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The 8 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We rounded up the best travel-friendly car seats to keep your kids safe wherever you go.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

You May Also Need

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Cassie Aulie

Traveling with children can be a gratifying and enriching experience, but family vacations are also challenging because of the extra items you need to pack (and carry), including a car seat, which adds quite a lot of bulk to your luggage. That's why we set out to find the most compact, travel-friendly, lightweight, and easy-to-install car seats on the market right now.

We combed through results and feedback from three different real-world car seat tests in which we tested a total of 57 car seats, looking specifically for portable, travel-friendly options. During testing, we looked at several factors like design, features, ease of cleaning, value, and — most importantly — safety. Below, we rounded up eight of the best travel car seats to consider for your next family getaway.

Best Overall

Graco contender slim convertible car seat.

It is an excellent fit for compact cars.

The chest buckle is large and bulky.

Lugging around a heavy car seat in addition to your luggage is not pleasant, but this car seat will make your life so much easier. Not only is it the lightest car seat on our list, but it is also the slimmest, making it an excellent choice for both compact and larger vehicles (or for larger families who need to fit more than one car seat in the backseat). Installation took us about 15 minutes, and then it was pretty intuitive to use. It has several inserts that help you customize it for your child, including an infant insert with extra padding, eight headrest heights, and two reclining positions.

It also has a removable cup for snacks and drinks that you can place on either side of the seat. And while we only had to spot-clean it, if you need to wash the entire cover, you can take it off and throw it in the washing machine. The fabric is breathable and has held up exceptionally well after over a month of use.

The Details: Weighs 16 pounds; holds 65 pounds | 24.75 x 18.9 x 21.5 inches | Rear and forward modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Travel + Leisure

Best Rotating

Evenflo gold revolve360 convertible car seat.

It’s easy to install and rotates 360 degrees.

It would be nice if it had a built-in sunshade.

Four minutes: that's exactly how much time it took us to install this Evenflo car seat after watching the instructional video. It was an incredibly easy-to-follow process, and we found the audible click and level indicator super helpful. But the most impressive feature of this convertible car seat is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, which is a complete game changer for parents (seriously, our team member who tested this car seat said it spoiled them into "never using a car seat that doesn't have this feature"). This means that the seat can transform into rear- or forward-facing in seconds without the need to uninstall the entire seat and base. Just pull one of the two levers on either side and start rotating it. This feature also makes it super convenient to place your child in the seat and buckle them because you no longer have to bend at an awkward angle. 

Comfort is also a standout feature, and the upholstery fabric of this car seat felt soft, breathable, and very high-quality (cleaning it is also a breeze). The overall padding of the car seat and the generous recline positions also contribute to a more comfortable trip. And finally, while this is not the lightest car seat at 40.6 pounds, its design is quite compact, and even if you install it in a smaller vehicle, you will be left with a good amount of legroom and recline space for the seat in front. 

Shoppers should also note that the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is currently evaluating this car seat .

The Details: Weighs 40.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 25.9 x 19.8 x 21 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Belt- and latch-compatible

Best for Compact Cars

Diono radian 3rxt convertible car seat.

 Amazon

The seat folds, making it easy to carry.

The initial installation takes more time than some of the other options on this list.

When renting a large car is not always possible, this Diono car seat is the way to go. First, it's much easier to carry (and store) because of its slim, foldable design. And while the installation took us a while compared to others on this list (about 45 minutes to an hour), we found it to be a perfect match for a smaller vehicle similar to a Fiat 500. 

Second, buckling and unbuckling is super intuitive, and the straps never get tangled up. And even after a year of constant use, the fabric is in excellent condition with few signs of wear and tear other than some light fading. You can also remove the cover and machine wash it, another very convenient feature. 

Third, we love that even though the seat is about 17 inches wide, it features additional padding and side protection without compromising comfort. Lastly, this car seat is also FAA-approved, so feel free to fly with it.

The Details: Weights 30.6 pounds; holds up to 120 pounds | 17 x 28.5 x 16 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Best With Stroller

Doona car seat and stroller.

The wheels fold up and attach to the seat.

There is no storage space, and you need to purchase the base separately. 

There is a reason the Doona car seat is a best-seller and an all-time parent favorite. It's all in the smart design that combines a car seat and a stroller in one compact product. Unlike other models, the wheels of this car seat collapse under it so you can latch it into its base (sold separately). Basically, you can bid adieu to lugging a stroller and a car seat. This is the ultimate travel-friendly stroller/car seat combo for infants and toddlers up to 35 pounds. We recommend you take your time to read the folding and unfolding instructions before you use it. It took us some time to figure out what each button was for and how to attach it to the base correctly, but it was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it.

The Doona is upholstered in a cooling bamboo fabric for added comfort, and it has a canopy for shade. The car seat also performed exceptionally well in our maneuverability category during testing — it was a breeze pushing it even with one hand. The brake was easy to engage and disengage, so this is the perfect option for a city vacation or a road trip that requires you to quickly transport your baby in and out of the car.

The Details: Weights 16.5 pounds; holds up to 35 pounds | 26 x 17.4 x 22.4 inches (folded) | Rear-facing | Latch and belt

Most Durable

Graco extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat.

This option proved to be most durable after we used it for more than two years.

The shoulder straps are difficult to adjust.

We tested this car seat for over two years, and it has held up exceptionally well against wear and tear, spills, and everything a toddler can (literally) throw at it. Graco makes some of the sturdiest, most durable car seats by focusing on quality and safety, and this is exactly why we included the Extend2Fit model in this list.

The car seat is easy to install (it took us about 20 minutes), and even if you're setting it up in a smaller vehicle, it leaves plenty of legroom and recline space. We appreciated the two deep cup holders that are perfect for holding sippy cups and snacks (and bonus points for how easy they are to clean). This car seat has a unique feature that accommodates growing kids — a retractable panel provides five extra inches of legroom, making it safer for taller infants and toddlers to ride in a rear-facing position.

The Details: Weighs 19 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 24.5 x 20.75 x 19 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Most Comfortable

Safety 1st grow and go lx convertible car seat.

You can use the footrest in both rear- and forward-facing positions, making it comfortable no matter which way kids sit.

 It is a bit tricky to install.

Looking for a car seat to keep your little one comfortable during long road trips? This one performed well in almost all categories thanks to its easy use, design, durability, and overall value. Its size is generous (so it may not be a great fit for compact vehicles) and provides ample space for kids to grow into without compromising on padding and safety.

Safety 1st updated this model with a footrest that really impressed us because you can use it in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions so your child's feet will not dangle for hours. We also love that the removable cups are dishwasher-safe and come with convenient lids to prevent messes (but in any case, the cover is removable and machine-washable). The car seat we tested still looks new, and the fabric seems spill-resistant.

The Details: Weighs 20 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 23.5 x 19 x 25 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch and belt

Best for Multiple Age Groups

Graco 3-in-1 rotating car seat.

It is super easy to install and accommodates various age groups.

This rotating car seat works better in larger cars and may be a tight squeeze in smaller vehicles.

Your child should be all set for years to come with Graco's convertible car seat, which accommodates children up to 100 pounds. It rotates in a rear-facing position so you can get your baby in and out of it more easily. As for securing your child, the buckles are extremely easy to use, and the straps stay in sync — meaning that if you loosen one, the other will loosen automatically, too. And with four reclining positions, your child will be comfortable whether they are taking a nap, eating a snack, or playing.

We tested this car seat in a mid-size SUV, and it left plenty of reclining space for the seat in front. However, if you install it in a smaller vehicle, it might be a much tighter situation. And speaking of the installation, it only took us 17 minutes to read the instructions, watch the YouTube video, and install it. Finally, this seat grows with your child as it can accommodate kids weighing from four to 100 pounds. 

The Details: Weighs 30 pounds; holds up to 100 pounds | 19.1 x 24.4 x 20.8 inches | Rear, forward, and booster modes | Latch

Easiest Installation

Britax emblem 3-stage convertible car seat.

This no-fuss car seat is quick to install, and it only weighs 19 pounds.

There are no extra features such as cup holders or sensors.

If you're in the market for a no-fuss, easy-to-use car seat, this is it. Installation is standard (although you will still have to read the instructions to do it), and once you've practiced a couple of times, you will be able to install it pretty fast in any vehicle. We tested it in a sedan and an SUV, and it fits well in both (although the SUV was a slightly better fit). Thanks to the excellent design, using it is a breeze. Buckling your child, adjusting the harness, and reclining is intuitive and stress-free, which is exactly what you need when you're on the road. And while it may not have many bells and whistles, it provides excellent padding, and the fabric is soft and pillowy without feeling scratchy. 

The Details: Weighs 19.5 pounds; holds up to 65 pounds | 21 x 18.3 x 26 inches | Rear and forward modes | Latch

Other Car Seats We Liked

We tested so many car seats that we think there are a few more worth mentioning, although we didn't love them quite as much as the others on our main list.

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System: This stroller and car seat combo is a good option for parents looking for a two-in-one. The stroller is easy to maneuver and collapses into a pretty compact and travel-friendly size. The car seat has a weight capacity of 35 pounds, so it can only be used in a rear-facing position.

Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat : This rear-facing car seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which is impressive (however, keep in mind that the seat itself is almost 28 pounds). The straps and the buckles are very easy to use and don't get in the way when you place your child in and out of the seat.

We used results from three real-world tests in which we reviewed convertible car seats, rotating convertible car seats, and car seat stroller combos to find our favorite travel-friendly options. We sorted through feedback from 57 car seats we tested, looking at weight, size, and performance in multiple categories, including ease of installation, ease of use, design, features, safety, value, and more.

We also consulted Ben Hoffman, MD, a pediatrician and nationally recognized expert in child injury prevention and education, to ensure the safety of the products we chose for real-life tests. In addition, every car seat meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) standards.

Tips for Buying a Travel Car Seat

Look for portability.

Portability is one of the major factors differentiating a standard car seat from one you'll mostly use while traveling. Consider its weight and size: opt for lighter and more compact car seats that you can carry without compromising safety features. Some car seats fold or feature collapsible stroller wheels — all features that come in handy when you're on the road or in transit. 

Consider ease of installation

When you're just getting off a long-haul flight and need to get in the car and drive for hours, the last thing you want is to waste time installing a car seat. That's why your travel car seat should be simple to install and use. Check if the vehicle you are setting it up in accommodates a latch or belt car seat, and make sure that yours can comfortably fit in the back seat of whatever size car you may be renting. Then, read through the installation instructions or watch the video, and make sure you don't need another adult to help you safely install it. 

Pay attention to your child's weight and height

Every car seat has strict weight and height limits to ensure your child's safety. Some might also have age restrictions, but they are not as important as children are different and grow at their own pace.Make sure you weigh and measure your child before purchasing a travel car seat. The good thing about convertible car seats is that you can use them in both rear- and forward-facing positions as your child grows so you don't have to invest in a new car seat every few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you must first ensure the car seat is FAA-approved (it will say so on the car seat). In fact, while using a car seat on a plane is not required, the FAA recommends it to ensure your little one's safety in case of turbulence, for example. If traveling on an international airline outside the U.S., check with that airline's policies, size limitations, and guidelines before your trip, as some international airlines do not allow car seats on board. Usually, using a booster seat during a flight is not an issue with airlines, and it doesn't count toward your carry-on luggage allowance.

The short answer is yes. Airlines will usually check in a car seat, stroller, or a child restraint system for free (one per child). However, the tricky part is that if you're not traveling with a child, you might have to pay to check in the car seat, so in this case, it's always best to contact the airline before your trip.

If your car seat is oversized, you will be asked to check it in at the airport, so it's essential to place it in a protective bag that will offer some sort of protection while in the cargo hold of the plane. Even if you plan on using your car seat during the flight, a travel bag can help make carrying it through the airport easier. Some car seats come with travel bags that have handles. If your car seat doesn't come with one, you can likely purchase it from the maker's website or find one that accommodates the size of your car seat on Amazon. Certain bags even feature wheels so you can roll the car seat through the airport.

Most car rental companies offer car seats as an add-on for a fee, so if you don't want to invest in one or carry it with you, you can always rent one. U.S. car rental companies must offer car seats that comply with state and federal laws. However, if you're traveling internationally, the risk is that you don't know if the car seat has been stored and cleaned properly or if it’s ever been in an accident. It also means you have to install it yourself, which can be challenging and time-consuming if you're unfamiliar with that particular brand or car seat model. 

If you're traveling with children, here are some other useful products that can help make your trip run smoothly.

Maxi-cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Play Yard : This was our absolute favorite travel crib out of 19 that we tested , with a detachable mattress and bassinet feature that you can use to adjust the crib as your newborn grows. The crib is easy set up and take down for maximum portability, and it proved to be sturdy and durable in the long run.

