What the FAA approves for car seats on planes

The FAA allows most car seats on planes, but only if they meet one specific requirement: they must carry a label stating they are approved for aircraft use. This label is usually on the back or side of the seat and says something like "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" or lists the seat as meeting Technical Standard Order (TSO) C100b or C127b. If your car seat has this label, you can bring it aboard and use it during flight. If it does not have the label, you cannot use it on the plane, even if it is a brand-new, expensive model.

Not all car seats have this label. Many standard car seats sold for cars only do not meet the aircraft certification. Before you book your flight or pack your car seat, check the label on the back of your seat or look at the instruction manual that came with it. The manual will state whether the seat is approved for aircraft use. If you cannot find the information, contact the manufacturer directly — they can tell you in minutes whether your specific model is approved.

Key Takeaways

  • Your car seat must have a label stating it is approved for aircraft use; most standard car seats do not have this label.
  • The approval label usually appears on the back or side of the seat and references TSO C100b or C127b standards.
  • You will need to purchase a separate ticket for your child to use the car seat during flight, since the seat takes up a passenger seat.
  • The car seat must be installed in a window seat using the airplane's seat belt or LATCH system, never in the aisle or middle seat.
  • Check your car seat's manual or contact the manufacturer before your trip to confirm approval; do not assume a new seat is approved.

How to find the approval label on your car seat

The label you are looking for is usually printed directly on the plastic shell of the car seat, most often on the back panel or the side. It is small — typically 2 to 3 inches — and may be white text on a dark background or vice versa. The exact wording varies by manufacturer, but it will mention "aircraft" or "airplane" and often includes the phrase "certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Some seats list the TSO standard number instead, which is the FAA's technical certification code.

If you cannot locate a label on the seat itself, open the instruction manual that came with the car seat. The manual will have a section titled something like "Aircraft Use" or "Airplane Travel" that states whether the seat is approved. If you no longer have the manual, you can usually read it from the manufacturer's website by entering your car seat model number. Alternatively, call the manufacturer's customer service line — they have this information in their system and can confirm approval in under five minutes.

Which popular car seat brands are approved for aircraft

Several major car seat manufacturers produce models with aircraft approval, though not every model from these brands is approved. Graco, Chicco, Britax, Evenflo, and Safety 1st all make some seats that carry the aircraft label. However, the approval is specific to individual models and sometimes to specific production years, so you cannot assume that because one Graco seat is approved, all Graco seats are approved.

The safest approach is to check your specific seat's label or manual rather than relying on the brand name. If you are shopping for a new car seat and want one that works on planes, search the manufacturer's website for "aircraft approved" or "airplane approved" models, or call their customer service before you purchase. Some retailers also list aircraft approval in the product description online, though this is not always accurate, so verify with the manufacturer's label or manual.

Purchasing a ticket and reserving a seat for your child

To use a car seat on a plane, your child must have their own paid ticket. You cannot use a car seat in a lap child seat or in a seat you are sharing with your child. The car seat takes up a full passenger seat, so you will need to purchase a ticket for your child just as you would if they were sitting in the seat without a car seat. Some airlines offer discounted child fares, but the seat itself must be paid for.

When you book your flight, you do not need to tell the airline in advance that you are bringing a car seat — you straightforward purchase the ticket. However, it is a good idea to call the airline after you book and let them know you will be using a car seat. This gives them a heads-up and allows you to ask about their specific procedures, such as whether they prefer you to install the seat before boarding or after the cabin doors close. Some airlines have policies about which seats work best for car seat installation, so a quick call can save you trouble at the gate.

Installing your car seat correctly on the airplane

The car seat must be installed in a window seat only — never in the middle seat or aisle seat. This is a safety rule set by the FAA. The window seat gives you access to the wall of the plane, which provides stability for the seat. To install it, you will use the airplane's seat belt to find the car seat, threading the belt through the seat's belt path just as you would in a car. Some newer car seats also work with the airplane's LATCH system, though this is less common on planes than in vehicles.

The installation process takes about five to ten minutes if you are familiar with your car seat. If you have never installed it before, practice at home or arrive at the airport early so you have time to figure it out without rushing. The flight attendants can answer basic questions, but they are not trained to install car seats, so you will be doing the installation yourself. Once the seat is installed and your child is buckled in, the car seat stays in place for the entire flight, including takeoff and landing.

What happens if your car seat is not approved

If your car seat does not have the aircraft approval label, you have two options: purchase a different car seat that is approved, or travel without using a car seat on the plane. Many parents choose to use a car seat only in the car at their destination and let their child sit in a regular airplane seat during the flight. This is legal — the FAA does not require car seats on planes, only allows them if they meet the approval standard.

If you decide to purchase an approved car seat specifically for flying, you do not need to buy an expensive model. Several manufacturers make basic, lightweight car seats with aircraft approval that are designed partly for travel. These seats are often cheaper than full-featured car seats and take up less luggage space. Check the manufacturer's website or call customer service to confirm the model is approved before you buy.

Traveling with your car seat through the airport

You can bring your car seat through security and onto the plane as a carry-on item, or you can check it as baggage. If you check it, the airline will place it in the cargo hold with your other luggage, and you will pick it up at baggage claim at your destination. If you carry it on, you will have it with you in the cabin, which is useful if you want to install it when ready after boarding or if you are worried about damage during baggage handling.

Many parents check the car seat to save space in the cabin and avoid the hassle of carrying it through the airport. If you do check it, consider placing it in a car seat travel bag to protect it during handling. These bags are inexpensive and designed specifically for this purpose. If you carry it on, be aware that it will take up overhead bin space or floor space near your seat, so factor that into your packing plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a booster seat on an airplane?

No. The FAA only approves convertible car seats and infant car seats for aircraft use, not booster seats. Booster seats do not have the aircraft approval label and are not certified for airplane use. If your child is old enough to use a booster seat, they are old enough to sit in a regular airplane seat with the seat belt.

What if the airline says my approved car seat cannot be used?

This is rare, but it can happen if the flight attendant is unfamiliar with the rules or if there is a specific issue with the seat installation. Politely show the flight attendant the approval label on the back of your car seat and explain that it is FAA-approved for aircraft use. If there is still a problem, ask to speak with the flight crew or gate agent. Having your car seat's manual or a photo of the approval label on your phone can help resolve the issue quickly.

Do I need to remove the car seat during takeoff and landing?

No. Once your car seat is properly installed and your child is buckled in, it stays in place throughout the entire flight, including takeoff, landing, and any turbulence. The car seat is designed to protect your child during these phases of flight, just as it does in a car.

Can I use a car seat in the middle or aisle seat?

No. FAA rules require the car seat to be in a window seat only. The window seat provides the stability needed for safe installation. If your flight does not have available window seats, you will need to use a regular airplane seat for your child instead of the car seat.

What if I am flying with two children and only one approved car seat?

You can use the car seat for one child and seat the other child in a regular airplane seat. You will need to purchase a ticket for each child. If you want both children in car seats, you will need to purchase or bring two approved car seats and two child tickets, and install them in two window seats.