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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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The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

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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

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

• Best Car Seats for Airplane Travel 

by Michelle Pratt | Apr 23, 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! 

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 

Table of contents, 1. doona infant car seat, 2. evenflo dualride, 3. nuna pipa urbn, 4. clek liingo, 5. cosco scenera next, 6. maxi cosi romi, 7. safety 1st jive, 8. evenflo sonus 65, 9. century drive on 3-in-1, 10. graco contender slim, 11. britax emblem, 12. graco triogrow snuglock, 13. baby trend trooper 3-in-1, 14. safety 1st comfort ride, 15. cosco finale, 16. wayb pico, 17. evenflo maestro sport, 18. diono monterey 5ist fixsafe, 19. peg perego viaggio flex.

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

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 .

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

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!

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

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!

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?) 

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 .

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.

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!

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!

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!

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 .

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 Forward-Facing Car Seats for Airplane Travel

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 .

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!

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 .

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

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 .

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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The Best Travel Car Seats, No Matter Where You’re Headed

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A car seat is essential to keeping your child safe while you’re on the road, but lugging most conventional car seats through the airport and fastening it in an unfamiliar rental car can be a real struggle. That’s where travel car seats come in. The best travel car seats are much lighter than conventional car seats, but provide many of the same comfort and convenience features. Our top choice is the Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat for its easy adjustability and moderate price tag.

The best travel car seats keep kids safe while making air travel and swapping cars easier.

Travel car seats are meant to be lightweight, compact and easy to install, making life on the road less of a hassle. “There are quite a few lightweight options available that are easier to carry around,” says Michelle Pratt, certified child passenger safety technician and founder of Safe In The Seat. But it’s important that your child fits within the height and weight limits of the seat you’re considering, says car seat safety expert Benjamin Hoffman, M.D., F.A.A.P., a professor of pediatrics in the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine. “You also need to feel comfortable installing the seat,” he points out, which is why he recommends practicing installation before you hit the road. Beyond that, a lot of what makes the right travel car seat is features that fit the individual needs of you and your child.

Here are best travel car seat options out there today, according to our safety experts and well-traveled parents.

• Best Travel Car Seat Overall: Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Best Value Travel Car Seat: Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat
• Best Travel Car Seat For Infants: Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
• Best Travel Car Seat For Toddlers: Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat
• Best Booster Travel Car Seat: Graco Turbobooster Backless Booster Car Seat
• Best Lightweight Travel Car Seat: Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat
• Best Inflatable Travel Car Seat: Hiccapop Uberboost Inflatable Booster Car Seat

Best Travel Car Seat Overall

Front harness adjustments make it easy to get a proper fit fast, evenflo sonus 65 convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  11.5 pounds  | Child height max:  40 inches (rear-facing); 50 inches (forward-facing)  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds (rear-facing); 22 pounds (forward-facing)  | Child weight max:  40 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  19 inches

The Evenflo Sonus is packed with features that make a great car seat—travel or not—with a price tag many families can feel good about. The harness is adjusted from the front, so you can get your little one comfortable without having to do complicated acrobatics. Six shoulder harness positions give your child plenty of room to grow (and get that just-right fit), while dual cup holders keep drinks and snacks within easy reach on the go.

The weight recommendations stretch from 5 to 65 pounds, allowing for some solid mileage out of this seat. The cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning when you get home—another nice perk. At just a little over 11 pounds, the seat is a reasonable weight to carry across an airport terminal and get in and out of ride shares.

Best Value Travel Car Seat

This seat is just $90 and fits three across in most cars, cosco mighty fit 65 dx convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  14 pounds  | Child height max:  40 inches (rear-facing); 49 inches (forward-facing)  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds (rear-facing); 22 pounds (forward-facing)  | Child weight max:  40 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  21.5 inches

Cosco’s Mighty Fit 65 DX has an impressively low price tag for its high quality. This seat has two modes: A rear-facing mode for infants and toddlers up to 40 pounds, and a front-facing mode for kids between 40 and 65 pounds. Its compact design can fit in an airplane seat and through the aisle. A five-point harness keeps even wriggly kids secure while three buckle locations allow for plenty of adjustment potential.

Worth noting: You can fit three of the Might Fit 65 DXes in the back seat of most cars, giving you options with a rental car. The seat has padding to keep your child comfortable on longer trips, and a removable, machine-washable cover for when travel time is done. At 14 pounds, it’s heavier than our top pick—but nothing most parents can’t handle.

Best Travel Car Seat For Infants

A built in stroller makes transporting this seat seamless, doona infant car seat & latch base.

Seat weight:  17 pounds  | Child height max:  32 inches  | Child weight minimum:  4 pounds  | Child weight max:  35 pounds | Seat width:  17.4 inches

The Doona features a built-in wheels, allowing you to convert from car seat to lightweight stroller in one motion. If you’re lucky and your baby has fallen asleep in car, this smoother and easier transition may help them stay asleep. A five-point harness and three-layer side impact protection help keep your baby secure, and the car seat is FAA Aircraft Approved. Materials like soft bamboo fabric and memory foam help keep your little one comfortable, whether they’re strapped into an airplane seat or strolling through the terminal.

Keep in mind that this seat only works for babies between 4 and 35 pounds, so you won’t be able to get as many years of use out of it as other options. It also doesn’t have any built-in storage. Still, the 2-in-1 stroller/carseat combo is much lighter than most strollers and means one fewer item to wrangle while you travel.

Best Travel Car Seat For Toddlers

For kids who need more legroom, nuna rava convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  27.2 pounds  | Child height max:  49 inches (rear and forward-facing)  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds  | Child weight max:  50 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  19 inches

The Nuna Rava is more expensive than some other travel car seats, but it’s packed with features that make it worth considering. The seat accommodates children from 5 to 65 pounds, allowing for quite a few years of use. It’s also aircraft certified and easy to install, so you can get your child settled and secure quickly, whether you’re on a plane or in a car. The seat is designed to have up to 2 inches of extra legroom when it’s rear facing—meaning, you won’t have to jam it the plane seat in to make it fit. Cupholders on each side flip out when you have the space, and back in when you need to conserve the area around the seat. Ten recline positions make it simple to find an angle that works for your little one. We also like that this seat is Greenguard Gold certified and made without flame retardants.

Best Booster Travel Car Seat

This seat has hideaway cup holders and doesn't hog space, graco turbobooster backless booster car seat.

Seat weight:  5.1 pounds  | Child height max:  57 inches  | Child weight minimum:  40 pounds  | Child weight max:  100 pounds  | Seat width:  16 inches

The Graco Turbobooster is nearly effortless to use. Simply plunk it on the seat, secure your child in it using the car’s shoulder belt and go about your travels. Hideaway cup holders give you extra space for drinks and snacks when there’s room to spare, and quickly tuck away when seating is tight. Padded armrests and a plush seat cushion ensure your child feels comfortable, even on longer trips. At just 5 pounds, it’s easy to strap to top of your suitcase as you roll through the airport. The booster is designed for kids between 40 to 100 pounds, so your child can safely use it for a number of years after they’ve outgrown a five-point car seat.

Best Lightweight Travel Car Seat

A slim design makes this aircraft-approved seat great for planes, graco contender slim convertible car seat.

Seat weight:  16 pounds  | Child height max:  49 inches  | Child weight minimum:  5 pounds (rear-facing); 22 pounds (forward-facing)  | Child weight max:  40 pounds (rear-facing); 65 pounds (forward-facing)  | Seat width:  18.9 inches

The Graco Contender Slim is designed to have a smaller footprint, saving room whether you’re traveling by plane or car. The seat can fit kids who weigh between 5 and 65 pounds, and the seat itself is 16 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough to carry from place to place. It’s certified for aircraft use, so you can fly with it with no issues. Included latches and level indicators help you get the seat installed quickly and efficiently. The included cupholder is removable for tight spaces, and can even be tossed in the dishwasher. A no re-thread harness allows for fast seating adjustments.

Best Inflatable Travel Car Seat

A travel seat that inflates in under a minute, hiccapop uberboost inflatable booster car seat.

Seat weight:  1.3 pounds  | Child height max:  Not listed  | Child weight minimum:  40 pounds  | Child weight max:  11o pounds | Seat width:  14.5 inches

For those times when you really want to travel with minimal baggage, consider the Hiccapop booster. It’s inflatable and simple to blow up in 20 seconds or less while you’re waiting to board or for a car service to arrive. The booster has a non-skid base to keep it secure on leather or cloth seats, and it won’t hog the back seat—you can fit three of these across the rear row of most cars. Positioning clips help your child get a good fit with the seatbelt. The seat comes with its own travel bag for easy toting—just deflate and roll it up, then put it in your carry-on or bag. It’s that easy.

The Best Smartwatches For Women To Wear In 2024

The 12 best deodorants for women to refresh your scent, why trust forbes vetted.

The Forbes Vetted Kids & Baby Gear team is comprised of experts in the field who have spent thousands of hours researching, reporting on and testing the best baby and parenting products, from travel strollers to booster seats. Korin Miller, the author of this article, is mom of four who has extensive experience using car seats.

For this article, we spoke to health and safety experts for guidance on what to look for in the best travel car seats to ensure they’re safe for baby. That includes Michelle Pratt , certified child passenger safety technician and founder of Safe in the Seat , and Benjamin Hoffman, M.D., F.A.A.P., a professor of pediatrics in the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine.

This story is frequently reviewed for accuracy and was most recently updated in March 2024.

How We Chose The Best Travel Car Seats

To choose the best travel car seats, we consulted car seat safety experts for the important features to look for in these safety devices.

We then spoke to parents for their recommendations and surveyed the top travel car seats on the market for must-have elements like easy installation, lightweight materials and a compact size. We sorted through the most popular seats on the market and pored over reviews and relied on feedback from parents to inform our picks. We also analyzed reviews from real parents to get a better idea of how these seats perform on the road, and hold up over time.

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Travel Car Seat

The seat’s weight.

There’s no reason you can’t travel with your usual car seat , booster seat or car seat stroller combination says car seat safety expert Dr. Benjamin Hoffman. However, he points out, your primary seat may be too cumbersome or big to tote through an airport with the rest of your luggage. Some conventional car seats don’t even fit through the a narrow airplane aisle.

That’s where a travel car seat shines. While primary car seats can weigh 20 to 30 pounds, whereas a travel seat can weigh under 10 pounds. Having an extra car seat for air travel also means that you can keep your primary car seat installed in your vehicle at home, and saves you the hassle of taking it out and putting in back in every time you fly with your child.

Your Child’s Height and Weight

Safety experts emphasize the importance of making sure your child fits within the height and weight guidelines set by the car seat manufacturer.

FAA Certification

If your child is under the age of 2 and you plan to buy them their own airplane seat, they will need a car seat that’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most car seats are FAA approved, but it’s wise to check before you buy. Many health and safety experts agree that it’s safer for babies to fly in their own seat than on a parents’ or caregiver’ lap.

What Is The Safest Travel Car Seat?

In general, “there's no reason to think about a travel car seat any differently from your regular car seat,” Hoffman says. All car seats that are sold in the U.S. have to meet the same safety standards, he points out, so they have to be safe to use in cars. Basically, if your car seat is installed properly and your child is secure in it, it should be safe. However, purchasing your seat from a known brand like Graco, Evenflo and Nuna can help ensure that the company is doing all it can to keep your child safe on the road.

What Car Seats Fit On An Airplane?

Many car seats—but not all—will fit on a plane. “Most seats have been approved for use by the FAA, but not every seat is,” Hoffman says. Pratt agrees. “There are a handful of seats that do not have aircraft approval,” she says. “Usually, as long as the caregiver is choosing an airplane seat with movable armrests, there won't be an issue with the width of the car seat.”

Just keep this in mind, per Pratt: “Rear-facing car seats may need to be more upright in the plane than allowed in the vehicle in order to fit.”

Is It Worth It To Bring A Car Seat On A Plane?

There are a few things to consider. “If you need a seat at your destination, it's absolutely worth it to bring a seat on the plane,” Pratt says. “This guarantees that the car seat will not be damaged during transport.”

If your child qualifies as a lap infant (i.e. they’re under the age of 2) it’s understandable to want to save money by not having to purchase a second seat, Hoffman says. However, he recommends at least considering getting your child their own seat if you can afford it. “The benefit of a younger child being in a car seat is, in the event of severe turbulence, a parent may not be able to hold onto their child due to sheer force.” Holding a wiggly baby or toddler for the entire flight can also be exhausting and uncomfortable for parents, even on short trips.

But, Hoffman points out, buying an extra seat is “cost-prohibitive for many families.”

How Do I Know If My Car Seat Is TSA Approved?

All car seats can be checked with your luggage or carried onto a plane for free, per TSA regulations . Keep in mind, though, that some seats are FAA approved to go on planes. “There will be a sticker on the side of the seat saying that it is FAA approved,” Pratt says. “There will also be a page in the car seat's manual showing how to install the seat on an aircraft.” If your car seat doesn’t have this designation, you may need to check it with your luggage.

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The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We rounded up the best travel-friendly car seats to keep your kids safe wherever you go.

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Travel + Leisure / Cassie Aulie

Traveling with children can be a gratifying and enriching experience, but family vacations are also challenging because of the extra items you need to pack (and carry), including a car seat, which adds quite a lot of bulk to your luggage. That's why we set out to find the most compact, travel-friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-install car seats on the market right now.

We combed through results and feedback from three different real-world car seat tests in which we tested a total of 57 car seats, looking specifically for portable, travel-friendly options. During testing, we looked at several factors like design, features, ease of cleaning, value, and — most importantly — safety. Below, we rounded up eight of the best travel car seats to consider for your next family getaway.

Best Overall

Graco contender slim convertible car seat.

It is an excellent fit for compact cars.

The chest buckle is large and bulky.

Lugging around a heavy car seat in addition to your luggage is not pleasant, but this car seat will make your life so much easier. Not only is it the lightest car seat on our list, but it is also the slimmest, making it an excellent choice for both compact and larger vehicles (or for larger families who need to fit more than one car seat in the backseat). Installation took us about 15 minutes, and then it was pretty intuitive to use. It has several inserts that help you customize it for your child, including an infant insert with extra padding, eight headrest heights, and two reclining positions.

It also has a removable cup for snacks and drinks that you can place on either side of the seat. And while we only had to spot-clean it, if you need to wash the entire cover, you can take it off and throw it in the washing machine. The fabric is breathable and has held up exceptionally well after over a month of use.

The Details: Weighs 16 pounds; holds 65 pounds | 24.75 x 18.9 x 21.5 inches | Rear and forward modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Travel + Leisure

Best Rotating

Evenflo gold revolve360 convertible car seat.

