we'll explore the best car seats for airplane travel, each carefully selected to meet FAA-approved standards and provide comfort and convenience for both you and your child. Let's dive in and find the perfect car seat for your next adventure!
Doona Infant Car Seat
Recommended Car Seats
The Doona infant car seat is a standout choice for airline travel. FAA-approved and narrow enough to fit into airplane seats, this car seat is perfect for hassle-free air travel. But what makes it truly unique is its dual functionality as both a car seat and a stroller. No more lugging around two bulky pieces of equipment - simply wheel it around for seamless transitions from car to gate to connection. While it is heavier and bulkier than other options, the convenience of its wheels makes it well worth considering, especially if your baby will be a frequent flyer during their first year.
Evenflo DualRide
The Evenflo DualRide is an excellent option for those seeking versatility and safety features in a travel car seat. With four installation methods and the option to use it with or without the stroller base, this infant seat-to-stroller combination offers convenience and peace of mind. Whether you're detaching the stroller frame from the carrier, utilizing the anti-rebound bar for added safety, or easily installing the seat baseless using European routing, the DualRide has you covered. It's particularly ideal for parents looking for a seat that will fit small babies and includes the bonus feature of SensorSafe technology.
Nuna PIPA urbn
The Nuna PIPA urbn is a revolutionary addition to the car seat market. This infant car seat doesn't come with a base but features a built-in latch system that allows for baseless installation with ease. If you rely on the convenience of baseless installation during your travels, especially in city environments or frequent flights, the Pipa urbn is a game-changer. While currently only available as a travel system with select Nuna strollers, it offers compactness and portability that make it an excellent travel companion for frequent flyers.
Clek Liingo
The Clek Liingo stands out as an exceptional travel seat with its range of remarkable features and intelligent design. Its compact size allows for easy maneuverability and seamless integration into different modes of transportation, including airplanes, taxis, and rental cars. What sets it apart is its innovative design that eliminates the need for a separate base. The lower anchors are cleverly concealed within a compartment on the back, providing flexibility during installation. Whether you choose to utilize the lower anchors or the seat belt, the Clek Liingo offers convenience and peace of mind. Though not part of a travel system, it is compatible with many popular strollers, making it a versatile and exceptional travel companion.
Car Seat Buying Kits
Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat
The Cosco Scenera Next is a top pick for a convertible car seat that's perfect for air travel. With its lightweight and compact design, weighing only 8 pounds, it easily maneuvers through security, down the airplane aisle, and into your seat. Its washable fabric and easy removal aid in keeping the seat clean and ready for your next adventure. While some users have expressed concerns about the installation process, mastering the inside-out install technique will make the process a breeze. The Cosco Scenera Next may not be long-lasting, but it offers unmatched convenience and ease of use for your travels.
Maxi Cosi Romi Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi Cosi Romi is another fantastic convertible car seat option for travel. Weighing in at around 8 pounds, it's incredibly lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack-style manner while walking to your gate. With a cushier cover and more padding than the Cosco Scenera Next, it provides a comfortable ride for toddlers. While it may be slightly pricier than other options, the added comfort and convenience make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a lightweight and comfortable convertible car seat for their young passengers.
Safety 1st Jive Convertible Car Seat
If you're looking for a long-lasting car seat for your forward-facing child, the Safety 1st Jive is an outstanding option. Weighing about 8 pounds and super narrow, it provides extra room when sitting next to the car seat. With a maximum forward-facing weight limit of 65 pounds, it offers the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. The Jive is easy to install and offers multiple cup holders, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for both you and your child.
Evenflo Sonus 65
The Evenflo Sonus 65 is a lightweight car seat with a taller harness height, making it an ideal choice for taller children. Weighing about the same as the Safety 1st Jive, it offers the possibility of reaching the seat's maximum weight limit of 65 pounds. While it only has one allowed recline for rear-facing, it fits well in most vehicles and utilizes the inside-out trick for installation. The Sonus 65 provides a safe and comfortable travel experience, ensuring your child's well-being during each journey.
Century Drive On 3-in-1 Car Seat
The Century Drive On 3-in-1 is both functional and stylish. With features like a no-rethread harness and multiple recline settings, it stands out as a premium travel car seat. Weighing in at just about 14 pounds, it remains lightweight despite offering a range of impressive features, including a high-back booster mode and two cup holders. Its compact design and excellent performance make it an exceptional travel companion, ensuring convenience and peace of mind throughout your journey.
Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
The Graco Contender 65 is a tried-and-true favorite among frequent flying parents. While it's an inexpensive option, it offers features commonly found on more expensive car seats. One standout feature is the closed belt path design, ensuring your child's comfort during the flight without bulky buckles causing discomfort. The Contender 65 is wide enough to require moving the armrest out of the way but remains light enough to carry through the airport effortlessly. Its sleek look and easy installation process make it a go-to choice for air travel, with updated versions like the Graco Contender Go and Contender Slim providing equally amazing options.