Cybex Coya Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller : After testing strollers in our lab , this was our favorite travel stroller for flying. We found that it folds up quickly and fits easily into airplane overhead bins. It also has removable seat padding for cleaning and a canopy that comes down for sun and rain protection.

JetKids by Stokke BedBox Kid's Ride-on Suitcase : We are expert luggage testers here at Travel + Leisure , and this ride-on suitcase was one of our favorites for kids . The ride-on design means that a kid can sit on top of the suitcase as their parents pull them using the adjustable strap. Parents can also use the strap to carry the lightweight suitcase like a shoulder bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Dobrina Zhekova worked with T+L editors to round up the safest and most comfortable travel car seats for kids of all ages from real-world tests. As a mother, she has also tested several car seats in the past five years and has extensive knowledge of airline policies and regulations about traveling with car seats. She also referenced customer reviews and expert recommendations in this article.

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• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

May be out of stock

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the Best Baby Formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though very unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was recently discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $25 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

Car Bike Racks

Getting Your Car Ready

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8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking a Road Trip With Kids

Planning a Solo Road Trip

How to Plan a Camping Road Trip

Planning a Stargazing Road Trip

10 Helpful Budget Tips

Calculating the Cost of Gas

Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip

Best Road Trip Route By Interest

Mississippi River Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Southern US Road Trip

Northern US Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip

US Route 12

Northeastern US Routes

Rocky Mountain Destinations

Warm-Weather Road Trip

The Longest Highway in the US

Car Rental Companies

Best Audio Books

Must-Have Emergency Supplies

Family Road Trip Toys and Games

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

 Amazon

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

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6 best car seats to take on the plane for babies and toddlers

Looking for a lightweight car seat to take on the plane? After in-depth research and parent-led testing, these top cabin-approved car seats have all met airline safety regulations and dimensions for in-flight use, ensuring peace of mind and a safe, comfortable journey for your baby.

By Tammy Jacks | Last updated May 15, 2024

Considering whether to take your child’s car seat on the plane to your next holiday destination ? According to Mumsnetters on our forums , a travel-friendly car seat not only helps to keep your child safe and comfy during a flight – allowing them to sleep for longer if they’ve outgrown the option of having a bassinet - but it also comes in handy for taxi and car rides on the other side of your journey.

Although there are plenty of good-quality baby and toddler car seats on the market (which we've rigorously tried and tested with real parents), not every car seat is approved for use on the plane and would need to be checked in as hold baggage along with your buggy and other heavier travel items if not. 

While airlines may differ slightly in their policies, the general principle is that cabin-approved car seats must align with the airline's criteria for size, weight and safety. For in-flight use, a car seat needs approval from either the TÜV , a widely recognised safety certification in Europe, or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US. Look for the 'Certified for use in aircraft' sticker on car seats with TÜV or FAA approval.

How we tested the best car seats for the plane

We began our research by gathering insights from Mumsnet parents on our forums, which has around 8 million monthly users. We then cross-checked our favourite car seat selections against TÜV and FAA lists to ensure they met their rigorous airline standards and were suitable for plane use amongst the most popular airlines (although it’s always a good idea to discuss your chosen car seat with your airline before you fly).

We spent hours analysing numerou s consumer reviews from retail sites and consulted industry experts, including The UK Civil Aviation Regulations (CAA), and Which? to narrow down our list.

Our recommended car seats have undergone independent safety testing and received top safety scores from the German automobile club ADAC . Where possible, we also tested the car seats out themselves with our trusted team of parent testers.

Here are the best car seats to take on a plane.

Best car seats to take on the plane at a glance

Best overall car seat for plane: Maxi Cosi Pebble 360

Best budget car seat for plane: Joie Tilt

Best convertible car seat for plane: Doona + Infant Car Seat

Best lie-flat car seat for plane: Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense

Best easy carry car seat for plane: Cybex Aton M i-Size

Best lightweight car seat for plane: Bugaboo Turtle Air

Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360

TÜV-certified for all airlines

Good value for money

Plenty of padding for a comfortable ride

Easily adjustable harness and headrest

Reaches the maximum width limit for an aircraft  

Small integrated sun canopy

Swivel base is pricey

Price: £158 | Age range: Birth to 83cm or approx. 15kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 4.3kg | Dimensions: 67 x 44 x 56cm | Installation: ISOFIX and three-point harness | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.8 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV-approved

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our Maxi-Cosi Pebble review

With safety, reliability and comfort as its top priorities, you can’t go wrong with the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 when travelling with a baby. This rear-facing, Group 0+ car seat is specifically designed for newborns, which means it can be used from birth to 15kg or until your child is 83cm in length. Approved for use on aircraft with TÜV certification, the car seat may be a little wide for some airline seats at 44cm, but its 4.3kg weight makes it simple enough to carry around at the airport and in and out of the plane.

Compliant with the latest i-Size regulations , this car seat offers superior head and neck protection for your child, which is good news in the event of turbulence, and the impact-absorbing side wings on this seat make it supremely comfortable for babies. Once you’re in the car, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360’s built-in G-CELL side impact technology includes hexagonal-shaped energy-absorbing structures that are strategically placed in the car seat's shell to enhance protection by absorbing and dispersing crash forces away from your child in the event of a side impact collision.

You’ll find soft padding all around this seat and we found this one-piece baby-hugg inlay to be really soft and snug, ideal for keeping your little one warm when the air ventilation is on.  

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 can be secured to the aeroplane seat using the aircraft’s safety belt which gets threaded through the seat’s belt path on the front of the car seat. The three-point harness has a simple stay-open feature to make it easy to get your child in and out of the car seat, and we like the one-touch buckle system which opens and closes with ease. 

Adjusting the harness straps for height or length is also straightforward as you can make them as snug as you like by simply pressing the grey button at the front of the seat which will allow you to move the straps up and down or forwards to lengthen without having to rethread them.

Once you reach your destination, it’s a breeze to fit this car seat in a car or taxi, with or without the FamilyFix 360 ISOFIX base (which is sold separately, unfortunately doubling the price of this car seat). However, we think the base is worth the investment as it not only offers supreme protection for your child, but it also swivels left or right with a simple lever, making it simpler to put your child in and out of the car. (You'll also find this car seat in our best 360 spin car seats buyer's guide).

The Pebble 360 is compatible with Maxi-Cosi and Quinny buggies and can also be used with other brands such as Ocarro and Mamas & Papas Strada, provided you have the appropriate car seat adapters for those pushchairs . When your child reaches the height and weight limit for the Pebble 360 the Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360 i-Size should be used for children up to the age of four .

Read next: The best travel systems to buy right now

Search for a hotel for your next family holiday

Has comfortable, machine-washable padding

Grows with your child

Quite heavy

No ISOFIX base

Price: £105 | Age range: Birth to four years or around 18kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 6.1kg | Dimensions: 49.2 x 42 x 61.6cm | Installation: Three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: Not tested | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: Meets the ECE R44/04 regulation

While the Joie Tilt doesn’t have an official TÜV certification like the Joie i-Gemm 3 , for instance, it does comply with most airline’s width and weight regulations and meets the European Safety Regulation for car seats (ECE R44/04). However, it’s a good idea to check with your airline before you take this car seat on board.

The Joie Tilt, which falls within the Group 0+/1 car seat category, is made to last, covering your child from birth to four years old (or 105cm) without the need for an upgrade at the one-year mark. 

It’s a good choice for the plane too thanks to the plush and cosy seat cushion inserts (which are also machine-washable - a must for messy eaters), the i-Size side impact cushioning, the height adjustable shoulder harness and the secure five-point harness system which has cushion covers over the harness and buckle to avoid any friction.  

It can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing in a car, although airlines stipulate that car seats must be used in a forward-facing position when secured on the plane. It has four recline positions - one rear facing and three forward facing - although the tilting movement might be a little restricted on the plane as the car seat should be secured tightly to the aeroplane seat. 

One downside is that this car seat is not ISOFIX compatible, so it can only be secured with a seatbelt in the car.

Read next: The best baby carriers, wraps and slings

Doona + Infant Car Seat Nitro

Both TÜV- and FFA-approved

Dual use - converts to a stroller

Wheels fold compactly

Convenient for travel

Heavy for a car seat

Low to the ground as a stroller due to short handlebar

Price: £339 | Age range: Birth to three years or around 13kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes, rear-facing only | Weight: 7.5kg | Dimensions: 60 x 44 x 66cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes - it converts into a stroller | ADAC test: 2.4 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV- and FAA-approved

Designed by medical and engineering experts, the Doona + Infant Car Seat and Stroller stands out as one of the safest travel systems on the market. The car seat holds both TÜV and FAA certification, making it a safe and versatile two-in-one travel solution. However, at 44cm wide, it does reach the maximum width limit for the plane, so may not be suitable for all airlines - see our guide below for car seat rules and criteria per airline.

Featuring both an ISOFIX base for the car (sold separately) and a secure belt path, it ensures a safe and comfortable ride for your child. With a simple, adjustable headrest, Velcro shoulder pads, breathable fabric, loads of comfy padding, a secure five-point harness, a near lie-flat position and unique rocking function, the Doona+ prioritises your baby's comfort. 

Another bonus is the three different handlebar positions (forwards, upright and backwards) so it’s out of the way on the plane but ensures manoeuvrability in tight spaces when it converts to a lightweight stroller .

Once you’re ready to leave the aircraft, the quick-release wheels and one-motion operation effortlessly transition it from car seat to stroller in seconds, saving you time in the busy airport and on your journey. On the flip side, the wheels fold and tuck into the back of the seat instantly when you’re ready to install it. Simply push in the red safety lock button while pulling up the grey stroller wheel release.

While pricey, the Doona Padded Travel Bag , sold as a separate accessory, makes it even easier to transport the car seat as the bag doubles up as a backpack and takes minutes to assemble. This car seat is also available in seven bright colours, although you may need to shop around as the Nitro Black is the most popular colour.

Read next: The best 360 spin car seats

Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense

Lightweight – under 5kg

Reclines to a near lie-flat position

Wider carry handle

Comes with automatic safety lights

Buckle can be fiddly

ISOFIX base is sold separately for use in the car

Price: £199 | Age range: Birth to 15 months | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 4.8kg | Dimensions: 58 x 44 x 67cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 2.1 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV-approved

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense review

Having won the  Red Dot Design Award in 2021, the Britax Römer Baby-Safe iSense is not only packed with plenty of i-Size-compliant safety features such as enhanced side impact protection, an adjustable headrest and five-point harness, it’s also lightweight and durable with a tall seat back, accommodating little ones up to 83cm.  

This car seat is TÜV-approved and offers a distinctive feature – the ability to recline to a near lie-flat position, allowing your baby to lie flatter than in other car seats, promoting the safest, most ergonomic sleeping position, although it may not recline to a full flat position on the plane. The seat's position adjusts automatically as you change the headrest, controlled by a lever at the back of the seat. It also comes with a plush newborn insert that makes the seat safe and comfy with a nifty crotch pad to minimise the risk of buckle friction.

Another unique feature of the Britax Romer Baby-Safe iSense is its automatic safety lights that activate in low-light conditions - a handy feature on the plane, especially on long-haul flights. The two interior ambient lights have three different light settings that can be manually adjusted, allowing you to always see your little one. Additionally, the exterior installation lights help you to install the car seat in the car either day or night without hassle.  

Other features we like are the handy swivel function when used on the ISOFIX base (sold separately or as part of a bundle ), the machine-washable seat cover that can be taken off without removing the harness, and the extra-large UP50+ sun canopy that folds down and tucks away easily when not in use.

Although the Baby-Safe i-Size car seat is travel system-compatible and works with any Britax Römer pushchair, it's only compatible with a few other brands including Joolz, Babyzen, Bugaboo and Silver Cross, to name a few.

Read next: The best lie-flat car seats for newborns

Cybex Aton M-i-Size

Has an easy-carry handle

Lightweight (just over 4kg)

Suitable for taller babies up to 87cm

Has extra wide Y-harness straps

Base and travel system adaptors not included

Headrest is small for upper age limit

Price: £170 | Age range: Birth to 2 years | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes | Weight: 4.2kg | Dimensions: 66 x 44 x 39-56.5cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.6 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV-approved

Weighing in at just over 4kg and built with a wide, sturdy handle, the Cybex Aton M-i-Size is easier to carry than the other heavier car seats on our list. Approved for use on aircraft with TÜV certification, and with one of the best ADAC ratings out of all the cabin-approved car seats on our list, you can rest assured that this one will keep your baby safe and secure both on and off the plane. 

Like most of the other rear-facing car seats we feature here, this car seat can be easily secured on a plane seat by using the lap belt across the front of the seat, threaded through the belt guides. As far as infant car seats go, this one lasts longer than you might expect from a Group 0+ car seat. According to Cybex, you can use it until your child is two years old or weighs 13kg thanks to the 11 adjustable height positions which will accommodate your child's growth.

