What an aircraft-approved car seat is and why it matters
An aircraft-approved car seat is a child safety seat that meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and can be used on commercial airplanes during flight. Most standard car seats cannot be used on planes — they either don't fit the seat width, lack the required certification label, or both. An aircraft-approved seat solves this problem by meeting FAA dimensions and safety requirements, so you can strap your child in during takeoff, landing, and turbulence instead of holding them in your lap.
The FAA does not require children to sit in car seats on planes, but the agency recommends it for children under age 2 and allows it for any child whose parent chooses to purchase a separate seat. If you fly with a young child and want them secured during flight, you need a seat that carries the FAA approval label — a regular car seat will not work, even if it's brand new and expensive.
Key Takeaways
- Aircraft-approved car seats must display an FAA approval label and fit within airplane seat dimensions (typically 16 to 17 inches wide), which rules out most standard car seats.
- You must purchase a separate airplane ticket for your child to use a car seat on the plane, since the seat takes up a full passenger seat.
- The same car seat can be used both in your car and on the plane if it carries FAA approval — you do not need two different seats.
- Airlines have different policies about where car seats can be installed; most require them in window seats and prohibit them in exit rows.
- You will need to remove the car seat before deplaning and cannot leave it installed between flights on a connection.
How to identify an FAA-approved car seat
The only reliable way to know if a car seat is aircraft-approved is to look for the FAA approval label attached to the seat itself. This label is usually a white sticker or tag that states the seat meets FAA requirements and lists the airline seating positions where it can be used (typically window seats only). If you do not see this label, the seat is not approved for airplane use, regardless of how new it is or what the manufacturer's website says.
Most convertible car seats (the kind that work from infancy through toddlerhood) are too wide to fit in airplane seats. Narrower options that typically carry FAA approval include certain infant car seats, some compact convertible models, and a few booster seats. Before buying any car seat with the intention to use it on planes, search the manufacturer's website or call their customer service to confirm the specific model has FAA approval. The label must be physically present on the seat when you travel.
Common brands that make FAA-approved models include Graco, Chicco, Cosco, and Britax, but not all models from these manufacturers are approved. The approval depends on the exact model and width, so you cannot assume a seat is approved just because the brand makes other approved seats.
What you need to do before flying with a car seat
First, purchase a separate ticket for your child if you want to use a car seat on the plane. The seat occupies a full passenger seat, so you cannot use it if your child is sitting on your lap or if you only have one ticket for both of you. Some airlines offer discounted child fares, but you still need a separate booking.
Second, contact your airline before your trip to confirm their specific car seat policy. Airlines have different rules about which seats can hold car seats (most allow window seats only, some prohibit exit-row seats, and a few have additional restrictions). Some airlines require you to notify them in advance that you will bring a car seat; others do not. Calling ahead takes 10 minutes and prevents problems at the gate.
Third, bring the car seat to the airport in its original condition with the FAA label visible. Do not remove the label, modify the seat, or use it in a way that differs from the manufacturer's instructions. Arrive early enough to install the seat before boarding — installation takes a few minutes, but gate agents need time to inspect it and confirm it meets their requirements.
How to install a car seat on an airplane
Installation on a plane is simpler than in a car because airplane seats have a different structure. Most aircraft-approved car seats use the airplane seat belt (the lap belt only, not a shoulder harness) to find the seat, rather than LATCH connectors or the car's seat belt system. You thread the airplane lap belt through the designated slots on the car seat and fasten it, then tighten it as much as possible — airplane seats are narrower than car seats, so the fit will be snug.
Arrive at your gate with enough time to install the seat before boarding begins. Gate agents will inspect the installation to confirm the seat is find and positioned correctly (usually in a window seat). If the installation is incorrect, the agent will ask you to fix it or may not allow the seat on the plane. If you are unsure how to install it, ask a gate agent or flight attendant for help — they see car seats regularly and can guide you through the process.
After takeoff, your child sits in the car seat during flight just as they would in a car. You can remove them for bathroom breaks or to move around the cabin, but they should be back in the seat before landing. When you land, remove the car seat before deplaning — you cannot leave it installed or store it in the overhead bin for the next flight.
What happens on connecting flights and multi-leg trips
If you have a connecting flight, you must remove the car seat when you deplane, even if you are staying in the airport and boarding again in an hour. You cannot leave the seat installed between flights. Remove it, carry it with you (or check it if your airline allows), and reinstall it on the next plane using the same process.
Some parents check the car seat as baggage on connecting flights to avoid carrying it through the airport. Check your airline's baggage policy first — most allow one car seat to be checked for free, but policies vary. If you check it, use a car seat travel bag to protect it from damage. If you carry it, it counts as a carry-on item, so confirm you have room in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
On long trips with multiple connections, carrying the car seat through the airport becomes tiring. Many parents check it after the first flight and pick it up at their final destination, then use a rental car seat or borrow one at their destination. This is a personal choice based on how many connections you have and how much hassle you want to manage.
Cost and where to buy aircraft-approved car seats
Aircraft-approved car seats cost between $150 and $400, depending on the model and features. Narrower, FAA-approved models are typically less expensive than full-size convertible seats because they have fewer features and a shorter lifespan (children outgrow them faster). Infant car seats with FAA approval usually cost $200 to $300, while compact convertible models run $250 to $400.
You can purchase aircraft-approved car seats from major retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Buy Buy Baby (online only), and specialty baby stores. Before buying, confirm the specific model number has FAA approval by checking the manufacturer's website or calling customer service. Some retailers allow returns within 30 days, which gives you time to inspect the FAA label and test the fit in your car before committing.
If you only fly occasionally, renting a car seat at your destination may be cheaper than buying one. Several companies rent car seats at major airports, though availability and pricing vary. Compare the rental cost against the purchase price for your specific trip — if you fly more than twice a year, buying usually makes financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my regular car seat on a plane if I buy a seat ticket for my child?
No. A regular car seat will not fit in an airplane seat, and using one violates FAA rules. You must use a seat that displays the FAA approval label. The label is the only way to confirm a seat meets airplane dimensions and safety standards.
Do I have to use a car seat on a plane, or can I hold my child in my lap?
The FAA does not require car seats for children on planes, but recommends them for children under age 2. You can hold your child in your lap if you choose, but you will not have a separate seat ticket. Using a car seat requires purchasing a ticket for your child.
Will my car seat fit in the overhead bin if I don't want to install it?
Most car seats are too large for overhead bins. If you bring a car seat to the plane, you must either install it in a passenger seat or check it as baggage. Confirm your airline's baggage policy before your trip to know whether checking is free.
What if the car seat doesn't fit in the airplane seat?
If the seat is too wide or the installation fails, the gate agent will not allow it on the plane. This is why confirming the model's FAA approval before you travel is important. If you arrive at the gate and the seat does not fit, you will need to check it as baggage or leave it behind, and your child will need to sit without the seat for that flight.
Can I use the same car seat in my rental car and on the plane?
Yes, if the seat carries FAA approval. You can install it in your rental car using the car's seat belt or LATCH system, then reinstall it on the plane using the airplane lap belt. This is one advantage of buying an aircraft-approved seat — it works in both places.