Car seats approved for air travel must meet FAA standards and fit in your seat
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not maintain a published list of approved car seats. Instead, the FAA sets standards that car seat manufacturers must follow, and manufacturers decide whether to certify their seats for airplane use. A car seat is approved for air travel if the manufacturer has tested it to FAA standards and labeled it with a sticker or documentation stating it meets those standards.
Most major car seat brands offer at least one model certified for airplane use. The certification means the seat has been tested to withstand the forces of turbulence and sudden deceleration at 16 times the force of gravity. It does not mean the seat is safer on a plane than holding a child — the FAA allows both — but it does mean the seat will not fail structurally during flight.
Before you buy or bring a car seat to the airport, you need to know three things: whether your specific model is certified, whether it will physically fit in an airplane seat, and whether your airline charges for the extra seat it occupies.
Key Takeaways
- Car seats approved for air travel have a manufacturer label or documentation stating they meet FAA standards — check your seat's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm.
- An approved car seat must also fit within a standard airplane seat (typically 17 to 18 inches wide), so measure your seat before traveling.
- Using a car seat on a plane requires purchasing a separate ticket for the child, since the seat occupies a full passenger seat.
- Convertible car seats and booster seats have different size and weight limits for airplane use, so verify your child's size against your specific seat's documentation.
- If your car seat does not fit or is not approved, you can hold your child in your lap during flight, which is permitted by the FAA.
How to learn about your car seat is FAA-approved
Check your car seat's manual first. Approved seats have a label or sticker on the seat itself or documentation in the manual that states the seat meets FAA standards for use on aircraft. The label typically says something like "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" or references FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) C100a or C100b.
If you cannot find the label or manual, contact the manufacturer directly. You can usually find contact information on the manufacturer's website or on the seat itself. Have your seat's model number ready — it is usually printed on a tag attached to the seat frame. The manufacturer can tell you in one call whether that specific model is certified and can email you documentation if you need it for the airline.
Do not assume a newer or more expensive seat is approved. Some premium seats are not certified for air travel, and some older seats are. The certification is a separate testing process that the manufacturer chooses to pursue, not a standard feature of all seats in a price range.
Measuring your car seat to fit in an airplane seat
Airplane seats are narrower than car seats. A standard commercial airplane seat is between 17 and 18 inches wide. Most car seats are 18 to 20 inches wide, which means many will not fit even if they are approved for air travel.
Measure the width of your car seat at its widest point — usually across the base or the sides of the shell. If it is 17 inches or narrower, it will likely fit. If it is 18 inches or wider, test it in an actual airplane seat before your trip. Some airlines allow you to bring the seat to the gate and test the fit before boarding; others require you to know in advance.
Call your airline before you travel and ask whether they allow gate-testing of car seats. If they do, bring the seat to the airport and test it in an empty seat at the gate. If they do not, you may need to contact the airline in advance with your seat's dimensions so they can confirm it will fit. Keep the manufacturer's documentation handy — some gate agents will ask to see proof that the seat is approved.
Purchasing a ticket for the car seat
Using a car seat on a plane requires a separate paid ticket for your child. You cannot use the car seat in an empty middle seat or a seat you do not own. The seat occupies a full passenger seat, and you must purchase a ticket for that seat.
Book your flight with a seat assignment in mind. If you are traveling with a partner, request two seats next to each other — one for you and one for the car seat. If you are traveling alone with a child, you will occupy one seat and the car seat will occupy the seat next to you. Some airlines offer discounted child fares, but the seat itself still requires a full-price ticket.
When you book, you do not need to tell the airline you are bringing a car seat — just purchase the ticket. However, it is helpful to call the airline a few days before your flight to confirm that your specific car seat model will fit and to ask about their procedures for installing it during boarding.
Installing a car seat on an airplane
Car seats on planes are installed using the airplane seat belt, not the LATCH system you use in a car. The airplane seat belt threads through the car seat's belt path the same way a car's lap belt does. If your car seat has a LATCH-only design with no belt path, it cannot be used on an airplane.
Arrive early enough to install the seat before boarding begins. You will need 5 to 10 minutes to thread the belt and tighten it properly. The seat should not move side to side or front to back when you push on it. If it shifts, loosen the belt and try again — the belt may not be threaded correctly.
Some car seats come with an airplane belt lock or tether strap designed to find the seat more tightly to the airplane seat belt. Check your manual to see if your seat includes this accessory. If it does, use it. If not, the standard belt installation is sufficient.
What to do if your car seat does not fit or is not approved
If your car seat is too wide, not approved for air travel, or you decide not to bring it, you can hold your child in your lap during the flight. The FAA permits this for children of any age. You will not need to purchase a separate ticket, and your child does not need a restraint during flight.
If you are renting a car at your destination, ask the rental company whether they provide car seats. Most major rental companies offer car seats for an additional daily fee, which is often cheaper than checking a car seat as baggage or buying a travel-specific seat.
If you are flying frequently with a young child, consider purchasing a lightweight travel car seat designed specifically for air travel. These seats are narrower than standard car seats and are certified for airplane use. They cost between $100 and $300 and can be easier to transport than a full-size seat.
Checking a car seat as baggage instead of using it on the plane
You can check your car seat as baggage on most airlines at no additional charge. This means you will hold your child in your lap during the flight, and the car seat will travel in the cargo hold. You will have the seat available when you land.
To check a car seat, arrive at the ticket counter and tell the agent you want to check the seat. Some airlines require you to place the seat in a protective bag to prevent damage; others allow you to check it as is. Ask at the counter what their procedure is. The seat will be loaded onto the plane with your other checked baggage and will be available at baggage claim when you land.
Checking the seat is useful if you are renting a car at your destination and want your own seat available, or if your seat does not fit in the airplane seat but you want it for ground transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a booster seat on an airplane?
High-back booster seats can be used on airplanes if they are FAA-approved and fit in the seat. Backless booster seats cannot be used on planes because they do not provide the structure needed for airplane use. Check your booster seat's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm whether your specific model is approved.
Do I need to buy a special car seat for flying?
No. Any car seat that is FAA-approved and fits in an airplane seat will work. You do not need to buy a travel-specific seat unless your regular seat is too wide or not approved. Many families use the same seat they use in their car.
What happens if my car seat does not fit in the airplane seat?
If the seat is too wide or does not fit for any reason, you can hold your child in your lap during the flight. The FAA permits this. You will not need a separate ticket, and your child will not need a restraint. You can also check the seat as baggage so it is available when you land.
Do I need to notify the airline that I am bringing a car seat?
You do not need to notify them when you book, but it is helpful to call a few days before your flight to confirm your seat model will fit and to ask about their installation procedures. This prevents surprises at the gate and gives you time to make other arrangements if needed.
Can I use a car seat in an exit row or bulkhead seat?
No. Car seats can only be used in standard passenger seats. Exit row and bulkhead seats have different safety requirements and cannot accommodate car seats. When you book your flight, request a standard seat assignment if you plan to use a car seat.