Best FAA-Approved Car Seats for Airplane Travel (2025)

This article was reviewed by Amanda Brown, CPST.

TL;DR: Quick Verdict

Flying with kids is easier and safer when you bring an FAA-approved car seat, but not all child restraint systems are suitable for air travel. For frequent travelers with infants, the Cosco Scenera Next is a lightweight, budget-friendly favorite, while the WAYB Pico is perfect for families of toddlers who want an ultra-compact, foldable seat.

Flying with kids may feel like an Olympic sport, but having the right gear can make all the difference. The most important piece you can have is an FAA-approved car seat — one with the red label certification that states it’s suitable for use in a car and an airplane — that helps keep your child secure in flight. 

The best car seats for airplane travel combine safety with portability, making them easier to install in cramped rows and lighter to carry through the airport. Ahead, you’ll find our top picks, along with insider advice from flight attendants, parents and certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). And because kids outgrow baby gear quickly, we’ll also show you how to save money by shopping secondhand through GoodBuy Gear.

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Why You Need an FAA-Approved Car Seat For Travel 

When it comes to flying with kids, not all car seats are created equal. FAA-approved seats offer these important benefits:

• Ensures in-flight safety: Only FAA-approved seats are tested and certified to protect children during takeoff/landing and turbulence.
• Meets federal requirements: The FAA mandates that any car seat used on board must carry the red “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” label.
• Aligns with expert recommendations: Both the FAA and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend using an FAA-approved car seat for children under 40 pounds (generally under age two).
• Avoids airline issues: Flight crews may deny the use of a non-approved seat. Choosing one with the FAA label ensures you won’t be asked to gate-check it unexpectedly.

Key Features to Look For

Not every car seat is designed with air travel in mind. If you’re shopping for one specifically to use on planes, these features make the biggest difference for parents:

• Lightweight and portable: A seat that’s easy to carry through airports or install without breaking a sweat is worth its weight in gold.
• Slim profile: Airline seats are notoriously narrow. Look for a car seat under or about 17 or 18 inches wide to ensure the best fit. 
• Simple installation: When you’re juggling kids and carry-ons, a quick and straightforward install makes boarding smoother.
• Affordability and durability: Travel can be hard on gear. A budget-friendly yet sturdy seat gives you peace of mind without worrying about wear and tear. This is where buying gently used items comes into play, too. 

Best FAA-Approved Car Seats for Airplane Travel

Best Infant Car Seat for Airplane Travel

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

• Weight/Dimensions: 17.2 pounds; 17.3 inches wide (fits most airline seats)
• FAA Label: Yes, FAA-approved (red certification label on the side)
• Why Parents Love It: The Doona doubles as both a car seat and stroller, so there’s no need to juggle extra gear through the airport. Parents love the seamless transition from gate to taxi or rental car.
• Best For: Infants 4 to 35 pounds, parents who want an all-in-one solution for air travel.
• Keep in Mind: At over 17 pounds, it’s heavier than most infant seats, and because it only works for infants, your little one will outgrow it faster than convertible options.

Shop The Doona Infant Car Seat

Best Lightweight Car Seats

WAYB Pico

• Weight/Dimensions: 8 pounds; 14.5 inches wide (fits most airline seats and folds into a backpack)
• FAA Label: Yes, FAA-approved (red certification label on the side)
• Why Parents Love It: Ultralight and foldable, the Pico is designed for travel. It fits in overhead bins and can be carried in its own backpack case. Frequent flyers praise how little space it takes up.
• Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers 22 and 50 pounds who travel often.
• Keep in Mind: It’s pricey for a seat that’s only for travel, and it doesn’t work for infants.

Shop the WAYB Pico Car Seat

Cosco Scenera Next

• Weight/Dimensions: 10 pounds; 17 inches wide (fits most airline seats)
• FAA Label: Yes, FAA-approved (red certification label on the side)
• Why Parents Love It: Parents say this seat is lightweight and easy to carry through airports. It’s also one of the most affordable FAA-approved options, making it a popular “travel only” seat. Families on parenting forums often call it their “airport lifesaver.”
• Best For: Toddlers up to 40 pounds, families looking for a budget-friendly travel seat.
• Keep in Mind: Padding is minimal compared to premium models, so it’s not ideal for everyday use, but it's perfect for flights and quick trips.

