What makes a car seat legal to use on an airplane

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not certify or approve car seats. Instead, the FAA has rules about which car seats are safe enough to use during flight, and those rules are based on how the seat was originally certified for use in a car.

A car seat is legal to use on a plane if it was manufactured to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) — the standard for car seats sold in the United States. You can find this information on a label attached to the seat itself, usually on the back or bottom. The label will say something like "This seat conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" or "Manufactured to meet FMVSS 213."

The key point: you are not looking for an "FAA-approved" label, because that label does not exist. You are looking for proof that the seat meets the U.S. car safety standard. If it does, the FAA allows it on the plane.

Key Takeaways

  • Any car seat that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) can be used on a plane — look for this certification on a label attached to the seat itself.
  • You must purchase a separate ticket for your child to use the car seat; the seat cannot be used in a lap or on an empty seat next to you.
  • The car seat must be installed in a window seat using the airplane's seat belt, and it must face the direction the seat was designed for (forward or rear-facing).
  • Airlines have different policies about whether they allow car seats, so contact your airline before you travel to confirm they permit it and to understand any specific rules.
  • The car seat must be small enough to fit between the armrests of a standard airplane seat without blocking the aisle or emergency exits.

How to check if your car seat meets the standard

Look for a white or yellow label on the back, bottom, or side of your car seat. This label is required by law and will state that the seat meets FMVSS 213. If you cannot find the label or you are not sure, check the instruction manual that came with the seat — it will include this information.

If you have lost the manual, you can often find it on the manufacturer's website by searching for your car seat model number. The model number is usually printed on the same label as the safety certification.

Booster seats have different rules. High-back booster seats may be allowed on planes, but backless booster seats are not. Check with your airline about their specific policy for booster seats before you book.

What you need to do before flying

Contact your airline at least two weeks before your flight. Different airlines have different rules about car seats, and some require you to notify them in advance. Ask them:

  • Whether they allow car seats on the aircraft you will be flying
  • Whether the seat must be installed in a window seat only
  • Whether they have any size restrictions or specific installation requirements
  • Whether you need to bring documentation proving the seat meets FMVSS 213

You will need to purchase a ticket for your child in order to use the car seat. The seat cannot be used on an empty seat or held in a lap — your child must have their own assigned seat. This means you cannot use a car seat if you are flying with a lap infant on a free ticket.

How to install the car seat on the plane

The car seat must be installed in a window seat using the airplane's seat belt. Do not use the LATCH system (the connectors under the seat cushion) — airplane seats do not have LATCH anchors, and using them could damage the airplane seat.

Thread the airplane seat belt through the belt path on your car seat, following the same path you would use in a car. The seat belt should go through the lower slots for a forward-facing seat and the upper slots for a rear-facing seat. Tighten the belt firmly so the seat does not move side to side or front to back.

The car seat must face the direction it was designed for. If your seat is a rear-facing infant seat, it must face the back of the plane. If it is a forward-facing convertible or toddler seat, it must face the front of the plane. Do not turn the seat around.

Arrive at the gate early so you have time to install the seat before boarding. If you are unsure how to install it, ask a flight attendant — they are trained to help, though they cannot install it for you.

Size and fit requirements

Your car seat must fit between the armrests of the airplane seat without extending into the aisle or blocking an emergency exit. Most standard infant car seats and convertible seats fit within these dimensions, but some larger booster seats or specialty seats may not.

If you are unsure whether your seat will fit, contact the airline with the model number and dimensions of your car seat. You can also measure the seat yourself and compare it to the width of an airplane seat, which is typically 17 to 18 inches wide between the armrests.

If your car seat does not fit, you will not be able to use it on that aircraft. You would need to check it as baggage instead, though you should confirm with the airline whether they allow car seats in checked baggage.

What happens if you cannot use your car seat

If your car seat does not fit or your airline does not allow it, you have a few options. You can check the seat as baggage if the airline permits it, though this carries a risk of damage. You can rent a car seat at your destination through a car rental company or a specialty rental service. You can also purchase a smaller, more compact car seat designed specifically for travel.

If you are traveling with a lap infant (a child under 2 years old without a ticket), you cannot use a car seat on the plane. Your child will sit in your lap during flight. The FAA does not require car seats for lap infants, though many safety experts recommend purchasing a ticket and using a car seat anyway.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume your car seat is approved just because it is new or expensive. Check the label yourself — the only thing that matters is whether it meets FMVSS 213.

Do not try to use LATCH connectors on an airplane seat. Airplane seats do not have LATCH anchors, and forcing the connectors can damage the seat and create a safety hazard.

Do not install the seat in a middle or aisle seat. Most airlines require window seats only, because a car seat in the middle or aisle can block emergency exits or make it difficult for other passengers to move through the cabin.

Do not turn a rear-facing seat to face forward, or vice versa. The seat must face the direction it was designed for, regardless of what seems convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a booster seat on a plane?

High-back booster seats that meet FMVSS 213 may be allowed, but backless booster seats are not permitted on planes. Contact your airline to confirm their policy, as rules vary. Some airlines do not allow any booster seats at all.

What if my car seat is older — does it still meet the standard?

If the seat has a label stating it meets FMVSS 213, it can be used on a plane regardless of age. However, car seats have expiration dates (usually 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture), and you should not use an expired seat. Check the label for the expiration date.

Do I have to tell the airline I am bringing a car seat?

Yes, contact the airline before your flight. Different airlines have different policies, and some require advance notice. Showing up at the gate with a car seat without notifying the airline ahead of time could result in being told you cannot use it.

Can I use a car seat in the overhead bin or checked baggage?

No, the car seat must be installed in a seat with a ticket. You can check the seat as baggage if you are not using it on the plane, but confirm with your airline first — some have restrictions on checking car seats.

What if the car seat does not fit in the airplane seat?

If it does not fit between the armrests without blocking the aisle or emergency exits, you cannot use it on that aircraft. You would need to check it as baggage or rent a different seat at your destination.