Additional safety features such as shoulder and head protectors, along with an energy-absorbing shell, offer extra protection in side-impact collisions or turbulence on the plane. It’s also softly padded with extra-wide harness straps to keep your little one secure on a flight or in the car. Plus, it has a great cushioned newborn inlay which can be easily removed, leaving plenty of space in the seat for older babies. 

However, the headrest is a little small and may not be as comfortable for babies closer to the upper height limit. On a positive note, this car seat has one of the largest, UP50+ sun canopies (XXL) we’ve seen, protecting your child from rain, wind or sun when attached to a buggy. 

Additionally, it’s designed to seamlessly integrate with pushchairs from both Cybex and GB brands and it's available in seven bright colours. 

Read next: Can you take a pram on a plane?

Bugaboo Turtle Air

Super lightweight (only 3kg)

Great quality

Soft Merino wool insert

Good safety rating

TÜV-certified

Pricier than other infant car seats

Compatible ISOFIX base  is bulky

Price: £209 | Age range: Birth to 15 months or 13kg | i-Size: Yes | Rear-facing: Yes until 83cm | Weight: 3kg | Dimensions: 69 x 44 x 59.8cm | Installation: ISOFIX or three-point seatbelt | Travel system-compatible? Yes | ADAC test: 1.6 Good | Warranty: 2 years | Certification: TÜV approved

TÜV-certified, the Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna is designed to fit most airline seats, but it's advisable to check with the airline you’re travelling with, especially if seats are narrower than 44cm. 

As the lightest car seat on our list at only 3kg, you might assume that the Bugaboo Turtle Air isn’t as safe or robust as the other car seats we’ve featured, but don’t let its light weight fool you. There’s a reason why this rear-facing infant car seat has impressive ADAC safety scores. It’s made with a durable, protective outer shell and Tailor tech™ memory foam in the headrest for shock absorption, plus it’s built with EPP energy-absorbing foam for enhanced side impact protection. 

The ultra-luxe Merino wool inlay is soft and breathable, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. Keep in mind that this car seat only has a three-point rather than a five-point harness, but it’s still cleverly designed to keep your baby secure whilst in the plane or the car.

With easy portability and large UPF50+ sun canopy with an exclusive peek-a-boo window and secured with magnetic clips, this car seat ensures your baby stays comfortably protected in a snug cocoon.

For daily use and to turn the Turtle Air into a spin car seat, you can purchase the Bugaboo 360 ISOFIX base by Nuna . Although it’s as expensive as the car seat itself, the base has a convenient 220-degree swivel rotation, allowing easy strapping of your baby into the seat before adjusting it to the proper travel position. Plus, the one-click true lock installation, safety indicators, shock-absorbing materials and a crumple zone in the stability leg work together to enhance safety by redirecting impact away from your baby.

Read next: The best cabin-approved strollers

Can I take a car seat on a plane?

Yes, you can take a car seat on a plane in the UK. Most airlines allow passengers to use an approved car seat for infants and young children during the flight. However, there are a few points to consider:

Different airlines may have specific rules and requirements regarding the use of car seats on planes. It's advisable to check with your airline in advance to understand their policies. See our list of airlines with their respective regulations below.

Ensure that your car seat has either TÜV approval or FAA approval (if you’re flying to or within the United States).

Be familiar with the installation instructions for your specific car seat. Some airlines may require you to follow certain guidelines for securing the seat in the aircraft.

Generally, car seats in the Group 0+ category (for infants from birth to approximately 15 months old) are accepted on planes due to their compact size and lightweight design.

Read next: Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus foldable travel car seat review

Can you take an ISOFIX base on a plane?

If you have a car seat with an ISOFIX base, you can bring the base on the plane, but it’ll have to be checked in and put in the hold. ISOFIX bases aren't compatible with planes since they're designed to anchor securely to a vehicle's chassis, and planes lack ISOFIX anchor points. When flying, you’ll need to secure the car seat using the seatbelt on the aircraft.

How do I install a car seat on a plane?

Installing a car seat on a plane in the UK typically involves using the aircraft seatbelt to secure the car seat. Here are general steps to install a car seat on a plane:

If possible, choose a window seat for installing the car seat. This helps you avoid blocking the path for other passengers in the event of an emergency.

Lift both armrests if possible.

Place the car seat in the aircraft seat and secure the car seat using the aircraft seat belt. Thread the seatbelt through the designated belt path on the car seat and buckle it securely. Ensure the seatbelt is snug. Press down and back on the car seat as you tighten the seat belt.

Then, adjust the harness straps on the car seat to fit your child securely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper adjustment.

Once installed, check the car seat for stability. It should be securely fastened and not wobble.

Be sure to pay attention to any specific instructions given by the airline crew regarding the use of car seats during the flight.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also maintains that car seats must be forward-facing on the plane, even if it’s a rear-facing car seat. This generally isn’t an issue because the plane’s belt buckle can always be routed through the seat belt guide on the car seat. Bear in mind that, in infant seats, the buckle will go over your child’s legs, which is normal.   

Can I take a car seat that isn't approved for use on a plane?

While you can take any car seat on holiday and have it checked in the hold, if you’re keen to use the car seat on the plane, it’s best to avoid using one that doesn't have the necessary approval, i.e. isn’t TÜV- or FAA-approved, as it might not meet the required safety standards for air travel, or be the correct weight and size for the aircraft seat.

Do I have to use a car seat on a plane?

No, using a car seat on the plane is a personal choice. However, little ones do need to be secured on the flight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that “Infants under the age of two need to be secured whenever the seat belt sign is on. This can be achieved through the use of a seat belt loop provided by the airline to secure the infant on an adult’s lap, or by using a child restraint device i.e. car type seat, or an alternative provided by the airline.”

What are the benefits of taking a car seat on a plane?

Taking a car seat on a plane can offer several benefits:

Safety: Using a car seat on a plane provides an additional layer of protection for your little one during the flight, especially in the event of turbulence.

Familiarity and comfort: If you’re taking a trusted car seat on board, your child will already be familiar with it, making it a comfortable and secure space during the journey. This familiarity can contribute to a smoother travel experience.

Consistent rest position: Car seats are designed to provide proper support and a comfortable rest position for infants and young children, which can be especially important during long flights.

However, according to the Lullaby Trust , healthcare professionals specialising in infant care, safety experts, and the majority of car manufacturers advise against keeping babies in a car seat for more than two hours continuously, emphasising the importance of taking breaks.

Ease of transport: Cabin-approved car seats are lightweight, easy to use and portable, plus they’re designed for easy installation, making it convenient for you to transport your child safely both in the car and on the plane.

Use in transit: While it’s possible to hire a car seat, many parents prefer using their own trusted car seat during taxi rides or transfers at the destination, as this ensures their child's safety during various modes of transportation. By taking your own car seat, you’ll also be sure of its history. 

Potential cost savings: Renting a car seat at your destination can be expensive. Bringing your own car seat can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to use it during your trip.

These Mumsnetters took their car seats on the plane and this is what they had to say: 

Mumsnetter dramalamma says, “I've done both car seat and none with an under two in own seat. It was a lot easier with a car seat because it's not just about the take-off and landing - if there is any turbulence or any other reason the seatbelt sign is on (including them forgetting to turn it off!) you have to pick your child up and have them on your lap which can be an absolute nightmare when it's a long haul flight and they've just gone to sleep!”

Mumsnetter, Genegenieee agrees and adds, “When we flew long haul with children under two, but they were too big for a bassinet, we booked them a seat and took a car seat in the cabin. Far easier to have them in a harness seat belt than a lap belt during the flight. Mine just used to sleep.”

What are the car seat criteria for the main airlines?

According to Maxi-Cosi manufacturers, any approved child seat should have a maximum width of 44cm, ensuring that it will fit in most aeroplane seats. Here are the specific airline requirements in terms of seat width and restrictions:

EasyJet : Car seat should not exceed 44cm and must be used in a forward-facing position.

Ryanair : Car seat should not exceed 43cm, must be airline approved and have a five-point harness.

TUI : Car seat should not exceed 40.64cm, must have a secure harness and adhere to British Safety standards. It should also be used in a forward-facing position.

British Airways : Car seat should not exceed 43cm and must be used in forward-facing position.

Air France : Car seat should not exceed 44cm or 42cm if your seat is in the first row of the Economy cabin. It must be secured with the seat belt.  

Air Canada : Car seat should not exceed 44cm and should be airline approved. It must have a suitable harness system.

Aer Lingus : Car seat should not exceed 43cm and must be secured on the aircraft seat by the normal aircraft lap strap. It must be used in a forward-facing position.

Virgin Atlantic : Car seat should not exceed 43cm and must always be secured to the host seat.

Emirates : Car seat should not exceed 44cm and must be TÜV- or FAA-approved. It must only be used in a forward-facing position.  

Jet2 : Car seat should not exceed 42cm and must comply with European Safety Standard requirements of United Nations ECE R 44 (UN/ECE 44).

Qantas – car seat should not exceed 43.7cm and must be used in a forward-facing position. It must comply with European Safety Standard requirements of United Nations ECE R 44 (UN/ECE 44). Qantas also states that car seats can't be located in an aisle seat or in an exit row.

For children under the age of two, Jet2 also states that the car seat must:

Be securable with a lap strap, not over your child

Include manufacturer's instructions stating suitability for air travel with lap strap

Have a single release-type harness securing your child’s lap, chest, and shoulders

Preferably placed in a window seat

Be the sole car seat on the row segment

Be forward or rear-facing

How to choose the best car seat for the plane

When choosing a car seat for use on a plane in the UK, there are several factors to consider:

Approval for air travel: Firstly, the car seat you pick for the plane needs to be TÜV- or FAA- approved. It’s also important to check your specific airline’s criteria (use our guide above as a start), as their rules and regulations differ slightly. The good news is that all the car seats on this list are approved for use on most popular airlines.

Size and weight: Check the dimensions and weight of the car seat to ensure it meets the airline’s requirements. Note that preferences for seat width can vary among airlines. For example, TUI may prefer a narrower seat compared to British Airways. Also consider the weight of the car seat since you'll need to carry it through the airport and onto and off the flight. It's important to choose one that's manageable for you.

Comfort for your child: Ensure that the car seat is comfortable for your child, especially if it's a long-haul flight. Look for features such as adequate padding, an adjustable harness and headrest, and the ability to recline as this is the safest and most comfortable position for babies from 0-6 months.

Cleaning and maintenance: Choose a car seat with a removable and machine-washable cover for easy cleaning, as travel can be messy!

How much should I spend on a car seat for the plane?

When considering which car seat to get for the plane, keep in mind that prices can range from £80 to over £300. The amount you spend will depend on various factors such as the brand of car seat, the overall quality of the padding and materials, the safety features and duration of use. Most car seats on our list cater to babies from birth to around age four.

Given that car seats are a significant investment, it's essential to choose one that can serve dual purposes – for use on the plane and in your car at home. You’ll also want to ensure that your chosen car seat is compatible with a variety of travel systems and pushchairs to extend its use.

About the author

Tammy Jacks has 15+ years' experience in the publishing industry, enjoying a long and fruitful career as Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa. She later went on to become Assistant Editor of the popular South African parenting title Living and Loving, and has written for numerous lifestyle publications including Oprah Mag SA, Health Intelligence, Your Family Magazine, Longevity, and pharmaceutical company Clicks Clubcard Magazine, as well as edited books for popular fitness influencers and health professionals.

Tammy is a distinguished researcher and writer in the field of child safety, with a notable focus on the critical domain of car seats. Her extensive expertise and commitment to child safety, particularly in the context of air travel, have made her a trusted authority in providing comprehensive insights and guidance to parents and caregivers looking for the right car seat for their children. 

As a mum to an eight-year-old, Tammy has personally tried and tested numerous car seats over the years, across all age categories. Her specialised attention to car seats for the plane involves scrutinising what's essential for safe air travel with children.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Traveling with kids? Whether an extended road trip or airplane ride is on the agenda, your little one needs a travel car seat to stay safe on the journey. Travel car seats are a bit different from everyday ones, as they’re typically lighter in weight, easier to move and set up from car to car, and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take in the air.

A travel car seat also comes in handy if you find yourself in ride-shares or taxis regularly. Many models don’t require a base, so it’s simple to strap the unit in without spending half the afternoon figuring out which piece goes where. The best travel car seats are so convenient, in fact, that you might stick to them altogether.

Table of Contents

• Best Travel Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat  »

Various features for correct installation

Can be installed without a base via European belt routing

Five height positions and six recline positions

Includes base and newborn positioner

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection

JPMA certified and GreenGuard Gold Certified

Not super light

Travel bag sold separately

There’s no need to worry about properly installing the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat. It comes with multiple features to ensure you do it correctly, including LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, and RideRight bubble level indicators to make sure it’s at the right angle.

