FAA approval for car seats is not a safety rating — it's a certification that the seat will work safely when installed in an airplane seat

The Federal Aviation Administration does not test or rate car seats for safety. Instead, the FAA maintains a list of car seats that manufacturers have certified will not interfere with airplane seat structures and will restrain a child safely during flight turbulence and emergency situations. A car seat on this list can be used on a plane; one not on the list cannot, even if it's brand new and meets all car safety standards.

This distinction matters because airplane conditions are different from car conditions. A car seat must be installed in a specific way on an airplane seat, and the FAA's approval means the seat can be secured properly using the airplane's seat belt system. You cannot use LATCH connectors (the lower anchors in car seats) on an airplane — you must use only the airplane's lap and shoulder belt.

If you plan to bring your child's car seat onto a plane, you need to check whether that specific model appears on the FAA's approved list before you travel. Bringing an unapproved seat will result in the airline refusing to let you use it, and you'll have to check it as baggage instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA approves car seats for use on airplanes only — this is not a safety certification for cars or other uses.
  • You must check the FAA's official list to see if your specific car seat model is approved; brand name alone is not enough.
  • On an airplane, car seats must be installed using the airplane's seat belt, not LATCH connectors, even though LATCH is standard in cars.
  • Airlines will not allow you to use an unapproved car seat in a seat row, so checking the list before booking is essential.

How to learn about your car seat is on the FAA list

The FAA publishes an official list of approved car seats on its website. The list is organized by manufacturer and includes the specific model names and numbers. You need the exact model of your seat — "Graco" is not specific enough; you need something like "Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX" or the model number from the seat's label.

Go to the FAA's website and search for "approved child restraint devices." The list is updated periodically as manufacturers submit new models for approval. If your seat is not on the list, it cannot be used in an airplane seat, period. Some older seats that were once approved may no longer appear if the manufacturer stopped producing them.

Write down the exact model name and number before you contact the airline or arrive at the airport. Airlines sometimes ask to see proof, and having the information ready prevents delays at check-in.

What happens when you bring an approved car seat to the airport

Tell the airline when you book your ticket that you will be bringing a car seat. Some airlines let you reserve a specific seat in advance; others assign seats at check-in. You need a seat for your child anyway if the child is under 2 years old and you want them in the car seat rather than on your lap.

At the airport, bring the car seat to the gate with you. Do not check it as baggage unless you have decided not to use it on the plane. The gate agent will inspect it to confirm it matches the approved list, and then you'll install it in your assigned seat using the airplane's seat belt. The process takes a few minutes and is straightforward if the seat is approved.

If the airline or gate agent tells you the seat is not approved, you cannot use it in the seat row. You can check it as baggage for the flight, but you'll need to hold your child on your lap or purchase an additional seat if you want them in a car seat during the flight.

The difference between FAA approval and car safety ratings

A car seat can be excellent for protecting a child in a car crash and still not be on the FAA's approved list. The FAA is not evaluating crash protection — it's evaluating whether the seat can be secured in an airplane seat using an airplane's belt system and whether it will stay in place during turbulence or an emergency landing.

Conversely, a seat on the FAA list is approved for airplane use only. It still needs to meet all federal safety standards for car use (those are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA), but the FAA approval tells you nothing about how well it protects in a car crash. You should still choose a car seat based on crash test ratings and your vehicle's needs, then check whether it happens to be on the FAA list as a bonus.

Many newer car seats are designed to meet both standards, so they appear on the FAA list and also perform well in car crash tests. But the two certifications are separate, and a seat could theoretically pass one and not the other.

Installing an approved car seat on an airplane

Once you're in your seat row, you'll install the car seat using the airplane's lap and shoulder belt. Do not use LATCH connectors — they don't work on airplane seats and using them can damage the seat or the airplane's structure. The airplane's belt threads through the car seat's belt path, just as it would in a car, but the installation is simpler because there's no LATCH system involved.

The flight attendant may offer to help or may ask to see that it's installed correctly. If you're unsure how to install it, ask a flight attendant before takeoff. Most installations take less than a minute once you understand the belt path.

After landing, you'll unbuckle the airplane's seat belt and remove the car seat the same way you would in a car. You can then carry it off the plane or check it for your next flight if you're connecting.

What to do if your car seat is not approved

If your car seat is not on the FAA's list, you have a few options. You can check the seat as baggage and hold your child on your lap during the flight (if the child is under 2 and you choose this option). You can purchase a seat for your child and use a different car seat that is approved. Or you can buy or borrow an approved car seat for the flight.

Some families rent car seats at their destination instead of traveling with one. This avoids the need to check baggage and can be cheaper than buying a new seat if you only fly occasionally. Car rental companies and some airports offer car seat rentals.

If you're flying frequently with a young child, it may be worth purchasing an approved seat that also performs well in cars. Many manufacturers now design seats to meet both standards, so you get one seat that works everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a car seat on an airplane if it's not on the FAA list?

No. Airlines will not allow an unapproved car seat to be used in a seat row. You can check it as baggage, but you cannot use it during the flight. The FAA list is the only authority for airplane use.

Do I have to buy a new car seat if mine isn't approved?

No. You can hold your child on your lap (if under 2), purchase a seat for your child and use a different approved seat, or rent an approved seat at your destination. Buying a new seat is one option, but not the only one.

Will my car seat be damaged if I check it as baggage?

Car seats are durable and designed to survive baggage handling. Damage is uncommon, but it can happen. If you're concerned, ask the airline about their baggage policies or use a car seat travel bag for extra protection.

Can I use LATCH to install a car seat on an airplane?

No. Airplane seats do not have LATCH connectors, and using them on an airplane seat can damage both the seat and the aircraft. Always use the airplane's lap and shoulder belt to install a car seat on a plane.

How do I know which car seat to buy if I fly often?

Look for seats that appear on both the FAA approved list and have strong crash test ratings from NHTSA. Many newer seats meet both standards. Check the FAA list first, then research crash test performance for the models you're considering.