Parents who travel with their children typically ensure their little ones sit with them, either in the window seat or exit row. Unfortunately, this is not the best way to travel with kids through a busy airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration and doctors’ recommendations, flying with your baby using a government-sanctioned child restraint system is safest. The FAA has approved specific models you can carry on planes. These models won’t block the escape path in emergencies.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Why Is It So Important To Get A Child Restraint System When Traveling With Kids By Air?

Choosing approved restraint systems is vital when traveling by air with children. While most are designed for vehicle use, certain approved models are suitable for air travel in most airplane seats at no extra cost. Before flying, ensure the child’s seat is compatible with airplane guidelines. A manual often specifies if the manufacturer recommends using it on flights. Infant and compact designs are typically easier to fit into a plane, especially if no spare spots are available.

While most approved travel systems can be secured using belts, some parents prefer the added security of a travel belt. A forward-facing aircraft seat might better accommodate toddler airplane configurations. Check if your chosen car seat model suits your child’s age and size. Always check with a flight attendant to ensure the child restraint systems are correctly installed in a specific aircraft, and consider using a bag for protection when it’s not in use.

A List Of The Best FAA-Approved Convertible Restraint Systems

Here is a list of FAA-approved car seat units that you can choose for aircraft use:

Chicco Keyfit 30 Convertible Seat

Chicco’s main selling point is that it is effortless to install because of its center-pull adjustment.
It is America’s #1 rated infant car seat, making it a fantastic option for parents.
It has a 5-point harness and a recline feature that uses proper leveling indicators.

Safety 1st Grow And Go

These FAA-approved car airplane seats shift smoothly from rear-facing (5-40 lbs.) to front-facing (22-65 lbs.) to booster mode fastened with a sturdy car seat belt on the high back.
The slim design of this seat allows you to carry more kids in specific safe seat locations while still making them comfortable.
This is one of the top lightweight seats on the market.
This is one of the good choices for an FAA CRS.

Cosco Scenera NEXT

This FAA aircraft baby car seat is lightweight (just about 10 pounds), affordable, and easy to install with the manufacturer’s instructions.
It has five harness heights and three approved car safety belt path locations that help securely fasten your baby and fit it even as it grows in weight.
Its car seat pads are also user-friendly.

Combi Coccoro For Kids

These are among the most expensive car seats on the market.
It’s not just a car seat but can also converted into a stroller.
Furthermore, the car seat is extremely lightweight at around 15 lbs.
You will have no trouble installing it, even in extra-tight seats.

Britax Roundabout G4.1

Among the car seats on the list, this is the heaviest at 20 lbs.
It lasts long, even until your child is seven years old.
It can fit many airline-approved car seats and is sold with other approved travel accessories like bags and carts.

Evenflo Sonus

This 100% polyester FAA airplane car seat has been tested to withstand side impacts.
Its design mainly focuses on structured integrity and strength, even at energy levels reaching twice the Federal crash standard test.

Uppababy Mesa Booster

This FAA car seat booster for airplanes is best suited for children weighing 4-35 pounds.
It is also compatible with strollers, as its design coordinates well with Vista and Cruz strollers.
Among Amazon buyers, it has received 4.5-star reviews, indicating that many parents are happy with these seats.

Graco Milestone

While a relatively new market entrant, the Graco Milestone is one of the best car seats.
It has already pleased many parents.
It comes with a safe, adjustable harness that allows you to modify the supporting straps and headrest height, thereby securing your child correctly.

Radian RTX By Diono

This car seat has a sleek design and a fully integrated steel frame that can fit across three adjoining seats.
This frame is covered in thick plastic that can withstand collisions.
It has aluminum-lined side walls, head support, and energy-absorbing foam for your baby.

Clek Fllo Child Restraint System

This FAA car seat for air travel uses high-quality materials.
It also contains dense foam that provides added comfort and security for your baby.
It also has standard steel anti-rebound and side-impact protection to keep your baby safe.
The child safety device is always the main priority for our babies, especially when we travel with discounted fares.

The Importance Of Using The Proper Child Restraint Systems While Traveling

A reliable safety restraint system is essential for a secure and comfortable journey. A common complaint is not knowing if your car seat can be used for travel, so it is good that the FAA approval has helped us by creating a list of FAA-approved models. Choose the best model for an airplane and travel well!

As we delve into child safety, we focus on restraint systems and how they prove invaluable during travel. Primarily, these include convertible car boosters and lightweight models.

Infant-Friendly FAA Restraints For Flying In Planes

The discussion shifts to rear-facing boosters, praised for their infant-friendly design. Ensure that the rear-facing position provides optimal safety for your child during airplane travel. The beauty lies not just in comfort; these best travel models also uphold robust child restraint systems. Interestingly, though, most can be turned forward-facing as children age.