This best travel car seat comes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ sun protection. It also comes with a base, but doesn’t require one in order to use. That means you can keep the base in your car for regular use and still be able to install it in other vehicles, thanks to its European belt routing system. It only weighs 10 pounds and is FAA approved, so it’s ready to bring on an aircraft. The Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag , however, is sold separately. But with the five height positions and six recline positions, your baby is bound to be comfortable no matter how you choose to travel. And once you reach your destination, keep the car seat looking fresh by tossing the fabrics in the washing machine.

They KeyFit 35 is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), meaning it meets minimum government requirements based on safety and use, and GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat  »

Affordable price point

Aircraft certified and TSA-friendly designed

No additional base needed

Side Impact Protection

Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad

Installation may be tricky with some seat belts

May fit snugly on older babies

If you’re looking for a secondary car seat, chances are that you’re hoping to keep the cost low. With the Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat, you’ll save money without losing the factors that make a travel car seat desirable. At just 6.8 pounds, this is one unit you won’t struggle to carry through the airport. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it has built-in Side Impact Protection.

This model can carry a child up to 40 pounds and 43 inches tall. It has five harness heights and three buckle locations, so it’ll grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. This affordable car seat comes in seven designs with black details. And Cosco Kids makes it easy to clean with its machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad and dishwasher-safe removable cup holder.

While this may not be the ideal pick for everyday use, the no-base, lightweight design makes it a smart pick for upcoming vacations or times when you need to move it between cars often. Just use the LATCH connectors to safely secure it in place.

Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus  »

Only 17 inches wide

Seats folds up

FAA approved

Supports kids up to 120 pounds

12 headrest positions

Available in five colors

Heavy at 30.6 pounds

Booster mode can’t be used on a plane

LATCH connectors not available for all weights

At just 17 inches wide, the Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus comfortably fits in even the most compact cars. If you have a full backseat, three of these models can fit across the backseat. Don’t let its compact size fool you, though. This travel car seat was designed to grow with your child from 4 to 120 pounds, in rear-facing position, forward-facing position, and booster mode.

This unit comes with a detachable rear-facing base, which Diono recommends using, but it can be used without it. The base shouldn’t be used in the forward-facing position or in booster mode. To make sure your little one is happy, the Radian boasts a 12-position headrest that you can adjust with just one hand. The covers are machine washable, and the shell and components on the rest of the car seat can be spot cleaned.

This convertible car seat folds to make travel easier, and its FAA-approved status means it’ll be your airplane companion. Just keep in mind that it can only be taken on a plane in rear-facing and forward-facing positions, not booster mode.

Doona + Car Seat & Stroller  »

Converts from car seat to stroller in seconds

Comes fully assembled

FAA approved and can be pushed down airplane aisle

Available in seven colors

UPF 50+ sun protection and water-repellant canopy

Includes LATCH base, infant insert, head support, and vehicle seat protector

Can only be used up to 35 pounds

The Doona + Car Seat & Stroller can be used with or without the included base, but the real magic comes in when you’re using it in between car and airplane rides. Within a matter of seconds, this innovative model goes from car seat to stroller with the push of a button. Plus, it comes fully assembled, so you can use it the moment it arrives.

The water-repellent canopy provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and comes in seven bold colors, including Racing Green, Flame Red, and Blush Pink. The adjustable handle is a nice touch, too, for a more comfortable gliding experience for adults.

Not only is the Doona approved by the FAA, but at just 17.4 inches wide, it can easily be pushed down an airplane aisle so you can get in your seat easily. Although it’s pricey, the fact that it acts as both a travel car seat and stroller means that it’s a great value. Consider this the all-in-one travel system that makes navigating the world with a baby so much simpler. Megan Wood, Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, uses the Doona as her family’s main car seat and loves how easy it makes running errands and travel without having to pack a separate stroller.

Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat  »

Fits in most airplane overheads bins

Only weighs 8 pounds

Installs via LATCH or car or plane seat belt

Folds down to 11.6 inches long by 14.5 inches wide by 18.9 inches tall

Made with space-grade aluminum alloy and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified wool

On the pricier side

Can’t be used until child is 22 pounds

Make your next flight with your child as easy as possible with the Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat. With a compact design that folds up—so much so that it fits in most airplane overhead bins—this FAA-approved model goes wherever you do. Weighing just 8 pounds, this travel car seat is installed via LATCH connectors or using the car or airplane seat belt.

Unlike the other best travel car seats on our list, the Pico is a forward-facing option that’s designed for children 22 to 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall. Wayb recommends it for ages 2 years old and up. While you can’t use it for a newborn, it’ll be your little one’s travel companion once they grow a bit.

The Pico is available in five colors, and an optional carry bag, vehicle seat protector, and cup holder are sold separately. If you have multiple children, you can snag a few of these and three can fit in a row in the backseat of most vehicles.

Nuna Pipa RX x Pipa Relx Base  »

Five-second installation

Can be used with or without the included base

Removable UPF 50+ canopy

GreenGuard Gold Certified and fire retardant-free materials

Connects with all Nuna strollers

Doesn’t fold

If installing a car seat isn’t something you’re looking forward to, make it easy on yourself with the Nuna Pipa RX. It comes with Pipa Relx Base, but you don’t need it in order to put it to use in a car or on an airplane. If you do decide to use it, however, the base features a stability leg that absorbs impact to prevent motion from transferring to your baby. Plus, installation takes just five seconds.

At 7.6 pounds (not including the canopy or infant insert), it’s one of the lightest options on our list. This travel car seat has a four-position recline, and you don’t have to reinstall it to change the position. It features an infant insert that can be removed when your little one grows. But no matter what age they are, you’ll want to take advantage of the removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

This unit has the green light to be part of air travel, and you can feel good knowing that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified and made with fire retardant-free materials.

Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat  »

High-strength steel frame and SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy

Accommodates children up to 65 pounds

Aircraft approved

10-position harness and headrest adjust together

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

On the heavier side

Any piece of baby gear you put your child in needs to be sturdy and durable. The Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat was built to last. Its frame is made of high-strength steel, and it features SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy, so you can feel confident that your little one is protected. Its fabric is tough and can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer to refresh it after a spill or accident.

This best travel model is designed to grow with your child, as it accommodates them from 5 pounds all the way up to 65 pounds. As they get bigger, you can adjust the harness and headrest, which move together in 10 different positions.

The Emblem is on the heavier side at just under 20 pounds, but it’s still reasonable enough to bring with you in a ride-share or carry it on for aircraft use. Just utilize its installation features, including LATCH connectors and level indicators, to ensure that it’s correctly set up.

Graco Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat  »

Only weighs 6.8 pounds

Four-position carry handle

Machine-washable seat pad and canopy

Doesn’t convert to front facing

Graco refers to its Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat as “The Weightless Wonder,” and it’s clear why. This lightweight car seat only weighs 6.8 pounds. If you count the base, it only goes up to 10.4 pounds. It’s the lightest carrier on our list, so it’ll truly become a travel must-have when vacation is calling.

Approved to take on an airplane, the Graco Century has a carry handle with four adjustable positions, so both you and your baby will be comfortable. It comes with a base that can be installed via LATCH connectors. However, it can be used without one for even quicker installation with a vehicle or airplane seat belt. And if an in-flight spill dirties the seat pad or canopy, both are machine washable.

The Century is designed for babies up to 35 pounds. Even though it won’t go the long haul, it’s a budget-friendly option that does its job well while it can. Plus, it’s compatible with all Century strollers and car seat bases from Graco that can be purchased separately.

The Bottom Line

The market is far from short on car seat options, and that rings true for travel car seats, too. To choose the best one for your child, consider how often you plan to use it. If it’s a secondary car seat that you’re planning to only break out a couple times of year for vacation, then you may want to keep your budget low. But if you’re looking forward to road trips and airplane rides on the regular, better quality and durability may be more important. Once you see how much use you’ll get out of it, you can focus on what features are necessities in your book. Does it need to fold? Does its weight need to stay super low? But if you’re not totally sure what you need in a travel car seat, the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat, our Best Overall pick, is FAA approved, weighs just 10 pounds, comes with a UPF 50+ canopy, and comes with a base but doesn’t need it in order to install.

Things To Consider When Buying Travel Car Seats

Safety Certification and Compliance

The good news is that if you’re buying a new travel car seat from a reputable retailer in the United States, you’re probably in good shape.

“All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet stringent safety regulations, following the requirements set by the NHTSA,” says Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. “A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.’”

Don’t forget that car seats also have expiration dates, and when they hit it, toss them, reminds Samora Coles, founder and executive director of The Alex House Project , an organization that supports low-income families and young mothers with their transition to parenthood. While this is one piece of baby gear you’re likely to want to buy new, if you’re using a secondhand model, it’s even more imperative that you check its expiration date and look up if any recalls or malfunctions have been reported.

Size and Weight Suitability

Most—but not all—travel car seats can be used right from birth, so keep in mind when you plan on using it and if your little one is big enough to be safely strapped in. Some options have one mode while others convert to various positions, including rear facing, forward facing, and booster to grow with your child. Each mode has its own weight and height limits, and those numbers vary depending on the brand and model. It’s important to read through and follow those instructions for safety.

“Car seats, when not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, could be less likely to protect a child from injury,” says Colella. “Car seats are safety devices that are designed and tested to protect children when used as directed by the manufacturer.”

Many travel car seats have an adjustable headrest that you can raise as your child grows. If longevity is important to your buying decision, check to make sure it has this capability so you’re not stuck getting a new one in a year’s time.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

The first time you put a typical car seat in your vehicle may have taken a while. That kind of time isn’t provided when you’re on the tarmac, so the best travel car seats need to be easy to install. It’s a smart idea to do a test run in a car so you can feel confident in its setup.

Even though many travel car seats come with a base, they’re typically not a must-use on the road. Some models just need a vehicle’s or airplane’s seat belt to safely strap in. Others also offer LATCH connectors that provide a super-secure installation.

“Most travel car seats are compatible with any vehicle, but parents want to research car seat company manuals and reviews from other parents,” says Coles. To assure parents that they did it correctly, some units have colored indicators that give the thumbs up when it’s ready to use or level indicators that confirm it’s not tilted. If you’re concerned about always setting it up and taking it out, look for a model that eases your worries.

Portability for Frequent Travel

Whether you’re hurrying to your gate or rushing to the taxi stand, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy travel car seat weighing you down. Even if you don’t plan to carry it around while your baby is in it most of the time, you want the unit to be built for portability. That starts with looking at the car seat’s weight. The lowest on this list is 6.8 pounds, and it goes up quite a bit from there. It’s also helpful if the travel car seat folds down — not only so that it fits in the overhead bin on an airplane, but so it’s convenient to carry along with your weekender bag.

“When considering portability factors, parents should consider dual abilities in a travel car seat,” explains Coles. “Seats that can act as strollers can help parents limit necessary items they must carry while traveling.”

Don’t forget to check out the handle, too. Even if it’s lightweight, if the handle doesn’t boast an ergonomic design, parents can feel quite uncomfortable.

Convertibility as the Child Grows

Some travel car seats grow with your child, so they’ll go from rear facing to forward facing to even booster. Each of these stages have their own weight and height limits. However, things can get tricky depending on where you’re traveling to.

“Every U.S. state and territory has a law that defines how a child must be restrained in a vehicle and also requires car seat compliance with the aforementioned safety regulations. State laws vary significantly, and travelers must follow the law for the state in which they are traveling,” says Colella. “For example, 19 states and the District of Columbia require that children ride in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2, while other states use age 1 or do not specify a rear-facing age requirement. Most states also require the use of car booster seats, though the maximum age for those requirements varies from 5 to 10 years old.

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

Nothing is more important than safety when we’re talking about baby gear. U.S. News 360 Reviews kept it at the top of mind when hunting down the best travel car seats, but we also considered price, weight of the carrier, weight and height limits, and installation. To ensure we had the must-know information, we consulted the director of Child Passenger Safety at JPMA and the founder and executive director of an organization that helps young mothers with their transition to parenthood. They provided insight on which key components to understand before landing on the travel car seat for your personal lifestyle. Before adding to cart, think about when and where you’ll use it and what features truly matter to you.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, has been researching, testing, and reviewing products since 2017. This means she has years of experience honing in on what’s important when shopping for a product, including baby gear. Fitzpatrick is a mom herself and has done her own personal deep dive on what makes one car seat better than another. That’s why she concentrated on safety as the top priority when choosing the best travel car seats. Megan Wood , Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, focuses on baby gear and recommends the Doona Car Seat + Stroller for traveling families.

“While the FAA does not require the use of car seats on airplanes for children, and those under the age of 2 are allowed to ride on their parents’ lap, this is not considered best practice,” says Colella. “Turbulence can happen with little or no warning, and appropriate car seats provide the safest way for children to travel on airplanes.”

Most travel car seats are certified to use on aircrafts, but be sure to check that it’s the case with your specific model. It can also make a difference which airline you fly and if you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Booster car seats and child restraint harnesses are generally not supposed to be used on an airplane. All of the recommendations on this list are approved for airplane use.