Best Everyday Convertible Travel Seat

Graco SlimFit LX 3-in-1

• Weight/Dimensions: 21.5 pounds; 19 inches wide (may be a tight squeeze on smaller planes) 
• FAA Label: Yes, FAA-approved (red certification label on the side)
• Why Parents Love It: This 3-in-1 grows with your child from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing harness to a high-back booster. Parents like that it’s a “one and done” option, saving money long-term.
• Best For: Families who want a versatile seat for both everyday use and the occasional flight.
• Keep in Mind: At over 20 pounds and nearly 19 inches wide, it’s bulkier than most travel-specific seats, making it harder to carry through airports or fit on smaller planes.

Shop the Graco SlimFit Car Seat

Premium Travel Picks Our Gear Experts Recommend 

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

• Weight/Dimensions: 18.5 pounds; 17 inches wide (fits most airline seats)
  FAA Label: Yes, FAA-approved (red certification label on the side)
• Why Parents Love It: A longtime parent favorite, the KeyFit is praised for its reliability, extended rear-facing limits and straightforward installation. The ClearTex version is also made with chemical-free fabrics, which many parents appreciate.
• Best For: Infants 4 to 35 pounds, families who need an option for extended rear-facing travel.
• Keep in Mind: It’s heavier than other infant seats, so it can be harder to carry through the airport. 

Shop the Chicco KeyFit 35 

Nuna Pipa Aire RX

• Weight/Dimensions: 8.4 pounds; 17 inches wide (fits most airline seats)
• FAA Label: Yes, FAA-approved (red certification label on the side)
• Why Parents Love It: At just over 8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest premium infant seats on the market. Parents love its sleek design and easy installation.
• Best For: Infants 4 to 30 pounds, and parents seeking a premium, lightweight travel option.
• Keep in Mind: Like other infant-only seats, your child will outgrow it quickly. It also comes with a higher price tag.

Shop the Nuna Pipa Aire RX

Other FAA-Approved Car Seats

• Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat: Lightweight (approximately 11.5 pounds) and relatively narrow, this seat is a practical pick for families wanting a budget-friendly, compact convertible that still covers a wide weight range.
• Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat: At about 14 pounds, this seat is another affordable and lightweight convertible that’s great as a second “travel” seat.” It has a simple and straightforward design that parents say is easy to care for on the go.
• Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat: Known for being reasonably slim yet cozy, it’s a smart choice for longer flights or families who want comfort without sacrificing portability.
• Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat: Lightweight (about 9.4 pounds) and FAA-approved, this convertible car seat is a solid alternative for families who need a portable yet durable option.
• Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat: This seat is known for being relatively lightweight (14.6 pounds without base) and narrower than most with a footprint that’s only about 15.5 inches wide. It’s easy to carry and fits well on most airplane seats.
• Britax Emblem Infant Car Seat: An FAA-approved infant seat with solid safety credentials and comfort, offering a familiar Britax build quality. Just keep in mind: At about 18 pounds and just over 18 inches wide, it’s heavier and wider than many travel-specific infant seats, which can make it trickier to carry through airports. 

Shop All Convertible Car Seats 

Shop All Infant Car Seats

What Real Parents Are Saying 

• “Here to also suggest the COSCO Scenera. We’ve traveled to France and Utah with it from South Carolina and have loved it on both trips! It’s super lightweight. Can attach to your stroller with a luggage strap. And is super easy to get situated on the plane. It’s spacious enough to be comfortable for long flights. But not so bulky that it’s cumbersome.” — kennyapp
• “Doona is great, but only lasts a short while. If you’re just buying it for air travel get the Cosco car seat instead.” — Cargold
• “We have [the Wayb Pico] and love it. So light weight. We also purchased the backpack to carry it through the airport. Our 2 year old also approves! I was worried what we were going to do after the Doona and it’s been an amazing transition.” — Janababy

Airline & FAA Guidelines Parents Should Know

Before you board, it helps to know the rules for using a child restraint system (CRS) on airplanes. These FAA guidelines apply across airlines, though policies can vary slightly:

• Window seat only: Car seats generally must be installed in a window seat so they don’t block access to the aisle.
• No exit rows: CRSs aren’t allowed in exit rows or the rows immediately in front of or behind them.
• Bulkhead compatibility: Some bulkhead rows — the rows directly behind a wall or partition (often at the front of a section) — have seatbelts that don’t work with car seats, making installation tricky.
• Boosters not allowed: Booster seats can’t be used during flight, though some airlines allow them to be checked or carried on.
• Flight attendants can help: If your seat doesn’t fit as expected, crew members may be able to assist with reseating you in a more suitable spot.