Air Travel Success For Families With Small Children

Convertible units resonate well with young flying families — easy to lug around airport terminals or slot into an airplane-approved model when up in the air. Decent knowledge of airline policies and having that familiarity reduce pre-flight stress significantly.

Ever wondered about lugging back-breaking airplane-approved gear around? Fear not! Travel-friendly items such as infant and toddler airplane car boosters get lighter by day thanks to cutting-edge technology employed by manufacturers — indeed, guardian angels when tackling busy airports!

Speaking of airports – you can’t ignore the importance of travel-specific accessories like a sturdy but compact booster car seat along with necessary accouterments like a handy separate infant airplane belt or even an extra-durable yet inconspicuous bag for that all-important additional storage space!

Tips For Prioritizing Your Little One’s Safety

If your little passenger prefers autonomy and wants their own seat, consider getting them the best-rated forward-facing model with a lap belt, which provides the notably christened ‘forward-facing position.’ This is especially crucial if you want to reserve adjoining spots for a more comfortable journey. These are real game-changers, scoring high marks on comfort points, enabling ease for parents’ peace of mind, and ensuring safety while cruising at an altitude thousands of feet above ground level!

In an industry where safety is paramount, prematurely opting for forward-facing models is risky. It’s smarter to choose rear-facing mode. Harnessing travel simplicity with approved and improved travel carts proves forward thinking – a nod towards sensible choices for safer journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Car Seat Can Be Used For Air Travel?

Your car seat is FAA-approved when you see a sticker on one side or if the manual indicates it. Families should also know about the child aviation restraint system, designed for forward-facing positions. While some parents choose the lap belt for their child, having them in a foreign government-approved model is always safer.

FAA-approved travel seats and a convenient travel cart make travel more manageable. Always consult the airline’s guidelines, as some flights might have different guidelines, ensuring you have the safest model onboard. If you’re taking a connecting flight, don’t forget to coordinate with your airline for assistance.

Can A Graco Car Seat Be Used For Air Travel?

Graco’s products are FAA-approved. Before your journey, verify if your Graco model is suitable for airplane travel. These are aircraft-approved when positioned rear and forward-facing—of course, provided with a harness.

Can A Diono Car Seat Be Used For Air Travel?

Like most other same-class expensive Diono models, these are FAA-approved car seat units.

Are Car Seats Allowed On Planes?

Yes, they are allowed on planes as long as they are FAA-approved. Selecting the approved infant or toddler car seat is crucial for those traveling with little ones. Most parents are unaware that not all models are approved for air travel. Choosing an airline-approved car seat is imperative to ensure your child’s safety during the flight.

Additionally, be aware of the specific guidelines for securing the car seat with a lap belt. When considering the best child restraint systems for air travel, look for a lightweight model that easily fits the width of the airline car seat. Some parents opt for a baby travel car seat that can attach to a stroller frame, adding convenience during layovers or airport transits.

If you’re planning to bring your car seat, ensure it’s not just any car seat but one specifically mentioned as suitable by the car seat manufacturer. Moreover, flight attendants will often assist in ensuring the car seat onboard is appropriately positioned, ideally in the middle car seat, for added protection.

Can A 3-Year-Old Fly Without Car Seat?

A car seat for 3-year-olds over two to three years old can be used if it is an FAA-approved car seat, provided that it applies to all infant/toddler ages. Ensure that the car seat can fit within the airline seat width for a secure fit.

Do 4-Year-Olds Need Restraint Systems To Fly?

No, they are not technically required by the FAA. However, the airline’s policy, AAP, and the FAA encourage parents to get one to ensure the babies’ safety on the plane before taking off.

When Can A Child Stop Using FAA-Approved Seats?

Age is a critical factor as we examine the transition period for children from using designated car seating while on transportation. When a child reaches or exceeds three years old, typically, they are ready to graduate from these specific car seating arrangements. However, there’s more to this decision than just age.

Other variables, such as the child’s weight and size—considering their height and weight equally—must be evaluated. The end objective remains the same: securing the utmost travel safety for young passengers while complying with standard rules and guidelines.

Are Baby Trend Products Accepted by the FA Administration?

Baby Trend presents a secure infant system recognized for suitability during air journeys. This system is chock-full of crash-safety EPS foam that grants protection for the head and incorporates an adaptable five-point safety harness. Additional features include a convenient carry handle along with a base. Baby Trend embodies superior standards of quality, ensuring enduring and reliable products for your infant’s needs. All their offerings adhere to and surpass US safety measures, providing impeccable, securely fastened options for your child.