As far as adjustability, many models feature adjustable straps, height/headrest positions, and recline positions.

The best travel car seats are typically easy to install. After all, they’re expected to be moved between vehicles or on and off airplanes regularly. Some of these models come with a base, but don’t necessarily require it for the unit to be secured. Many travel car seats come with LATCH connectors. “This system is compatible with vehicles with anchors located at the lower and upper tether of their seats where the car seat can be secured,” explains Coles. “Since all vehicles must have seat belts, all car seats have a space to secure car seats using the seat belt.”

Two of the most important factors when shopping for the best travel car seat are installation and portability. You want it to be easy to secure on an airplane and in a ride-share, and simple to carry it with you wherever your adventures lead.

“Additionally, factors such as the age, weight, height, and overall condition of the seat should be considered as they can help determine the overall value of the car seat, especially for those with limited resources and busy lifestyles,” says Coles.

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 10 Best Travel Car Seats In 2024 (For Airplanes & Transfers)

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Our process involves independent research, testing (by using it whilst we travel), reviewing, and recommending the best products. Click here  to learn more.

It can be so tricky to find car seats for airplanes.  

Deciding which car seat is in actual fact the  best travel car seat  can be even more challenging.

Did you know that you can only use a portable car seat for travel on an airplane if it is has been FAA certified?

Now take into consideration that we need to find the best lightweight car seat for travel so we can easily port it around and lastly that we also need to find a car seat that is slim enough to fit on the narrow airplane seats.

It is no easy feat to find to find the best car seat for flying, and that fits all of those criteria!

Don’t have time to go through the entire list?

THE BEST CONVERTIBLE LIGHT CAR SEAT FOR TRAVEL

Our pick: Safety First Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat  

• It is lightweight
• Slim design for airplane seats
• Suitable for weights from 5 - 65 lbs

See the Safety First Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat for travel reviews

Below you will find a list of best airplane car seats for 2024.

We also share some food for thought about whether you actually need a car seat as well as ideas on how to make it easier to actually travel with the car seat.  

PS.   Here is our guide to the best baby travel gear and the best travel gear for toddlers .  

Best Car Seat for Travel Guide & Top 10 Compact Travel Car Seat Reviews

In this airplane car seat buying guide, we suggest you check out our comparison chart of the best car seat for air travel and then read our portable baby car seat reviews of the seats that best suit your requirements.  

The below reviews are of the best convertible travel car seats, so if you are shopping for either:

• the best travel car seat for 1 year old, 
• best travel car seat for 2 year old,
• best travel car seat for 3 year old or
• the best travel car seat for 4 year old, 

we got you covered!

Click Here to See Our Pick for the B est Convertible Car Seat for Travel

FAA Approved Car Seats Comparison Chart

Below is a helpful airline approved car seat list of all the top rated car seats for travel, which are mentioned in this article.

You can then read my reviews below featuring the best car seat for airplane travel that 2024 has to offer.

Best Travel Car Seats Sorted by Age

We also thought it might be helpful to have a FAA child seat chart that is sorted by age.

Let's take a look at some options of the best travel infant car seat for babies from birth to 1 year of age  and travel toddler car seats options that are perfect for little ones from 1 - 4 years of age.

Also, let us show you our recommendation for a car seat for travel on airplane for 3 - 4+ year old.

Before you choose which is the best car seat for plane use, we do recommend that you read through all of the reviews to get a clearer picture.

Top 10 Best Travel Car Seat Reviews

Below you will find the list of the best FAA approved car seats and best FAA approved convertible car seats. We will have a close look at the top air travel car seats.  

I will outline the features, the pros and cons of each in detailed travel car seat reviews, which should help you choose the best travel car seat 2024 has on offer for you. 

1. Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It is only 18" in width - so it fits nicely on plane seats. The arm rests are low so we could use the plane tray table for eating.

Important to Note: For a car seat to be light, it has to compromise on comfort and quality, so we only keep this seat for travel purposes but have a better seat for when we are home.

This is one of the best selling travel baby car seat because you can use it straight from birth all way through to 65 lb.

It is cheap enough to take on a trip without worrying if it got dirty or banged up a bit. 

It is lightweight (14 lb) and slim (18"), but still offers some cushioning for little babies.

Tip: There are also 2 removable cup holders on each side, which will save more space and make it more compact. 

This safe travel car seat is certified for aircraft use in both the rear- and forward-facing positions

Lightweight

The Safety 1st car seat might not be the lightest car seat on our list (the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is), but it is still light enough at 14 lbs to carry with ease and offers more cushioning in comparison to the NEXT car seat.

It is important that your little one is comfortable which is why we prefer this car seat.

Convertible Car Seat

The seat is convertible and has a weight range of 5lb to 40lb when using rear-facing and a weight limit of 22lb to 65lb for forward-facing position.

Some Negatives

Whilst you can use this seat from 5 lb, we prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for infants. The straps are a bit hard to adjust and the padding slips around a bit.

Keep in mind this is a basic car seat (which is great as you won't mind if it gets knocked about on a trip), but a newborn baby, I prefer to spend more and get more protection for their necks.

Overall Opinion

The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Car Seat is one of the best cheap baby car seats for travel.  It is lightweight and slim enough to fit on airplane seats.

It has a wide weight limit so that you can use the seat for many years.

The seat is definitely one of the best car seat for traveling on an airplane and, in our opinion it is one of the best car seat for airplane 2024 options.

This is our pick for the best cheap car seat for travel and/or the best convertible car seat for air travel.

2.   Cosco MightyFit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It’s light weight and you can use it in a plane rear facing and front facing. 

Important to Note: It could have more padding where the airplane buckle goes.

This travel-friendly car seat is a lightweight car seat for travel that is also a FAA certified car seat. 

It has high safety ratings and it a bit taller in comparison to other cheap car seats, which means that the seat will last that bit longer before your little one hits the height limit.

It is FAA-Approved and can be used only on forward-facing positions on the plane.

The car seat is lovely and light at 12.76 lbs, which is the ideal weight for a car seat for aircraft use.

The seat is convertible and has a weight range of 5lb to 40lb when using rear-facing and a weight limit of 22lb to 65lb for the forward-facing position.

Whilst you can use this seat from 5 lb, we prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for babies and infants as it offers more support and protection for their necks.

The Cosco MightFit DX 65 Car Seat is a brilliant buy for older kids. The seat is cheap as chips and lightweight.

It is a great option as a portable car seat for 3 and 4 year old's, as the seat is nice and roomy.

It is also a fabulous car seat for home-use. You can fit 3 of these car seats in most cars, which is brilliant!

We love this car seat and I'm sure you will love it too.

3. WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It folds! This is the narrowest and lightest car seat on our list.

Important to Note: This seat is so innovative, but it comes at a premium price.

Looking for a travel car seat for 2 years and up to 4 year old kids? This is a fabulous seat with extra room for growing kids. 

The WAYB Pico travel car seat is super lightweight (8 lb) and lovely and slim (14.5"). It is such a great car seat that I would even recommend it for the car at home as well. 

The car seat is lovely and light at 8 lbs, which is the ideal weight for a car seat for aircraft use.

Slim Design

The baby travel car seat is lovely and slim and at 14.5" it should fit comfortably on most airplane seats.

When folded the Pico car seat can fit into overhead bins and is easily carried while walking through the airport or to-and-from the car! 

Forward-Facing ONLY

Because this seat is designed for older kids, you can only use it in the forward-facing position and it doesn't recline.

It is suitable for toddlers and kids older than 2 with a weight range of 22 - 50 lbs. It is roomy and lovely and tall for kids with height up to 45".

The WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is a brilliant buy for older kids.

The seat is our most expensive travel car seat however if you are looking for a super lightweight and lovely slim travel car seat this is a great option for 2 - 4 year old's.

It is also a fabulous car seat for home-use and due to it's lightweight you can easily move it from car to car and it will fit in most cars, which is brilliant!

Tip:  Check out our blog post on best portable car seat for 2 year old here.

4. Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

The Evenflo Sonus 65 is ideal for use as a travel seat on the airplane. It is a FAA approved child restraint seat, it is lightweight (only 11.5 lbs.), and has a perfect width of around 19".

The Sonus is a lovely light 11 lbs. It is the second lightest car seat on our list and is the perfect seat to cart through an airport, you might even get away with carrying it if you have to.

The width of the car seat is 19", which means that the seat should fit comfortably on all plane seats, although you might have to lift the arm rests on the very narrow 16.5" seats.

Convertible

The seat can be used in rear-facing position from 5 – 40 lbs. and in the forward-facing position from 22 – 65 lbs.

You can find out how to install this seat in rear- and forward-facing positions on the plane in the manual here . 

The Sonus 65 is a great convertible lightweight travel car seat.

It is suitable for babies and toddlers from 5 to 65 lbs. and offers 6 harness positions for a better fit. The seat is lightweight and slim.

We also love that the seat features a revolutionary air flow ventilation system that provides a temperature-regulated, which means that your little one will be comfortable no matter what the season or temperature is of your destination.

Read our review of this seat here.

5. Graco Contender Slim Convertible Travel Car Seat Review

What We Love About It: It is light and compact. It is also a bit more comfy in comparison to the seats listed above.

Important to Note: If you need to use the seat in rear-facing, it will mostly likely be a very snug fit (and it might not even fit). It is better in forward-facing.

This Graco travel car seat is a great portable car seat that is FAA approved with a good safety ranking.  

Despite it having a fixed base it is still lightweight (16 lbs.).  

It is slightly more expensive than many of the other car seats on our list, but it is more cushioned and comfy.

The Graco Contender Slim Convertible car seat is a lovely lightweight car seat despite the fixed base, weighing in at only 16 lbs.  

It is slightly heavier than other car seats so we do recommend you invest in a car seat carrier.  

The Graco car seat is compatible with the Baby Trend Snap N Go car seat carrier.

It is a convertible car seat which means that you can use it in rear-facing to forward-facing positions.

It has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 lbs. and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs.  

The car seat is a bit more pricey in comparison to the cheap infant car seats such as Cosco, Evenflo and Safety 1st.

It also has a lower height (24.75") in comparison to Safety 1st (29.75"), which means that your little one might grow out of it before they hit the weight requirements.  

As with many other car seats on the list, it can be tricky to install on planes.

The Graco Contender Slim is a great seller due to being able to use it from infants up to toddlers. 

If you don't mind the slightly higher price tag, then this might be, in our opinion, the best travel convertible car seat for you.

It ranks high on our list as one of the best travel convertible car seat 2024 options, after all.

6.   Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great portable car seat FAA approved and with a good safety ranking.  

It is slightly more expensive than many of the other car seats on our list, but it offers better comfort from the cushion and padding.

The Graco SlimFit slim design makes the seat 10% slimmer despite the dual integrated cup holders.

It is a convertible car seat which means that you can use it in rear-facing to forward-facing positions. It is also used as a high-back booster seat.

It has a rear-facing weight limit of 40 lbs, and a forward-facing weight limit of 65 lbs. When used as a booster seat it has a weight limit of 100 lbs. 

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great car seat for air travel.  

Although it is more expensive than the other car seats we have recommended, this car seat will provide value for money as you can use it from infants right up to the booster seat stage for your child. 

It is also a great car seat to use in your car at home.

7. Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat Review

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat is not the best lightweight car seat for travel. It is a bit on the thicker and heavier side, but it is still an FAA certified car seat. 

This car seat weighs just over 17 lbs (it is not the lightest car seat on our list!) which means that you should consider using the following to carry it with you through the airport.

We still do recommend that you put it in a  car seat backpack  or a car seat roller like the  Baby Trend Snap N Go to make life easier.

Thicker Design

The Graco TriRide is not the slimmest with a width of 19" compared to other car seats we have recommended.  

It will still fit through the security scanners and it should still fit on most airplane seats with the armrest up. 

Please do check with the airlines to make sure that the size of this seat is allowed before you go.

Rear-Facing

The Graco TriRide car seat is a travel convertible car seat, which means that you can use this car seat in the rear-facing position for babies up to 40 lbs. and forward facing for little ones up to 65lbs. 

When using the booster seat option, the seat can take a wight limit of up to 100lbs.

It is important to note that this seat can only be installed on the plane in the forward-facing position.

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 is a very popular travel car seat because it offers value for money through the various weights and stages so can be used for a long time, but it also has high safety ratings.

The car seat is convertible and will last your bubs up until 100 lbs.  

8.   Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Travel Car Seat Review

The Evenflo Tribute LX is a favorite because it is such an incredibly lightweight infant car seat.

The Evenflo Tribute LX is the one of the lightest car seats on our list. It is compact and weighs only 12 lbs. which is pretty incredible!

The seat has been designed to fit on plane seats. It measures 22" so you might have to have the arm rest up on smaller seat planes.  

I would also suggest you check the width of the bulkhead seats as they tend to be slightly more narrow than normal seats.

