One of the most common concerns for families embarking on road trips or flying with kids is child passenger safety, and specifically, what type of travel car seat works best. The ideal solution often depends on various factors such as your travel style, destination, your children’s ages, and luggage constraints. While lugging a bulky high-back car seat onto a plane can be cumbersome, this guide focuses on practical and portable solutions: the best booster seats for travel, also known as portable booster seats. Here’s why focusing on booster seats for older children makes sense for travel.
For infants and toddlers, renting a suitable car seat at your destination is often the most practical approach.
Car seats for younger children are typically expensive and bulky to transport. Renting one at your destination usually proves to be a cost-effective alternative.
However, the equation changes significantly when traveling with older children who have transitioned to booster seats. Travel booster seats offer an economical and convenient solution. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase, incredibly portable, and often cheaper than renting a booster seat for the duration of your trip.
TRAVELER’S TIP: Currently, the BubbleBum booster stands out as a reader favorite in the US for travel. For those prioritizing advanced safety features and with a higher budget, the Ride Safer Vest offers a unique, albeit pricier, alternative.
Let’s delve into the world of portable booster car seats. Below is an overview of what this article covers, including our top picks for travel boosters.
While you can jump directly to product reviews, we highly recommend reading through the practical tips and advice sections. This information will empower you to make an informed decision and select the ideal child booster seat for your travel needs.
Note: This article is regularly updated to reflect the latest information. However, regulations, product availability, and company offerings are constantly evolving. While this guide offers valuable insights into the types of travel boosters available, always verify current regulations and product specifications to ensure they meet your specific requirements.
Travel Booster Seats: Quick Comparison
Our Family’s Journey with Travel Car Seats and Booster Seats
As parents of three, we’ve navigated international travel with our children since they were infants. Initially, renting car seats was our go-to strategy. The thought of packing bulky car seats alongside our travel luggage – especially multiples – was simply overwhelming.
For us, streamlining our luggage and traveling light is paramount when traveling with young children.
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When our eldest child approached five years old, we planned an extensive 5-week road trip across Australia. The twins were just three at the time. Traveling with three young children and multiple flights made packing car seats for everyone impossible. We resorted to renting car seats for the twins with each rental car booking across four different Australian destinations. The cumulative cost of these rentals was substantial.
This experience prompted us to explore alternatives, at least for our five-year-old. That’s when we began researching booster seats and realized that purchasing a travel booster seat could lead to significant cost savings.
However, even standard booster seats can be cumbersome to pack for air travel. Our search then narrowed to the best travel booster seats: options that met stringent safety standards while being exceptionally portable.
This was several years ago. Since then, we’ve acquired two more travel boosters for our twins. We’re pleased to report that these same Travel Booster Seats are still in regular use today. They have accompanied us on every trip since their initial purchase and are even used for daily commutes at home. Investing in quality travel booster car seats has proven to be one of our wisest travel-related decisions.
Before diving into specific travel booster seat recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the key considerations when choosing a booster seat for travel. Keep reading to learn more!
Trunki BoostApak is our top pick for the best travel booster seatYears of safe travels with our trusted travel boosters.
Understanding Booster Seat Requirements
Booster seats are designed for children around four years and older, who have outgrown forward-facing car seats with a 5-point harness. A portable travel booster seat provides crucial safety for your child when using rental cars, taxis, or ride-sharing services away from home.
However, it’s vital to recognize that car seat and booster seat regulations differ considerably between countries. Always consult official sources for your destination country to ensure you are using the correct type of car seat for your child. More details on this are provided below.
In some regions, particularly in parts of Asia and North Africa, car seat or booster seat laws may be minimal or non-existent. Despite this, prioritizing your child’s safety should always supersede local legal requirements. Renting or bringing your own booster seat is always the recommended approach.
We have rented car seats in South Africa and Namibia and generally found them to be of acceptable quality. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to request a replacement from reputable car rental agencies, as they typically have ample stock.