What Are The FAA Guidelines For A Particular Car Seat?

Air transport regulations do not allow the use of car booster supports or strapless child safety mechanisms and other non-approved devices during ground movement and the crucial stages of take-off and landing. Aviation authorities have officially endorsed the use of the CARES Device in the United States and Britain for aircraft and road vehicles.

Your Airplane Restraint System (ARS) must be certified before you employ it on an airplane trip. Most ARSs less than 16 inches wide will likely be easily accommodated within an airplane car seat. In case of a fitting issue, even though a ticket for that spot was purchased beforehand, it becomes incumbent upon the airline to find suitable car seating within the same fare class. Such measures help maintain adherence to protocols related to children’s safety during flights as established by aviation authorities.

What Is The FAA?

The term refers to a federal body that regulates civil air travel to ensure safety. This organization also plays a vital role in promoting and advancing the field of civil aviation, including the emergence of new technological innovations within this sector. Moreover, it actively develops and oversees a comprehensive traffic control and navigation system for both civilian and military aircraft.

This body’s history dates back to 1967 when it became the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) constituent department. Initially recognized as the Federal Aviation Agency, it has since evolved into one of DOT’s largest agencies.

Which Child Restraint Systems Can I Take On A Plane?

Most child restraint systems or travel car seats designed for children will comfortably fit into the dimensions of the standard airplane car seat as long as their width does not exceed 16 inches. Confirm with the airline if you can reserve adjoining seats to accommodate the car seat more comfortably. Suppose a purchased ticket is designated for a child using a device that does not fit properly. In that case, the airline must provide necessary accommodations within the class corresponding to the original purchase.

Nevertheless, most child-specific travel restraints will have a maximum width measurement of 44 cm (roughly 17”), making them compatible with most airplane car seating arrangements. However, if there’s any uncertainty, it can be beneficial to communicate with your specific airline in advance. A tip: try to reserve adjoining car seats.

It’s worth noting that certain airline policies may dictate that these child restraints are positioned only in window car seats to ensure uninterrupted access in potential emergency exit situations. As always, every product used during air travel should have markings or certifications indicating its suitability for both motor vehicles and aircraft. These markers can usually be found on labels directly on the product or the manufacturer’s website before purchasing. Remember, though, that booster-type travel rests aren’t permitted during flights.

Is Chicco An FAA Car Seat?

All convertible and infant units designed by Chicco comply with aircraft compatibility standards. Therefore, passengers typically have the option to register these items as luggage. Many airlines will accommodate these items without an additional charge. If a passenger has procured a separate space for their child, they can opt to utilize rear-facing, aircraft-compatible units provided by Chicco.

These instances do not chalk up as an extra piece of hand-carry accessory. Hence, it’s worth noting that all Chicco models have passed stringent safety measures in line with industry standards, including those set for air travel. Consequently, the brand’s creations provide added assurance even when traveling by air.

Is Evenflo Certified By The Federal Aviation Administration?

Regarding the usage of Evenflo products on airplanes, only those models equipped with an internal harness system can be utilized for air travel because aircraft provide only lap belts. Numerous Evenflo models, such as the All4One DLX All-in-One Convertible model with SensorSafe, LiteMax DLX Infant model, and the Everyfit 4-in-1 Convertible model, include a harness system, making them suitable for use in the air. Their suitability for airplane use is affirmed by their meeting Inversion requirements when used with an internal 5-point harness.

Should I Buy My Child A Car Chair On The Airplane?

For safety reasons, it is better to secure children during flight turbulence. Multiple aviation regulatory bodies and pediatric associations consistently state that the most secure position for an infant during a flight is fastened in a certified child restraint system or infant harness device in their specific chair.

Each adult ticket holder can have only one infant on their lap as part of the reservation. Further, infants under two years will require a ticket and must stay in an infant safety chair or independently occupy another aircraft car seat. This child should be less than two years old for the entire journey.

Suppose your child turns two while on the trip. Letting them enjoy their dedicated car seat with a certified child safety device is preferable. For added convenience, consider bringing one car seat for each child. If you have two kids, bring two LILLEbaby or Maxi Cosi carriers. This becomes especially applicable if you already have a baby to carry on your lap, regardless of age.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Jeanne Meets

DISCLAIMER (IMPORTANT): This information (including all text, images, audio, or other formats on FamilyHype.com) is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional advice, diagnosis, endorsement or treatment. You should not take any action or avoid taking action without consulting a qualified professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about medical conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here a FamilyHype.com.

The Best Car Seats For Traveling By Air: The Top FAA-Approved Child Restraint Systems