This car seat is convertible which means that it is suitable for newborns up to a weight of 30 lb when used in the rear facing position.

It has a weight limit of up to 40 lbs for forward facing.

The Evenflo Car Seat is a great car seat for travel. It is compact and lightweight and at a width of 22" it will fit on most seats with the arms rests down.  

The seat will fit through the baggage security scanners. A great car seat with high safety ratings! 

Find information on how to install this seat in rear- and forward-facing positions on the aircaft in the manual here.

Read our review of this car seat here.

9. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Review

If you have a little baby, the best way to travel is with a capsule. Little babies sleep a lot and the last thing we want to do is to disturb their sleep by having to wake them up when we need to transport the seat.

Capsules are fabulous because you can leave your baby sleeping and simply grab the handle to carry baby through the airport.

Another fabulous things about this specific capsule is that it has the silent shade canopy which will help to block off the harsh plane lighting.

The capsule is suitable for infants from 4 - 35 lbs.

We also highly recommend that you can get the stroller frame that accompanies this capsule.

This travel system is ultra-lightweight at 16 lbs and is the perfect travel accessory for the capsule.

It also folds up great which is fabulous as it won't take up loads of room in your boot when you have to fit other luggage as well.

Grab the Graco SnugRider 3 Elite Car Seat Carrier here.

The capsule is lovely and lightweight at 10 lb. Important to note that you cannot use the base of the capsule on the plane (this is across the board with all capsules, not just this brand).

So best to pop the base in the overhead locker.

This capsule measures at 15.5 inches in width, which means that it definitely fit on all airplane seats.

Infant Travel Car Capsule

The Graco SnugRide is great for newborns babies up until 35 lbs.

It is a capsule style infant travel car seat which means that you can easily cary it around with the adjustable carry handle.

We absolutely love this baby capsule with the combination of the Graco stroller frame.

Both pieces are affordable, lightweight and small in size, which makes it perfect for vacations with your baby.

10. Graco Size4Me 65 Convertible Car Seat Review

The Graco Size4Me is a great and lovely cushioned seat for travel. T

he Graco car seat is FAA approved and whilst many people assume you can't travel with it due to its widest width being 22", you can actually still fit it on most plane seats with the arm rests down due to the narrow base and the way it is shaped.

The car seat is heavier than many other car seats on our list.  

It weighs 19 lbs. so do ensure you have a car seat trolley or car seat backpack to port it around the airport.

Whilst the seat measures at 22" at the widest point, it does have a narrow base.

Which means that the seat should fit beautifully (with the arm rests down) on the larger plane seats, but you will most likely have to fly with the arm rest up on the slimmer seats.

This car seat is great for 4-40 lbs babies in rear-facing position and 20-65 lbs. in forward-facing position. Which makes it a great travel toddler car seat.

Be aware that it is on the heavier side, so don't try to carry it around the airport.  

Due the width, you might also have to lift it up over the seats when you walk down the aisle in the plane (although friends have reported that it does fit down the aisle of some planes).

The Graco Size4Me 65 is a great portable toddler car seat to take along on trips. It fits beautifully on seats due to its narrow base and shape.

It is also really easy to install and adjust.

Important to note that it is slightly on the heavier side, but if you prefer a seat that is cushioned and super cozy for your baby, then we do recommend the Graco Car Seat.

Best Car Seat Travel Cart and Transporters for Airports

No matter how light the car seat is, I still suggest that you invest in either a car seat travel stroller or a backpack car seat bag to get around the airport.

Even with a trolley it might be slightly challenging to get your baby, luggage and car seat to the plane. Here are some great car seat cart options:

1. Britax Car Seat Travel Cart

The Britax Travel Cart is, in our opinion, one of the most popular travel carts for Britax car seat owners.  

It is a great car seat roller cart that allows seats to attach effortlessly using the car seat latch connectors.

The one-hand telescoping handle is great as it adjusts to fit any height. It will fold down compact enough to fit into most airplane overhead compartments.

The Britax car seat travel cart will work with all Britax convertibles and harnessed booster seats, as well as with most other brands.

The cart is a lot heavier (20.8 pounds) in comparison to the Go-Go Babyz cart (5 pounds) down below.

>>> Check pricing of this cart here .  

2. Go-Go Babyz Kidz Travelmate

The Go-Go Babyz Car Seat Luggage Cart is a great cart for USA car seats.

It works with both infant travel car seats as well as toddler convertible car seats. It has an additional fold down plate that you can use for larger car seats.

You can adjust the handle, which is great as you can make it shorter when stored and lengthen it out to make it easier to push (it has 4 positions).

It has wide-set 3" roller blade wheels which makes it easy to push along in the airport.

The Travelmate can be checked with your baggage, rolled to gate and checked, or rolled all the way on the plane to be used in flight or stored in the overhead compartment.

Folds to 28 x 17 x 5 inches. Weighs 5 lbs.

3. BRICA Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter

The Brica Sar Seat Roller Cart is great as it fits most major brands of convertible and forward-facing car seats.

The best travel carseat stroller must have a lightweight design.  

It has fold flat wheels as well as an adjustable telescopic handle which allows the cart to fold up in order to fit in an overhead locked on the plane.

Weighing just 5 pounds, this transporter folds flat (2-1/2 inches thick) for easy storage.

4. Car Seat Travel Accessory

For a small alternative, you can consider this car seat travel strap. Simply connect your car seat to your rolling carry-on suitcase and off you go.

Easy, although I would probably suggest you only use this option for the lightweight car seats.

Best Car Seat Travel Bag, Carts, Transporters and Protective Covers for Travel

I hope you managed to find a car seat for your next trip from our FAA approved car seats list, the next step is trying to figure out how to transport the car seat around the airport.

If you wish to check in your car seat, we highly recommend you purchase one of these top car seat bags for air travel.  

Some airlines might give you a thin plastic car seat cover for travel, but they offer no protective.  

The first time we traveled with our car seat, it got damaged so we never go without a protective car seat cover for travel now.

Here are some of the best infant car seat travel bags that we can recommend:

1. JL Childress Padded Car Seat Travel Bag

The JL car seat travel bag is a great option. It is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty.  It is adjustable, has padded backpack straps and a lifting handle.

The interior of the travel car seat bag is padded.  It has dual and lockable zipper openings and an ID card pocket to pop all your details.

>>> Check pricing of this bag here .  

2. Flightjoy Travel bag  

The Flightjoy Car Seat Bag for Travel is another great option.  It has adjustable straps. The material is heavy duty, durable and will last.  It is compatible with most baby car seats.

These infant car seat travel bags are also airline approved so you can carry it through the airport terminal gates when you want to use the seat on the airplane itself.

3. Britax Car Seat Travel Bag

The Britax Car Seat Airplane Bag is great for Britax car seats. The brilliant thing about this bag is that it has built-in wheels.

The car travel bag is light and has several straps to make it easy to carry. It is waterproof and comes at a pretty affordable price tag.

4. Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag

The Jeep Airplane Car Seat Bag is a great universal car seat travel bag.  It is nice and large in size to fit even the bulkiest of seats.  

It has shoulder straps and made from quality durable fabric.  it is also waterproof and lightweight.

You can also choose to invest in the Jeep car seat travel bag with wheels if you prefer.

5. JL Gate Check Car Seat Bag

After a simple, no-frills car seat gate check bag that will get the job done?  Then the JL Childress Car Seat Check Bag is for you.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry. It is large enough to fit most car seats.  Simple, but effective and affordable.

Does My Child Need a Car Seat on an Airplane?

Ultimately the answer to this question comes down to safety and how important your baby or toddler's safety is to you.

The American FAA does strongly recommended that you use an approved child restraint device when travelling with infants less than 2-years old.

Ultimately car seats are the safest and most comfortable way for infants to travel on a plane.

Plus a toddler travel car seat for airplane use really comes in handy as your child know that they are expected to stay put in the seat.

But, in saying all of that, you are not legally required to use a car seat on the plane, so it does come down to your own decision.

Of course, you would also need to purchase an additional seat in order to use the car seat on as well, so keep that in mind.

A convertible car seat on airplane can be an easy option, allowing for use both rear and forward facing. We prefer a convertible travel car seat over an infant travel car seat. 

You will also need to ensure that the car seat has FAA approval.  Not every car seat can be used on the plane!

More information and the best infant car seat for travel below.

FAA Baby and Toddler Car Seat Regulations for Airplanes

In order to be allowed to use your car seat on the plane, it must be FAA approved. How do you find out if your car seat is FAA approved?  

Have a look at the sticker on the side of the seat and see if it says “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraf t .”

If you are located in Australia , the car seat must be approved to Australian Standards AS/NZS 1754. So make sure your seat has an AS/NZS 1754 approved safety label.

FAA Requirements

For a child less than 40 lbs. : Secure your child in an FAA approved car seat for the duration of the flight.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This would typically be in the rear-facing position.

For a child 22lbs – 44 lbs. : For babies and toddler at this age, you could either use an approved car seat or you could choose to secure them in the airplane seat in an  Airplane Child Safety Harness .

The harness restraint is the only FAA approved child airplane harness system that is allowed to be used during takeoff, landing as well as in flight. 

More about this device below.

More than 40 pounds: Kids can use an airplane seat belt, however many parents typically keep their child in a car seat till around 4 years.

FAA-Approved Child Harness Device

The Airplane Harness Child Safety Device is the only FAA approved harness restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 lbs (kids 1-year and older).

The benefits of a this harness is of course that it is small and portable enough to carry in your carry-on bags.  

The negatives are that your child will be required to sit up pretty straight on the airplane seats and the harness is really uncomfortable to sleep in.

So we do still prefer a toddler portable travel car seat as they are more comfy for kids.

>>>Learn more about this FAA approved child restraint or check out the airplane harness here .

You can find a list of 7 other great car seat alternatives for travel here.

Travel Car Seat Buyers Guide

Things that you should look out for when purchasing a car seat for travel use.

1. Weight of Seat

Ultimately the best car seats for travel should be lightweight, compact and portable. The weight of the seat is important for your own sanity.

We prefer a car seat that is around 10 lbs. (Slightly over is still okay).  

You will be required to lift the car seat in and out of the car, on to trolleys, port it around the airport as well as potentially have to lift it over peoples heads on the plane to carry it down the aisle. Stick to a lightweight car seat. Trust me!

2. Width of Seat

The width of the seat is another important consideration.  Just because the seat has FAA approval does not mean that it will fit on the plane seat.  

Plane seats can be anywhere from around 16" to 22". Most are around the 17 or 18" mark.  

You can check to see if your plane is list on the SeatGuru seat chart table to see what size your seat will be ahead of time.  

We find that child care seats around 18" or under fit on all airplane seats. Although you might have to lift the armrest on the 16" seat planes.

Another important consideration with slim designs is so that the seat will fit through the security scanner.

If the seat won't fit, the will need to hand inspect the seat and it would slow down the whole checking in process.

3. FAA Approval

As mentioned above, you will need to ensure that you purchase a FAA approved infant car seats or FAA approved toddler car seats.  

You can do this by checking the sticker on the side for this saying: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraf t .”

3.  Convertibility

When you are shopping for the best car seat for international travel, make sure to get the best convertible car seat for travel option there is.

Buying a convertible car seat means that you will save money in the long run.

Convertible travel car seats can accommodate your child from infant to toddler with ease, from approximately 5 lbs. to 65 lbs. comfortably. 

Most of our seats on our list are convertible airline approved car seats.

With that in mind, please make sure to check out the convertibility features carefully and choose the travel car seat that suits you best.

Tips for using a Car Seat on an Airplane

Here is a list of some tips to make life easier when it comes to using your car seat on an airplane.

1.  Booking Seats

Important to note that you will need to use the car seat in a seat that won't block anyone's exit, so for example a window seat.

You will only get away with using your car seat in the bulkhead seats if your car seat is really narrow. Bulkhead seats have fixed armrests, thus reducing the amount of width available for a car seat.  

You won't be allowed to use the seat in exit rows or where it could block anyone's exit path.

2. Rear-Facing Car Seats

Another consideration is that if you use a rear-facing seat, the person in front of the seat might not be able to recline at all. So consider booking one parent to the right of your baby and one in front. 

3.  Notify the Airline of your Intent to use a Car Seat

Do take the time to make a call to the airline in advance to notify them that you intend to travel with car seat.

As extra precaution we also recommend that you request to have this noted to your booking and also ask for written confirmation of approval that you can bring out and take with you on the plane.

4.  Infant Capsule Seats with a Base

Another tip that might be useful is that the base of the capsule style infant travel car seats are NOT FAA approved and you would need to check-in your base or pop it in the overhead compartment (if it fits). You can only use the seat part on the plane itself.

5. Booster Seats and Plane Travel

According to regulations, booster seats are not permitted on-board.

