The Best Travel Car Seat for Plane Carry On

How do you choose the best travel car seat for plane carry-on?

If you’re traveling with a small child, one of the most important things to bring is a travel car seat. This keeps your child safe while on the plane and can also be used with a stroller or a rental car. But how do you choose the best travel car seat for your needs? We’ll help you figure it out!

Orlando is one of the most-visited travel destinations for families. Whether you’re coming here or heading out from Orlando International Airport, we want to help you choose the best car seat for your little ones to stay safe and comfortable.

It’s not just the flight, either. If you’re renting a car in Orlando or a local on the roads, choosing a car seat you may also need to take on a plane is an important decision.

It’s possible to hold your child on your lap during a flight, but this may not be the safest or most convenient way to travel in your airplane seat.

Choosing the right car seat for airplane use and in a rental car is a good idea. A long flight with a child on your lap doesn’t offer protection or convenience.

The safest place is to let the child have his or her own seat. Airlines like car seats for children. It may cost more, but many airlines will offer a discount for an infant seat or other small children who require a portable car seat.

Best Travel Car Seat for Plane Carry On

If you’d just like to see our recommendations for the best travel car seats, we’ll share those first. For information explaining the issues and options when choosing your car seat or some of the accessories, you may need, be sure to read the entire article.

All of the car seats on this list are FAA-approved car seats. You should still check with your airline for fit and advice. Having an FAA-approved car seat doesn’t automatically mean the base is approved for use in airplane seats.

Most car seats were intended to fit in airplane seats without using the base, as the base is often wider than the width of airplane seats.

We recommend using a forward-facing car seat to avoid potential issues with reclining seats in the row in front of you. Rear-facing car seats may interfere with someone reclining, and you don’t want a bump that disturbs your child.

Best Infant Car Seat

Infant-only car seats are designed for the smallest babies and come with a range of guidelines on weight. The typical maximum capacity is 22 – 35 pounds, but it depends entirely on which model you buy.

Infant car seats are rear-facing models only. That’s precisely what you want in a car, but it could be a problem on an airplane if the seat in front of your child reclines.

Eventually, your baby will outgrow the weight and height restrictions on their infant car seat. To continue using it as they grow, you may need two seats instead of just one. Carrying them around also becomes challenging when faced with a larger child who wants nothing more than some extra attention from mommy or daddy

If you have issues installing your infant car seat in the airplane seat, we recommend checking with the flight attendants for help.

Here are the best infant car seats for plane carry-on we found. Each of these will protect your child and are FAA-approved.

Best Convertible Car Seat

We recommend convertible car seats for air travel. They can switch between forward facing or rear facing and are easily mounted in airline seats or a stroller accessory to make them the most versatile type of airline-approved car seat.

Each of the convertible car seats listed here is FAA approved and will keep your child safe.

Unlike an infant car seat, which is only a rear-facing seat, convertible car seats can start as a rear-facing seat and change to a forward-facing car seat as your child grows.

Forward-facing seats work best for an airplane car seat because they won’t have a problem if the passenger in front decides to recline his or her seat.

Must You Use a Travel Car Seat on a Plane?

The answer to this question comes down to safety and how important your baby or toddler’s well-being is. The American FAA strongly recommends using approved child restraints when traveling with infants less than two years old; however, it isn’t legally required.

So ultimately, what choice do we have but to decide for ourselves if our kids deserve better treatment on a plane? 

In addition, an additional seat will need to be purchased just because they’re going through security at check-in, where their personal belongings won’t necessarily make them feel comfortable enough during flights (just remember: there may also be some airlines out there who give discounts!).

A convertible travel system will allow for both rear-facing and forward-facing, which we prefer over infant seats because they’re not as safe once your child grows older; If possible, try looking out for these types when purchasing. You’ll save some time later down the road.

