Traveling with young children can be an adventure, filled with excitement and new experiences. However, ensuring their safety, especially during air travel, is paramount for parents. While you meticulously plan everything from packing essentials to in-flight entertainment, one crucial aspect often overlooked is child passenger safety on airplanes. Many parents are unaware of the potential risks and either let their child sit unrestrained on the airplane seat or, even more dangerously, on their lap.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advise using a child restraint system (CRS) for children weighing under 40 pounds during flights. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s about safeguarding your child against unexpected turbulence or rough landings where standard lap belts are insufficient.
Beyond the critical aspect of safe airplane travel, bringing your car seat onboard offers numerous advantages. Airline baggage handling can be tough on car seats, leading to damage or loss. Keeping your car seat with you eliminates this risk. Moreover, your child is more likely to feel secure and comfortable in their familiar car seat, making it easier for them to sleep, play, and snack peacefully throughout the journey. Say goodbye to wrestling a restless toddler for the entire flight!
Choosing to bring a car seat for your child on a flight is undoubtedly the most responsible and convenient option. But with so many car seat models available, how do you know which ones are FAA-approved? This guide will delve into everything you need to know about FAA-approved car seats, ensuring you make the safest choice for your family travels.
Identifying FAA Approved Car Seats
The good news is that the majority of car seats are FAA-approved, but it’s vital to verify your specific model before heading to the airport. The easiest way to check for FAA approval is to look for a label, usually white, on the car seat itself. This label clearly states: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” If you can’t locate the label, the car seat’s manual is another reliable source of this information.
A close-up view of the FAA approval label on a Doona car seat, indicating its certification for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
The FAA emphasizes that children should be securely buckled into their own airplane seats using FAA-approved car seats. For children who typically use booster seats, the FAA mandates they also have their own seat on the airplane and be secured with the airplane’s lap belt. Booster seats themselves are not approved for use during flights. If you’re unsure about installation, numerous resources are available, including videos demonstrating how to install a car seat on a plane.
While airlines may offer the Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES), a harness device that adapts the airplane seat belt for children between 22 and 44 pounds and up to 40 inches tall, it’s generally not recommended as a primary solution. Upon arrival at your destination, you will still need a car seat for safe transportation, and relying on car seat rentals is often discouraged due to safety and hygiene concerns.
To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of highly recommended FAA-approved car seats perfect for travel. While this is not an exhaustive list, it features some of the top-rated and most convenient options available.
Top FAA-Approved Car Seats for Travel
When selecting a travel car seat, consider factors like weight, size, ease of installation, and your child’s age and size. Below are some of our favorite FAA-approved car seats, categorized for infant and convertible stages.
FAA-Approved Infant Car Seats: Lightweight and Convenient
Infant car seats are designed for babies from birth to around 12 months, offering rear-facing protection and portability. For air travel, lightweight and easy-to-carry models are ideal.
1. Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller Combo
The Doona car seat, a versatile 2-in-1 solution that transforms from an FAA-approved infant car seat into a stroller, perfect for simplifying travel with babies.
The Doona stands out as an exceptional travel companion thanks to its innovative design as an infant car seat that seamlessly converts into a stroller. This dual functionality eliminates the need to bring both a car seat and a stroller, making airport navigation significantly easier. While slightly heavier due to its integrated stroller components, the convenience of having a 2-in-1 system is invaluable for traveling parents. For international travel outside the U.S. or Canada, a locking clip (available free from the manufacturer) is necessary.
2. Evenflo Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seat and Stroller
The Evenflo Shyft DualRide, another FAA-approved infant car seat and stroller combination, offering a practical travel solution with a focus on safety and ease of use.
The Evenflo Shyft DualRide is another excellent stroller/car seat hybrid, particularly well-suited for newborns due to its snug fit for smaller babies. Similar to the Doona, it requires a locking clip for use outside of the U.S. and Canada and is a bit on the heavier side. Notable features include a detachable stroller base and Evenflo’s SensorSafe chest clip, adding an extra layer of safety and monitoring.
3. Nuna PIPA urbn Infant Car Seat
The Nuna PIPA urbn, an FAA-approved infant car seat known for its lightweight design, ease of installation, and suitability for international travel.
The Nuna PIPA urbn is a top pick for travel thanks to its compact size, simple installation, and suitability for even the smallest infants. It features rigid lower anchors directly attached to the seat, streamlining installation. Its European baseless routing option makes it particularly convenient for international travel. For parents prioritizing non-toxic materials, the Nuna PIPA urbn uses flame-retardant-free Merino wool fabric.
4. Clek Liingo Infant Car Seat
The Clek Liingo infant car seat, FAA-approved and designed for easy travel with features like a lightweight build and flame-retardant-free fabric.