It’s easy to install and rotates 360 degrees.

It would be nice if it had a built-in sunshade.

Four minutes: that's exactly how much time it took us to install this Evenflo car seat after watching the instructional video. It was an incredibly easy-to-follow process, and we found the audible click and level indicator super helpful. But the most impressive feature of this convertible car seat is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, which is a complete game changer for parents (seriously, our team member who tested this car seat said it spoiled them into "never using a car seat that doesn't have this feature"). This means that the seat can transform into rear- or forward-facing in seconds without the need to uninstall the entire seat and base. Just pull one of the two levers on either side and start rotating it. This feature also makes it super convenient to place your child in the seat and buckle them because you no longer have to bend at an awkward angle. 

Comfort is also a standout feature, and the upholstery fabric of this car seat felt soft, breathable, and very high-quality (cleaning it is also a breeze). The overall padding of the car seat and the generous recline positions also contribute to a more comfortable trip. And finally, while this is not the lightest car seat at 40.6 pounds, its design is quite compact, and even if you install it in a smaller vehicle, you will be left with a good amount of legroom and recline space for the seat in front. 

Shoppers should also note that the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is currently evaluating this car seat .

The Details: Weighs 40.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 25.9 x 19.8 x 21 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Best for Compact Cars

Diono radian 3rxt convertible car seat.

 Amazon

The seat folds, making it easy to carry.

The initial installation takes more time than some of the other options on this list.

When renting a large car is not always possible, this Diono car seat is the way to go. First, it's much easier to carry (and store) because of its slim, foldable design. And while the installation took us a while compared to others on this list (about 45 minutes to an hour), we found it to be a perfect match for a smaller vehicle similar to a Fiat 500. 

Second, buckling and unbuckling is super intuitive, and the straps never get tangled up. And even after a year of constant use, the fabric is in excellent condition with few signs of wear and tear other than some light fading. You can also remove the cover and machine wash it, another very convenient feature. 

Third, we love that even though the seat is about 17 inches wide, it features additional padding and side protection without compromising comfort. Lastly, this car seat is also FAA-approved, so feel free to fly with it.

The Details: Weights 30.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 17 x 28.5 x 16 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Best With Stroller

Doona car seat and stroller.

The wheels fold up and attach to the seat.

There is no storage space, and you need to purchase the base separately. 

There is a reason the Doona car seat is a best-seller and an all-time parent favorite. It's all in the smart design that combines a car seat and a stroller in one compact product. Unlike other models, the wheels of this car seat collapse under it so you can latch it into its base (sold separately). Basically, you can bid adieu to lugging a stroller and a car seat. This is the ultimate travel-friendly stroller/car seat combo for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds. We recommend you take your time to read the folding and unfolding instructions before you use it. It took us some time to figure out what each button was for and how to attach it to the base correctly, but it was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it.

The Doona is upholstered in a cooling bamboo fabric for added comfort, and it has a canopy for shade. The car seat also performed exceptionally well in our maneuverability category during testing — it was a breeze pushing it even with one hand. The brake was easy to engage and disengage, so this is the perfect option for a city vacation or a road trip that requires you to quickly transport your baby in and out of the car.

The Details: Weights 16.5 pounds; holds up to 35 pounds | 26 x 17.4 x 22.4 inches (folded) | Rear-facing | Latch and belt

Most Durable

Graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat.

This option proved to be most durable after we used it for more than two years.

The shoulder straps are difficult to adjust.

We tested this car seat for over two years, and it has held up exceptionally well against wear and tear, spills, and everything a toddler can (literally) throw at it. Graco makes some of the sturdiest, most durable car seats by focusing on quality and safety, and this is exactly why we included the Extend2Fit model in this list.

The car seat is easy to install (it took us about 20 minutes), and even if you're setting it up in a smaller vehicle, it leaves plenty of legroom and recline space. We appreciated the two deep cup holders that are perfect for holding sippy cups and snacks (and bonus points for how easy they are to clean). This car seat has a unique feature that accommodates growing kids — a retractable panel provides five extra inches of legroom, making it safer for taller infants and toddlers to ride in a rear-facing position.

The Details: Weighs 19 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 24.5 x 20.75 x 19 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Most Comfortable

Safety 1st grow and go lx convertible car seat.

You can use the footrest in both rear- and forward-facing positions, making it comfortable no matter which way kids sit.

 It is a bit tricky to install.

Looking for a car seat to keep your little one comfortable during long road trips? This one performed well in almost all categories thanks to its easy use, design, durability, and overall value. Its size is generous (so it may not be a great fit for compact vehicles) and provides ample space for kids to grow into without compromising on padding and safety.

Safety 1st updated this model with a footrest that really impressed us because you can use it in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions so your child's feet will not dangle for hours. We also love that the removable cups are dishwasher-safe and come with convenient lids to prevent messes (but in any case, the cover is removable and machine-washable). The car seat we tested still looks new, and the fabric seems spill-resistant.

The Details: Weighs 20 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 23.5 x 19 x 25 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch and belt

Best for Multiple Age Groups

Graco 3-in-1 rotating car seat.

It is super easy to install and accommodates various age groups.

This rotating car seat works better in larger cars and may be a tight squeeze in smaller vehicles.

Your child should be all set for years to come with Graco's convertible car seat, which accommodates children up to 100 pounds. It rotates in a rear-facing position so you can get your baby in and out of it more easily. As for securing your child, the buckles are extremely easy to use, and the straps stay in sync — meaning that if you loosen one, the other will loosen automatically, too. And with four reclining positions, your child will be comfortable whether they are taking a nap, eating a snack, or playing.

We tested this car seat in a mid-size SUV, and it left plenty of reclining space for the seat in front. However, if you install it in a smaller vehicle, it might be a much tighter situation. And speaking of the installation, it only took us 17 minutes to read the instructions, watch the YouTube video, and install it. Finally, this seat grows with your child as it can accommodate kids weighing from four to 100 pounds. 

The Details: Weighs 30 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 19.1 x 24.4 x 20.8 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Easiest Installation

Britax emblem 3-stage convertible car seat.

This no-fuss car seat is quick to install, and it only weighs 19 pounds.

There are no extra features such as cup holders or sensors.

If you're in the market for a no-fuss, easy-to-use car seat, this is it. Installation is standard (although you will still have to read the instructions to do it), and once you've practiced a couple of times, you will be able to install it pretty fast in any vehicle. We tested it in a sedan and an SUV, and it fits well in both (although the SUV was a slightly better fit). Thanks to the excellent design, using it is a breeze. Buckling your child, adjusting the harness, and reclining is intuitive and stress-free, which is exactly what you need when you're on the road. And while it may not have many bells and whistles, it provides excellent padding, and the fabric is soft and pillowy without feeling scratchy. 

The Details: Weighs 19.5 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 21 x 18.3 x 26 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Other Car Seats We Liked

We tested so many car seats that we think there are a few more worth mentioning, although we didn't love them quite as much as the others on our main list.

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System: This stroller and car seat combo is a good option for parents looking for a two-in-one. The stroller is easy to maneuver and collapses into a pretty compact and travel-friendly size. The car seat has a weight capacity of 35 pounds, so it can only be used in a rear-facing position.

Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat : This rear-facing car seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which is impressive (however, keep in mind that the seat itself is almost 28 pounds). The straps and the buckles are very easy to use and don't get in the way when you place your child in and out of the seat.

We used results from three real-world tests in which we reviewed convertible car seats, rotating convertible car seats, and car seat stroller combos to find our favorite travel-friendly options. We sorted through feedback from 57 car seats we tested, looking at weight, size, and performance in multiple categories, including ease of installation, ease of use, design, features, safety, value, and more.

We also consulted Ben Hoffman, MD, a pediatrician and nationally recognized expert in child injury prevention and education, to ensure the safety of the products we chose for real-life tests. In addition, every car seat meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) standards.

Tips for Buying a Travel Car Seat

Look for portability.

Portability is one of the major factors differentiating a standard car seat from one you'll mostly use while traveling. Consider its weight and size: opt for lighter and more compact car seats that you can carry without compromising safety features. Some car seats fold or feature collapsible stroller wheels — all features that come in handy when you're on the road or in transit. 

Consider ease of installation

When you're just getting off a long-haul flight and need to get in the car and drive for hours, the last thing you want is to waste time installing a car seat. That's why your travel car seat should be simple to install and use. Check if the vehicle you are setting it up in accommodates a latch or belt car seat, and make sure that yours can comfortably fit in the back seat of whatever size car you may be renting. Then, read through the installation instructions or watch the video, and make sure you don't need another adult to help you safely install it. 

Pay attention to your child's weight and height

Every car seat has strict weight and height limits to ensure your child's safety. Some might also have age restrictions, but they are not as important as children are different and grow at their own pace.Make sure you weigh and measure your child before purchasing a travel car seat. The good thing about convertible car seats is that you can use them in both rear- and forward-facing positions as your child grows so you don't have to invest in a new car seat every few years.

Yes, but you must first ensure the car seat is FAA-approved (it will say so on the car seat). In fact, while using a car seat on a plane is not required, the FAA recommends it to ensure your little one's safety in case of turbulence, for example. If traveling on an international airline outside the U.S., check with that airline's policies, size limitations, and guidelines before your trip, as some international airlines do not allow car seats on board. Usually, using a booster seat during a flight is not an issue with airlines, and it doesn't count toward your carry-on luggage allowance.

The short answer is yes. Airlines will usually check in a car seat, stroller, or a child restraint system for free (one per child). However, the tricky part is that if you're not traveling with a child, you might have to pay to check in the car seat, so in this case, it's always best to contact the airline before your trip.

If your car seat is oversized, you will be asked to check it in at the airport, so it's essential to place it in a protective bag that will offer some sort of protection while in the cargo hold of the plane. Even if you plan on using your car seat during the flight, a travel bag can help make carrying it through the airport easier. Some car seats come with travel bags that have handles. If your car seat doesn't come with one, you can likely purchase it from the maker's website or find one that accommodates the size of your car seat on Amazon. Certain bags even feature wheels so you can roll the car seat through the airport.

Most car rental companies offer car seats as an add-on for a fee, so if you don't want to invest in one or carry it with you, you can always rent one. U.S. car rental companies must offer car seats that comply with state and federal laws. However, if you're traveling internationally, the risk is that you don't know if the car seat has been stored and cleaned properly or if it’s ever been in an accident. It also means you have to install it yourself, which can be challenging and time-consuming if you're unfamiliar with that particular brand or car seat model. 

If you're traveling with children, here are some other useful products that can help make your trip run smoothly.

Maxi-cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Play Yard : This was our absolute favorite travel crib out of 19 that we tested , with a detachable mattress and bassinet feature that you can use to adjust the crib as your newborn grows. The crib is easy set up and take down for maximum portability, and it proved to be sturdy and durable in the long run.

Cybex Coya Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller : After testing strollers in our lab , this was our favorite travel stroller for flying. We found that it folds up quickly and fits easily into airplane overhead bins. It also has removable seat padding for cleaning and a canopy that comes down for sun and rain protection.

JetKids by Stokke BedBox Kid's Ride-on Suitcase : We are expert luggage testers here at Travel + Leisure , and this ride-on suitcase was one of our favorites for kids . The ride-on design means that a kid can sit on top of the suitcase as their parents pull them using the adjustable strap. Parents can also use the strap to carry the lightweight suitcase like a shoulder bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Dobrina Zhekova worked with T+L editors to round up the safest and most comfortable travel car seats for kids of all ages from real-world tests. As a mother, she has also tested several car seats in the past five years and has extensive knowledge of airline policies and regulations about traveling with car seats. She also referenced customer reviews and expert recommendations in this article.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter , and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

• 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.

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Best Travel Car Seats

It is encouraged to use a car seat when flying with children. [Adobe Stock]

Editor’s note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.

So you‘ve decided to take your family on a much needed vacation and one of your children is still in a car seat. That’s OK! When traveling by air it’s encouraged to bring along an FAA approved travel car seat to keep your little ones safe and sound while traveling. If you’re curious as to which travel car seat you should choose when traveling, we‘ve laid out some of our top picks, below.

Quicklook: Best Travel Car Seats

• Best For Portability: Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat
• Best For Travel: WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
• Best For Comfort: Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Best For 3-in-1: Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
• Best For Price: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

If you are trying to decide which car seat is best for you and your family when traveling, FLYING has determined the best options to take on airplanes, below. 

Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat 

The Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat can be a great choice for parents looking to purchase a car seat that can be perfect for car travel and plane travel. The FAA approved seat is lightweight and affordable in an effort to make traveling with an infant or toddler  a little easier. 

Front or Rear Facing: Both

Child Weight: Up to 40 pounds 

FAA Approved: Yes

Weight: ‎9.29 pounds

Why People Like This Car Seat : 

• Long lasting
• Lightweight
• Comfortable 

Why People Don’t Like This Car Seat: 

• Not compatible with all cars 
• Low quality material

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

While the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat may be a little on the pricey side, it is the perfect lightweight car seat for families on the move. The foldable design makes the WAYB easy to carry around and can fit in carry-on bins if needed. Unlike other models, the WAYB is only front-facing compatible. 

Front or Rear Facing: Front 

Child Weights: Toddlers between 22 to 55 pounds

Weight: ‎8 pounds

Why People Like This Car Seat :

• Portability 
• Convenience 
• Durable 
• Easy set-up
• Expensive 
• Not very comfortable

Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat

If you are looking for a car seat good for older, heavier children the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat may be the best choice for you. This all-in-one car seat features the LATCH system and is side-impact tested to ensure your child’s safety. This car seat is one of the top sold car seats in the US. 

Child Weight: Up to 65 pounds

Weight: 14.7 pounds

• Easy assembly 
• Extra comfort 
• Easy to clip
•  Heavy 

Pricing : $152

Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

If you are looking for a car seat that can last in the long term and stay with your child through infancy all the way up to late toddlerhood, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat may be the best fit for you. While this car seat does have a higher price tag than most, it shouldn’t need replacing while your child is growing. The easy to install system and the padded comfort will keep your child safe and cozy whether they are in the car or on an airplane. 

Child Weight: Up to 100 pounds

Weight: 19.88 pounds

• Adjustable Headrest 
• Easy to take in and out 
• Great for children with acid reflux

Why People Don’t Like This Car Seat:

• Connection problems 
• Not washable

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

If you are looking to purchase a travel car seat in addition to the standard one you have at home and you do not want to spend a ton of money, the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat is the car seat for you. The harness features 5 heights and 3 buckle locations so you can be sure you’re giving the best fit to your growing child. The lightweight and compact design also gets you through the airport without weighing you down.

