Car Seat on Airplane: FAA Rules, Approved Seats & CARES Harness
The FAA recommends that all children under age 2 use an approved restraint on aircraft — not a lap — and strongly recommends purchasing a seat for any child regardless of age. Not all car seats are approved for aircraft use, booster seats are never allowed on planes, and the car seat must go in the window seat only. This guide covers exactly what is and is not permitted.
First Responder Insight: Airline turbulence is a real injury risk for unsecured children — it is not rare, and serious injuries happen. The FAA's lap-child allowance for infants under age 2 exists for fare reasons, not safety reasons. A child secured in an approved restraint is meaningfully safer in both turbulence and a survivable accident.
The Single Most Important Rule: Check the Label
Before you travel, locate the label on your car seat. Look for this exact language:
“This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”
If this exact language does not appear on the seat itself — not the box, not the manual — the seat is not FAA-approved for aircraft use.
Most hard-shell infant seats and convertible car seats that meet U.S. federal standards (FMVSS 213) carry this label. Booster seats — both high-back and backless — do not, and they are not allowed on aircraft.
FAA Requirements for Using a Car Seat on a Plane
FAA-approved label
The seat must display the "certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" language on the actual seat.
Child must have their own ticketed seat
You must purchase a separate seat for the child. A car seat cannot be used in a lap-child arrangement — the child must be in their own seat with the car seat installed in it.
Window seat only
Car seats must be installed in a window seat. They cannot be placed in a middle or aisle seat because they must not obstruct the emergency exit row or block other passengers from exiting.
Maximum 16 inches wide
The car seat cannot be wider than 16 inches to fit in a standard economy aircraft seat. Measure your seat before traveling — many convertible seats exceed this width.
Forward-facing in forward-facing position
Most aircraft seats will only accommodate a car seat in the forward-facing position. Rear-facing may be possible on some aircraft with deeper seats — check with your airline.
Booster Seats: Not Allowed on Aircraft
Booster Seats Are Prohibited on All Aircraft
Neither high-back nor backless booster seats are FAA-approved for aircraft use. If your child has outgrown a harnessed car seat, the options for aircraft travel are: the CARES harness (22–44 lbs, up to 40 inches tall), an FAA-approved harnessed car seat within its weight/height limits, or — for children who genuinely meet the aircraft lap belt fit criteria — the aircraft lap belt alone. Do not bring a booster seat onto an aircraft expecting to use it during flight.
The CARES Harness: The Alternative to a Car Seat on Planes
The CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness is the only FAA-approved child restraint device specifically designed for aircraft use other than car seats.
CARES Harness Specifications
- Weight range: 22 to 44 lbs
- Height limit: Up to 40 inches tall
- Manufacturer: AmSafe (the only FAA-approved CARES harness manufacturer)
- How it works: Loops over the aircraft seat back and attaches to the lap belt; adds a shoulder and chest harness
- Approved position: Forward-facing only
- Weight: Under 1 lb — much lighter than a car seat
The CARES harness is particularly useful for children who have outgrown infant seats but are still within its weight/height limits, and for parents who do not want to transport a full car seat through the airport. It is available through AmSafe's website and major travel retailers.
Airline-Specific Rules
All U.S. airlines must comply with FAA rules, but individual airlines may have additional policies:
- Some airlines have seat width restrictions beyond the 16-inch FAA minimum — check before you travel
- Some airlines allow rear-facing car seats in certain aircraft configurations — ask specifically about your flight
- International airlines operating under ICAO standards may have different rules than FAA — confirm with the airline when flying internationally
- Gate agents have authority to approve or deny car seat use — arriving with an FAA-approved seat and the label visible prevents disputes
Pre-Travel Checklist
- ☐Verify the FAA approval label is on the car seat itself
- ☐Confirm the seat width is 16 inches or less
- ☐Purchase a ticket for the child — lap travel is not compatible with using a car seat
- ☐Request a window seat when booking or at check-in
- ☐Check your specific airline's car seat policy for additional restrictions
- ☐If using CARES harness: confirm the child is 22–44 lbs and under 40 inches tall
Key Takeaway
An FAA-approved car seat in the window seat of a purchased ticket is the safest way for a young child to fly. Before packing your seat, confirm the label says “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft,” measure the seat width, and check your airline's specific requirements. Booster seats are never permitted on aircraft. If a harnessed car seat is impractical, the CARES harness is the approved alternative for children 22–44 lbs.