FAA approval means a car seat has passed safety tests specific to airplane use, not just car crashes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not approve or certify car seats the way you might think. Instead, the FAA has a list of car seats that manufacturers have tested and confirmed will work safely in airplane seats. These seats have been crash-tested to withstand the forces of airplane turbulence and sudden deceleration. If a car seat is on the FAA's approved list, it means the maker has done the engineering work to show it will protect a child during flight.

This is different from a car seat being safe in a car. A seat can be excellent for driving but not approved for planes because the forces and angles are different. The FAA maintains an official list of approved models on its website, organized by manufacturer. You can search by brand and model number to confirm whether the specific seat you own or are considering will work on an airplane.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA maintains a searchable list of approved infant and child car seats on its website; you must check your exact model number because approval varies by year and version.
  • An approved car seat must be installed in a window seat using the airplane's seat belt, and the child must be at least two years old or weigh at least 20 pounds to use one.
  • Not all airlines allow car seats on every flight, and some charge a fee even though the seat takes up a paid passenger seat; call your airline before booking to confirm their policy.
  • If you do not use an approved car seat, your child under two years old must sit in your lap during flight, which is the FAA's default rule.

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

Go to the FAA's official website and look for the page titled "Child Safety Seats Approved for Use in Aircraft." The list is searchable by manufacturer name. Find your brand, then locate your exact model number — it is usually printed on a label on the back or bottom of the seat. The model number matters because a seat approved in 2022 might not be the same as one approved in 2024, even if they look identical.

If you cannot find your model, the seat is not approved for airplane use. You can still use it in a car, but you cannot use it on a plane. Some older seats that were once approved may no longer appear on the list if the manufacturer stopped testing them or if the design changed. If you are buying a new seat specifically for air travel, check the list before you purchase it, not after.

What you need to do to use an approved car seat on a plane

First, you must book a separate paid seat for your child. The car seat takes up a full seat, so you cannot use it if your child is sitting in your lap. You will need to purchase a ticket for your child, just as you would for any passenger. Some families choose to do this; others choose to hold their child in their lap instead, which is allowed for children under two.

Second, you must install the seat in a window seat using the airplane's seat belt. The middle and aisle seats are not permitted because the seat could obstruct the aisle or interfere with emergency procedures. You will need to know how to install the seat using only the airplane's lap belt — you cannot use the LATCH system (the connectors you use in a car) on an airplane. Many approved seats come with instructions for airplane installation, or you can contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Third, your child must meet the minimum size requirements. Most airlines require children to be at least two years old or weigh at least 20 pounds to sit in a car seat on a plane. Infants under two years old cannot use a car seat on a plane under FAA rules; they must sit in your lap. Check with your specific airline because some have additional rules.

Airline policies vary even when the seat is FAA approved

Just because a car seat is on the FAA list does not mean every airline will allow it. Some airlines have their own rules about which seats they accept, and some charge a fee even though the seat occupies a paid seat. A few airlines do not allow car seats on certain aircraft types, such as regional jets with smaller cabins.

Before you book your flight, call the airline directly and tell them the exact model of your car seat. Ask whether they allow it, whether there are any restrictions on which flights or aircraft it can be used on, and whether there is a fee. Some airlines waive the fee if you book the seat in advance; others charge it regardless. Getting this answer before you travel saves you from showing up at the airport with a seat you cannot use.

Alternatives if you do not use a car seat on the plane

If you do not purchase a separate seat for your child or if your car seat is not approved, your child under two years old will sit in your lap during the flight. This is the FAA's standard rule. Your child will be secured to you with an extension belt that attaches to your seat belt, though this belt is not considered as protective as a car seat.

Some families rent a car seat at their destination instead of traveling with one. This can be cheaper than buying a ticket for the seat, especially for a short trip. Car rental companies and some travel companies offer infant and child car seats for rent. You will still need to know whether the rental seat is approved for the airline you are flying, so call ahead.

Why the FAA has different rules for planes than for cars

Airplane seats and car seats experience different forces. In a car, a crash happens suddenly and the forces come from the front or side. On a plane, turbulence and sudden stops are gentler but can last longer, and the forces come from different angles. The FAA tested approved car seats to make sure they stay find and protect a child during these airplane-specific scenarios.

The FAA also has to balance safety with practical constraints. Airplanes have limited space, and requiring every child to have their own seat would make air travel much more expensive for families. The FAA decided that for children under two, sitting in a parent's lap with an extension belt is acceptable, while children two and older can use an approved car seat if the family chooses to purchase a seat.

What to check before you travel

Confirm your car seat model is on the FAA list. Write down the exact model number and take a photo of the label so you have proof at the airport. Call your airline and confirm they allow your specific seat, and ask about any fees or restrictions. If you are renting a car seat at your destination, book it in advance and confirm it is FAA-approved for your airline.

Arrive at the airport early so you have time to install the seat correctly in your window seat. If you have never installed it using an airplane seat belt, practice at home first or watch the manufacturer's video. The installation is different from a car, and you want to be comfortable with it before you are at the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a car seat on a plane if my child is under two years old?

No. FAA rules do not allow car seats for children under two years old on planes. Your child must sit in your lap with an extension belt. Once your child is two years old or weighs at least 20 pounds, you can use an approved car seat if you purchase a separate seat for them.

Do I have to buy a ticket for my child if I use a car seat?

Yes. A car seat takes up a full seat, so you must purchase a paid ticket for your child. If you do not want to buy a ticket, your child sits in your lap instead, and no car seat is used.

What happens if I bring an unapproved car seat to the airport?

The airline will not allow you to use it on the plane. You can check it as baggage if you want to use it at your destination, or you can leave it behind. You will need to hold your child in your lap during the flight instead.

Can I use a booster seat on a plane?

Booster seats are not approved for airplane use. Only infant and convertible car seats that appear on the FAA's official list can be used. Booster seats do not provide the same protection during airplane turbulence and are not tested for flight.

Do I need to install the car seat if my child is sitting in my lap?

No. If your child is under two years old or you choose not to use a car seat, your child sits in your lap with an extension belt. The car seat stays in checked baggage or at home.