In this article, I will highlight FAA-approved, lightweight, and easy-to-use travel car seats for airplanes. Compact convertible seats and car seat-stroller combos are some of the options available.
- Key Points & Best Travel Car Seats For Airplanes
- 10 Best Travel Car Seats For Airplanes
- 1. Cosco Scenera NEXT
- 2. Evenflo Tribute LX
- 3. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
- 4. Graco SlimFit 3-in-1
- 5. Safety 1st Guide 65
- 6. Diono Radian 3RXT
- 7. Britax Emblem Convertible Car Seat
- 8. Graco Contender 65 Convertible
- 9. Combi Coccoro Convertible Car Seat
- 10. Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
- Conclsuion
- FAQ
I will discuss some of the most important features and benefits as well as considerations to help you select the safest and most practical travel car seat for your child.
No matter the travel distance, in this case, a car seat will always be essential. I will focus on the short domestic and long international flights.
Key Points & Best Travel Car Seats For Airplanes
| Car Seat Model | Key Features & Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cosco Scenera NEXT | Lightweight (10 lbs), FAA-approved, budget-friendly, fits narrow airplane seats |
| Evenflo Tribute LX | Compact design, easy installation, side-impact protection, FAA-certified |
| WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat | Ultra-light (8 lbs), foldable frame, aluminum build, ideal for frequent flyers |
| Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | Versatile use (rear, forward, booster), space-saving, FAA-approved |
| Safety 1st Guide 65 | Extended rear-facing, fits 3 across in most cars, budget-friendly |
| Diono Radian 3RXT | Steel frame, folds flat for travel, suitable for extended use (up to 120 lbs) |
| Britax Emblem Convertible Car Seat | Easy installation, high safety ratings, FAA-approved |
| Graco Contender 65 Convertible | Lightweight, adjustable harness, side-impact tested |
| Combi Coccoro Convertible Car Seat | Compact, ideal for small cars and planes, rear-facing up to 33 lbs |
| Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat | Airflow ventilation, lightweight, FAA-certified |
10 Best Travel Car Seats For Airplanes
1. Cosco Scenera NEXT
The Cosco Scenera NEXT is an extremely light and budget-friendly convertible car seat great for travel.
Weighing just around five pounds, it is FAA-approved and fits most airline seats, great for travel.
Its compact design helps it easily fit and be maneuvered through airports. Even though it is lacking in extra padding, it simplicity and low cost is why families seeking for a no frills travel car seat choose it.
It is rear-facing and forward-facing capable for children up to 40 pounds and is fit for toddlers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness with 5 height positions |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–40 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Built into the headrest |
| Seat Dimensions | Compact design ideal for travel |
2. Evenflo Tribute LX
The Evenflo Tribute LX is a light and compact seat that is great for travel. Weighing 9.2 pounds and offering side-impact protectio
It is a car seat that is compact in design and packs extra safety features. It narrow profile allows it fit smaller vehicles, and even to airplane seats.
Even though it simplicity and lack of “premium” features might be seen as a disadvantage, it affordability, and practicality is on the families that travel a lot.
It is rear-facing capable for children and is fit for toddlers and children up to 40 pounds in forward-facing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 9.2 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness with multiple positions |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–40 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Seat Dimensions | Compact design suitable for smaller vehicles and travel |
3. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat
The WAYB Pico is made for children 2 years of age and older and weighing 22 lb and up to 50 lb.
It’s 8 lb, and when folded, it’s ‘backpack-sized’, which is great for air travel. It’s simple, which makes it easy to strap to various vehicles and it fits in overhead compartments.
It is true, children who are sleeping in an upright position may have their heads fall forward, but it is fully folded backpack travel positionable and people always are traveling.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness |
| Seat Modes | Forward-facing (22–50 lbs) |
| Portability | Folds into a compact backpack for easy transport |
| Storage Dimensions | 11.6” L x 14.5” W x 18.9” H (storage position) |
4. Graco SlimFit 3-in-1
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is still a rear-facing car seat, a forward-facing car seat, then a highback booster seat, from 5 lb to 100 lb, still passes.
It is narrow, so in most vehicles, it allows for 3 seats to be placed in a row, which is useful for family of a few kids.
It has a safe 5 point harness, easy installation, and protected seats. It may be a little bigger than a travel seat, but it’s useful for the whole family since it’s safe.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 19 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | Simply Safe Adjust™ harness system |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–65 lbs), Highback booster (40–100 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Space-Saving Design | Slim profile allows for three seats across in most vehicles |
5. Safety 1st Guide 65
The Safety 1st Gude 65 is an ideal travel convertible car seat. From 5 to 65 pounds, children can use the car seat in the rear-facing and forward-facing position.