Once our children reached booster seat age, purchasing our own travel boosters provided consistent safety and peace of mind. Bringing your own booster seat ensures your children’s safety no matter where your travels take you.
Booster Seat Regulations vary globally – your comprehensive travel booster seat guideGlobal variations in booster seat regulations. Image courtesy of Mifold.
Navigating Local Car Seat Laws
When traveling internationally, always research and understand the car seat and booster seat laws of your destination country.
Below are resources outlining car seat and booster seat regulations for various countries. However, car seat laws are subject to frequent updates, so verifying the most current regulations for your specific destination is essential.
Some countries mandate specific certifications or labels for travel booster seats to be legally compliant. Carefully reviewing these regulations is crucial.
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While Asia generally has less stringent car seat regulations, some countries do have specific rules. Always research the regulations for your specific Asian destination before your trip.
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European car seat requirements are now harmonized to some extent, but variations persist. While previously, booster seats were often acceptable for children around four years old, current regulations often mandate a minimum height of 125 cm (4ft1) and a weight of at least 22 kg (49 lbs) for backless booster seat use. In most European countries, children can use a standard adult seat once they reach 135 cm (4ft4) in height (e.g., France, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg). However, some countries require booster seats for children under 150 cm (4ft 9) or under 12 years of age (e.g., Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Slovenia).
Given the ever-changing landscape of car seat regulations, thoroughly research the specific laws of your intended destination. Additionally, confirm that your chosen travel booster seat is approved for use in the countries you plan to visit.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Travel Booster Seat
Beyond legal compliance, several other factors should influence your choice of travel booster seat. Let’s explore these important considerations.
Prioritizing Safety
High-back booster seats with side wings offer superior protection, especially in side-impact collisions, providing enhanced head and neck support. However, these types can be less practical for travel due to their bulk.
Remember, any certified booster seat offers better protection than no booster seat at all. Prioritizing safety, even with a more portable option, is paramount.
Weight and Portability
After safety, weight and size are critical factors for travel booster seats. Some options are ideal for local trips and day outings, while others are specifically designed for air travel and longer journeys where luggage space is limited.
Consider the potential cost of excess baggage fees for bringing your own booster seat. Often, these fees are less than the cost of renting a booster seat at your destination, especially for longer trips. Plus, owning a travel booster seat provides ongoing convenience for future travels.
For families with multiple children (2-3), assess whether multiple travel boosters can fit comfortably side-by-side in a car, keeping in mind sibling dynamics during car rides. (For tips on managing car rides with kids, see: Tips for Surviving Long Car Trips with Toddlers).
Versatility and Multi-Functionality
Some travel booster seats are designed to serve multiple purposes, which is highly advantageous when minimizing luggage and maximizing value.
Essential Usage Tips
When using backless boosters, whenever possible, have an adult sit with the child to monitor their positioning. Backless boosters can sometimes allow children to slouch or move out of optimal positioning.
The center rear seat is statistically the safest position in a vehicle. If feasible and equipped with a 3-point seatbelt, position the travel booster seat there.
Practice installing and using your travel booster seat before your trip. While most are straightforward, familiarity will ensure a smooth and correct installation when you’re on the go.
Top Travel Booster Seats: Reviews and Comparisons
To provide you with the most comprehensive guide to the best travel booster seats currently available, this selection is based on our family’s extensive travel experiences, input from other traveling families, and thorough product research.
The following portable booster seats represent what we believe are the top choices for travelers seeking lightweight and safe options. We’ve also included one foldable high-back booster seat for those traveling with younger children who prefer the added support of a high-back seat but still need portability. While not as compact as backless boosters, it offers a balance of features.
Below are detailed reviews of each recommended travel booster seat, highlighting key features that make them valuable for travel. Naturally, we’ve included our personal favorite – the travel booster seat our children have used for years. Let’s explore the top picks!
Our Recommended Travel Booster Seats:
1. BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat
The award-winning BubbleBum Booster Seat is marketed as an inflatable booster seat, but its construction is more sophisticated. It incorporates memory foam in addition to air, providing crucial protection even if punctured during an accident.