The Clek Liingo shares many desirable travel features with the Nuna PIPA urbn. It’s well-suited for small babies, boasts a compact and lightweight design, offers flame-retardant-free fabric (Railroad fabric option), and includes the European baseless routing method. A notable advantage is that the lower anchors are attached to the infant seat itself, rather than the base, simplifying installation on the go.
FAA-Approved Convertible Car Seats: Versatile for Growing Children
Convertible car seats are designed to grow with your child, transitioning from rear-facing for infants to forward-facing for toddlers and preschoolers. For travel, look for lightweight and compact convertible seats.
1. Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat
The Cosco Scenera Next, a budget-friendly and FAA-approved convertible car seat, renowned for its lightweight and compact design, ideal for travel.
If you need a secondary car seat specifically for travel, the Cosco Scenera Next is an unbeatable choice. It’s not only FAA-approved but also incredibly affordable. This convertible car seat is remarkably lightweight (just 7 lbs) and compact, accommodating children from birth to approximately 2.5-3 years old. While it offers a forward-facing mode, children will likely outgrow the seat’s height and weight limits relatively quickly in both rear and forward-facing positions.
2. Maxi-Cosi Romi Convertible Car Seat
The Maxi-Cosi Romi convertible car seat, FAA-approved, emphasizing compactness, affordability, and flame-retardant-free fabrics for travel convenience.
The Maxi-Cosi Romi is another compact and budget-friendly convertible car seat perfect for travel. Weighing only 8 pounds, it’s easy to carry and manage through airports. Impressively, it also features flame-retardant-free fabric, a rare find at this price point. Keep in mind that taller children may outgrow this seat sooner. Functionally, it is almost identical to the Cosco Scenera Next, with the primary difference being the fabric material.
3. Safety 1st Jive Convertible Car Seat
The Safety 1st Jive, an FAA-approved convertible car seat offering an affordable and lightweight option for air travel with children up to 65 lbs.
The Safety 1st Jive is another affordable and FAA-approved convertible car seat designed for travel. It accommodates children up to 65 lbs and remains lightweight (under 10 pounds) and relatively compact, making it suitable for flying. While it’s not ideal for newborns due to a higher lowest harness setting, it’s an excellent choice once your child outgrows their infant car seat.
4. Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo Sonus 65 convertible car seat, FAA-approved and noted for its lightweight design and suitability for taller children, making it a versatile travel option.
The Evenflo Sonus 65 is another lightweight, FAA-approved convertible car seat perfect for travel. Suitable from birth and particularly well-suited for taller children, it’s a great option if you want to keep your taller child in a forward-facing 5-point harness for as long as possible.
5. Century Drive On 3-in-1 Car Seat
The Century Drive On, an FAA-approved 3-in-1 car seat that converts to a booster, offering extended use and made with sustainable materials.
The Century Drive On stands out as a 3-in-1 seat, converting from rear-facing and forward-facing to a high-back booster. (Note: booster mode is not FAA-approved for airplane use). Despite the added booster functionality, it remains lightweight at 14 pounds and reasonably priced. An eco-conscious choice, Century uses recycled water bottles to create the fabric for this seat.
6. Britax Emblem Convertible Car Seat
The Britax Emblem convertible car seat, FAA-approved and travel-friendly, featuring lightweight design and a seatbelt lock-off for international travel.
The Britax Emblem is a strong travel contender due to its lightweight design, included seat belt lock-off for secure international installations, and a 65-pound weight capacity. The Safewash fabric version is also flame-retardant-free. While technically rated for newborns from 4 pounds, it’s generally better suited for babies who have outgrown their infant car seats.
Booster Seats and RideSafer Vests: Not FAA-Approved
It’s important to note that booster seats, including both backless and belt-positioning boosters, are not FAA-approved for use during flights. They do not meet the necessary safety standards for air travel. Booster seats should be stored in the overhead bin during the flight (avoid checking them as luggage). Children who typically use booster seats on the ground should use the airplane’s lap belt in their own seat during the flight.
Similarly, the RideSafer Travel Vest, while convenient for ground travel, is also not FAA-approved for aircraft use. It should also be packed in the overhead bin for use at your destination. Children using RideSafer vests on the ground should use the airplane lap belt in their own seat during the flight.
Ensuring Your Car Seat is FAA-Approved
While most car seats are FAA-approved, always double-check your specific model for the FAA approval label or consult the car seat manual.
Choosing to use an FAA-approved car seat for your child during air travel is a commendable step towards ensuring their safety. If your current FAA-approved car seat is too bulky or heavy for travel, consider one of the travel-friendly car seats listed above or explore a broader selection of the best car seats for air travel.
For comprehensive guidance and support in navigating air travel with children and car seats, consider taking the Wheels Up: Airplane Course. You can also find a wealth of additional safety information and car seat advice on the Safe in the Seat blog. These resources can significantly ease your travel experience and provide peace of mind.
As an Amazon Associate, Safe in the Seat earns from qualifying purchases.