Travel Car Seat Buyer’s Guide

As with any other purchase, you must understand the criteria to properly select your child’s needs. With a travel car seat, the three primary considerations are:

Regarding safety, you’ll want to ensure the seat has been certified for air travel. This means it meets all the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards. You’ll also want to ensure the seat has been adequately tested for crashworthiness.

Regarding ease of use, you’ll want to consider how easy it is to install and remove the seat. If you’re frequently traveling, you’ll also want to choose a seat that’s not too bulky or heavy.

And finally, comfort is essential for both you and your child. If your child spends a lot of time in the seat, you’ll want to ensure it’s comfortable. This includes things like padding and head support.

How We Chose Our Review Criteria

We looked at information from Consumer Reports, Amazon’s Choice & reviews, and our own experience with car seats.

Our daughter was very well-traveled from infancy, and we learned something important from that experience. The people who test car seats often miss practical issues.

For example, Tové could open her car seat restraints by 11 months, which is not something you want to happen. For a parent, you often only have one hand to open the restraint on your car seat latch system or the child harness.

Head support is essential, but so is ensuring that your child doesn’t slump forward due to lack of support. A comfortable car seat can save you from fussy behavior, so check the seat belt and harness to ensure it’s not too tight on your child.

Let’s take a closer look at the criteria you need to consider for your travel seat.

1: Weight of the Car Seat

The car seat weight is one of the travelers’ primary considerations. A heavier seat can be challenging to carry and may even exceed the weight limit for some airlines.

When choosing a travel car seat, it’s essential to consider both the empty weight of the seat and the maximum weight capacity. The best seats are lightweight but still have a high weight capacity.

Most travel car seats weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. Infant car seats with just the carrier are very light. The weight of convertible car seats is heavier, but it also allows you to choose between rear-facing or forward-facing.

If you’re frequently traveling with your child, you may want to consider a lighter seat.

Keep in mind that the weight limit for most airlines is 22 pounds for a carry-on item. You’ll need to factor in your child’s weight when choosing a seat.

If you’re traveling with a newborn, however, you may want to choose a seat like the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40. This seat has a weight limit of 40 pounds but only weighs 11.57 pounds.

Of course, your best seat will ultimately depend on your child’s weight and age.

2: Width of the Car Seat

Weight is an important consideration, but it’s not the only one. You’ll also want to consider the size of the seat when making your decision.

Most travel car seats are designed to be compact. However, they must still be wide enough to accommodate your child comfortably.

The best seats for travel are typically around 16 inches wide. This includes popular seats like the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco Tranzitions.

The seat width is important, but you’ll also want to consider the width of the base. A wider base can make it difficult to fit the seat in a smaller car or through a narrow airplane aisle.

Most travel car seats have a base that’s around 20 inches wide. The best seats have a narrower base, like the Britax Marathon ClickTight (19 inches) and the Graco Tranzitions (17.75 inches).

3: FAA Approved Car Seat

When choosing The best car seats for travel, it’s important to ensure the seat is FAA approved.

This means the seat has been tested and meets all the safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Most travel car seats are FAA-approved, but it’s always best to double-check before making your purchase. You can find the FAA approval information on the seat’s label or in the product description

4: Choose the Right Type of Car Seat

There are three types of car seats to consider:

Choosing an Infant Car Seat

This is the first car seat that most parents will ever use. It can only be installed rear-facing and has a removable carrier for your child, which connects to an upright base in front of you, and when folded up into itself, it takes little space anywhere!

Choosing a Convertible Seat

Even after you outgrow your infant seat, it’s always best to practice safe driving habits using a convertible or booster seat. These seats can be installed facing backward (rear) or forwards (front).

The harness system is similar in function and design to an older child’s car safety belt; however, younger riders have higher weight limits.

Choosing a Booster Seat

Using a booster seat or harness vest during take-off and landing can be dangerous because they don’t provide optimal protection when traveling at speed on flat surfaces such as airports or runways. The best choice is to use an approved child retention system (CRS) with features like lap seating positions so kids cannot get out easily if something happens midair, saving their lives.

