Car seats approved for aircraft must meet FAA standards and fit in the seat belt system
Not every car seat that works in your car will work on an airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific rules about which car seats can be used during flight, and those rules are narrower than what works on the road. A car seat is approved for aircraft use only if it carries a label stating it meets FAA standards, fits within the airplane seat dimensions, and can be secured using the standard airplane seat belt — not LATCH connectors, which do not exist on aircraft seats.
The label you are looking for is usually on the back or side of the car seat. It will say something like "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" or "FAA approved." Without that specific label, the seat cannot legally be used during flight, even if it is a premium model that works perfectly in your car.
Key Takeaways
- Only car seats with an FAA approval label can be used on aircraft; check the back or side of the seat for this certification.
- The seat must fit within airplane seat dimensions (typically 16 to 17 inches wide) and find with a standard airplane seat belt, not LATCH.
- Rear-facing infant seats and forward-facing convertible seats both have FAA-approved models, but not all models in those categories may have access to.
- Airlines may have additional rules about which seats they allow, so contact your airline before your flight to confirm their policy.
- If your car seat is not FAA approved, you can check the airline's loaner program or rent a seat at your destination instead.
How the FAA approval label works
The FAA does not maintain a public list of approved car seats. Instead, manufacturers test their seats against FAA standards and print a label on the seat itself if it passes. This means you cannot look up a model number online and get a definitive answer — you have to physically inspect the seat or contact the manufacturer.
The label typically appears on a sticker or tag on the back, bottom, or side of the seat. It will reference FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-100b or C-100c, or it will straightforward state that the seat is approved for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. If you are buying a seat secondhand or borrowing one, ask the owner to show you the label before you count on using it for air travel.
Some manufacturers print the approval information in the instruction manual as well, so if you cannot find a physical label, check the documentation that came with the seat. If there is no label and no mention in the manual, contact the manufacturer directly with the model number and ask whether that specific version carries FAA approval.
Rear-facing infant seats and aircraft approval
Rear-facing infant car seats come in two main types: infant-only seats (used from birth to roughly 30 pounds) and convertible seats used in rear-facing mode. Some models in both categories carry FAA approval, but not all. Popular FAA-approved rear-facing seats include certain models from manufacturers like Graco, Chicco, and Britax, though the specific models change as manufacturers update their lines.
The challenge with rear-facing seats on aircraft is width. Most airplane seats are 16 to 17 inches wide, and some rear-facing infant seats are wider than that, which means they will not fit even if they are FAA approved. You will need to measure your seat or check the manufacturer's specifications for width before booking your flight. Some airlines also have policies limiting rear-facing seats to certain rows or requiring advance notice.
If your rear-facing seat is too wide or not FAA approved, some airlines offer loaner seats at no charge, though availability varies. Contact your airline at least two weeks before your flight to ask what options they have and whether you need to reserve one.
Forward-facing convertible seats and booster seats
Forward-facing convertible seats (used from roughly 20 to 65 pounds) and high-back booster seats both have FAA-approved models available. These seats are generally narrower than rear-facing infant seats, so they are more likely to fit within airplane seat dimensions. However, the same rule applies: only models with an FAA approval label can be used during flight.
Backless booster seats are not approved for aircraft use. The FAA requires a seat back for aircraft, even though backless boosters are legal and effective in cars. If your child uses a backless booster at home, you will need a different seat for air travel — either a high-back booster with FAA approval or a convertible seat.
Forward-facing seats also need to find with the airplane seat belt, which means the seat belt must thread through the correct belt path on the car seat. Check your seat's manual to confirm which belt path to use for aircraft, as it may differ from the path you use in your car with LATCH connectors.
Measuring your seat and checking airline policies
Before you travel, measure the width of your car seat at its widest point. Most airplane seats are 16 to 17 inches wide, but some regional aircraft have narrower seats. If your seat is wider than 17 inches, it will not fit in a standard airplane seat, even if it is FAA approved. You can find your airplane's seat width by contacting the airline or checking the aircraft specifications online.