How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Airplane Travel

Picking the right car seat for flying isn’t just about safety, it’s also about convenience, comfort and what works best for your family. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Age and size of your child: Make sure the seat fits your child’s weight and height. Infant-only seats are great for babies, while convertible seats are more suitable for toddlers and older kids.
• Travel frequency: Families who fly occasionally might prefer a multi-use seat they already own, while frequent flyers may benefit from a lightweight, travel-specific model.
• Budget vs. premium options: There’s a range of FAA-approved seats, from affordable, functional models to high-end designs with extra features. Decide which level makes sense for your family’s needs.
• Ease of carrying through the airport: Narrow, lightweight seats are easier to manage with luggage and kids in tow; heavier or wider models may offer more room but can be cumbersome on long airport walks.

Not sure what type of car seat your little one needs? Check out our in-depth Car Seat Buying Guide for more information. 

Travel Tips from Parents

Flying with a car seat can be much smoother with a few simple strategies that seasoned traveling parents swear by:

• Check with your airline before you fly: Most airlines list the maximum car seat dimensions they allow, and some even share diagrams of seat widths online. Calling ahead (or checking the website) helps avoid surprises at boarding.
• Use a gate-check bag: Protect your seat from scratches, spills and dirt when it needs to be checked at the gate. Some bags also feature padding to help prevent any damage to the seat. 
• Practice installation at home: Familiarize yourself with how the seat installs in both rear- and forward-facing configurations before you arrive at the airport.
• Check the FAA approval sticker: Make sure the red label is visible and intact so flight crews know your seat is certified for in-flight use.
• Board early if possible: Even if you don’t want the whole family to board right away, letting one parent with a car seat get settled first can save stress in tight rows.

FAQs About FAA-Approved Car Seats

What makes a car seat FAA-approved?

A car seat is FAA-approved when it meets federal safety standards for use on both motor vehicles and aircrafts. It must display the red label that says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” This label ensures the seat has been tested and certified for in-flight use to keep your child secure during takeoff, landing and turbulence.

Can I use a booster seat on a plane?

No. Booster seats are not FAA-approved for in-flight use and cannot be used as a child restraint system on airplanes. Children using boosters must sit in a properly fitted FAA-approved car seat or in the regular airplane seat with the standard lap belt. 

What is the best FAA-approved car seat for a 2-year-old?

The best FAA-approved car seat for a 2-year-old depends on your child’s size and your personal preferences. That said, the Cosco Scenera Next is a parent-favorite for toddlers, because it’s lightweight, compact and easy to install. 

What is the lightest FAA-approved car seat?

The lightest FAA-approved car seats for travel are the WAYB Pico (8 pounds) and the Cosco Scenera Next (10 pounds). Both are compact, easy to carry through airports and fit well in most airplane seats. 

Is Graco FAA-approved?

Yes, many Graco car seats are FAA-approved, including popular models like the SlimFit. Always check for the red FAA certification label on the side of the seat to make sure it’s cleared for in-flight use.

Shop Graco Car Seats

What’s the cheapest FAA-approved car seat?

The Cosco Scenera Next is widely recognized as the cheapest FAA-approved car seat. It offers an excellent overall value — lightweight, compact and easy to install without compromising safety.

Conclusion

Having the right FAA-approved car seat makes traveling with little ones both safer and easier. When choosing a seat, consider your child’s age and size, your travel habits and your budget. And always check for the red FAA certification sticker.

At GoodBuy Gear, every gently used car seat goes through a thorough 30+ point inspection process to ensure it meets safety standards and is ready for your next adventure. The baby gear industry has long perpetuated the myth that secondhand car seats are unsafe, but with proper inspections, buying used can not only be more affordable, but more sustainable as well. GoodBuy Gear’s proprietary 30+ point Car Seat Safety Check—developed with manufacturers, NHTSA consultants and certified CPSTs—offers parents a secure, affordable alternative to buying new.

Shop our selection of FAA-approved, travel-friendly seats and save up to 85% off retail, so you can fly smarter without breaking the bank. 

Shop All Car Seats

Further Reading: 

• When to Change Car Seats
• The Best Convertible Car Seats 
• The Best Travel Strollers
• How to Buy a Used Car Seat Safely

About the Author, Brigitt Earley

GoodBuy Gear Contributing Writer