Instead, look for CARES Harness.

The CARES Harness is an innovative design that keeps your little ones safe while in the car. It has been tested to fit children from 1 year old up to 44 lbs and 40″ tall. The lightweight fabric means it can be used by any age group – even if they’re older than what’s recommended on their chart (4-10).

5: Return Policy

If you’re buying online, a return policy is essential. You won’t know how well the car seat fits your child until you have time to test it out.

We like Amazon for its excellent, no questions asked return policy.

6: Price

Car seats can have prices ranging from $40 to $500. The most expensive car seats aren’t always the best car seat for your child.

Popular travel car seats or the more expensive car seats may be great at some things, but consider all of your needs and intent.

Do you want the safest car seat, the lightest car seat, or the seat that fits your budget?

7: Cup Holders

If you have a child like ours, they’re always thirsty and never seem to have a place to put their drink.

That’s where cup holders come in handy. They keep drinks within reach and make it easy for kids to stay hydrated on long car rides.

Most travel car seats come with built-in cup holders, but aftermarket options are also available.

Cup holders on car seats are as much for your convenience as for your child. Keep them happy, and there’s less work for you.

You may want to look for a car seat with a removable cup holder to save space and make it compact.

8: Understand the LATCH System

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors for Tethers and CHildren. (I didn’t make up the acronym, so don’t blame me.)

The car seat LATCH system is a set of straps and connectors that join the car seat to the vehicle. The system is designed to keep the car seat securely in place during a crash.

Most travel car seats come with built-in latch systems. To install a car seat in an airplane seat.

First, find the two metal loops on the back of the seat in front of you.

Next, thread the strap through the loop and pull it tight.

Now, do the same thing with the second strap. The car seat should be snug against the back of the airplane seat.

When you’re not using the car seat, the straps can be stored in the pockets on the back of the seat.

LATCH systems are not required on airplanes, but they can make it easier to install a car seat. If you’re using an aftermarket car seat, check to see if it has a LATCH system.

If not, you can still use the car seat on an airplane, but you’ll need to use the airplane’s seatbelt to secure it.

Do You Need an Infant Car Seat or Convertible Car Seat?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a travel car seat. The first is whether you want an infant or convertible car seat. Infant car seats are best for babies under one year old, while convertible seats can be used for children up to four years old.

If you’re planning on using the seat with a stroller, you’ll also want to ensure it’s compatible. Many travel car seats have adapters that allow them to be used with popular stroller brands.

Finally, you’ll need to decide on a budget. There are many excellent travel car seats available at different price points. Considering all these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best travel car seat for your needs!

Why FAA-Approved Car Seats Are Essential

When choosing a travel car seat, it’s essential to choose one that is FAA approved. This means that the seat has been tested and meets specific safety standards. The FAA approves car seats based on a few criteria, including:

These are just a few safety criteria the FAA looks at when approving car seats. By choosing an FAA-approved seat, you can rest assured that your child will be safe while traveling.

1: Child Restraint Systems (CRS)

A child restraint system is a seat or harness that helps keep a child safe while traveling. It is usually used in cars but can also be used on planes.

The CRS is a seat designed to protect your child from injury in case of emergencies. It has been approved by federal agencies and airlines, making it one of the most trusted safety seats available on today’s market.

The hardback construction provides utmost protection and can be installed easily.

Most airlines require that children under two sit in a Child Restraint System (CRS) while flying. CRSs are similar to car seats and must be approved by the FAA. Many travel car seats can be used as CRSs, so you may not need to purchase an additional seat for your child.

Just note that not every car seat has FAA approval.

Check with your airline if you plan to use a travel car seat as a CRS. Some airlines have specific requirements for CRSs, such as being rear-facing.

