7 Best Car Seats For Airplane Travel Reviews

You might be planning to travel in an airplane with your child but are unsure which the best car seat for airplane travel is for your child, and for the airline you are going to be traveling in.

It can be fun and challenging to travel with a car seat at times, but it is up to parents to choose the best one that will put their worries aside.

You have nothing to worry about as you have come to the right place. In this article, I have listed the best car seats for your children, leaving you satisfied.

I will also be discussing the features and pros and cons for a better understanding so you can make the right choice.

7 Top Rated Airplane Car Seats Comparisons

IMAGE	PRODUCT	EDITOR'S RATING	PRICE
TOP PICK	Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat	9.7	CHECK ON AMAZON
	Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat	9.5	CHECK ON AMAZON
	WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat With Carrying Bag	9.1	CHECK ON AMAZON
BEST BUDGET	Cosco Finale DX 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat	8.8	CHECK ON AMAZON
	Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base	8.6	CHECK ON AMAZON
	Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat	8.2	CHECK ON AMAZON
	Baby Trend Trooper 3 In 1 Convertible Car Seat	8	CHECK ON AMAZON

1. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

Making sure that you look into every feature of the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is important as it will help you determine whether it is the perfect fit for your child or not.

You will be happy to know that this product is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved, enabling you to easily travel on this car seat.

Now coming to the features of this product, it is a 2 in 1 convertible car seat, so you can use it for a longer period.

The car seat can be used for a child weighing from 4 up to 50 pounds seated rear-facing and 22 up to 65 pounds seated forward-facing.

However, the FAA suggests keeping your child seated rear-facing for a long period.

This seat is perfect for traveling as it has a four-position adjustable extension panel that provides 5-inch extra legroom so your child will be seated comfortably with additional space.

In addition to that, this product is also ProtectPlus Engineered, which means that it has been tested and approved for your child’s safety during an accident.

Moreover, the great thing about this product is that you can adjust the headrest and harness together according to your child’s height.

It is worth mentioning that the car seat can provide a 10-position headrest and 6-position recline, which indicates that you can adjust the height accordingly and that the installation process will be easy and quick.

Furthermore, the car seat comes with a push-button InRight LATCH System that allows you to attach within seconds and keep it secure in place for a long period.

Moreover, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the harness hanging around as the seat has fuss-free harness storage.

This also means that your child can get in and out of the seat without hassle.

And lastly, when you install a car seat in the plane, you cannot use the plane table as the seat will take most of the space.

However, this car seat comes with a cup holder, so you can easily pour drinks and place them inside without worrying about spilling them everywhere.

Overall, the product is great and is fit for the purpose.

You can travel comfortably with this seat as it is FAA approved, and it is easy to install and will also be comfortable for your child to sit on or sleep during the journey.

2. Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat

To start, the Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat is designed to be used rear-facing and forward-facing and will provide space for your child to grow in.

You need to check the height and weight of your child before you purchase this car seat.

This is because the rear-facing can be used for five up to 40 pounds which is about 19 to 40 inches, whereas the forward-facing car seat is 22 to 65 pounds, which is about 34 to 52 inches, so check and choose wisely for the comfort of your child.

It is worth mentioning that the car seat is airport friendly as it is stated that the seat is easily portable as it is light in weight, so you can carry it around without any stress.

The car seat is an FAA-approved seat which means that you will not face any problems at the airport. Just make sure the sticker is placed on the seat to be checked at the gates.

Moving forward, the features of this car seat are remarkable and perfect for your child.

The car seat can provide five harness heights with up-front adjustment and three buckle locations for fit and with an adjustable headrest so your child can sit and sleep comfortably during the whole flight.

Moreover, the car seat provides side impact protection, so your child will be safe and secured in place during an accident as the seat will absorb the forces of the crash.

Moreover, another great thing about this car seat is that it comes with removable pillows and a removable cup holder.

So you can wash the pillows if they ever get dirty or even adjust them according to your child’s preference.

With the help of the cup holder, you can place it anywhere you like, as the plane table will not open, so with the help of the cup holder, your child can drink easily.

Overall this is a great product that fits perfectly in the plane seat. You might have to check the lower anchor as that is a bit difficult to install.

3. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat With Carrying Bag

The travel-friendly WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat With Carrying Bag is the perfect choice for your child as it is easily portable and comfortable even on a long flight, so your child can rest well.

It is stated that the ideal age for the car seat is 2+ and for children that weigh from 22 up to 50 pounds, which is about 30 up to 45 inches.

A child that matches the perfect weight of the car seat can easily travel in the plane or the vehicle.

Ensure that you are following these guidelines as they are really important considering the safety.

Coming to the features of the product, I would like to start by saying that it is a foldable car seat that is super convenient and also comes with a travel bag so when you are not using the seat, you can easily put it with your luggage or in the plane inside the airplane storage compartment.

Another great thing about this product that every parent should know is that it meets all the safety standards stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), so you do not have to worry about anything at all.