Child Weight: Up to 40 Pounds

Weight: 10 pounds

• Lightweight 
• A lot of space
• Low weight limit 
• Large care seat

Pricing : $60

Can You Take a Car Seat on a Plane?

If you are traveling with an infant or toddler it is recommended to bring a portable, FAA approved car seat on the aircraft. Just like in a car, the car seat will help protect your child while traveling and prevent injury in case of an emergency. Most standard car seats are FAA approved and can be taken through TSA.

What To Consider When Choosing a Travel Car Seat

When considering a car seat to take with you traveling there are a few things to consider. While safety is at the forefront of every parent’s mind, understand the car seat will need to be adjustable, to fit onto aircraft seats, lightweight, and affordable for your family.

Safety 

Car seats are the first line of defense for a child who is in an accident. While air travel is the safest way to get from point A to point B, it is essential that the car seat you choose is safe and secure for your little one. Takeoff, landing, and turbulence are all instances when children should be fastened safely in their travel car seat to ensure their safety. The FAA has set regulations for car seats and put their seal of approval on those they believe are the best options for air travel. 

Going through TSA and walking from gate to gate is already a workout without having to lug around a car seat. Keep this in mind when choosing what travel car seat to buy. The lighter weight your child’s travel car seat is, the less of a hassle it will be to cart it through the airport. 

For most people, airplane seats are not very comfortable, but for your child you have the ability to choose a seat that they will enjoy sitting in. When choosing a travel car seat for your little one, choose one that is comfy and cozy for their little bodies. 

Travel car seats come in a variety of prices. Your family situation will determine how much you would like to spend on one. Keep in mind that most car seats are compatible with aircraft seats and are FAA approved. If you do not want to buy a new car seat, check your everyday one to see about taking it with you!

Child Compatibility

When you are choosing a travel car seat for your child, make sure the age and weight limits are compatible with your little one. Just like standard car seats, travel car seats have weight limits associated with them. You can normally find these limits in the manual of the car seat on the specifications on the website. 

Family Vacation

Going on a family vacation can be stressful, but picking your child’s travel car seat shouldn’t be. If you liked this content and would like to stay up to date on more aviation related topics, including information about training to be a pilot, subscribe to FLYING Magazine.

It is not required to have a car seat on a plane, but it is recommended.

You do not need to check your child’s car seat as luggage; you can bring it on to the plane if your child has been assigned their own seat.

Yes, flying is the safest mode of transportation.

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7 best car seats to take on the plane for babies and toddlers

Looking for a lightweight car seat to take on the plane? After in-depth research and parent-led testing, these top cabin-approved car seats have all met airline safety regulations and dimensions for in-flight use, ensuring peace of mind and a safe, comfortable journey for your baby.

By Tammy Jacks | Last updated Feb 15, 2024

Considering whether to take your child’s car seat on the plane to your next holiday destination ? According to Mumsnetters on our forums , a travel-friendly car seat not only helps to keep your child safe and comfy during a flight – allowing them to sleep for longer if they’ve outgrown the option of having a bassinet - but it also comes in handy for taxi and car rides on the other side of your journey.

Although there are plenty of good-quality baby and toddler car seats on the market (which we've rigorously tried and tested with real parents), not every car seat is approved for use on the plane and would need to be checked in as hold baggage along with your buggy and other heavier travel items if not. 

While airlines may differ slightly in their policies, the general principle is that cabin-approved car seats must align with the airline's criteria for size, weight and safety. For in-flight use, a car seat needs approval from either the TÜV , a widely recognised safety certification in Europe, or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US. Look for the 'Certified for use in aircraft' sticker on car seats with TÜV or FAA approval.

How we tested the best car seats for the plane

We began our research by gathering insights from Mumsnet parents on our forums, which has around 8 million monthly users. We then cross-checked our favourite car seat selections against TÜV and FAA lists to ensure they met their rigorous airline standards and were suitable for plane use amongst the most popular airlines (although it’s always a good idea to discuss your chosen car seat with your airline before you fly).

We spent hours analysing numerou s consumer reviews from retail sites and consulted industry experts, including The UK Civil Aviation Regulations (CAA), and Which? to narrow down our list.

Our recommended car seats have undergone independent safety testing and received top safety scores from the German automobile club ADAC . Where possible, we also tested the car seats out themselves with our trusted team of parent testers.

Here are the best car seats to take on a plane.

Best car seats to take on the plane at a glance

Best overall car seat for plane: Maxi Cosi Pebble Pro

Best budget car seat for plane: Joie Tilt

Best convertible car seat for plane: Doona + Infant Car Seat

Best lie-flat car seat for plane: Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense

Best easy carry car seat for plane: Cybex Aton M i-Size

Best lightweight car seat for plane: Bugaboo Turtle Air

Best car seat for long-haul flights: Maxi-Cosi Rock

Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro

TÜV-certified for all airlines

Good value for money

Plenty of padding for a comfortable ride

Easily adjustable harness and headrest

Reaches the maximum width limit for an aircraft  

Small integrated sun canopy

Price: £118 | Age range: Birth to 75cm or approx. 12kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 4.5kg | Dimensions: 67 x 44 x 56cm | Installation: ISOFIX and three-point harness | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.7 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV-approved

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our Maxi-Cosi Pebble review

With safety, reliability and comfort as its top priorities, you can’t go wrong with the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro when travelling with a baby. This rear-facing, Group 0+ car seat is specifically designed for newborns, which means it can be used from birth to 12kg or until your child is 75cm in length. Approved for use on aircraft with TÜV certification, the car seat may be a little wide for some airline seats at 44cm, but its 4.5kg weight makes it simple enough to carry around at the airport and in and out of the plane.

Compliant with the latest i-Size regulations , this car seat offers superior head and neck protection for your child, which is good news in the event of turbulence, and the impact-absorbing side wings on this seat make it supremely comfortable for babies. You’ll find soft padding all around this seat and in comparison to the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus , the one-piece baby-hugg inlay has been upgraded to a two-piece inlay to allow for adjustments and a better overall fit. We found this inlay to be really soft and snug, ideal for keeping your little one warm when the air ventilation is on.  

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro can be secured to the aeroplane seat using the aircraft’s safety belt which gets threaded through the seat’s belt path on the front of the car seat. The three-point harness has a simple stay-open feature to make it easy to get your child in and out of the car seat, and we like the one-touch buckle system which opens and closes with ease. 

Adjusting the harness straps for height or length is also straightforward as you can make them as snug as you like by simply pressing two buttons at the back of the seat which will allow you to move the straps up and down or forwards to lengthen without having to rethread them.

Once you reach your destination, it’s a breeze to fit this car seat in a car or taxi, with or without the ISOFIX base (which is sold separately, unfortunately doubling the price of this car seat). We love the display panel which gives installation feedback both audibly and visibly thanks to a clear green light system. The extra-large sun canopy easily tucks away behind the seat when not in use (on the plane for instance) thus giving you more space.

The Pebble Plus is compatible with Maxi-Cosi and Quinny buggies and can also be used with other brands such as Bugaboo and iCandy, provided you have the appropriate car seat adapters for those pushchairs . When your child reaches the height and weight limit for the Pebble Plus, the Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 i-Size should be used for children up to the age of four .

Read next: The best travel systems to buy right now

Has comfortable, machine-washable padding

Grows with your child

Quite heavy

No ISOFIX base

Price: £105 | Age range: Birth to four years or around 18kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 6.1kg | Dimensions: 49.2 x 42 x 61.6cm | Installation: Three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: Not tested | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: Meets the ECE R44/04 regulation

While the Joie Tilt doesn’t have an official TÜV certification like the Joie i-Gemm 3 , for instance, it does comply with most airline’s width and weight regulations and meets the European Safety Regulation for car seats (ECE R44/04). However, it’s a good idea to check with your airline before you take this car seat on board.

The Joie Tilt, which falls within the Group 0+/1 car seat category, is made to last, covering your child from birth to four years old (or 105cm) without the need for an upgrade at the one-year mark. 

It’s a good choice for the plane too thanks to the plush and cosy seat cushion inserts (which are also machine-washable - a must for messy eaters), the i-Size side impact cushioning, the height adjustable shoulder harness and the secure five-point harness system which has cushion covers over the harness and buckle to avoid any friction.  

It can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing in a car, although airlines stipulate that car seats must be used in a forward-facing position when secured on the plane. It has four recline positions - one rear facing and three forward facing - although the tilting movement might be a little restricted on the plane as the car seat should be secured tightly to the aeroplane seat. 

One downside is that this car seat is not ISOFIX compatible, so it can only be secured with a seatbelt in the car.

Read next: The best baby carriers, wraps and slings

Doona + Infant Car Seat Nitro

Both TÜV- and FFA-approved

Dual use - converts to a stroller

Wheels fold compactly

Convenient for travel

Heavy for a car seat

Low to the ground as a stroller due to short handlebar

Price: £339 | Age range: Birth to three years or around 13kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes, rear-facing only | Weight: 7.5kg | Dimensions: 60 x 44 x 66cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes - it converts into a stroller | ADAC test: 2.4 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV- and FAA-approved

Designed by medical and engineering experts, the Doona + Infant Car Seat and Stroller stands out as one of the safest travel systems on the market. The car seat holds both TÜV and FAA certification, making it a safe and versatile two-in-one travel solution. However, at 44cm wide, it does reach the maximum width limit for the plane, so may not be suitable for all airlines - see our guide below for car seat rules and criteria per airline.

Featuring both an ISOFIX base for the car (sold separately) and a secure belt path, it ensures a safe and comfortable ride for your child. With a simple, adjustable headrest, Velcro shoulder pads, breathable fabric, loads of comfy padding, a secure five-point harness, a near lie-flat position and unique rocking function, the Doona+ prioritises your baby's comfort. 

Another bonus is the three different handlebar positions (forwards, upright and backwards) so it’s out of the way on the plane but ensures manoeuvrability in tight spaces when it converts to a lightweight stroller .

Once you’re ready to leave the aircraft, the quick-release wheels and one-motion operation effortlessly transition it from car seat to stroller in seconds, saving you time in the busy airport and on your journey. On the flip side, the wheels fold and tuck into the back of the seat instantly when you’re ready to install it. Simply push in the red safety lock button while pulling up the grey stroller wheel release.

While pricey, the Doona Padded Travel Bag , sold as a separate accessory, makes it even easier to transport the car seat as the bag doubles up as a backpack and takes minutes to assemble. This car seat is also available in seven bright colours, although you may need to shop around as the Nitro Black is the most popular colour.

Read next: The best 360 spin car seats

Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense

Lightweight – under 5kg

Reclines to a near lie-flat position

Wider carry handle

Comes with automatic safety lights

Buckle can be fiddly

ISOFIX base is sold separately for use in the car

Price: £199 | Age range: Birth to 15 months | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 4.8kg | Dimensions: 58 x 44 x 67cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 2.1 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV-approved

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense review

Having won the  Red Dot Design Award in 2021, the Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense is not only packed with plenty of i-Size-compliant safety features such as enhanced side impact protection, an adjustable headrest and five-point harness, it’s also lightweight and durable with a tall seat back, accommodating little ones up to 83cm.  

This car seat is TÜV-approved and offers a distinctive feature – the ability to recline to a near lie-flat position, allowing your baby to lie flatter than in other car seats, promoting the safest, most ergonomic sleeping position, although it may not recline to a full flat position on the plane. The seat's position adjusts automatically as you change the headrest, controlled by a lever at the back of the seat. It also comes with a plush newborn insert that makes the seat safe and comfy with a nifty crotch pad to minimise the risk of buckle friction.

Another unique feature of the Britax Romer Baby-Safe iSense is its automatic safety lights that activate in low-light conditions - a handy feature on the plane, especially on long-haul flights. The two interior ambient lights have three different light settings that can be manually adjusted, allowing you to always see your little one. Additionally, the exterior installation lights help you to install the car seat in the car either day or night without hassle.  

Other features we like are the handy swivel function when used on the ISOFIX base (sold separately or as part of a bundle ), the machine-washable seat cover that can be taken off without removing the harness, and the extra-large UP50+ sun canopy that folds down and tucks away easily when not in use.

Although the Baby-Safe i-Size car seat is travel system-compatible and works with any Britax Römer pushchair, it's only compatible with a few other brands including Joolz, Babyzen, Bugaboo and Silver Cross, to name a few.

Read next: The best lie-flat car seats for newborns

Cybex Aton M-i-Size

Has an easy-carry handle

Lightweight (just over 4kg)

Suitable for taller babies up to 87cm

Has extra wide Y-harness straps

Base and travel system adaptors not included

Headrest is small for upper age limit

Price: £170 | Age range: Birth to 2 years | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 4.2kg | Dimensions: 66 x 44 x 39-56.5cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.6 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV-approved

Weighing in at just over 4kg and built with a wide, sturdy handle, the Cybex Aton M-i-Size is easier to carry than the other heavier car seats on our list. Approved for use on aircraft with TÜV certification, and with one of the best ADAC ratings out of all the cabin-approved car seats on our list, you can rest assured that this one will keep your baby safe and secure both on and off the plane. 

Like most of the other rear-facing car seats we feature here, this car seat can be easily secured on a plane seat by using the lap belt across the front of the seat, threaded through the belt guides. As far as infant car seats go, this one lasts longer than you might expect from a Group 0+ car seat. According to Cybex, you can use it until your child is two years old or weighs 13kg thanks to the 11 adjustable height positions which will accommodate your child's growth.

Additional safety features such as shoulder and head protectors, along with an energy-absorbing shell, offer extra protection in side-impact collisions or turbulence on the plane. It’s also softly padded with extra-wide harness straps to keep your little one secure on a flight or in the car. Plus, it has a great cushioned newborn inlay which can be easily removed, leaving plenty of space in the seat for older babies. 

However, the headrest is a little small and may not be as comfortable for babies closer to the upper height limit. On a positive note, this car seat has one of the largest, UP50+ sun canopies (XXL) we’ve seen, protecting your child from rain, wind or sun when attached to a buggy. 

Additionally, it’s designed to seamlessly integrate with pushchairs from both Cybex and GB brands and it's available in seven bright colours. 

Read next: Can you take a pram on a plane?

Bugaboo Turtle Air

Super lightweight (only 3kg)

Great quality

Soft Merino wool insert

Good safety rating

TÜV-certified

Pricier than other infant car seats

Compatible ISOFIX base  is bulky

Price: £209 | Age range: Birth to 15 months or 13kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes until 83cm | Weight: 3kg | Dimensions: 69 x 44 x 59.8cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.6 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV approved

TÜV-certified, the Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna is designed to fit most airline seats, but it's advisable to check with the airline you’re travelling with, especially if seats are narrower than 44cm. 

