FAA-Approved Car Seats for Air Travel: Top Picks for 2025
FAA-Approved Car Seats for Air Travel: Top Picks for 2025
Flying with a child can be stressful—especially when you’re juggling luggage, boarding passes, and little ones. An FAA-approved car seat not only keeps your child safer during takeoff, landing, and turbulence, but it also complies with airline policies, giving you peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explain what FAA approval really means, why it matters, and share our top picks for 2025.
What “FAA-Approved” Really Means
“FAA-approved” indicates that a Child Restraint System (CRS) has been tested and certified safe for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. Look for the label stating:
“This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
All seats sold in the U.S. must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) crash tests, but only those with this specific label are cleared by the FAA for air travel. Learn more at FAA.gov.
Why Approval Matters on Flights
Airlines strongly urge you to secure children in approved CRS rather than lapsitting, for two main reasons:
- Safety: Even in a small aircraft, sudden turbulence or hard landings can cause injuries. A certified seat absorbs crash forces.
- Airline Policy: Some carriers will refuse to let your child occupy a seat unless the CRS is FAA-approved. Avoid last-minute surprises by checking the label in advance.
Top FAA-Approved Car Seats
| Model | Weight | FAA Label | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosco Scenera Next | 7 lbs | Yes | Infant/Toddler | $45–$60 |
| Maxi-Cosi Romi | 7.3 lbs | Yes | Infant/Toddler | $120–$150 |
| Britax Marathon ClickTight | 22.5 lbs | Yes | Convertible | $200–$250 |
| Diono Radian 3RXT | 18 lbs | Yes | Convertible | $230–$270 |
| UPPAbaby MESA | 9.9 lbs | Yes | Infant | $300–$330 |
| CARES Harness System | 0.9 lbs | Yes | Harness (aircraft only) | $55–$60 |
CARs Harness vs Car Seat – When to Use Which
The CARES Harness System is ideal for children who meet the weight requirements when cabin space is extremely tight. However, it does not replace the additional side-impact protection of a full CRS. Use a harness when:
- You already have a standard aircraft seatbelt and your child is 22–44 lbs.
- Your child can sit upright unaided for the entire flight.
Opt for a full CRS when you want maximum side-impact protection, extended weight range, or plan to continue using it in a vehicle.
How to Check for the FAA Label
Inspect your seat for a permanent sticker or molded text that reads:
“This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
If it’s not obvious on the shell, check under the cover or in the instruction manual. Some international seats (ECE R44/04, CMVSS) may look similar but require an explicit FAA label for U.S. airline acceptance.
Installing a Car Seat on a Plane: Step-by-Step
- Select Your Seat: Window seat recommended to avoid blocking emergency exits.
- Unfold & Inspect: Harness straps untwisted, belt paths clear.
- Route the Aircraft Belt: Thread lap belt through the FAA-labeled belt path (often marked in red or blue).
- Tighten: Pull belt snug—seat should not move more than 1" side-to-side or front-to-back.
- Fasten Harness: Adjust harness at armpit level; you shouldn’t be able to pinch the webbing.
- Stow Extras: Place bases or extra parts overhead to keep the area clear.
YouTube Installation Demo
Disclaimer: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your airline’s policies. Verify the FAA label on your CRS before travel. This guide is informational and does not replace the expertise of a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
Author: Jane Smith, CPST® — Certified Passenger Safety Technician with over 10 years of experience helping families travel safely.
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