Ensure to check for the sticker by the FAA, which will usually be placed under the car seat or on either side of the seat, as you will have to show the sticker before getting inside the plane.

The product is a light-weighted design that can travel along with you anywhere you go as you can carry it in your hands with the help of the travel bag.

The product is also designed with Astro Knit performance wool and polyester mesh fabric cover, which will keep your child feeling cool and comfortable throughout the flight and make it easy for your child to sleep in peace.

This product is mainly designed for traveling in the airplane with amazing features like the foldable and carrying at the airport and in the airplane.

It can be adjustable, is comfortable and fits perfectly.

4. Cosco Finale DX 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat

This product, the COSCO Finale DX 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat, can be adjusted to a 5 point safety harness according to the height and weight of your child.

Make sure to read the proper guidelines on the car seat’s instruction manual when you are planning to buy and install the seat.

The car is most suitable for a child weighing about 30 to 65 pounds when seated forward-facing in the airplane.

Although the seat is a booster car seat and might be too big, it is also allowed in the airplane as it meets the safety standards set by the federal, ASTM and the JPMA.

You have nothing to worry about and can travel stress-free.

It is stated that the product can be used for a year or so due to the one year warranty, so making sure to replace the seat after the expiry date is something really important according to the NHTSA and the FAA.

The features of this product are unique and mesmerizing as the product comes with a reversible, removable and dishwasher safe cup holder that can be easily reached by your child but can also be placed on either side of the car and can be easily detached.

This makes your traveling easier as you can feed your child with a drink or snacks without having to make a spill everywhere.

Furthermore, the car seat also comes with deluxe fabric with a washable seat pad, which means that you can remove it and wash it even in the washing machine, and the pad will not lose its power or quality at all.

The company has been present for more than 70 years and is a leading brand for car seats; they also prioritize the safety of the children so you will not have to worry about the product’s quality.

Overall, this product would be a great fit for your child if it fits the height and weight of your child, so do check the size chart beforehand as many people have complained regarding this matter.

5. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

The Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base is not only an infant car seat, but it can also be used as a stroller.

The multi-usage of this product will be super convenient and comfortable for you and your child to travel along in the airplane.

This product can be adjusted to a 5-point safety harness and comes with adjustable handlebars and an anti-rebound bar inside the car seat, protecting your child during a serious accident.

Furthermore, you can convert the seat into a stroller when you are at the airport to walk around comfortably.

One of the greatest things about this product is that it is FAA and TUV approved, so just show the sticker placed on the seat at the airport and then you are good to go.

Moreover, the car seat also consists of 3 layered side impact protection, which will provide your child with the highest safety and maximum quality standards worth every penny spent on this product.

Keep in mind that the product has a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, so make sure that you use it only in that period, and once it expires, it is time to replace it with a new one.

In addition to the product’s features, the car seat’s fabric is a breathable and baby-safe material that will keep your child feeling comfortable and can peacefully sleep during long flights with the help of head support.

Also, the car seat’s pads are removable and washable to keep your car seat looking new and clean at all times.

Keep in mind that this product can only be installed rear-facing and will allow your child’s weight from 4 up to 35 pounds, which is a maximum of 32 inches in height.

The product is a creative package for you and your child as it can be used as a stroller at the airport and is FAA approved, which is a huge advantage for you.

6. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

This product, Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, is designed to protect and provide comfort to your child as you travel.

This product is easy to install anywhere with the patented click tight feature as if you are only putting a buckle on.

One of the unique things about this product that makes it distinctive from the competitors is that it comes with 14 position harness, two-position buckle, and seven recline positions, all in just one seat.

These features provide as much comfort and space as possible, so your child does not throw tantrums or feel discomfort, and you can travel stress-free.

As mentioned earlier, the seven recline positions will be comfortable and enable you to install the car seat at the best installation angle.

This will prevent it from moving around too much, provides extra space and will be the safest position to travel with.

Moreover, the car seat is surrounded by safety as the seat has side impact protection, steel frame, and impact-absorbing base.

Although you cannot take the base inside the plane, you will still be protected with the seat, so there is nothing to worry about.

Before purchasing this product, keep in mind that looking at the size chart is important.

I have noticed that many parents forget about this, even though the features are the main key points, but the size chart should be looked into first, so the child does not feel uncomfortable.

With that being said, this car seat can be used for a child that is approximately five up to 40 pounds for rear-facing and from 20 up to 65 pounds for the forward-facing.

This small piece of information will help you choose the best seat.

This product has all the features that will provide safety and comfort to your child.

However, as many parents have complained about the quality of the product might leave you wondering if you should even consider buying it.

7. Baby Trend Trooper 3 In 1 Convertible Car Seat

Finally coming to the last product in my list, the Baby Trend Trooper 3 In 1 Convertible Car Seat comes with three modes.

The rear-facing infant mode, which is best suitable for children between 4 up to 18 pounds, the rear-facing toddler mode, suitable for children from 18 up to 40 pounds and lastly the forward-facing toddler mode that is for a child from 22 up top 65 pounds.