The BubbleBum inflates in just 20 seconds and deflates rapidly, folding compactly for easy storage in carry-on luggage or a backpack.
Designed for use with a 3-point adult seat belt (not compatible with lap belts), it includes shoulder belt positioning clips and side lap belt clips to ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
Weighing a mere 1.2 lbs, it’s the lightest travel booster seat in our review and also one of the most affordable. However, its smaller size might make it better suited for shorter trips compared to extended road journeys.
Top travel booster seats – BubbleBum Booster SeatThe BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat
Key Features of the BubbleBum Booster Seat:
- Suitable for children aged 4-11 years, weighing 40-100 lbs (18-45 kg).
- Rapid inflation and deflation.
- Exceptionally lightweight and compact when folded, facilitating easy storage.
- Includes a dedicated carry bag.
- Constructed from durable materials.
- Slim design allows for three-across seating in many vehicles.
2. RideSafer Travel Vest
The RideSafer Travel Vest is a compact and lightweight alternative to traditional travel booster seats. While it carries a higher price point, its unique design and safety features justify the investment for many families. Weighing just 1.5 lbs (800g), it consumes minimal luggage space and is particularly advantageous in smaller vehicles where bulkier car seats and boosters can be problematic. Fitting three RideSafer vests across the back seat is easily achievable.
Despite its appearance, the RideSafer vest offers exceptional safety, often exceeding that of traditional booster seats.
Its intelligent design ensures the car’s seatbelt remains correctly positioned at all times. The shoulder belt is held securely, away from the child’s neck for enhanced comfort. The lap belt is positioned low across the hips, optimally protecting internal organs in case of impact.
While the most expensive travel booster option in this guide, the RideSafer Travel Vest’s convenience and superior safety make it invaluable for discerning travelers.
Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest: a lightweight and safe booster seat alternativeRide Safer Delight Travel Vest. Image courtesy of Safe Ride 4 Kids.
Key Features of the RideSafer Travel Vest:
- Available in two sizes to fit children aged 3-10 years, weighing 30-80 lbs (15-36 kg).
- Certified for use in vehicles in the US.
- Small, lightweight, and easily packable in carry-on luggage or a backpack.
- Maintains optimal seatbelt positioning for maximum safety.
3. Trunki BoostApak: The Booster Seat Backpack
Trunki BoostApak is the travel booster seat of choice for our family. We initially purchased one for our eldest son at age four, using it until he no longer needed a booster around 8-9 years old. Our twins followed suit with their own Trunki BoostApaks from age four to ten.
We’ve lost count of the flights and road trips these boosters have accompanied us on. Beyond travel, the Trunki BoostApak served as their daily booster seat for school commutes. We reserved our high-back booster seats primarily for longer car journeys within Europe. Due to updated European regulations requiring booster seats until children reach 150 cm in height, our twins used the Trunki BoostApak until they were ten.
When considering versatility in a travel booster, the Trunki BoostApak truly excels. It’s not just a booster seat; it’s also a hand-luggage approved child’s backpack, featuring padded straps for comfortable carrying and an 8-liter capacity.
Children can pack their toys, books, games, and snacks, carrying their own bag which then seamlessly converts into an EU-certified travel booster seat when needed. There’s no need to unpack the Trunki before using it as a booster, as its robust internal plastic shell protects the contents. This shell is also engineered for maximum strength in the event of an accident.
Converting the Trunki from backpack to booster seat is straightforward, but practicing the conversion process at home before your trip is always recommended, especially for those less familiar with kid’s travel accessories.
Beyond cars and airplanes, the Trunki BoostApak, with its wipe-clean surface, also functions as a convenient booster seat for movie theaters or other venues. We’ve even brought our children’s Trunkis to the cinema.
The only minor drawback we’ve encountered is the weight. An empty Trunki BoostApak weighs 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg), which can be a bit heavy for younger children to carry comfortably, especially 4-5 year olds. We often assisted them at airports. However, this is a minor inconvenience as the Trunki typically resides in the car for the majority of our trips.