As the lightest car seat on our list at only 3kg, you might assume that the Bugaboo Turtle Air isn’t as safe or robust as the other car seats we’ve featured, but don’t let its light weight fool you. There’s a reason why this rear-facing infant car seat has impressive ADAC safety scores. It’s made with a durable, protective outer shell and Tailor tech™ memory foam in the headrest for shock absorption, plus it’s built with EPP energy-absorbing foam for enhanced side impact protection. 

The ultra-luxe Merino wool inlay is soft and breathable, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. Keep in mind that this car seat only has a three-point rather than a five-point harness, but it’s still cleverly designed to keep your baby secure whilst in the plane or the car.

With easy portability and large UPF50+ sun canopy with an exclusive peek-a-boo window and secured with magnetic clips, this car seat ensures your baby stays comfortably protected in a snug cocoon.

For daily use and to turn the Turtle Air into a spin car seat, you can purchase the Bugaboo 360 ISOFIX base by Nuna . Although it’s as expensive as the car seat itself, the base has a convenient 220-degree swivel rotation, allowing easy strapping of your baby into the seat before adjusting it to the proper travel position. Plus, the one-click true lock installation, safety indicators, shock-absorbing materials and a crumple zone in the stability leg work together to enhance safety by redirecting impact away from your baby.

Read next: The best cabin-approved strollers

Maxi-Cosi Rock

Lightweight

The baby-hugg inlay offers extra comfort  

Ergonomically-designed handle

ISOFIX base sold separately

Larger babies might outgrow the seat faster (weight limit is on the low side)

Sun canopy is small

Price: £89 (was £169) | Age range: Birth to 12 months | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes until 75cm | Weight: 3.9kg | Dimensions: ‎67 x 44 x 56cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.7 Good | Warranty: Lifetime guarantee | Certification: TÜV-approved

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Rock review

Hailed as Maxi-Cosi’s first i-Size-compliant car seat, the Maxi-Cosi Rock is another great rear-facing car seat to take on the plane. Designed for infants from 45 to 75cm tall (approximately birth to 12 months), it’s TÜV-approved for aeroplane use and weighs only 3.9kg. This makes the Maxi-Cosi Rock the second lightest car seat on our list next to the Bugaboo Turtle Air By Nuna, ensuring it’s a portable and convenient travel option that’s easily manoeuvrable with extra luggage in the airport as well as in and out of the car.

In addition to its lighter weight, this car seat stands out for being the most comfortable option for babies on long-haul flights thanks to the new and improved baby-hugg inlay which does exactly as the name suggests and simulates a warm, comforting hug, fitting snugly around your little one’s body. The inlay is made with thicker and heavier, yet breathable, fabrics, and the padded support around the head, neck and shoulders is more substantial than some other newborn inlays we’ve seen on the market. It also offers more padding around the leg area for a better overall fit. We like that the car seat can recline for naps on the go and has an ergonomically-designed carry handle with the ability to fold down at the rear for stabilising the seat when not in use.

Even though it’s affordable, this featherlight car seat doesn’t compromise on safety, and has the same impressive impact-absorbing materials and side impact protection features that you'd come to expect from an i-Size-compliant car seat. Whilst it can be secured to a seat using a safety belt only, the Maxi Cosi Rock can be installed in the car with the FamilyFix3 i-Size base .

Read next: The best pram toys for newborns

Can I take a car seat on a plane?

Yes, you can take a car seat on a plane in the UK. Most airlines allow passengers to use an approved car seat for infants and young children during the flight. However, there are a few points to consider:

Different airlines may have specific rules and requirements regarding the use of car seats on planes. It's advisable to check with your airline in advance to understand their policies. See our list of airlines with their respective regulations below.

Ensure that your car seat has either TÜV approval or FAA approval (if you’re flying to or within the United States).

Be familiar with the installation instructions for your specific car seat. Some airlines may require you to follow certain guidelines for securing the seat in the aircraft.

Generally, car seats in the Group 0+ category (for infants from birth to approximately 15 months old) are accepted on planes due to their compact size and lightweight design.

Read next: Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus foldable travel car seat review

Can you take an ISOFIX base on a plane?

If you have a car seat with an ISOFIX base, you can bring the base on the plane, but it’ll have to be checked in and put in the hold. ISOFIX bases aren't compatible with planes since they're designed to anchor securely to a vehicle's chassis, and planes lack ISOFIX anchor points. When flying, you’ll need to secure the car seat using the seatbelt on the aircraft.

How do I install a car seat on a plane?

Installing a car seat on a plane in the UK typically involves using the aircraft seatbelt to secure the car seat. Here are general steps to install a car seat on a plane:

If possible, choose a window seat for installing the car seat. This helps you avoid blocking the path for other passengers in the event of an emergency.

Lift both armrests if possible.

Place the car seat in the aircraft seat and secure the car seat using the aircraft seat belt. Thread the seatbelt through the designated belt path on the car seat and buckle it securely. Ensure the seatbelt is snug. Press down and back on the car seat as you tighten the seat belt.

Then, adjust the harness straps on the car seat to fit your child securely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper adjustment.

Once installed, check the car seat for stability. It should be securely fastened and not wobble.

Be sure to pay attention to any specific instructions given by the airline crew regarding the use of car seats during the flight.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also maintains that car seats must be forward-facing on the plane, even if it’s a rear-facing car seat. This generally isn’t an issue because the plane’s belt buckle can always be routed through the seat belt guide on the car seat. Bear in mind that, in infant seats, the buckle will go over your child’s legs, which is normal.   

Can I take a car seat that isn't approved for use on a plane?

While you can take any car seat on holiday and have it checked in the hold, if you’re keen to use the car seat on the plane, it’s best to avoid using one that doesn't have the necessary approval, i.e. isn’t TÜV- or FAA-approved, as it might not meet the required safety standards for air travel, or be the correct weight and size for the aircraft seat.

Do I have to use a car seat on a plane?

No, using a car seat on the plane is a personal choice. However, little ones do need to be secured on the flight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that “Infants under the age of two need to be secured whenever the seat belt sign is on. This can be achieved through the use of a seat belt loop provided by the airline to secure the infant on an adult’s lap, or by using a child restraint device i.e. car type seat, or an alternative provided by the airline.”

What are the benefits of taking a car seat on a plane?

Taking a car seat on a plane can offer several benefits:

Safety: Using a car seat on a plane provides an additional layer of protection for your little one during the flight, especially in the event of turbulence.

Familiarity and comfort: If you’re taking a trusted car seat on board, your child will already be familiar with it, making it a comfortable and secure space during the journey. This familiarity can contribute to a smoother travel experience.

Consistent rest position: Car seats are designed to provide proper support and a comfortable rest position for infants and young children, which can be especially important during long flights.

However, according to the Lullaby Trust , healthcare professionals specialising in infant care, safety experts, and the majority of car manufacturers advise against keeping babies in a car seat for more than two hours continuously, emphasising the importance of taking breaks.

Ease of transport: Cabin-approved car seats are lightweight, easy to use and portable, plus they’re designed for easy installation, making it convenient for you to transport your child safely both in the car and on the plane.

Use in transit: While it’s possible to hire a car seat, many parents prefer using their own trusted car seat during taxi rides or transfers at the destination, as this ensures their child's safety during various modes of transportation. By taking your own car seat, you’ll also be sure of its history. 

Potential cost savings: Renting a car seat at your destination can be expensive. Bringing your own car seat can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to use it during your trip.

These Mumsnetters took their car seats on the plane and this is what they had to say: 

Mumsnetter dramalamma says, “I've done both car seat and none with an under two in own seat. It was a lot easier with a car seat because it's not just about the take-off and landing - if there is any turbulence or any other reason the seatbelt sign is on (including them forgetting to turn it off!) you have to pick your child up and have them on your lap which can be an absolute nightmare when it's a long haul flight and they've just gone to sleep!”

Mumsnetter, Genegenieee agrees and adds, “When we flew long haul with children under two, but they were too big for a bassinet, we booked them a seat and took a car seat in the cabin. Far easier to have them in a harness seat belt than a lap belt during the flight. Mine just used to sleep.”

What are the car seat criteria for the main airlines?

According to Maxi-Cosi manufacturers, any approved child seat should have a maximum width of 44cm, ensuring that it will fit in most aeroplane seats. Here are the specific airline requirements in terms of seat width and restrictions:

EasyJet : Car seat should not exceed 44cm and must be used in a forward-facing position.

Ryanair : Car seat should not exceed 43cm, must be airline approved and have a five-point harness.

TUI : Car seat should not exceed 40.64cm, must have a secure harness and adhere to British Safety standards. It should also be used in a forward-facing position.

British Airways : Car seat should not exceed 43cm and must be used in forward-facing position.

Air France : Car seat should not exceed 44cm or 42cm if your seat is in the first row of the Economy cabin. It must be secured with the seat belt.  

Air Canada : Car seat should not exceed 44cm and should be airline approved. It must have a suitable harness system.

Aer Lingus : Car seat should not exceed 43cm and must be secured on the aircraft seat by the normal aircraft lap strap. It must be used in a forward-facing position.

Virgin Atlantic : Car seat should not exceed 43cm and must always be secured to the host seat.

Emirates : Car seat should not exceed 44cm and must be TÜV- or FAA-approved. It must only be used in a forward-facing position.  

Jet2 : Car seat should not exceed 42cm and must comply with European Safety Standard requirements of United Nations ECE R 44 (UN/ECE 44).

Qantas – car seat should not exceed 43.7cm and must be used in a forward-facing position. It must comply with European Safety Standard requirements of United Nations ECE R 44 (UN/ECE 44). Qantas also states that car seats can't be located in an aisle seat or in an exit row.

For children under the age of two, Jet2 also states that the car seat must:

Be securable with a lap strap, not over your child

Include manufacturer's instructions stating suitability for air travel with lap strap

Have a single release-type harness securing your child’s lap, chest, and shoulders

Preferably placed in a window seat

Be the sole car seat on the row segment

Be forward or rear-facing

How to choose the best car seat for the plane

When choosing a car seat for use on a plane in the UK, there are several factors to consider:

Approval for air travel: Firstly, the car seat you pick for the plane needs to be TÜV- or FAA- approved. It’s also important to check your specific airline’s criteria (use our guide above as a start), as their rules and regulations differ slightly. The good news is that all the car seats on this list are approved for use on most popular airlines.

Size and weight: Check the dimensions and weight of the car seat to ensure it meets the airline’s requirements. Note that preferences for seat width can vary among airlines. For example, TUI may prefer a narrower seat compared to British Airways. Also consider the weight of the car seat since you'll need to carry it through the airport and onto and off the flight. It's important to choose one that's manageable for you.

Comfort for your child: Ensure that the car seat is comfortable for your child, especially if it's a long-haul flight. Look for features such as adequate padding, an adjustable harness and headrest, and the ability to recline as this is the safest and most comfortable position for babies from 0-6 months.

Cleaning and maintenance: Choose a car seat with a removable and machine-washable cover for easy cleaning, as travel can be messy!

How much should I spend on a car seat for the plane?

When considering which car seat to get for the plane, keep in mind that prices can range from £80 to over £300. The amount you spend will depend on various factors such as the brand of car seat, the overall quality of the padding and materials, the safety features and duration of use. Most car seats on our list cater to babies from birth to around age four.

Given that car seats are a significant investment, it's essential to choose one that can serve dual purposes – for use on the plane and in your car at home. You’ll also want to ensure that your chosen car seat is compatible with a variety of travel systems and pushchairs to extend its use.

About the author

Tammy Jacks has 15+ years' experience in the publishing industry, enjoying a long and fruitful career as Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa. She later went on to become Assistant Editor of the popular South African parenting title Living and Loving, and has written for numerous lifestyle publications including Oprah Mag SA, Health Intelligence, Your Family Magazine, Longevity, and pharmaceutical company Clicks Clubcard Magazine, as well as edited books for popular fitness influencers and health professionals.

Tammy is a distinguished researcher and writer in the field of child safety, with a notable focus on the critical domain of car seats. Her extensive expertise and commitment to child safety, particularly in the context of air travel, have made her a trusted authority in providing comprehensive insights and guidance to parents and caregivers looking for the right car seat for their children. 

As a mum to an eight-year-old, Tammy has personally tried and tested numerous car seats over the years, across all age categories. Her specialised attention to car seats for the plane involves scrutinising what's essential for safe air travel with children.

8 top car seats for travel

There comes a point in every pre-trip packing session when my husband and I look at each other and ask, " Do we bring the car seats ?" Several factors come into play when deciding: Are we renting a car at our destination? Are we going to a place where we can mostly get around on foot or rely on public transportation? Can we survive a 10-hour overnight flight with our squirmy 19-month-old not tethered into the familiar cocoon of her Cosco Scenera?

More often than not, the car seats come along on our family travels — even when we know we'll likely only use them on the cab ride to and from the airport. After all, car seats are free to check on nearly every airline, the quality and condition of rental-car seats at your destination can't be guaranteed, and you'll feel more secure installing a car seat you've used before, rather than one that's brand new to you and your baby.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

What makes a car seat good for travel?

When it comes to travel, not all car seats are created equal. That super-heavy, cup-holder-accented, rock-star ride that's become a fixture in your minivan back home is going to look a lot less attractive when you're pushing two suitcases and a few carry-ons through London Heathrow while trying to figure out how to balance the car seat atop it all and make a connection at Gatwick.

That is when you need a compact car seat that travels like a pro and keeps your baby safe. And that's where we've got you covered with our best suggestions for travel car seats that won't have you dreading the logistics of lugging them along.

Related: The best cards to use for Amazon purchases

DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT AND STROLLER

Why it's great: The Doona converts from a car seat to a stroller and back again with the push of a button.

Photo courtesy of Doona

One thing to know, however, is that this is an infant car seat and not a system that's going to grow with your baby. The Doona is rated for babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches long, and is a tight squeeze when you get close to those numbers. Your baby may surpass the height limits even before the weight limits. It should work well for about the first year, but possibly not much beyond.

COSCO SCENERA NEXT

Why it's great: The Cosco Scenera Next is as lightweight and affordable as car seats come and has a safety sticker for airplane use.

Here's a car seat with a deserved cult following among traveling families. The Cosco Scenera Next wins on so many levels and is the perfect car seat when you get to toddler age. It can be used rear- or forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. At less than seven pounds, the seat is super light to carry. I've often put it atop the canopy of my stroller to push it through the airport when I've wanted to have it on board during a flight.