Some airlines might let you use the booster seat for flying, but it will need to be stored for take-off and landing, but realistically speaking they can tell you that you are not allowed to use it at all as there are NO FAA approved booster seats. Sorry!

If you use a combination car seat/booster car seat, you can use the car seat with the internal harness, but the booster seat is not acceptable because there is no shoulder belt to use with the seat.

Tip: Here are the top 10 best travel booster seats .

6. Getting Around the Airport with your Seat

Making your way through the airport with a child, luggage, and a car seat can be a challenge.

Fortunately there are ways to make your life easier and easier means better! Last thing you want on the airport is an added struggle.

You could choose to invest in either a car seat trolley or choose to carry it around on your back with a car seat backpack.

You will find different recommended products for both of these options at the bottom of the guide.

>>> Click here for more helpful information on using a car seat for plane travel .

Answers to FAQ

1. should i bring a car seat on the plane.

Flying with a car seat is your safest option when flying with a baby or toddler. This is because the seatbelts on airplanes are not designed for their little bodies.

The general recommendation is for children under 40lbs to fly in an FAA-approved restraint which can either be one of the car seats for planes or an airplane harness. 

The great thing about taking your car seat with you is that when you reach your destination you have a car seat to use when traveling either in the taxi or in your rental car.

Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance.

This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats.

So yes, you should purchase one of the best car seats for airplanes so that you can keep your child safe.

2. Can you rent a car seat from an airline?

No you cannot rent a car seat from an airline. Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance.

3. Are all car seats airline approved?

The short answer is no, not all car seats are airline approved. We always recommend that you check if your airline does allow car seats and if it does, it must normally be an FAA or TÜV-approved seat. 

This means it is approved for use in an aircraft. To find out if you have an airline-approved car seat, check to see if it is marked "For Use In Aircraft".

Most car seats will have a sticker near the base of the car seat and it should have in red letters that it is approved for airplane or aircraft use.

4. What car seats can be used on planes?

Nearly every car seat in the US is approved for aircraft use - but not all are. But it is important to purchase car seats approved for air travel, so make sure it says it is FAA approved to avoid any issues with the flight attendants.

The only car seat that you cannot use is a booster seat as you require a seat belt that goes over the shoulder and lap when securing. 

We suggest using a high-backed booster seat as they are allowed on planes if they have a 5-point harness. 

5. What is FAA approved?

FAA approval means that the car seat has passed a standard airworthiness test and therefore allows you to travel with the car seat on a plane.

6. How do you pack a car seat on an airplane?

If you are checking in your car seat when flying we would recommend that you pack the car seat in a car seat travel bag. This will help prevent your travel car seat from being spoiled or damaged.

If your airport does offer baggage wrapping service we would also recommend this as it will add an extra layer of protection to the car seat.

7. Is it better to gate check a car seat?

Gate checking your car seat might not be as convenient as checking your car seat with your baggage when you check in, however the advantage to checking your car seat reduces the time and handling of your car seat by someone else.

This means less opportunity for your car seat being lost or damaged!

8. How do I check my car seat at the airport?

When you check in you can check your car seat at the same time if you wish it to go into the hold with the usual luggage.

First you will need to get it checked and tagged at the counter where you get your tickets and then you will most likely have to drop it off to the oversized luggage counter.

When checking in your car seat to the hold this is not counted as a part of your baggage allowance and most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free.

This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats. 

We always recommend checking with your airline first to be sure of the rules and what they will and won't allow.

9. Do airplanes damage car seats?

Unfortunately, any item that is checked into the hold is at risk of being damaged or even lost.

We would recommend that if you do plan to check in a car seat, purchase a cheap FAA approved car seat for the flight.

This way if it is lost or damaged, it is not your expensive car seat that you use in the car at home.

10. Can I take my baby in a taxi without a car seat?

A child can only travel in a taxi or private hire vehicle without a child car seat if he or she sits in the back.

However, even though this is allowed we would always recommend that a car seat is used when traveling in a vehicle as this is the safest option. 

Children older than three years old must use the car's adult seat belt and it is advised that children under three should not use a seat belt.

11. Do airports provide car seat bags?

No, airports do not provide car seat bags as each car seat is different in size and there is not one size fits all car seat bags available. 

We have at times grabbed a normal thin plastic bag from the counter to use, however it didn't add any protection for the seat so is not recommended.

Verdict on Our Pick of the Best Travel Car Seat

Your baby's safety will of course top priority when it comes to choosing a car seat for travel. You may also take into account the style as well as your preference, needs, and budget.

If you want a travel car seat that will work for both travel and home use then our top pick would be the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat . It is also great value for money as you can use it from birth up to 65 lbs which means you will get a good few years of use.

Although the Safety 1St Jive 2-in-1 can be used from 5 lbs, we do prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX for babies and infants as it offers more support and protection for their necks.

If you prefer to travel light and with minimal fuss then the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat is perfect. It folds up small and compact and does not take up much space when not in use or you have to transport it when not using. It is perfect for ages 2-4 years old.

If you want to travel super light and not have to worry about a car seat for when you arrive at your destination, a great option for children  aged two years or older who have their own seat and do not need much support is the Newroutes Airplane Safety Harness .

If you opt for the Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 car seat we suggest investing in the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart as it will make transporting the seat around the airport so much easier.

We also recommend the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart for the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat. Although this travel cart is made by Britax it works with most other brands of car seats as well. If you want to check this travel seat in then we recommend the smallest of all check-in bags, the JL Gate Check Car Seat Bag .

To give your Cosco Might Fix 65 DX travel car seat the best protection when you check it in when not using it on the plane, be sure to get the JL Premium Backpack travel bag . 

We hope this article has helped you decide on the best travel car seat for flying. Have a safe and comfortable trip.

Why Trust Wanderlust Storytellers

Jolene Ejmont is an author with almost a decade of experience in researching and writing about travel and lifestyle products. 

Additionally, she is a mother to 3 kids. She has experience traveling with a baby, toddler, preschooler, tween and teenager.

In the process of creating this list, Jolene delved into the research of numerous products, scrutinizing crucial specifications such as dimensions, weight rating, and reviews, both positive and negative.

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8 top car seats for travel

There comes a point in every pre-trip packing session when my husband and I look at each other and ask, " Do we bring the car seats ?" Several factors come into play when deciding: Are we renting a car at our destination? Are we going to a place where we can mostly get around on foot or rely on public transportation? Can we survive a 10-hour overnight flight with our squirmy 19-month-old not tethered into the familiar cocoon of her Cosco Scenera?

More often than not, the car seats come along on our family travels — even when we know we'll likely only use them on the cab ride to and from the airport. After all, car seats are free to check on nearly every airline, the quality and condition of rental-car seats at your destination can't be guaranteed, and you'll feel more secure installing a car seat you've used before, rather than one that's brand new to you and your baby.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

What makes a car seat good for travel?

When it comes to travel, not all car seats are created equal. That super-heavy, cup-holder-accented, rock-star ride that's become a fixture in your minivan back home is going to look a lot less attractive when you're pushing two suitcases and a few carry-ons through London Heathrow while trying to figure out how to balance the car seat atop it all and make a connection at Gatwick.

That is when you need a compact car seat that travels like a pro and keeps your baby safe. And that's where we've got you covered with our best suggestions for travel car seats that won't have you dreading the logistics of lugging them along.

Related: The best cards to use for Amazon purchases

DOONA INFANT CAR SEAT AND STROLLER

Why it's great: The Doona converts from a car seat to a stroller and back again with the push of a button.

Photo courtesy of Doona

One thing to know, however, is that this is an infant car seat and not a system that's going to grow with your baby. The Doona is rated for babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches long, and is a tight squeeze when you get close to those numbers. Your baby may surpass the height limits even before the weight limits. It should work well for about the first year, but possibly not much beyond.

COSCO SCENERA NEXT

Why it's great: The Cosco Scenera Next is as lightweight and affordable as car seats come and has a safety sticker for airplane use.

Here's a car seat with a deserved cult following among traveling families. The Cosco Scenera Next wins on so many levels and is the perfect car seat when you get to toddler age. It can be used rear- or forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. At less than seven pounds, the seat is super light to carry. I've often put it atop the canopy of my stroller to push it through the airport when I've wanted to have it on board during a flight.

The seat has the mandatory sticker on the side that lets flight attendants and ground crew know that it's certified for use on airplanes (I've been asked to show this sticker on more than one occasion, both at check-in and once inside the plane). Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness system that's a cinch to get on and off. Win, win, win all around. You can find this affordable seat on Amazon, but walmart.com often has more selection when it comes to colors and patterns, as well as lower prices.

CHICCO KEYFIT 30 INFANT CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Bubble indicators let you know it's in perfect position and easy installation are among the features we love.

Chicco makes some great all-around car seats. And if you're planning to hit the road a bunch with your infant, it's worth investing in a Chicco stroller to go along with the highly rated Chicco KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat . Car seat installation can be befuddling, but this one is super easy to install securely and has spring-assisted leveling footing and a bubble indicator you can reference to be sure it's in the right position. After all, a car seat works most effectively when it's properly installed. Infants from four to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches long can be accommodated and the car seat is designed to click in and out easily into Chicco strollers, so you can transfer smoothly from the back seat of the car to the street. Together with the car seat base, the system weighs around 17 pounds. Not exactly feather-light, but still easy enough to get around with.

COMBI COCCORO

Why it's great: The narrow body leaves extra space for siblings alongside and we love that this one can be used rear- and forward-facing.

Another good contender in the convertible car seat category, the Combi Coccoro is a bit bulkier than the Cosco Scenera Next but still a good choice. It weighs less than 15 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing for kids up to 40 pounds. The car seat has a nice narrow build that makes it far less cumbersome than many others for use as a kiddie straitjacket, er, safety device inside an airplane. It's also FAA approved, with the sticker to prove it.

EVENFLO TRIBUTE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

Why it's great: Super lightweight and super affordable make this one an all-around winner.

Weighing in at a hair over nine pounds, here's another good lightweight option with plenty of safety features that can be used rear- and forward- facing as your child grows. There are four shoulder harness positions that make it easy to adjust comfort as your needs change from newborn to the toddler years. And the Tribute 's 100% polyester seat pad and backing is easy to remove and toss into the washing machine between trips. You can use this seat for kids up to 40 pounds and 40 inches long. And you really can't beat the price point, right around the $50 mark and available in different colors on Amazon and Evenflo websites.

PICO TRAVEL CAR SEAT BY WAYB

Why it's great: For ease of portability, it's hard to beat this forward-facing option that can fold down to nearly flat.

This extremely portable car seat looks like a total game changer for moving swiftly through airports and cities while carrying lots of luggage. I've heard good things about it from traveling parents, although I have yet to try it myself. The Pico Travel Car Seat by WAYB is just eight pounds. But more importantly, it folds down to nearly flat, yet has a full-size back seat portion that makes it safe for use as a forward-facing car seat for kids between 22 and 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall.

It couldn't be easier to bring along as a carry-on, or even to pack inside a suitcase. The seat is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, which is to say it's extremely strong and light at the same time. Kids must be at least a year old to use it but it's best suited for those who are 2 years old and up. This one's going on my holiday wish list, for sure.

Approximate price: $234

Why it's great: Its lightweight (just 10 pounds) and small size makes it easy to bring along and stow in the overhead compartment.

Uber uses this harness-style car seat in its uberFAMILY rides. If you're in the market for a portable car seat that will grow with your child from 22 to 55 pounds, this might be a great choice for your family. The IMMI GO folds for easy storage in the overhead bin on an airplane or in the trunk of a car. It also comes with a handy carrying case that makes it easy to tote along on city shopping trips before you jump back in a cab.

BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Car Seat

Why it's great: A seriously portable booster seat for kids between 40 and 100 pounds that you can stash in a backpack or oversized purse to take on the go.

This is the little miracle worker of a booster seat to bring along when traveling with kids between the ages of four and 11, who weigh between 40 and 100 pounds. A few puffs of breath is all it takes to blow up the inflatable BubbleBum , which is 13 inches wide and packs down to nearly flat when you're ready to toss it back into your handbag and go. Three kids can sit on the booster seats next to each other with room to spare in the back seat of a car. What could be easier to pop open and install for a cab ride or something longer? We just wish we had thought of this brilliant idea first.

Bottom line

It's a bit of a pain, but we'll continue to bring a car seat along whenever we travel -- for as long as our kids need them. But, the right car seat certainly depends on a lot of different factors and what's perfect for us may not work as well for you. What's your go-to travel car seat? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

• Car Seats /

Best Car Seats for Travel

Our favorite travel-friendly infant, convertible & booster seats for the baby days through the big-kid years., by jen labracio.

Ever try to lug a 20-pound car seat through an airport while thinking to yourself, “There has to be a better way?”

