FAA approval means a car seat has passed federal crash tests and meets specific design rules for use on airplanes
An FAA-approved car seat is one that the Federal Aviation Administration has certified safe for use during flight. The FAA does not test car seats itself — instead, manufacturers test their own products against FAA standards and label them accordingly. If a car seat has an FAA approval label, it means the maker confirmed it meets the agency's structural and installation requirements for airplane use.
The key difference between an FAA-approved seat and a regular car seat is that the approved version has been engineered to stay find during aircraft turbulence and sudden movements. A regular car seat designed only for vehicles may not be built to withstand the forces that occur at 30,000 feet. When you fly with a child, using an approved seat protects them in the same way a car seat protects them on the road — by keeping them restrained and positioned safely.
Not every car seat is approved for air travel, and not every approved seat works the same way. Some are approved for both cars and planes. Others are approved for planes only. The label on the seat itself tells you which uses are permitted.
Key Takeaways
- An FAA-approved car seat has a label stating it meets federal standards for airplane use, though the FAA does not perform the testing itself.
- Some car seats are approved for both vehicles and aircraft, while others are approved for aircraft only — check the label to know which applies to yours.
- The seat must be installed in a window seat using the airplane's seat belt, and your child must be at least 2 years old or weigh at least 20 pounds to use one.
- You can bring an approved car seat on the plane at no extra charge if you have purchased a seat for your child, but it takes up that seat's space.
- If you do not own an approved seat, you can rent one at your destination or purchase one before your trip.
How to identify an FAA-approved car seat
Look for a label on the car seat itself that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" or "This restraint is certified for use in aircraft only." The label is usually attached to the back or side of the seat. If you cannot find a label, check the manufacturer's website or the instruction manual that came with the seat.
The manufacturer's name and model number appear on the label. Write these down before you travel, because you may need to show them to airline staff at the gate. Some airlines ask to see proof that the seat is approved before allowing it on board.
If you are shopping for a new car seat and plan to fly, look for models labeled as dual-use — approved for both cars and planes. This saves you from buying two separate seats. Popular dual-use models include the Graco SnugRide, the Chicco KeyFit, and the Britax Boulevard, though availability and approval status change over time. Check the current label on any seat you are considering, because approval can be withdrawn if a manufacturer changes the design.
Installation rules for airplane use
An FAA-approved car seat must be installed in a window seat only, never in a middle or aisle seat. This rule exists because the seat takes up space and must not block the aisle or prevent other passengers from leaving quickly in an emergency. The seat is secured using the airplane's standard seat belt, not the LATCH system you use in a car.
To install the seat on the plane, thread the airplane's lap belt through the belt path on the car seat, then fasten it. The seat should be snug and not move side to side. Flight attendants can help you, but they are not required to do so — it is your responsibility to install it correctly. If you are unsure, ask a flight attendant before takeoff.
Your child must be at least 2 years old or weigh at least 20 pounds to use the car seat on the plane. Infants under 2 years old are permitted to sit on a parent's lap during flight, though some parents choose to purchase a seat for an infant anyway for added safety. If you do purchase a seat for an infant, the same installation rules explore.
Booking and bringing a car seat on your flight
When you book your ticket, you do not need to tell the airline you are bringing a car seat — it is not considered luggage or a special item. However, you do need to purchase a separate ticket for your child if you want them to sit in the car seat. If your child is under 2 and sitting on your lap, no extra ticket is required, but you also cannot use the car seat.
At the airport, bring the car seat to the gate with you rather than checking it as baggage. Gate-checking (leaving it at the gate to be loaded into the cargo hold) is an option if you do not want to carry it through the terminal, but you risk damage during handling. Many parents prefer to carry it on and install it themselves to may support it is not damaged.
When you arrive at your destination, you can use the same car seat in a rental car if it is approved for vehicle use. If the seat is approved for aircraft only, you will need a different car seat for ground transportation, or you can rent one at the car rental counter.
Renting or purchasing a car seat for your trip
If you do not own an FAA-approved car seat, you have two main options: rent one at your destination or purchase one before you travel. Rental companies like Baby's Away and Traveling with Baby deliver car seats to your hotel or rental car at major airports and cities. Rental costs typically range from $10 to $20 per day, depending on the location and seat model.
Purchasing a new seat before your trip gives you a seat to keep and use at home afterward. Budget airlines and some full-service carriers sell car seats at the gate for around $50 to $100, though availability is limited and prices are higher than retail. Buying online before your trip and having it shipped to your hotel or picking it up at the airport is often cheaper.
If you rent a car at your destination, ask the rental company whether they have car seats available. Many do, though they may not be FAA-approved for air travel — they are approved for vehicles only. Confirm the approval status before you rent.
What happens if your car seat is not approved
If your car seat does not have an FAA approval label, you cannot use it on the airplane. The airline will not allow it on board, even if it is a high-quality seat that works well in your car. You will have to leave it behind, check it as baggage, or purchase a different seat at the airport.
Some parents choose to check their non-approved car seat as baggage and rent an approved one at their destination. Others purchase an inexpensive approved seat just for flying and donate it or give it away after the trip. The choice depends on your budget and how often you fly with your child.
If you are unsure whether your seat is approved, contact the manufacturer directly with the model number. They can tell you whether an approval label should be present and where to find it. Do not assume a seat is approved based on its price or brand — always verify by looking for the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a booster seat on an airplane?
No. The FAA only approves car seats with a five-point harness or a three-point harness, not booster seats. Booster seats rely on the vehicle's seat belt to work properly, and airplane seat belts are not designed to work with boosters. Your child must use a car seat with a harness or sit on your lap if they are under 2 years old.
Do I have to buy a ticket for my child if I bring a car seat?
Yes, if you want your child to sit in the car seat. The seat takes up a full airplane seat, so you must purchase a ticket for your child to occupy that space. If your child is under 2 and you want them to sit on your lap instead, no ticket is required, but you cannot use the car seat.
What if the airline says my approved car seat is not allowed?
This is rare, but it can happen if the airline has outdated information or if the seat model was recently recalled. Ask to speak with a supervisor and show them the FAA approval label. If the airline still refuses, ask them to provide the reason in writing. You can then contact the FAA or the car seat manufacturer to clarify the approval status.
Can I use a car seat on a connecting flight?
Yes. If you have a connecting flight, you can use the car seat on both legs of your journey. You will need to remove it between flights and reinstall it on the next plane. If you gate-checked the seat on the first flight, it will be returned to you at the gate before your connection.
Is it worth buying a car seat just for flying?
That depends on how often you fly and whether you already own a dual-use seat. If you fly once a year or less, renting at your destination is usually cheaper. If you fly several times a year or want the seat for ground transportation as well, purchasing a dual-use model makes sense.