The seat has the mandatory sticker on the side that lets flight attendants and ground crew know that it's certified for use on airplanes (I've been asked to show this sticker on more than one occasion, both at check-in and once inside the plane). Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness system that's a cinch to get on and off. Win, win, win all around. You can find this affordable seat on Amazon, but walmart.com often has more selection when it comes to colors and patterns, as well as lower prices.

CHICCO KEYFIT 30 INFANT CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Bubble indicators let you know it's in perfect position and easy installation are among the features we love.

Chicco makes some great all-around car seats. And if you're planning to hit the road a bunch with your infant, it's worth investing in a Chicco stroller to go along with the highly rated Chicco KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat . Car seat installation can be befuddling, but this one is super easy to install securely and has spring-assisted leveling footing and a bubble indicator you can reference to be sure it's in the right position. After all, a car seat works most effectively when it's properly installed. Infants from four to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches long can be accommodated and the car seat is designed to click in and out easily into Chicco strollers, so you can transfer smoothly from the back seat of the car to the street. Together with the car seat base, the system weighs around 17 pounds. Not exactly feather-light, but still easy enough to get around with.

COMBI COCCORO

Why it's great: The narrow body leaves extra space for siblings alongside and we love that this one can be used rear- and forward-facing.

Another good contender in the convertible car seat category, the Combi Coccoro is a bit bulkier than the Cosco Scenera Next but still a good choice. It weighs less than 15 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. The car seat has a nice narrow build that makes it far less cumbersome than many others for use as a kiddie straitjacket, er, safety device inside an airplane. It's also FAA approved, with the sticker to prove it.

EVENFLO TRIBUTE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Super lightweight and super affordable make this one an all-around winner.

Weighing in at a hair over nine pounds, here's another good lightweight option with plenty of safety features that can be used rear- and forward- facing as your child grows. There are four shoulder harness positions that make it easy to adjust comfort as your needs change from newborn to the toddler years. And the Tribute 's 100% polyester seat pad and backing is easy to remove and toss into the washing machine between trips. You can use this seat for kids up to 40 pounds and 40 inches long. And you really can't beat the price point, right around the $50 mark and available in different colors on Amazon and Evenflo websites.

PICO TRAVEL CAR SEAT BY WAYB

Why it's great: For ease of portability, it's hard to beat this forward-facing option that can fold down to nearly flat.

This extremely portable car seat looks like a total game changer for moving swiftly through airports and cities while carrying lots of luggage. I've heard good things about it from traveling parents, although I have yet to try it myself. The Pico Travel Car Seat by WAYB is just eight pounds. But more importantly, it folds down to nearly flat, yet has a full-size back seat portion that makes it safe for use as a forward-facing car seat for kids between 22 and 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall.

It couldn't be easier to bring along as a carry-on, or even to pack inside a suitcase. The seat is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, which is to say it's extremely strong and light at the same time. Kids must be at least a year old to use it but it's best suited for those who are 2 years old and up. This one's going on my holiday wish list, for sure.

Approximate price: $234

Why it's great: Its lightweight (just 10 pounds) and small size makes it easy to bring along and stow in the overhead compartment.

Uber uses this harness-style car seat in its uberFAMILY rides. If you're in the market for a portable car seat that will grow with your child from 22 to 55 pounds, this might be a great choice for your family. The IMMI GO folds for easy storage in the overhead bin on an airplane or in the trunk of a car. It also comes with a handy carrying case that makes it easy to tote along on city shopping trips before you jump back in a cab.

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Car Seat

Why it's great: A seriously portable booster seat for kids between 40 and 100 pounds that you can stash in a backpack or oversized purse to take on the go.

This is the little miracle worker of a booster seat to bring along when traveling with kids between the ages of four and 11, who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. A few puffs of breath is all it takes to blow up the inflatable BubbleBum , which is 13 inches wide and packs down to nearly flat when you're ready to toss it back into your handbag and go. Three kids can sit on the booster seats next to each other with room to spare in the back seat of a car. What could be easier to pop open and install for a cab ride or something longer? We just wish we had thought of this brilliant idea first.

Bottom line

It's a bit of a pain, but we'll continue to bring a car seat along whenever we travel -- for as long as our kids need them. But, the right car seat certainly depends on a lot of different factors and what's perfect for us may not work as well for you. What's your go-to travel car seat? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

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.

• Product Reviews
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6 Best Travel Car Seats for Your Next Trip

Traveling with young kids requires preparation—and plenty of it. Between planning your route, packing all the essentials and ensuring you’ve got plenty of snacks on hand, there’s a lot to organize. And, of course, keeping your little one safe on the road is always a top priority. If your next family vacation involves air travel, a rental vehicle or frequent cab rides, a travel car seat will come in handy. While most airlines allow you to gate-check a car seat or stroller for free, the last thing you want on a long journey is a bulky bit of gear. Unlike convertible models , which tend to be on the heavier side, travel car seats are designed to be lightweight, compact and easy to install when you’re on the go.

Ready to start your search? Here find our picks of the best travel car seats for every age, stage and need, plus our top tips for traveling with a baby or toddler in tow.

Do you Need a Travel Car Seat?

If you’re planning to take a road trip, you definitely need a car seat. Granted, you could bring a day-to-day model with you, but a travel seat will take up less room in a packed rental car. It’s important to note that each country has its own rules and regulations, so if you’re traveling internationally, brush up on the local car seat safety laws.

For domestic air travel, a car seat is recommended, but not required. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult’s lap, meaning you don’t technically need a car seat. That said, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the FAA recommend that children are properly restrained on a flight, especially given the unexpected but common occurrence of turbulence.

Are booster seats safe for air travel?

If your little one has outgrown a car seat, a booster is a good option for rental cars and taxi trips. But the FAA prohibits passengers from using booster seats or backless car seats on flights. If you plan to take a booster seat with you during air travel, it can be brought along as checked luggage (usually without a baggage fee).

What to Look for in a Travel Car Seat

Choosing a car seat can involve a lot of research—and a travel car seat comes with its own set of requirements. To make things easier, here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

Age-appropriate. The most important factor to consider for any car seat type is whether it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. According to the AAP , children should use a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 2 years old—or until they reach the height and weight requirements for a specific model. Children that weigh over 40 pounds can use an aircraft safety belt.

FAA approved. A travel car seat you plan on taking on a plane should have a label noting that it is FAA approved. This means that the model has been deemed safe for air travel.

Lightweight. The best travel car seats are lightweight and easy to carry. After all, you’ll need to lug it onto a plane or switch it from one car to another. Fortunately, most car seats designed for travel range in weight from 6 to 12 lbs.

Easy to install. Whatever mode of transport you choose, correct installation is critical to a car seat’s safety —so look for one that makes the process simple. Our advice? Find options with easy-to-fasten buckles and an adjustable harness to ensure a snug fit.

The Best Travel Car Seats

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, a travel car seat makes the journey run that much smoother. Here, find our top picks for infants, toddlers and big kids.

Best affordable travel car seat

• Suitable for infants and toddlers
• Affordable price point
• Some children will outgrow it quickly due to the low position of the shoulder straps

Searching for something affordable? The Cosco Scenera may be the best travel car seat option for you. Suitable for infants and toddlers, this convertible seat can be used in a rear- or front-facing position. Certified for use on an aircraft, the compact seat is lightweight and easy to carry, so it won’t slow you down as you make your way to departures. It has all the safety features you need, including a five-point harness and side impact protection. Plus, a removable seat pad makes it easy to clean up messes; simply throw it in the wash and get ready for your next adventure. All that for $60? What a steal!

• Weight of seat: 10.4 lbs.
• Weight capacity: Rear-facing 5 to 40 pounds; forward-facing 22 to 40 pounds
• Height limit: 43 inches

Best travel infant car seat

• Seat weighs under 6 lbs.
• Convenient option for car and air travel
• Magnetic buckle holders keep straps out of the way while you secure your child
• Car seat must be used with the base for air travel
• High price point

Weighing in at just 5.3 lbs, the Nuna Pipa Lite is one of the best car seats for travel. Pegged as the lightest infant car seat available, this Best of Baby award-winning pick has a compact design, a convenient carry handle and a True Lock base that installs in as little as five seconds (yes, really!). Plus, the rear-facing seat is reliably safe thanks to a five-point harness and Aeroflex foam that absorbs and diffuses energy for superior impact protection. Better yet, built-in belt paths mean you can remove the base and use the car seat with just the vehicle seat belt, allowing you to travel in taxis without worrying about baby’s safety. And for air travel, it’s FAA certified when used with its base.

• Weight of seat: 5.3 lbs. (without sun canopy or infant insert)
• Weight capacity: 4 to 32 pounds
• Height limit: 32 inches

Best travel convertible car seat

• Can be used in a rear- and front-facing position
• Four shoulder strap positions allow the seat to grow with your child
• Thin padding

Looking for a travel car seat that’ll function from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond? A convertible option is the way to go. This type can be used in both a rear- and forward-facing position, so you can use it even after your child hits the two-year mark. Our top pick? The Evenflo Tribute. This convertible model weighs under 10 lbs. and has a narrow design, making it a good option for smaller vehicles or times when you find yourself moving between multiple cars. Plus, it’s FAA approved and reliably safe for air travel.

• Weight of seat: 9.29 lbs.
• Height limit: 40 inches

Best travel car seat and stroller system

• Converts from a car seat to a stroller in seconds
• TUV and FAA approved
• Rear-facing position only

Planning to bring a stroller and a car seat on your next vacation? This innovative product by Doona combines both items into one lightweight travel system. The Best of Baby award-winning product has wheels that unfold from the bottom of the seat in seconds, meaning you can go from cruising along the pavement to safely buckled into a vehicle in no time. And it doesn’t skimp on safety features—with a five-point harness, three layers of impact protection and an adjustable handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar in car seat mode. It also comes fully assembled and can be used from day one, without any extra adaptors or inserts. The best part? It’s certified as safe by the US and European authorities for air travel.

• Weight of seat: 16.5 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 4 to 35 pounds

Best toddler travel car seat

• Lightweight; compact fold
• Travel case can be worn as a backpack
• Parents report that the crotch strap is too short

Another contender for the title of best travel car seat is this pick by WAYB. Designed for children over the age of 2, this forward-facing seat has a foldable aluminum frame that fits inside the included travel bag for easy transportation. And whether you’re ridesharing, road tripping or traveling by plane, Pico’s five-point safety harness keeps your little one safely buckled in. It's FAA approved and even fits in most airplane overhead bins.

• Weight of seat: 8 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 22 to 50 pounds
• Height limit: 45 inches

Best travel booster seat

• Easy to install
• Quick-release design
• Not suitable for children under the age of 4
• Not usable for air travel

If your kiddo has grown too big for a travel car seat, a backless booster seat is a good option for car travel. The innovative quick release design and built-in carry handle makes it easy to move between vehicles. Plus, lap belt guides and a shoulder clip allow for easy installation when you’re trying to get from point A to point B in a hurry. Again, it’s important to note that booster seats are not safe for use in airplanes. Bonus: Use code BUMP2023 on the Chicco website to get $75 off any order of $299 or more.

• Weight of seat: 6 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 40 to 110 pounds

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

To decide which travel car seats are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

When it comes to car seats, safety is paramount, so we also consulted the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and checked that all options—bar the booster seat—are approved for air travel by the Federal Aviation Authority .

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Infant Car Seats

Best Toddler Car Seats to Keep Your Traveling Tot Safe

Tips for Traveling With Baby

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6 Best FAA Approved Travel Car Seats With Pros & Cons

• 6 Best FAA Approved Travel…

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which provide small compensation for FidisTravel at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase/book something

Keeping your child properly secured in a car seat is one of the most important steps a parent can take to ensure the safety of their child while on the road and in the air. If you are looking for the best travel car seat to help keep your kid safe, we’ve compiled a list of the top twelve child safety seats to find just the right one for you and your family.

Table of Contents

Top Picks for the Best Travel Car Seat:

Read below to find more details about the car seats, especially about the pros and cons. Some of them don’t get into the “best x” categories but are also highly recommended and might suit your needs more. Note that this is also an FAA approved car seat list (with the exception of booster car seats)

1. Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat (Best Overall)

Price : $59.99 (Best Budget) FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: 5-40 lb for rear-facing; 22-40 lb for forward facing Child Height: 19-40 in for rear facing; 29-43 in for forward facing

When it comes to affordability, ease of travel, and safety we found the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat to be the best overall. For under $100, users can enjoy many of the other features found with more expensive car seats at just a fraction of the price.

For families looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly car seat that will serve them for many years, this convertible car seat is an ideal option. Designed to accommodate children from 5-40 pounds, this car seat can be used throughout many phases of childhood making it a worthwhile investment for families.

This car seat has been rigorously tested and certified to offer the highest level of safety for children with side impact protection as well as meeting all of the federal safety criteria. For parents looking for travel-friendly features, this car seat is TSA compliant and approved for airlines travel.

Pros and Cons:

• Coming in at under $100, this car seat is one of the most affordable on the market
• Designed for children 5-40 pounds, users can enjoy the relative longevity of this convertible car seat throughout many stages of life
• Approved for airline travel and meets TSA requirements
• Machine washable cover
• Other convertible car seats can accommodate children over 40 pounds

2. Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base (Best Integrative Design)

Price : $550 FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: up to 35 lbs, rear facing only (infant only) For busy parents on the go, having a travel car seat that fits their active lifestyle is extremely important. If you are looking for the best integrative design, the Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base offers the easiest and most streamlined way to keep kids safe with their all-in-one travel system.

The Doona Infant Car Seat and Latch Base is an integrative, modern design that allows users to easily transition from a rolling stroller to a car safety seat in seconds. With the simple push of a button, this stroller folds down into a car seat that easily attaches to the included latch base which can be mounted in any model vehicle.

Every product from the Doona company undergoes rigorous safety testing and certification processes to bring parents the highest level of safety when it comes to their child’s car seat. This car seat comes fully assembled so there’s no guesswork when it comes to set up and parents can ensure their child is protected on the road.

Pros & Cons

• Lightweight, integrative design makes it perfect for busy parents on the go
• This product has some of the highest safety ratings when it comes to safety testing and certification
• Comes in a variety of stylish color options for a personalized touch
• The high price tag of this car seat may make it inaccessible for many families
• Designed as a car seat for children under one year of age, the lifespan of this product is quite short
• Users report no recline options and minimal storage capabilities

3. Evenflo LiteMax DLX Infant Car Seat (Best Lightweight Car Seat)

Price : $224.99 FAA Approved: Yes (carrier only) Child Weight: 4-35 lb for both rear facing and forward facing Child Height: 17-32 in for both rear facing and forward facing If you are looking for the best option for a lightweight car seat, the Evenflo LiteMax DLX Infant Car Seat may be just what you are looking for. Weighing in at just 8.7 pounds, this car seat is one of the lightest on the market making traveling with kids a breeze.

