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. With that in mind, please make sure to check out the convertibility features carefully and choose the travel car seat that suits you best. Most of our seats on our list are convertible airline approved car seats.
Buying a convertible car seat means that you will save money in the long run.Ĭonvertible travel car seats can accommodate your child from infant to toddler with ease, from approximately 5 lbs. When you are shopping for the best car seat for travel, make sure to get the best convertible car seat for travel option there is. 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.” If the seat won't fit, the will need to hand inspect the seat and it would slow down the whole checking in process.Īs mentioned above, you will need to ensure that you purchase a FAA approved infant car seats or FAA approved toddler car seats. Although you might have to lift the armrest on the 16" seat planes.Īnother important consideration with slim designs is so that the seat will fit through the security scanner. We find that child care seats around 18" or under fit on all airplane seats. 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. Plane seats can be anywhere from around 16" to 22". >Learn more about CARES FAA approved child restraint or check out the CARES harness here.
CAR SEAT CHECK PORTLAND PORTABLE
So we do still prefer a toddler portable travel car seat as they are more comfy for kids. 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. The benefits of a CARES harness is of course that it is small and portable enough to carry in your carry-on bags.
The CARES Child Safety Device is the only FAA approved harness restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 lbs (kids 1-year and older). 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.įAA-Approved Child Harness Device ( CARES) The Cares restraint is the only FAA approved child airplane harness system that is allowed to be used during takeoff, landing as well as in flight. : 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 a CARES Child Safety Device. This would typically be in the rear-facing position.įor a child 22lbs – 44 lbs. : Secure your child in an FAA approved car seat for the duration of the flight. 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.”įor a child less than 40 lbs. How do you find out if your car seat is FAA approved? In order to be allowed to use your car seat on the plane, it must be FAA approved. More information and the best infant car seat for travel below.įAA Baby and Toddler Car Seat Regulations for Airplanes Not every car seat can be used on the plane! You will also need to ensure that the car seat has FAA approval. We prefer a convertible travel car seat over an infant travel car seat. 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.Ī convertible car seat on airplane can be an easy option, allowing for use both rear and forward facing.
CAR SEAT CHECK PORTLAND PLUS
Plus a toddler travel car seat really comes in handy as your child know that they are expected to stay put in the seat.īut, 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. Ultimately car seats are the safest and most comfortable way for infants to travel on a plane. The American FAA does strongly recommended that you use an approved child restraint device when travelling with infants less than 2-years old. Ultimately the answer to this question comes down to safety and how important your baby or toddler's safety is to you.