Make sure that you look through these size charts and your child’s weight before purchasing to enjoy what the seat has to offer to its fullest.

The product’s features provide you with the right installation angle so your child will feel safe, secure, and comfortable.

The great thing about this product is that you can easily adjust the shoulder and crotch buckle accordingly, so your child does not feel tightened or insecure while seated.

This feature makes it stand out as many parents have complained about their competitors’ products being too tight and uncomfortable at the crotch area.

Moreover, the car seat also consists of 5 position shoulder height adjustment and a three-position crotch buckle for seat adjustment; this unique feature will be the perfect fit to travel with and provide extra protection during turbulence.

In addition to the safety features, this product also has head protection and side-impact protection feature, enabling the seat to absorb all the accident impacts and protect the child from any danger and serious injuries.

Overall, this product has the potential to provide extra protection for your child. It stands out and can be differentiated from many competitors’ brands.

How To Install A Car Seat On An Airplane

It is a good habit to bring a car seat on an airplane, and many administrations, such as the FAA, even encourage this behavior.

Many people have no idea what to do once they get on the plane with their car seats.

Here are the steps you need to take to install your car seat on an airplane:

1. See If The Car Seat Is FAA Approved

Your car seat should come with an FAA-approved sticker. Make sure the car seat has this when browsing for one. Having an approved car seat makes it all the safer to use.

2. Make Sure The Car Seat Fits On The Plane Seat

For this, you will have to check the size and dimensions of your car seat and correlate it to the dimensions of the airplane seat.

If your car seat is too big for the plane seat, using it will be very risky! You should be able to find both on the internet.

3. Avoid Using Car Seat Bases On Air Planes

Car seat bases usually do not work on plane seats. This is because the seat belt of the plane seat makes it difficult, if not impossible, to attach the seat to the base.

Therefore, they should be avoided in favor of the next step.

4. Install The Car Seat Directly On The Plane Seat With The Help Of A Seatbelt Extender

Request a seatbelt extender and use it to attach the car seat to the plane seat. This will help ensure that it is perfectly secure, which is exactly what you want in the next step.

5. Make Sure The Seat Belt Is Firmly Secure

If the seat belt is loose, make sure to tighten it up. This will ensure that the seat does not fall off with your baby.

6. Attach The Car Seat On The Window Seat

You should aim to have the car seat attached to the window seat while sitting next to it in the aisle seat. This will prevent major injuries if your car seat detaches.

7. Have A Family Member In Front Of The Car Seat

Having a family member in front of the seat where you attached the car seat will help pressure the car seat to ensure it does not fall for any reason.

You should try your best to get a car seat on the plane to avoid any issues and injuries to your child and follow these steps to attach it correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Do I Choose The Right Car Seat For My Child?

When it comes to the car seat, there are certain things that you must keep in mind before purchasing.

The car seat height and weight should match the height and weight of your child to travel comfortably. (Check these popular travel booster seats).

Another factor is whether the seat meets the safety standards set by the FAA, NHTSA, and UN standards, as these seats will be a perfect choice, and you will be able to travel without any restrictions.

Q2. What If I Take My Booster Seat?

This is one of the most common questions asked by parents.

If you own a booster seat, unfortunately, you are not allowed to take a booster seat on the airplane. (Here is why!).

However, only some airlines might allow it, but installation is the main problem.

The plane seat only has a lap belt to secure a car seat, but a booster seat will need a lap and a shoulder belt to work perfectly.

Q3. Can I Take My Stroller And Seat Base Inside The Airplane?

If you want to take your stroller inside, that mainly depends on the size and dimension of your stroller.

If you can easily fold it and meet the standard bag size for hand carry, you might be allowed to take it in.

Unfortunately, as for the seat base, you cannot take it inside the plane as the seat will be installed without it.

However, if you take the stroller and base, you can move it with the luggage in a car seat travel bag, which will keep it secure.

Q4. What If I Do Not Have A Car Seat – Are There Any Alternative Options?

Yes, there is a solution to that problem.

If you do not own a car seat, then the best alternative option for you would be the CARES Child Airplane Travel Harness, the type Aviation Child Safety Device.

This seat is the only certified and approved by the FAA system as the best protecting seat as it provides the same level of protection as the car seat.

The great thing about this seat is that it will fit any airplane size and is easy to install, and save you so much time.

Q5. Is It Worth It To Bring A Car Seat On A Plane?

Your child’s safety is worth any price, and while it is not required, it is recommended. I think you should always have a car seat if you are travelling with a baby on a plane.

Q6. What Size Car Seat Will Fit On A Plane?

The average plane seat is 17 inches wide and 31 inches long; any seat smaller than this should be good to fit on a plane.

Conclusion

Now that you have finally read the whole article, you will be able to choose the best car seat for airplane travel for your child.

These features that I have mentioned will make things easier for you as they will give you a better idea about every seat.

Although all of these are great seats, I would highly recommend the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat to have the best traveling experience and the comfort and safety of your child.

Make sure to do your research before buying and, more importantly, test it yourself and let your child sit in it.