Airlines also set their own rules about car seats beyond FAA standards. Some airlines require advance notice if you plan to use a car seat. Others have restrictions on which rows allow car seats or whether rear-facing seats are permitted at all. A few airlines offer car seat rentals or loaner programs. Contact your airline directly at least two weeks before your flight to learn their specific policy and to reserve a loaner seat if you need one.
When you call, have your seat model number and dimensions ready. Ask the airline whether your specific seat is acceptable, whether you need to notify them when you book, and whether you should arrive early to install it. Some airlines require you to show the FAA approval label at check-in, so have a photo of it on your phone or bring the seat early enough to show the agent.
Installing a car seat on an aircraft
Installing a car seat on an airplane is simpler than installing one in a car because you only use the seat belt — no LATCH, no tether, no base. Thread the airplane seat belt through the correct belt path on your car seat (check your manual for which path to use), and fasten the seat belt normally. The seat should be snug and not move side to side.
Arrive at your gate early so you have time to install the seat without rushing. Flight attendants can help, but they are not required to do the installation for you, so it is worth practicing at home first if you are unfamiliar with your seat. If the seat does not fit or the belt does not thread correctly, alert a flight attendant when ready — do not take off with an improperly installed seat.
Once the seat is installed, your child sits in it during taxi, takeoff, and landing, just as they would in a car. During cruise, some airlines allow you to remove the child from the seat if it is a long flight, though policies vary. Ask the flight attendant what your airline permits.
What to do if your seat is not FAA approved
If your car seat does not have an FAA approval label, you have several options. The first is to contact the manufacturer and ask whether an updated version of your model carries approval — sometimes older versions do not, but newer ones do. If your model is not approved and will not be, you can rent a seat at your destination, borrow one from a friend who has an approved seat, or check whether your airline offers a loaner program.
Car seat rental companies operate at many major airports and can deliver a seat to your hotel or car rental location. Rental costs typically range from $10 to $15 per day, though prices vary by location and company. This option works well if you are flying for a short trip and do not want to buy a new seat or pay to check an unapproved seat as baggage.
Some airlines, including Southwest and United, offer free loaner car seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Call your airline to ask whether they have this program and whether you should reserve a seat in advance. Availability is not may provide, so do not rely on a loaner as your only backup plan.
Checking a car seat as baggage
If you have an unapproved car seat or prefer not to use it during flight, you can check it as baggage. Most airlines allow one car seat to be checked for free as part of your baggage allowance, though you should confirm this with your airline when you book. The seat should be placed in a protective travel bag to prevent damage during handling.
Checking a seat works well if you are renting a car at your destination and need your own seat for driving, or if you are staying with family who can provide a seat for the flight. However, if you need the seat during the flight itself — for example, because your child is under 2 and you want them in a seat rather than on your lap — you must use an FAA-approved seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my car seat on the airplane if it does not have an FAA label?
No. The FAA requires an approval label on the seat itself. Without it, flight attendants will not allow the seat to be used during flight, even if it is a high-quality seat that works well in your car. Check the back and sides of your seat for a label, or contact the manufacturer with your model number to confirm whether your specific version is approved.
What if my car seat is too wide for the airplane seat?
If your seat is wider than the airplane seat, it will not fit, and you cannot use it during flight. Measure your seat at its widest point and contact your airline to learn the width of their seats. If your seat does not fit, ask about loaner programs, rental options, or whether you can check the seat as baggage instead.
Do I have to use a car seat on an airplane if my child is under 2?
No. The FAA does not require a car seat for children under 2; you can hold your child in your lap during flight. However, the FAA recommends using a seat or harness for safety. If you choose to use a seat, it must be FAA approved and properly installed.
Can I use a booster seat without a back on an airplane?
No. The FAA requires a seat back for aircraft use, so backless booster seats are not permitted. You will need a high-back booster with FAA approval or a convertible seat instead.
How early should I arrive if I am bringing a car seat?
Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than you normally would so you have time to install the seat without rushing. If you are unfamiliar with the installation, practice at home first. Bring a photo of the FAA approval label on your phone in case the airline asks to see it.