The CRS should be installed in a forward-facing aircraft seat, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Booster seats and harness vests are great for enhancing safety in vehicles. However, the FAA prohibits passengers from using these restraints during ground movement because they do not provide optimal protection while traveling at speed on flat surfaces such as airports or runways.

The best choice is to use an approved child retention system (CRS) with features like lap seating positions so kids cannot get out easily if something happens midair.

If a ticketed CRS doesn’t fit in your seat on the plane, they’ll find another one for you. Airline policy may dictate where these special seats are located, so ask before buying. The FAA requires the airline to accommodate the CRS in another seat in the same class of service.

2: FAA-Approved Child Harness Device (CARES)

The CARES Child Safety Device is a harness-type restraint for children weighing 22 and 44 pounds. This device provides an alternative to using hard-backed seats, which the FAA does not approve in motor vehicles or on aircraft due to their inability to provide adequate protection from sudden movements during flight conditions (such as turbulence).

The most important thing to remember when using a CARES child safety device is that it has “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only” or “Amend Federal Register owned by United States Department Of Transportation.”

How to Make Flying with a Travel Car Seat Easier for Parents

Here are some things to check and prepare before your flight to help make things easier for parents and children.

Best Car Seat Accessories

If you thought you were done when you chose a car seat, there’s more to the story. Here are a few accessories to help you get the most out of your travel car seat.

1: Car Seat Travel Cart

A car seat travel cart is a must-have for anyone flying with a car seat. It allows you to easily transport your car seat through the airport without carrying it.

Most car seat travel carts are lightweight aluminum and have padded handles for comfort. They also have straps that secure the car seat, so you don’t have to worry about it coming loose during transport.

There are a few different types of car seat travel carts on the market, so be sure to do your research before purchasing one. Some models are designed for specific car seats, while others are universal and can accommodate any type of car seat.

No matter which type of car seat travel cart you choose, it will make your life much easier when flying with a car seat.

Priceless Tip: Many airlines will allow you to check your car seat at the gate for free. This can be a lifesaver if you’re running late or if the airport is crowded.

Just be sure to ask the airline before you get to the airport to know their policy.

2: Car Seat Travel Bag

A car seat bag is another essential accessory for anyone flying with a car seat. It helps protect your car seat from dirt, dust, and damage during transport.

Most car seat travel bags are made from durable materials like nylon or polyester. They typically have multiple handles for easy carrying and a zippered closure to secure the car seat.

Some car seat travel bags even have wheels, which can be a lifesaver if traveling with other luggage.

No matter which type of car seat travel bag you choose, it’s an essential piece of gear for anyone flying with a car seat.

If you can’t find a car seat travel bag that fits your car seat, try looking for a universal model. These are typically a bit more expensive, but they’ll work with any type of car seat.

3: Car Seat Stroller

A stroller is a vital part of any traveling parent’s arsenal. It can be difficult to keep track of a wiggly child and all your belongings simultaneously. A stroller can help you manage everything while keeping your child safe and comfortable.

If you’re traveling with an infant, you’ll need an adapter to attach the car seat to the stroller. This will allow you to easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them.

For toddlers, a travel car seat can double as a high chair at restaurants. Many models have built-in tray tables that are perfect for coloring, snacks, and meals on the go.

Summary

When traveling with a car seat, it is important to be aware of the airplane’s child safety restraint systems policy. Car seats must be installed in the appropriate direction as indicated on the child’s label, and they cannot be placed in the aisle or front of an emergency exit. Some airlines will allow you to check your car seat at the gate for free.

Accessories that can make flying with a car seat easier include a car seat travel cart, car seat travel bag, and car seat stroller. A stroller is also helpful for managing everything while keeping your child safe and comfortable. Following these tips can make flying with a car seat much easier and less stressful.

No matter your travel plans, there’s a car seat that can make the trip easier. With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect seat for your child’s needs. Flying with a car seat doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right seat, it can be a breeze.