For nearly 100 years, the Evenflo company has been a leader in the child safety industry. With the addition of the LiteMax DLX car seat, parents can rest assured they are receiving the highest level of safety for their child that comes with the Evenflo name.

This car seat features a lightweight design that is easy to carry and perfect for parents on the go. This versatile car seat offers both forward-facing and rear-facing options and is collapsible and compact, giving parents the freedom to travel anywhere with their child. This seat is designed to comfortably accommodate infants weighing between 4-35 pounds and measuring 17-32 inches and parents can have peace of mind knowing this product meets all the federal guidelines for car seat safety certification.

• In business for more than 100 years, Evenflo has a proven track record of making durable, high-quality products that last
• The lightweight, compact design makes this car seat easy to transport and travel with
• This car seat features a no-rethread harness design that makes seat adjustment a breeze
• The relatively high price of this car seat may make it inaccessible for some families
• Users report that this car seat is bulkier and takes up more space than other traditional car seat designs, making it difficult to use in smaller vehicles

4. Safety 1st Guide 65 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (Most Compact Car Seat)

Price : $99.99 FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: 5-40 lb for rear facing; 22-65 lb for forward facing Child Height: 19-40 in for rear facing; 29-49 in for forward facing

Designed specifically for smaller cars, the Safety 1st Guide 65 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is the ideal affordable, space-saving car seat for families. With added comfort and safety features, this car seat provides plenty of support for infants and children alike.

For parents looking for a safe, compact convertible car seat this Safety 1st product is guaranteed to deliver. With one of the most compact designs on the market, the measurements for this car seat are 27.25X 22.75X 19W.

As a convertible option, this car seat provides two modes of use including a rear-facing option for children between 5-40 pounds or a forward-facing option for children 22-65 pounds. This car seat has added comfort features like removable body pillows, a cup holder, and premium washable fabrics. Safety features include side impact protection, compliance with federal safety standards, and an adjustable headrest.

Pros and Cons

• Compact, lightweight design is perfect for smaller vehicles
• At under $100, this car seat is one of the more affordable options on the market
• With a maximum weight limit of 65 pounds, this convertible car seat can be used throughout many stages of life
• Machine washable fabric
• Users report complications with harness and LATCH systems
• Only available in one color; not customizable

5. Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat (Most Versatile Car Seat)

Price : $349.99 FAA Approved: Yes (in harness mode) Child Weight: 4-40 lb for rear facing; 22-65 lb for forward facing Child Height: 19-40 in for rear facing; 29-49 in for forward facing

For families looking for the most versatile option for car seat safety, the Pria Max All-in-One Convertible Car Seat has everything you’ll need to ensure your child’s safety while on the road.

With dozens of added features, this car seat offers users a comfortable, personalized experience for everyone.

As one of the most versatile car seats on the market, this all-in-one product is designed to safeguard children from birth up to 10 years, making it one of the longest-lasting investments a parent can make. The car seat features a variety of tried and true comfort options including a unique easy-to-use magnetic harness system, auto-adjusting headrest, and more.

This car seat has been tested to meet the federal guidelines for car seat safety and provides important safety features like side impact protection and a QuickFit shoulder harness that automatically adjusts to the appropriate fit for your child. Their unique PureCosi material does not require the use of fire-retardant chemicals and each car seat is made using premium fabrics that come in a variety of color options.

• Longevity; this convertible car seat is designed to hold children weighing from 4 up to 100 pounds that can be used from birth up to 10 years of age
• Added convenience features like auto-adjusting headrests and magnetic shoulder straps make this car seat user friendly
• Comes in a variety of color options and patterns for a personalized feel
• Users have the option of purchasing additional products like seat covers, travel changing pads, and more
• This car seat comes with a higher price tag than some others
• Users have reported that this car seat is heavy and difficult to travel with

6. WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat (Best Portable Travel Car Seat)

Price : $380 FAA Approved: Yes Child Weight: 22-50 lb (for forward facing only) Child Height: 30-45 in (for forward facing only) Child Age: 2+

Being a parent often means being able to juggle multiple tasks all at once and for parents traveling with kids, this car seat is the perfect way to cut down on the stress of traveling. The WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat is a compact, foldable car seat that is the perfect option for parents on the go.

For parents planning on traveling with kids, the WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat is the ideal travel option to provide protection for children even on the go. Weighing in at just 8 pounds, this compact car seat easily folds down to a small storage size of 11.6” L x 14.5” W x 18.9” H.

Parents using this car seat do not have to sacrifice safety for convenience as the WAYB Pico Portable Car Seat meets all of the federal safety requirements for both highway and airway travel. This forward-facing car seat can accommodate children between 22-50 pounds and 30-45 inches in height.

• Compact, lightweight design makes it easy to transport and use for travel
• This car seat meets all the requirements for highway and airline safety when traveling
• Affordable financing options are available when purchasing directly from the manufacturer
• The high price of this car seat may be prohibitive for some families
• Due to the design of this car seat, the seat is only able to be used in a forward-facing capacity

7. CARES Child Aviation Restraint System (Best Travel Harness)

Price : $72.99 FAA Approved: Yes

Although only available for use on airplanes, this child restraint system makes flying with kids stress free. Designed for us as an alternative to car seats for airline travel and approved for use by the e Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this portable and easy to use harness is perfect for keeping kids safe and seated during a flight.

The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is designed for use with kids 22-45 pounds and can easily be used in combination with any airline seatbelt to provide the same level of protection as a car seat would.

• Weighing just one pound, this lightweight travel harness is ideal for use when flying
• At under $100, this restraint system is an affordable option for most families
• The only FAA approved child safety restraint system on the market
• Ideal for use with kids who have special needs
• Simple, easy to use design installs in under one minute
• This travel harness is only approved for children between 22-45 pounds
• This restraint system is compatible only with airlines seats and cannot be used for car travel

Best Travel Car Seat: the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do you need to bring a car seat base when traveling.

If you plan on bringing a car seat with you when traveling with kids, you may want to bring the car seat base too. Car seat bases provide extra security that keeps the car seat from sliding around or dislodging in case of an accident.

It is possible to use a car seat without a base while traveling by installing the seat using the car’s seat belt. However, it is much safer for your child if you use the car seat base.

What do you do with a car seat base when flying?

Most car seat bases are not allowed to be used when flying. The car seat will just be directly strapped onto the airplane seat. There are several thing you can do with you car seat base while flying:

• Stow the car seat base in the overhead bin on the plane
• Gate check the car seat base
• Check the car seat base with the rest of your luggage

How do you bring a car seat on a plane?

In order to bring a car seat on a plane, it must be FAA approved. To know if a car seat is FAA approved, check the sticker located on the back or side of the car seat.

If you want your child to use a car seat on the plane, you must purchase a separate ticket for them. Once you get to your gate, you can also ask the flight crew if there are any open seats. If there are no extra seats and your child does not have its own ticket, you may gate check the car seat.

How do you carry a car seat in the airport?

It can be difficult to carry a car seat and luggage around the airport. There are several great ways you can make carrying a car seat in the airport easier.

• Strap the car seat to your luggage with a car seat luggage strap
• Put the car seat inside of your child’s stroller
• Use a car seat backpack or travel carrying case
• Bring a collapsible wagon to pull the car seat in
• Rent a luggage carrying trolley at the airport

Can you check car seats for free?

Yes, most airlines will allow you to check a car seat for free. For example, you can check at Delta car seat policy. You can either check the car seat with your luggage or gate-check it. Strollers and booster seats can also be checked for free.

Verify with your specific airline ahead of time to make sure they will check your car seat for free.

Do car seats count as checked baggage?

No, car seats do not count towards your checked baggage allowance. Car seats can be checked for free and do not lower the checked baggage allowance included in your ticket.

Are car seats required on airplanes?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that car seats are used on planes. However, children are not required to use car seats on planes. This decision is up to the parents but it is safer for children to be in their car seats while flying. This protects them from any turbulence that may occur.

Children under the age of 2 are permitted to fly while sitting in the lap of an adult.

Will car seats get damaged on a plane?

You can never know for sure if your car seat will get damaged on a plane. Especially if you check the car seat as luggage, you can never control how it will be handled. Airlines are usually not liable if a car seat comes out damaged on baggage claim.

If you are worried about damage, avoid checking your car seat with luggage. Or gate-check the car seat to minimize the amount of time the airline handles it. You can use the car seat on the plane or maybe store it in the overhead bin.

Do I need a car seat cover on an airplane?

It is not required that you bring a car seat cover on an airplane. However, it may be nice to bring one if you choose. A car seat cover may help block your child from the light and noise of the plane.

How do you put a car seat in an airplane seat?

Putting a car seat on an airplane seat can be a little different as you are not always permitted to use a car seat base. Here is how to put a car seat on an airplane seat:

• Find the correct belt-path on your front-facing and rear-facing car seat
• Loosen the airplane seat belt
• Thread the adjustable side of the airplane seat belt through the belt-path
• Buckle the seat belt on the other side
• Tighten the seat belt strap as needed.

If you need help, ask the flight crew for assistance.

How do you pack a car seat for a flight?

If you are checking your car seat with checked luggage, it is important to pack it securely. Here are a few things you should do.

• Put the car seat inside a protective car seat carrying bag
• Wrap the car seat bag with plastic film or packing tape for extra protection
• Put an identifying luggage tag on the bag

If you are bringing the car seat onto the plane with you, you do not need to pack it in a special way. However, putting the car seat in a car seat carrying bag may make carrying the seat around the airport easier.

We know that vacation is supposed to be a time when parents (and kids) let loose and have some fun, but just because your vacation is carefree does not mean your child’s safety should be! Ensuring that you have chosen the best travel car seat for your child can help keep them safe and ensure many more years of family vacations and fun in the sun.

Related Articles

• Travel With A Car Seat: Flying, Renting, Regulation, & More
• Delta Car Seat Policy: 8 Most Asked Questions
• When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn? All You Need to Know
• 9 Best Travel Strollers for Different Needs
• American Airlines Car Seat Policy

Author:  Carrie Alspaugh

Carrie is an animal lover currently living in the Caribbean with her two chihuahuas, Slim and Penelope. Her pups accompany her on trips spent traveling while volunteering at animal hospitals and rescues across the world. In her free time she enjoys snorkeling, scuba diving, and hanging out with her dogs at the beach.

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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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The Best Car Seats for Traveling With Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

By Stirling Kelso

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Talk to parents about traveling with young kids and one topic dominates the conversation. Is it which hotel in Santorini has the best Mediterranean views? Not quite. Where you can get the freshest lobster rolls in Maine ? Unfortunately, no.

The answer is car seats. Heavy, unwieldy car seats. They’re impossible to pack and even worse to wrestle onto an airplane. They’re big, they’re bulky, and they have irritating names that are hard to Google when you’re searching for, say, “how to install a massive American car seat in a tiny Italian Fiat.”

Not every country or city requires car seats, but you’ll probably still want to pack one for your family trip to Mexico or Thailand—or from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan in a yellow cab. Why? As exasperating as car seats are, they save lives. A lot of lives. In fact, they’ve helped bring down motor vehicle-related deaths in the U.S. by 58 percent since 1975.

Most car rental agencies offer child seats, but this option is often fraught with problems. To start, they cost a chunk of change. “Major car rental companies charge between $10 to $14 per day to rent a child seat,” says Jonathan Weinberg, CEO of car rental savings site AutoSlash . “These fees add up quickly, especially if you have more than one kid.” The quality of the car seat can also be questionable. Personally, I’ve been dealt dirty seats, incorrect models, and, in one case, a seat with a safety strap that looked like it had been slashed by a machete. And while every major American car rental’s child seat policy notes that they take car seats out of circulation after an accident, this practice is not federally enforced . Finally, and perhaps most vexing after a long flight with kids, agency staff members aren’t authorized to install the seats, leaving you to the task. “After navigating an enormous car rental garage with toddlers and luggage for four—looking at you, Orlando International—it’s no fun to install unfamiliar car seats,” says Lexington-based attorney (and dad of twins) Lucas Braun.

Here’s the good news: Car seats have also annoyed a slew of smart, savvy travelers, so much so that they’ve decided to do something about it. Now a handful of light and portable child seats make it easier to keep your kiddos safe on the go. Read on for our road-tested recs of the best car seats for travel right now. Skipping the flight and just traveling by car these days? We’ve included our favorites for highway long-hauls as well.

This article was originally published in April 2019. It has been updated with new information.

Infant Car Seats

For babies and infants Talk to a mom who has lost circulation in her arm after swinging a bucket seat around the airport, or a dad who has woken a sleeping baby from a car seat at the check-in counter, and you’ll see why we seriously love the options below.

It took car seat creator Yoav Mazar close to a decade to design the Doona and bring it to market. It was worth the wait. This genius car seat, developed for babies from birth up to 35 pounds, is essentially a transformer, shape shifting from a car seat to a stroller and back again with a few button clicks. This means you always have your car seat with you, whether you need to jump into a cab in London or a Lyft in San Francisco. And when it’s in stroller mode, it beautifully navigates sidewalks and park paths. This just in: The Doona now comes in a sleek midnight black model as well as its first edition green.

Trusted car seat brand Chicco has a new car seat for babies that’s lighter than previous versions (about nine pounds without the base) and puts a premium on comfort. An extended headrest means the car seat lasts you longer, and a genius rebound bar, which pushes against the back seat, provides extra foot room for leggy littles. And while you can swing it through the airport as easily as a canvas tote through a farmers’ market, it’s also a choice option for road trips thanks to its cocoon-like coziness and large sunshade.

If you’re not up for a $500 investment, opt for an infant seat that clicks easily into a lightweight stroller base. The latest snap-and-go option from Chicco is the Shuttle, which pairs with all Chicco Fit2 and KeyFit car seats. It’s an improvement on previous stroller base models thanks to its quick fold handle, sleek black frame, and a console for essentials (your phone, a large coffee, and likely some sort of wipe). It also has one advantage on its competitors: under-carriage storage, ideal for all that stuff you can't believe you’re schlepping through the airport.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

For toddlers under two and under 35 pounds The trickiest age when it comes to traveling with car seats is when your child has transitioned from an infant seat—like the Doona—to an upright car seat, but still needs to face backwards (typically kids under two and under 35 pounds). For this short time period, we recommend doing as the car rental agencies do: Go light and go cheap if you’re flying, but invest if you’re sticking to the road.