Trunki BoostApak: our top recommendation for kids' travel gearThe versatile Trunki BoostApak.
Key Features of the Trunki BoostApak Travel Booster:
- Suitable for children aged 4-11 years, weighing 30-80 lbs (15-36 kg).
- Transforms from backpack to booster seat in seconds.
- Fold-out seatbelt guides and seat belt adjuster ensure a secure and correct fit.
- Approved as hand luggage by most airlines.
- EU certified for everyday car use.
Where to Purchase the Trunki BoostApak: The Trunki BoostApak has historically been more prevalent in Europe, likely due to its EU certification and limited availability in the US market. It is available on Amazon UK but not currently on Amazon in the US.
4. Hiccapop Uberboost Inflatable Booster Car Seat
Similar to the BubbleBum in concept, the Hiccapop Uberboost travel booster seat offers quick inflation and deflation, allowing for compact rolling and storage in carry-on bags, backpacks, etc.
It is more budget-friendly than the BubbleBum, constructed from very thick, durable material, and comparable in weight.
A key difference is that the Hiccapop Uberboost lacks the memory foam component found in the BubbleBum’s air bladder. Despite this, it maintains a sturdy feel when inflated, similar to a conventional booster seat.
Travel booster seats – Hiccapop Uberboost Inflatable Booster Car SeatHiccapop Uberboost inflatable booster car seat.
Key Features of the Hiccapop Uberboost:
- Suitable for children aged 4-11 years, weighing 40-100 lbs (18-45 kg).
- Highly compact and lightweight.
- Quick inflation and deflation.
- Positions the seat belt across the lap, not the stomach.
- Includes a carry bag.
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee.
5. Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Seats
Update: The specific model reviewed below is currently unavailable. However, explore these popular backless booster seat alternatives which offer similar functionality. Backless boosters remain a popular portable design, with numerous brands offering comparable models that frequently update colors and aesthetics.
The Chicco GoFit Belt-Positioning Backless Booster stands out as the only backless booster in our review featuring dual cup holders, a significant convenience for longer journeys. These cup holders retract when not needed, useful for fitting multiple car seats across the back seat. They are also easily removable and dishwasher-safe.
Slightly pricier than other backless boosters, the Chicco GoFit exhibits robust construction and enhanced padding for superior child comfort compared to many similar seats.
It includes lap belt guides and a shoulder belt positioning clip attached to the seat back via a fabric strap. In some vehicles, three GoFit seats can fit across the rear seat, provided the center seat has a 3-point seat belt (not a lap belt).
Weighing 5 lbs, it is heavier and bulkier than other travel boosters highlighted here, but still portable and easy to transfer between vehicles.
The primary drawback is the absence of LATCH connectors. While beneficial for travel portability, it means the seat may shift slightly during travel and requires secure storage when not in use.
Top travel booster car seats – Chicco GoFit backless boosterChicco GoFit backless booster. Image courtesy of Chicco.
Key Features of the Chicco GoFit Booster Seat:
- Suitable for children aged 4 years and up, weighing 40-110 lbs (18-50 kg).
- Double foam padding for enhanced comfort.
- Machine-washable armrest covers and seat pad.
- Integrated carry handle for easy transport.
- Smooth underside to protect vehicle upholstery.
This concludes our comprehensive guide to the best lightweight and portable travel booster seats. We trust this information will assist you in selecting the ideal travel car seat for your children.
Have you used any of these lightweight booster seats? Do you have a favorite portable travel booster we haven’t mentioned? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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Choosing the right travel booster seat – 7 top packable booster car seats
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Jurga Rubinovaite, travel expert at Full Suitcase
Jurga Rubinovaite
Founder of Full Suitcase, a leading family travel blog with a global readership. Her travel expertise has been featured on CNN, BBC, and Lonely Planet. Since 2015, she has been providing experience-driven tips, destination guides, and travel advice to empower travelers to plan unforgettable family and group trips. Have questions? Leave a comment below!](https://fullsuitcase.com/about/)