Britax Emblem Convertible Car Seat
The Britax Emblem offers excellent vehicle installation upon arrival at your destination. Its lower anchor system makes installation a breeze, and its velcro straps hold the seatbelts securely while you load up your child. The Emblem also features a seatbelt lock-off, making it an ideal choice for international flyers. With a single rear-facing recline setting, the seat fits comfortably in most cars, providing convenience and peace of mind during your travels. The Emblem offers a balance of effortless lower anchor installation and a comfortable ride, making it worth considering, especially for international trips.
Graco TrioGrow SnugLock
The Graco TrioGrow SnugLock is a top pick for international travelers seeking a lightweight car seat with a seat belt lock-off feature. Weighing 18 pounds, it remains one of the lightest options available while providing the convenience of a seat belt lock-off. Its multiple rear-facing recline options make it more compact front to back, and the ability to fold and fit it into the overhead bin of most aircraft is a significant advantage. For a safe and comfortable journey, the TrioGrow SnugLock is an excellent travel companion.
Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Baby Trend Trooper offers an affordable and lightweight option for your travel needs. Weighing just 17 inches across, it easily fits down narrow airplane aisles. With its built-in cup holder and compatibility with newborns through big kids, it's an ideal travel car seat choice. While it may take up some space, particularly when rear-facing for smaller passengers, its affordability and convenience make it a winning option for families on a budget.
Safety 1st Comfort Ride
For forward-facing big kids, the Safety 1st Comfort Ride is an excellent long-lasting car seat option. Weighing 12 pounds and featuring a no-rethread harness, it offers comfort and convenience in three modes: forward-facing harness, high-back booster, and backless booster. While the booster modes are not plane-approved, this seat provides versatility and longevity, making it a great investment for your travel needs. The Comfort Ride is also made from recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious parents.
Cosco Finale Combination Booster Seat
Car Seat Safe Toys & Accessories
The Cosco Finale is a phenomenal budget option for a forward-facing harness car seat. Its minimalistic design, lightweight (less than 10 pounds), and compact size allow for easy installation and fit almost anywhere. While it only offers a harness mode for airplane use, it exceeds expectations in terms of convenience and user-friendliness. Though it may not be suitable as a long-term booster seat, the Finale's affordability and versatility make it an excellent choice for harness use during travel.
Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat
The Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat offers an exceptionally lightweight and foldable solution for travel. Weighing only eight pounds and featuring a foldable design, it's the smallest car seat on our list. With its portable add-on travel bag, it becomes even more convenient to carry. Some users have reported challenges with installation, particularly when using the vehicle seatbelt instead of the lower anchors. Additionally, the lack of support for sleeping can be a downside for long-haul flights. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Wayb Pico provides a unique and convenient option for parents of frequent tiny flyers.
Evenflo Maestro Sport Booster Seat
The Evenflo Maestro Sport Booster Seat is an excellent choice for taller kids requiring a forward-facing harness. Although wider than some other seats, it remains lightweight at ten pounds and offers additional padding and head support. Like other forward-facing seats, it must be used in harness mode during air travel. While it may not make a great booster seat due to its lack of adjustability, it excels in convenience, affordability, and ease of use, making it a favorite among traveling families.
Diono Monterey 5ist FixSafe Booster Seat
The Diono Monterey 5ist FixSafe Booster Seat is a booster seat designed for the sky. Its futuristic foldable design, measuring just 13 inches wide at the base, allows it to fit into the overhead bin of most aircraft. This eliminates the need to check the booster seat with your luggage, reducing the risk of damage or loss. With its built-in handle and carrying straps, transporting the seat is a breeze. The Diono Monterey provides a safe and convenient solution for flying with big kids.
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex Booster Seat
How to Install a Car Seat on an Airplane
The Peg Perego Viaggio Flex Booster Seat is another excellent foldable booster option that comes with a carrying case. Its narrow design and 16-pound weight make it effortless to carry on your back or attach it to your luggage. Offering separate height and width adjustments, it ensures a perfect and comfortable fit as your child grows. Similar to the Diono booster, you can carry it onboard and store it in the overhead bin, eliminating the risk of damaged or lost luggage. While it may have a higher price tag, the comfort and convenience it provides make it an exceptional choice for travel.
Flying with one of these FAA and Safe in the Seat-approved car seats guarantees the safety of your child during travel, while making your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Selecting the right car seat will ensure easy installation, stress-free travels, and peace of mind. Remember, bringing your own car seat on the plane doesn't have to be a hassle. With these carefully curated options, you can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing that your child is safe and secure.
Whether you're flying with kids or flying with a baby, it's crucial to keep your little ones happy and occupied during the journey. Being prepared and confident before your flight is key! Check out our recent Amazon Live, where we share our favorite products, toys, fidgets, and tips for flying with kids.
Ready, jet set, go!
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