This is a popular brand among car rental companies (and if you think about it, they make up the cost of a purchase in one four-day rental). The seat is ten pounds, easy to install, and FAA compliant, should you want to strap your kid in during the flight. And while it's bulky, you can secure this seat to rolling luggage with a strap like this one .

While this car seat model is somewhat bulky, it’s also lightweight at just over nine pounds. At under $100, it’s an absolute steal. It’s slimmer than most car seat models, a plus when you’re traveling to places like Europe where rentals are petite in comparison to your suburban SUV.

Did you know that some car seats are built with flame-retardant chemicals that are harmful to inhale? That’s not the case with Nuna, which has committed to engineering its seats without said compounds from foam to fabric. The Exec car seat might as well be a first-class ticket to comfort—even in the less popular back-facing position—thanks to adjustable leg rests, merino wool head cushions, and ventilation panels that maintain a comfortable climate.

Front-Facing Convertible Car Seats

For kids ages two to five Once children have graduated from a rear-facing car seat, they still have several years in a chair. At this stage, we see parents start to forgo car seats when they shouldn’t. These exciting innovations will inspire you to stay safe.

This road trip favorite is slimmer than most—you can fit three across a back seat if you’re hauling a litter—but it also puts a premium on well-being and safety thanks to a steel core topped with interlocking layers of foam and plastic, padded with seat, side, and belt cushions. We also love this Seattle-based company’s seats for their pop colors: cherry red, plum purple, and yellow mineral, among others. Be sure to add the waterproof seat protector —it’s a life saver when kids are snacking on the go.

This, family travelers, is a game changing car seat. Co-developed by a former Patagonia exec and his engineering-savvy team at WayB—a new company that aims to introduce innovative products to the family travel space—the Pico is safe, sleek, and a cinch to install. Its solid frame is made of aluminum, which is not only strong, but also sustainable. And the Pico’s seat folds up on-the-go, making it compact and easy to carry or stow in an overhead bin.

If you’ve requested an Uber equipped with a car seat in a city like Los Angeles, chances are the driver has pulled out this soft-backed and collapsible harness. The chair folds up into an attached bag that’s about half the size of a carry-on suitcase, so you can stow it on the plane or throw it into a duffle with the rest of your things.

For kids five and up Once your half pints have graduated out of convertible car seats, you can move onto a booster, which feels like holding a hamster after years of wrestling an elephant. Still, some boosters are large and inflexible, so opt for one of our picks below. Tend to travel by car? Choose something more substantial, like the Alta.

If you’re skipping the airport and hitting the highway, consider UppaBaby’s model for its additional safety features and headrest that will—if you’re lucky—inspire a long snooze. Unlike the MiFold and Bubble Bum, the Alta clips into a car’s anchor system, better securing it to the vehicle. It also ensures older kiddos (approximately six to ten years old) are comfortable for long stretches thanks to arm rests, a cup holder, and plenty of padding. The rear seat cushion also zips off, making it easy to clean.

Boosters, as you might guess, boost children up so seatbelts strap them in effectively. The MiFold takes the opposite approach, lowering the seatbelt via a series of lap belt clips. It then folds up on-the-go to the size of a large wallet, and can be stashed in a purse, backpack, or glove compartment.

This inflatable booster seat can be easily blown up and deflated on the go. It’s lightweight and fits into a compact travel bag when not in use. Aside from its brilliant name, it also does its part to make boosters fun, with kid-friendly colors like shamrock green and bubble gum pink.

Packing List

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Car seats that are airline approved

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If you’re a parent and fly with your family, you know that air travel with kids is not always easy, especially when it involves lugging a car seat.

Car seats can be big, bulky and heavy. However, they’re also necessary at times to ensure a safe trip. In addition to the safety issues, some little kids sleep better on a plane when they are cozy in their car seats at 36,000 feet.

You also probably know that children under age 2 can fly for free as a lap child on a paid adult ticket. Once that child turns 2, though, your days of flying a child for free are over.

Though they may be too old to fly for free, they’re still too young to sit in a regular airplane seat without an approved car seat, regulated by both the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines , which allow you to check car seats (and strollers) for free without counting against your baggage allowance.

This guide details carrier car seat policies. Some car seats may not be permitted onboard due to cabin class, seat width, placement or seat direction/angle.

To help traveling parents navigate these rules, refer to this guide to know what is and isn’t allowed regarding car seats and bassinets on 23 major airlines.

Domestic airlines policies

While the FAA does not require car seats, they restrict what type of car seats you can use on a plane. It suggests using a Child Aviation Restraint System, which includes typical car seats or Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD), specifically the AmSafe CARES Restraint , as an alternative to a car seat.

ACSDs are designed for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds and under 40 inches tall.

Vest and harness-type child restraint devices other than the FAA-approved CARES restraint device are generally prohibited onboard, and booster seat policies vary.

To use your car seat onboard, it must have two labels:

• “This restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.”
• “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”

In addition to those manufactured in the U.S., these airlines will accept car seats approved by foreign governments or the United Nations.

“If your seat has been approved for aircraft use, there will be a sticker (either on the back, bottom or side of the seat, depending on the size of the label) that says ‘This restraint has been certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft’ in red lettering,” Graco says on its website . “However, even though the seat is FAA approved when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, we recommend calling the airline you are traveling with ahead of time as each airline has its own policies.”

This is because some of the bases on infant car seats do not meet FAA standards or individual airline policies.

“The bases that are not approved will have a clearly marked sticker on the base,” according to Graco. “Even if the base is not cleared for use, most of these infant car seats can still be installed shell only, please refer to the instruction manual for specific information about your infant car seat.”

Based on the policies outlined below, most car seats will fit in the smallest airplane seat if they measure 16.3 inches or less. However, certain cabins may accommodate wider passenger seats and, thus, car seats.

Overall, most airlines prohibit child-restraint systems in aisle seats, emergency exit row seats and on either side of an exit row, with window seats preferred, with some exceptions. Additionally, children under the age of 2 cannot sit in a seat equipped with an airbag seat belt per federal regulations.

Airlines also specify other restrictions for child safety seats, detailed below by U.S. carriers.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines prohibits child-restraint systems in A seats in rows 1 through 4 on flights on E-175 planes.

“The window seat is the best location for a child restraint system, although it may be placed in the middle seat if the window seat is vacant or if the restraint system does not block access to the aisle,” the airline says. “If you are uncertain, the flight attendant can assist in determining if the middle seat is acceptable.”

Alaska also provides a chart to help flyers determine whether a specific car seat will fit in specific aircraft.

Alaska Airlines does not offer bassinets on any of its flights.

For more info, see Alaska’s traveling with infants and children policy .

American Airlines

American Airlines says most safety seats approved for use in motor vehicles are also acceptable onboard, as long as it has a solid back and seat and restraint straps to securely hold the child.

Child-restraint systems are not allowed in first or business class on select planes, specifically first class in Airbus 321-T and business class on Boeing 777-200, Boeing 777-300, Boeing 787-800 and Boeing 787-900.

To use an infant bassinet, your child must be under 2 years old and 20 pounds. Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate for economy travel only on 767-300, 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.

For more info, see American’s traveling with children policy .

Delta Air Lines

Beyond the usual seat restrictions for safety seats, Delta also tells passengers with car seats to avoid bulkhead seats when the safety seat is a combination car seat and stroller, plus Delta One lie-flat seats on A330-200, A330-300, Boeing 777, 767 or 747 aircraft.

Delta offers onboard baby bassinets on some international flights for babies weighing up to 20 pounds and up to 26 inches long.

Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are free for passengers in select seats on equipped aircraft for some international flights and can be requested by contacting Reservations before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate, but cannot be guaranteed.

For more info, see Delta’s infant air travel policy .

Frontier Airlines

Like the non-low-cost carriers, Frontier seat width varies based on aircraft, with minimum seat width ranging from 16.5 inches to 17.4 inches for the A—321 and A—319/A—320, respectively.

Booster seats are allowed onboard Frontier flights but may not be used during takeoff and landing.

Frontier Airlines does not offer bassinets on any of its flights.

For more info, see their traveling with children or pets policy .

Hawaiian Airlines

Like some of the other airlines on this list, Hawaiian Airlines provides travelers with a handy chart with seat width and configuration on aircraft to determine whether your car seat meets the narrowest and widest passenger seats on board.

Contact Hawaiian Airlines Reservations in advance if you plan to use a rear-facing car seat.

Bassinets are available on most Hawaiian Airlines’ international flights. To reserve a bassinet, the accompanying adult must purchase a bassinet-compatible Extra Comfort seat in Row 14 (14 AB, CD or EG, HJ).

If you prefer not to purchase an Extra Comfort seat, you may see an airport customer service agent at check-in for bassinet availability. If available, Hawaiian Airlines will accept up to two requests per flight. Confirmed bassinets will be assigned during the boarding process. Priority will be given to the customer with the earliest check-in time as the bassinets are not guaranteed.

To use a bassinet, your child must be under the age of 2 and weigh under 20 pounds. The bassinet is 32 inches long, 14.5 inches wide and 7 inches tall.

For more info, see Hawaiian’s traveling with a child policy.

JetBlue Airways

In addition to providing a seat dimension chart, JetBlue does not require infant or children travelers to have a car seat “as long as they can sit upright unassisted.”

JetBlue does not offer bassinets on any of its flights.

For more, see their traveling with kids policy .

Southwest Airlines

Unlike the other carriers, Southwest allows car seats in middle seats, assuming it does not impede the window seat passenger’s path to the aisle.

While Southwest recommends travelers less than 20 pounds face the back of the plane and those between 20 and 40 pounds face forward, “parents have ultimate discretion.”

Southwest does not offer bassinets on any of its flights.

For more info, read Southwest’s traveling with little ones policy .

Spirit Airlines

Diverging from the other airlines in this guide, Spirit Airlines does not prohibit car seats in aisle seats, according to its website.

Though Frontier outlines seat dimensions, it promises to “do our best to reseat you to an open seat (not including our Big Front Seats) if the car seat is too large for a regular seat.”

Rear-facing child restraint systems may not fit on Frontier aircraft if taller than 25 inches.

For more info, read Frontier’s FAQ online.

United Airlines

Aligning with FAA policy, United allows car seats made after 1985 with a certification sticker onboard, in window seats only, while prohibiting booster seats and harnesses.

United has a limited number of complimentary bassinets for use on international aircraft only, large enough to hold an infant weighing less than 22 pounds.

Bassinets are available for customers traveling international segments in Polaris business class on select 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft and in United Economy on 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft.

Customers can request a bassinet by calling the United Customer Contact Center within the United States or the appropriate Worldwide Contact Center . Bassinet availability is limited, and these arrangements are not guaranteed, so request a bassinet early.

For more info, see United’s traveling with children policy .

International airline car seat policies

Car seats certified for use in motor vehicles and airplanes are permitted onboard Aeromexico aircraft in the window or middle seat.

A limited number of complimentary cribs are available upon request and are subject to availability for passengers weighing less than 24 pounds. Availability is confirmed during the check-in process, crib availability will be confirmed, and you must purchase an AM Plus seat to accompany it.

For more info, see Aeromexico’s information for passengers traveling with infants .

Air France restricts car seats for passengers under 2 to ones smaller than 17 inches wide, excluding first-row economy, which are smaller (16 inches).

During takeoff and landing, the car seat can face the back of the aircraft, but the car seat must otherwise face the front of the aircraft so the seat in front can be reclined.

Car seats are not allowed on certain Boeing 777 aircraft and all Boeing 787 aircraft or the La Premiere cabin on all types of aircraft, in which you must carry your child on your lap.

Air France passengers may request a bassinet on long-haul flights in business, premium economy and economy cabins, subject to availability, for travelers weighing less than 22 pounds and measuring less than 27 inches.

For more info, read Air France’s families and children policy .

Air New Zealand

Passengers can use forward- or rear-facing car seats to restrain children up to 7 years old as long as the seat is designed for the child’s weight, equipped with a built-in restraint system, not wider than 17 inches nor higher than 19 inches for rear-facing or 25.5 inches for forward-facing.

Car seats should also display one of the manufacturing standards marks showing that it is an approved car seat that is outlined on the Air New Zealand website.

Car seats cannot be used in Business Premier lie-flat seats on all 777 aircraft.

On international flights, Boeing 777-200, 777-300, and 787-9 aircraft may offer seats with bassinets for infants up to 8 months old and 26 pounds and include sheets, a pillow and blankets. When booking a bassinet online, select a seat with a bassinet icon from the bassinet row. If you are traveling with an infant between 8 and 15 months who meets the aforementioned weight requirements, you may be able to secure a bassinet seat when you check in.

For more info, see Air New Zealand’s traveling with children policy .

British Airways

You can bring your own car seat on British Airways flights, subject to certain conditions, including that it be no wider than 18 inches to ensure it fits in the aircraft seat. The car seat frame must be either metal or plastic/polycarbonate material and ideally placedFl in the middle seat, among other conditions.

You can also reserve a child seat supplied by British Airways, suitable for babies weighing less than 27.5 pounds, available on all long-haul flights except on the London City Aiport (LCY) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) service. These are also the only child seats that can be used in Club Suite.

Alternatively, if you have your own AmSafe Child Restraint System, you can use this on board in economy seats for infants aged one to four for all other cabins.

British Airways has specially designed carrycots on board that can be reserved during booking. The carrycot guidelines are the same as reserving a carrycot position if you use a car seat supplied by British Airways.

For more info, read the airline’s family travel policy .

Cathay Pacific

If you have travelers between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, you can bring your own car safety seat on board as long as they meet certain conditions, including both forward- and rear-facing, pending they don’t impact other passengers’ comfort.

ACARES harnesses can be used for children under three and less than one meter tall, weighing between 22 pounds and 44 pounds.

Cathay Pacific restricts safety seats on certain aircraft and cabins, outlined online.

Alternatively, Cathay Pacific offers its own child restraint seats for the same age group. A limited number of child restraint seats are available for passengers under 39 inches tall and 44 pounds.

Bassinets are available on all Cathay Pacific flights for passengers under 6 months old and under 26.5 pounds, excluding Cathay Dragon flights operated on Airbus A320 aircraft. You can ask for a baby bassinet when you make your reservation.

For more info, read the airline’s traveling with children policy .

Emirates provides a list of acceptable car seats for use by passengers online and says that travelers under 22 pounds can be either forward-facing or rear-facing but that those weighing more must be forward-facing. All car seats must be secured using the lap seat belt — not those that need to be secured by a three-point seat belt or shoulder harness.

You can request a baby bassinet in the “Passenger details” section when booking online or under “Manage your booking” or by phone .