Having a lightweight design and narrow profile, the car seat is easily installed in different vehicles. It fits in the seats of the airplane.
While some users say that rear-facing instalation can be a bit inconvenient, the and the price makes it a great choice for families looking for an functional travel car seat for a suitable price.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.8 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–65 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Seat Dimensions | Slim profile suitable for travel |
6. Diono Radian 3RXT
The Diono Radian 3RXT is a convertible car seat with a slim design and a reinforced steel frame. It is designed for added safety.
It accomodates children 5 to 120 pounds on the rear-facing, forward faving and transitions to a booster seat.
Its narrow profile is ideal for fitting 3 seats in a row in most vehicles. The Radian 3RXT can be a bit hard for air travel use as it is bulkier and heavier than travel specific seats. Many families appreciate the safety and durability of this car seat.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 25 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness with 12 height positions |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–50 lbs), Forward-facing (50–65 lbs), Booster (up to 120 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | SafePlus® 6-layer side impact protection |
| Foldability | Folds flat for easy storage and transport |
7. Britax Emblem Convertible Car Seat
This Britax Emblem is a convertible seat that can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
It offers side-impact protection, a 5-point harness, and simple installation. Although this seat is a little bigger than seats made for travel, its comfort and safety features make it an excellent option for any family.
Because of the seat’s sturdy design it can be used for a long time safely accommodating children weighing between 5 to 65 pounds.
It has excellent ratings in the ease of use and forward-facing fit to vehicle performance tests.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 18 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness with quick-push LATCH connectors |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–65 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Seat Dimensions | Compact design suitable for travel |
8. Graco Contender 65 Convertible
The Graco Contender 65 is an affordable travel seat that has rear-facing and forward-facing configurations.
It has a no-rethread harness, dual recline indicators, and a lightweight design which is also a good travel seat. It is rated good in overall performance.
It has 5-point harness safety and side-impact protection for children between 5 to 65 pounds, which also ensures safe travel. Graco Contender 65 also has good ratings in ease of use and fit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 18 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | Simply Safe Adjust™ harness system |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–65 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Seat Dimensions | Compact design suitable for travel |
9. Combi Coccoro Convertible Car Seat
Designed for travel, Combi Coccoro’s compact convertible car seat’s narrow profile allows for easier installation into a variety of vehicles, fitting even into airplane seats.
It supports children in rear-facing mode from 3 to 40 pounds, 65 pounds in forward-facing mode, and 3 to 40 pounds.
It doesn’t have some of the premium features, but lightweight and portable design makes useful to the families for travel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 9 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness with 5 height positions |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (3–33 lbs), Forward-facing (33–40 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Seat Dimensions | Narrow profile ideal for travel and tight spaces |
10. Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo Sonus is a convertible car seat in which children can be car seats rear-facing and forward-facing.
It comes with a 5-point harness system, easy installation, side-impact protection, and in which to travel its design is compact.
It’s affordable, with a weight capacity of 5 to 65 pounds, and it ensures safety for children in various stages of development. It’s been highly reviewed in ease of use and fit to the vehicle.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 13 lbs |
| FAA Approval | Yes |
| Harness System | 5-point harness with multiple positions |
| Seat Modes | Rear-facing (5–40 lbs), Forward-facing (22–40 lbs) |
| Side Impact Protection | Yes |
| Seat Dimensions | Compact design suitable for travel |
Conclsuion
In conclusion When selecting the ideal travel car seat for flights, the most important factors to consider are FAA approval, lightweight construction, compact size, and safety features, including a 5-point harness and side-impact protection.
For travel, the Cosco Scenera NEXT, WAYB Pico, and Doona are convenient, while the Britax One4Life provides long-term versatility. For hassle-free air travel, safety, portability, and comfort are essential.
FAQ
Are all car seats allowed on airplanes?
Only FAA-approved car seats can be used on airplanes.
What weight range do travel car seats cover?
Most seats accommodate children from 4–50 lbs, some up to 120 lbs.
Are lightweight car seats better for air travel?
Yes, lighter seats are easier to carry and install in airplane seats.
Can convertible car seats be used on planes?
Yes, if they are FAA-approved and fit the airplane seat width.
Do all travel car seats fit in airplane seats?
No, narrow and compact models like Cosco Scenera NEXT and Combi Coccoro fit best.