Bassinets, which are subject to availability, measure approximately 29.5 by 13 by 8.8 inches and can hold babies weighing up to 24.2 pounds. These are designed for babies up to 2 years.

For more info, see Emirates’ frequently asked questions .

Children up to age 3 may use certain approved car seats in conjunction with an aircraft seat, with rear-facing seats restricted to infants from ages 0 to 6 months weighing less than 22 pounds and are only allowed in first or business class.

Bassinets on Etihad are specially designed carry-cots to help your baby sleep flat during the flight. If you’re traveling with an infant under 11 kilograms (about 24 pounds), you can request a baby bassinet when you book your flight. Supplies are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more info, see Etihad’s flying with children and infants policy .

EVA Air does not specify car seat restrictions beyond prohibition in its business-class cabins.

Baby bassinets are available aboard all EVA Air aircraft, designed for infants up to 8 months, free of charge. Height and weight limitations apply.

When you make your reservation, you must advise the airline of your baby’s date of birth, height and weight.

For more info, contact EVA Air’s reservations team or visit the airline’s website .

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines provides two options for travelers — you can bring your own child seat or rent one through the airline.

To use your own seat on board, it must satisfy specific standards, including that it measures less than 42 centimeters wide. If you prefer to rent one, contact the reservations center at least 96 hours before departure. These seats are limited, so make sure to book early.

Bassinets on Japan Airlines are ideal for infants up to age 2, weighing up to 22 pounds and measuring 28 inches tall. The bassinets are 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

For more info, read the airline’s policy on using a child seat onboard aircraft .

If you book a seat for your child, KLM recommends bringing a car seat on board that fits between the armrests of the aircraft seat, which is 16.5 inches wide. During takeoff and landing, seats may be rear-facing but must be forward-facing at cruising altitude.

You will need to reserve the use of a car/child seat in advance with the airline.

For intercontinental KLM flights, you can reserve onboard carrycots via “My Trip” or by contacting the KLM Customer Contact Centre. These cots are suitable for babies shorter than 25.5 inches and weighing less than 22 pounds. Availability is not guaranteed.

For more info, read KLM’s policy on travel documents for kids.

Lufthansa encourages car seats for travelers up to age 7, though they’re entirely voluntary. A list of approved car seats on Lufthansa flights is available online.

For long-haul flights, the airline has special carrycots for babies under 24 pounds and under 26 inches. These are limited per flight and can be reserved up to 52 hours before departure.

Depending on your booking class, you may be charged an additional fee.

For more info, read Lufthansa’s child restraint systems policy .

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines does not provide onboard car seat guidelines but does provide a select number of bassinets on board, depending on the aircraft. Passengers must reserve bassinets at least 24 hours before departure.

For more info, read the airline’s articles regarding children onboard .

Child car seats can be carried on board most Qantas and QantasLink flights and secured to an aircraft seat if approved by Qantas before travel. Qantas recommends contacting them at least seven days before travel, as preapproval must be finalized at least 24 hours before departure.

You’ll also need to show your device to our airport staff on the day of travel, including at check-in.

Qantas specifies guidelines for onboard car seats, including that they are only used on certain seats based on aircraft type. They also can’t be located in an aisle seat or in an exit row. If two responsible adults are traveling with a child and the allocated child car seat is in the center aisle, the two responsible adults must be seated on either side adjacent to the child car seat.

The airline provides bassinets onboard (approximately 28 inches long, 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep) for babies weighing under 24 pounds. These are limited, so make sure to request one during booking.

For more info, read Qantas’ child car seat polic y.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines allows the use of approved car-type child safety seats and FAA-approved child harnesses for children under age 3. Seats must be forward- or aft-facing while meeting specific size dimensions within each cabin class, outlined online.

The airline asks passengers to request a bassinet when they book an infant ticket, as only a limited number of bassinets are available on board, on a first-come, first-served basis. Each bassinet measures 30 inches by 11.7 inches by 6 inches supporting a maximum weight of 30 pounds.

For more info, read Singapore’ traveling with children policy.

You can take your child’s car seat on Swiss aircraft if your child is under 12 and weighs less than 59 pounds. For infants, you must book a separate passenger seat, and car seats must be certified for use in aircraft and must fit on a SWISS seat (17 by 17 inches).

Baby bassinets are available in all flight classes on long-haul flights and in business class on European routes for babies up to 8 months old and weighing a maximum of 11 kilograms (about 24 pounds). The number of cots is limited, so please be sure to contact the airline ahead of time.

For more info, read the airline’s on board with children policy.

Bottom line

Knowing the rules for your particular airline ahead of time can save you aggravation before and after stepping onto your plane.

For domestic travel, an FAA-approved car seat does not guarantee that it will fit on board, so be sure to double-check the seat dimensions of your specific aircraft before lugging your car seat to the airport.

Whether you’re flying abroad or within the U.S., airlines require that your car seats meet standards of international governing bodies, including the FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), European Safety Standard requirements and United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

As illustrated throughout this guide, most airlines specify height, weight and age restrictions for passengers using car seats.

Using a car seat for little passengers on board remains optional, but it must meet specified requirements if you do so.

For more info on traveling with your family, read:

• Making family travel easier with car seats and strollers
• Avoid spending hundreds of dollars to fly holding your baby, tips for lap infant award travel
• Flying with a baby checklist
• The 9 best strollers for travel

Additional reporting by Jennifer Yellin.

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5 Best Electric Kitchen Composters, Tested and Reviewed

These countertop compost bins offer a speedy way to handle your food waste — no yard required.

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.

But recent technology has brought about a new option: Countertop electric composters that help shorten the time to decompose waste. Most of these devices use a heating element and a stirring arm or augur to dehydrate and grind food scraps to create fine soil akin to mulch — but only some of them create nutrient-dense compost (or pre-compost), which requires controlled time, oxygen, moisture and microorganisms.

So is an electric composter a good choice for your household? Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested and reviewed the top models — here are their top picks for countertop composting.

Lomi Classic Home Food Upcycler

Lomi's electric composter is particularly countertop-friendly due to its sleek, minimalist design that can blend in with your decor. It will fit under standard cabinets, but the footprint is somewhat wide.

As with most electric composters, this model includes a mechanism for heating and stirring the contents of a removable inner bucket. This dehydrates and grinds the scraps — including dairy and meat, but not bones — reducing its volume so you can empty the bin less frequently.

As a lead Kitchen Appliances Lab analyst who has tested several compost bins, I like that the Lomi starter bundle includes Lomi Pods , which are tablets that contain microorganisms to help the decomposition process. This creates output that the brand claims is more nutrient-rich — and much closer to standard compost — rather than just ground food, which is more like mulch.

During Lab use, we found that it was easy to fill and was quiet. The charcoal filter pellets are a bit messy to install before the first use (and every few months), and some testers still reported odors when the cycle was running. You can choose from three modes, which correlate to how long the cycle runs. According to the data available from the brands on this list, Lomi's Eco Express cycle requires the least amount of wattage. It's about 0.6 kilowatt hours for the three-to-five-hour run, which is only slightly more wattage than a curling iron .

The brand says the charcoal and Lomi pods included here will last for 90 cycles; then you can purchase replacement tablets and charcoal . We look forward to testing the company's latest, the Lomi Bloom , which Lomi says is more energy-efficient, comes in four colors and helps you track your CO2 and waste savings.

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

This model from Vitamix earned a recent GH Kitchen Gear Award . I liked that the large handle on top made the lid easy to rotate and remove. The machine has simple, one-button operation and will indicate what stage of the process the cycle is in.

The majority of our consumer testers gave the FoodCycle FC-50 high scores for being easy to set up and to use. One at-home tester said, "It keeps down the bad smells in the kitchen or outside that can happen with regular composting," noting that they see "less fruit flies with the collecting bucket and cover" than with traditional bins. But another tester did note that the machine struggled to break down corn husks.

It's not the most attractive appliance, so the good news is that you can opt to store the larger housing in a pantry or garage and keep only the less-obtrusive, lidded inner bin out on your counter.

Reencle Home Composter

Though this Reencle model is designed for countertop use, it is one of the taller options in our test, and Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou chose to place it on the floor. It includes a motion sensor that provides a no-touch option for opening. Papantoniou liked that this feature kept access hands-free when disposing of waste, but she did note that it can cause the appliance to emit odors if it opens unintentionally. (Fortunately, if you want to place your device in a high-traffic spot, you can turn off that function.)

We like that Reencle is designed to create nutrient-rich compost, like a traditional compost bin. It comes with ReencleMicrobe , a compost starter that contains activated carbon, wood chips, glucose and microbes. You add it to the inner chamber and let a colony form. Then you add food waste — including meat and fish scrap, but not bones or shells — and let the machine run.

Unlike the other models on this list, which operate via a run cycle, the Reencle maintains a constant schedule of agitation — the brand claims more than 940 churns a day — so that the contents are aerated in a manner that more closely approximates the stirring of a traditional compost pile. And according to the data available from the brands on this list, Reencle is also the quietest of our picks at 30 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a soft whisper .

This pick is a great choice for gardeners and plant lovers who can use a steady supply of soil supplement. It even comes with a scoop that hangs on a dedicated hook on the side so you can sprinkle your plants easily. It also includes two carbon filters.

The Reencle comes in both dark silver and white, and you can purchase for about $500 or rent for $35 per month.

Vitamix Eco 5 FoodCycler

The latest Vitamix FoodCycler, the Eco 5, offers a more streamlined design that might look better in most kitchens than the previous model, the FC-50. But if you're not sold on the aesthetics then, like the FC-50, you can keep only the removable lidded bucket out on your counter and store the main machine elsewhere.

When the food scrap bucket is in place, you'll have to press only one intuitive button on the front of the machine. It operates quietly while it dries, grinds and cools the waste. I've been using it in the Lab for months, and I can confirm that it reduces the volume of the waste significantly and does not require frequent emptying.

Our at-home testers were also pleased with this pick. "I loved using this for leftover food and cooking scraps," said one. "This helped us feel better about not putting it directly into the garbage."

The Eco 5 has double the capacity of the FC-50, so it's a better choice for a family. (Vitamix suggests the FC-50 is good for one to two people, and the Eco 5 can handle a household of three or more .) It is also more energy-efficient than the FC-50.

The filter is refillable with charcoal pellets , and the brand says each refill will last for about three months. It does not include any microorganisms, so the output is not true compost.

Mill Food Recycler

The sleek Mill food waste system performed well in our tests and earned a recent Cleaning & Organizing Award . It's not, strictly speaking, a countertop model. It's roughly the size of a kitchen trash can and is meant to be placed on the floor. But its design is intended to make it part of your daily waste routine; the lid opens with the press of the foot pedal, like many kitchen bins.

It accepts the usual compostable waste — fruit, vegetables, eggs, coffee grounds, etc. — as well as small bones, which is unique. It holds up to 6.5 liters and then heats and grinds it into a dry meal. In our tests, we found that the activated charcoal filters (which, according to the brand can last six months to a year, depending on usage) worked well; we detected no odors over months of use.

It was also very quiet. The noise level was aided by the fact that the bin can be programmed to run overnight, and it alters the runtime based on how much food is present. You can schedule your cycle and track your input via the Mill app for Apple and Android .

Mill estimates that you'll need to empty the bin about once a month. The grounds can go into municipal bins or your own yard, but Mill offers a unique option as well: It's what the brand calls the "chicken feed pathway." For an additional fee, you can choose Mill Pickups , which entail pre-paid boxes and labels so you can send your grounds to a program that converts them to chicken feed.

There are three payment options: You can rent annually for $360 a year or monthly for $50 per month, or you can buy the bin outright for $999.

How we test electric compost bins

To find the best electric compost bins, our pros in the Kitchen Appliances Lab review the capacity, material and type of filter for each model. We consider any data on the run time and noise level of each and whether the device includes a removable inner bucket. We also read the specifications and consumer reviews for the top products on the market.

We sent some models to at-home consumer testers and provided them with a feedback survey. For those tested by our experts, we use the models at home to replicate the frequency and variety of home use. We focus on ease of use, and we test using food scraps and household waste rather than yard trimmings.

Do electric composters use a lot of electricity?

The range of wattages for the products here is 0.6 kilowatt hours (kWh) to about 1.5 kWh, which is roughly equivalent to a typical blender . The Department of Energy offers equations for determining the annual energy consumption costs . (It is worth mentioning that traditional compost bins use no electricity.)

What are the pros and cons of an electric kitchen composter?

• Allows you to reduce food scraps in any climate and any space
• Works quickly
• Controls food-waste odors
• Diverts food waste from landfills
• Can be used as mulch — or, in some cases, as compost — in your garden
• Heating process kills the good bacteria present in true compost
• Requires electricity to run
• Generally more expensive than standard compost bins

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This guide was written by Sarah Gregory Wharton , a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute. She holds a certificate of culinary arts from the International Culinary Center and has been cooking professionally and testing kitchen gear since 2016. She composts at home and has used several of the bins on this list. Nicole Papantoniou reviewed this article for accuracy. She is the director of the Kitchen Appliance and Innovation Lab. She has worked in kitchen product development since 2014, and she oversees all testing related to cooking appliances and tools. She tested many of the bins on our list in her own home.

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal .

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How to get to Moscow

The most common way to get to Moscow is by plane, with some tourists arriving in the capital by train.  Find out how to get to the Russian capital !

Find the main ways to travel to the Russian capital on this guide:

Getting to Moscow by plane

Getting to Moscow by plane is the most comfortable, quickest and cheapest way . Moscow has several international airports that connect the city with almost every corner of the world, and with some budget airlines operating flights there from London, you can often find an economical option. If you're flying from elsewhere in the UK, you'll probably have to make a stop in another European city on the way. From the USA, direct flights can be found from New York from around 500 US Dollars.

To get the best price on the flight to Moscow, it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

Check out our cheap flights search engine here!

Once you have booked your flight, the next step is finding how to get to Moscow city centre from the airport.

How to get to the centre of Moscow from each airport?

Domodedovo international airport (dme), sheremetyevo international airport (svo), vnukovo international airport (vko), getting to moscow by train.

A popular way to travel around Russia is by train , especially by the famous Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian Railways. Moscow has a number of important train stations including  Leningradsky , with trains to Saint Petersburg; Kazansky , for trains to Central Asia; and Yaroslavsky , from where trains depart for Siberia, Mongolia and China.

If you're travelling from St Petersburg , you can reach Moscow by train in about 9 hours, but if you're short on time, it's best to take one of the fast trains which connect the two cities in less than 4 hours for around ₽ 3,500 ( US$ 37.20).

You can check prices , timetables and book tickets through the Russian Railways website.

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