Traveling with babies and young children can be a great adventure, but it can also be a bit of a logistical nightmare. Where will they sleep? (A travel crib or a travel bed usually do the trick.) Can you fly with breastmilk ? (Yes.) How do you keep a toddler entertained on a long flight? (Thoughts and prayers.)

Car seats can be especially confusing when you’re away from home. Most present a bit of a conundrum: you want your to keep your little one safe and secure, but you don’t want to throw out your back lugging a big, bulky car seat around with you wherever you go. The good news is there are plenty of travel-friendly car seat options on the market—you just need to know what features to look for.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Car Seats

Best infant car seats.

• Lightest Infant Car Seat: UPPAbaby Aria Car Seat
• Best Affordable Infant Car Seat: Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat
• Best Luxury Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base
• Best Infant Car Seat + Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

Best convertible car seats

• Best Convertible: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat
• Longer Lasting Convertible: Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat
• Most Compact Convertible: WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

Best booster seats

• Best High-back: Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat
• Best Backless: Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

In This Article

• How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats
• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Car Seat?

Do you need a travel car seat, features to look for in a travel car seat, babylist’s picks for the best car seats for travel, infant car seats, lightest infant car seat for travel.

UPPAbaby Aria Infant Car Seat - Jake

The UPPAbaby Aria, one of our top car seats for infants , hit the market in early 2024 and we couldn’t be more excited about it. The brand’s OG car seat, the Mesa , is a popular choice for expecting parents but is a few pounds heavier than many comparable seats. The Aria comes in much lighter, weighing just under six pounds without the canopy and inserts, making it the lightest infant seat currently on the market. This is great if you’re using the seat daily, but even better if you’re using it for travel.

The Aria is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and can be installed with or without its base, another travel plus. (It features something called a European belt path , a routing system that makes installing the seat without its base safer and more secure.) A no-rethread harness makes fit adjustments easy and there’s a load leg and an anti-rebound bar for safety and stability. We also love the XL canopy for shade and darkness and that you won’t need adapters if you’re connecting the seat directly to a Vista or Cruz stroller.

Additional Specs

Best affordable infant car seat for travel.

Evenflo Litemax 35 Infant Car Seat - Knowville Gray

You don’t have to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a travel-friendly infant car seat. Evenflo’s LiteMax (another of our top baby car seats ) costs a bit over $100 and weighs only eight pounds, making it affordable and travel-ready. You can install it without its base—it even has a European belt path. There’s a full-coverage canopy and an ergonomically designed handle for easier carrying.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more and are looking for some extra safety features, check out the LiteMax DLX , which features a load leg. (Just remember that the load led extends from the base, so if you’re using just the seat you won’t have that benefit.) And for another affordable infant car seat for travel, check out Graco’s SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat . It weighs just over seven pounds and can be installed without the base when you don’t feel like bringing it along.

Best Luxury Infant Car Seat for Travel

Nuna Pipa Rx Infant Car Seat with Relx Base - Granite

The Pipa Rx is a stellar combination of safety + convenience and works just as well as an everyday car seat as it does for travel. It’s pricey, but it’s also a sleek, modern seat with two key features that make it ideal for travel: weight and ease of installation. The Pipa weighs just over seven pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats on the market—a huge plus when you’re carrying it through the airport or taking it in and out of your car. And like other seats on our list, you can install it without the base using your vehicle’s seat belt and the European belt path.

It’s also packed with high-end features that you’d expect in a higher-priced seat. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and doesn’t contain any added fire-retardant chemicals, and there’s an oversized canopy for shade. Safety-wise, it excels, featuring both a load leg and an anti-rebound panel (both extra safety features that help absorb impact and rebound in the event of a crash).

For another high-end, travel-friendly seat, check out the Clek Liingo . It’s a bit heavier, but it features LATCH anchors built right into the car seat itself, meaning you can skip the base and the seat belt and install it securely in seconds.

Best Infant Car Seat Stroller Hybrid for Travel

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller - Nitro Black

There’s nothing quite like the Doona. This one-of-a-kind hybrid stroller + car seat is a favorite of on-the-go parents and is a great item of baby gear to own if you’ll be traveling frequently with your little one during their first year or so.

The Doona transforms from an infant car seat into a stroller with the click of a button. When it’s time to get in the car, the stroller legs and wheels pull up and fold under the car seat. It’s a dream if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of gear you’re lugging around when you’re away from home and if you’re looking for a seat that’s easy to get in and out of ride shares or rental cars. (It’s a great seat for city dwellers too.)

Convertible Car Seats

Best convertible car seat for travel.

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Most convertible seats aren’t designed for travel. Weighing in at an average of about 20 pounds, convertibles don’t snap into strollers and are heavy, bulky and meant to be installed in your car and stay there. For parents who travel frequently or don’t own a car, getting around with a convertible seat poses quite the challenge.

The Next, which is ranked as one of our best convertible car seats , solves for this dilemma. It weighs about 10 pounds—light for any car seat but especially so for a convertible. It’s easy to sling over your shoulder while you’re walking through the airport or install in an airplane seat or a ride share. (It’s FAA-approved for plane travel.) It’s totally no-frills and can be a bit tricky to get a secure install, but it’s slim, safe and affordable and can be used both rear- and forward-facing.

A Longer Lasting Travel-Friendly Convertible Pick

Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat - Rocco Red

The Sonus 65 is a travel-friendly convertible car seat and a good choice if you’re looking for a seat with a higher height and weight maximum than the Cosco Scenera Next. It weighs a bit more, but only by about a pound, and you’ll be able to use it until your little one reaches 65 pounds or 50 inches as opposed to the Next which maxes out at 40 pounds and 43 inches.

In addition to its extended use capabilities, the Sonos is an affordable seat with a few noteworthy features. It’s a fairly narrow seat, so it won’t take up much room across your back seat and can be used three across. There’s also a built-in ventilation system, a reinforced frame, five shoulder strap positions and two integrated cup holders for drinks and snacks.

Most Compact Convertible Car Seat for Travel

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

The WAYB Pico is like no other convertible car seat on the market. Designed specifically for families who travel or are frequently on the go, it’s one of the pricer options on our list but is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for an innovative, safe and incredibly compact convertible car seat option.

The creators of the Pico were inspired to create a completely unique convertible-style seat after watching parents struggle trying to lug car seats through airports and in and out of taxis and ride shares. There’s no feature here that hasn’t been completely (and ingeniously) thought through. The Pico’s frame is made from lightweight, aerospace-grade aluminum; there’s a five-point harness and seat fabric made from a cool, breathable mesh; and the seat installs either via a seat belt or LATCH system. The Pico weighs just eight pounds and folds up for easy transport either by hand or in the brand’s carry bag .

One thing to keep in mind: the seat is forward-facing only, so if you’re looking for a rear-facing convertible for travel, this isn’t a good fit for you.

Booster Seats

Best booster seat for travel.

Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback Booster Car Seat

Booster seats use a vehicle’s seat belt as a restraint and were developed to help elevate children in a car’s seat, making adult seat belts fit better on smaller bodies. You’ll have to wait quite a while until you transition your little one from a convertible car seat into a booster; most experts recommend waiting to make the leap until your child maxes out their forward-facing car seat, meets the height and weight requirements of the booster and is mature enough to sit properly upright (no leaning, twisting, moving around etc.).

There are two types of boosters: high-back and backless. Graco’s TurboBooster falls into the first category, with a high back and a seat belt guide to thread your vehicle’s shoulder belt for a proper fit. Due to their height, no high-backs are particularly great for travel, but this one is one of the best you’ll find in terms of price (affordable) and weight (just over eight pounds). It’s also easy to install and fits a wide variety of children well, and transitions to a backless booster for years of use.

Best Backless Booster Seat for Travel

Cosco Rise Backless Booster Car Seat

Most experts recommend using a high-back booster for as long as possible , but once you’re ready to make the switch to a backless model, your life is going to get a whole lot easier (and a lot lighter!). Cosco’s Rise is a no-frills seat that’s affordable, lightweight and compact, making it ideal to toss into a bag or even a tote for travel. The wide base and high armrests make it easy for your child to buckle in themselves and there’s a shoulder belt positioning clip to ensure you’ll get the proper fit.

How We Chose Our Best Car Seats for Travel

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey , which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel car seats.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

There’s no specific category or true definition for a “travel” car seat; instead, what defines a travel-friendly car seat is more about its features. Things like a light weight, compact design and ease of portability are all factors to consider when you’re shopping for this type of seat.

Determining if it’s worthwhile to invest in a car seat just for travel depends on your family’s lifestyle. If you’re a family who tends to stay close to home or use your own car when you’re traveling, you can likely skip a travel-friendly seat. But if you’re planning on hitting the road (or the skies) frequently with your little one in tow, then purchasing a car seat specifically for travel can make your life on the go a whole lot easier.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to use a travel-friendly car seat just for travel. A compact, lightweight car seat is a great choice if you’re an urban family that doesn’t own a car, for example, if you need a seat for a grandparent or other caregiver or if plan to switch your seat frequently between cars.

There are some specific features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a car seat that’s well-suited for travel.

• Weight. This is a biggie. Lugging around a heavy car seat isn’t a fun way to spend any part of your vacation. Choose the lightest seat you can within your budget—your lower back can thank us later.
• Design. A slim, compact seat is easier to transport than a big, bulky one. Keep this in mind when choosing what type of seat you’ll purchase for traveling.
• Ease of installation. Does spending 40 minutes trying to install a car seat in your rental car sound like fun? Make sure the car seat you choose for travel can be installed quickly and easily in the widest range of car makes and models.
• FAA-approved. This one’s important if you plan on doing a lot of travel via plane. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ride in child safety seats on airplanes —but you’ll need to make sure your seat is approved for airplane use . Look for a label on the seat that reads “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” to be sure. This includes infant seats, convertibles, forward-facing seats and some harnessed boosters.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

The Best Portable Car Seat for Travel For Every Age!

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Are you looking for the best portable car seat for travel with your baby, toddler or child? Are you wondering about the best car seats for airplanes? One of the biggest pains of traveling with young kids is figuring out what to do about the car seats! Seriously, I have planned so much of our travel around “well, how are we going to travel with the car seats??!”  

Not only do we want to keep our kids safe on vacation, but we also want a lightweight travel car seat that isn’t going to break the bank. My car seat for my 3-year-old (although AWESOME) is super heavy and bulky – I needed a better toddler travel car seat option! In this post, we are going to teach you all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to make traveling with car seats a breeze.

The Best Travel Car Seat: Quick Comparison

Should you buy a separate portable toddler car seat.

We love the car seats we have at home and we also spent a lot of money purchasing them. We didn’t want to take the chance of having them ruined at the airport or while traveling which is why we decided to buy a separate portable carseat for travel. The portable car seats we purchased were all super affordable, which is why we weren’t too fussed if they got scuffed or damaged in our travels. We also bought the most lightweight portable child car seat we could find! It never hurts to lighten your load when you are traveling. One extra bonus to having separate travel carseat is that you don’t have to uninstall and reinstall your car seats at home! One time was hard enough to get it all perfect, I’m happy not to have to reinstall my seats every time we take a trip.

If you are looking for some excellent basic information about car seat travel, please check out this awesome article by the American Academy of Pediatrics which is a primer on Car Seat Safety and FAQs. 

Top Choices for Portable Car Seats

We’re going to be reviewing all of these car seats in massive detail below but in case you just want to get to the good stuff, here is our list of the best portable car seats for travel:

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 1 Year Old

Our top choice for a 1 year old (or less) is an bucket car seat. These seats are easy to travel with as they can be easily installed using a regular seat belt. We chose the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 for its lightweight design. This is provided that your one year old has not yet outgrown a bucket car seat. Our top choice infant car seat has a weight limit of 30lbs and a height limit of 32 inches. The reason we love bucket seats is that they usually connect to strollers really easily and that means one less piece of equipment on your trip. Read more reviews of the Maxi Cosi Mico 30 and compare prices on Amazon.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 2 Year Old

In the two-year-old category, we are LOVING the Cosco Scenera Next car seat. This convertible car seat is one of the most popular travel car seats for a reason, literally, every single friend of mine owns the same one. The Cosco Scenera Next is super lightweight and you really can’t beat the price . Read more reviews of this travel car seat for 2 year old toddlers here.

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 3 Year Old

We still love the Cosco Scenera Next for most 3 year olds . The upper weight limit for this car seat is 40lbs, so most average sized 3 year olds will still fit in this seat. This seat can be used rear facing and forward facing, making it super versatile. If you are short on space or planning to travel for a long period, you may want to consider the Ride Safer Delight for this age group. This nifty ride safer travel vest is the perfect travel car seat for 3 year old and 4 year olds that are too small for travel booster seat options. Read more reviews here!

Top Choice: Portable Car Seat for 4 Year Old

For the 4 year old and up kids, a travel booster may be appropriate. This is all depending on the size of your 4 year old – keep in mind that the majority of boosters have a minimum weight of 40lbs. We love the mifold for its compactness and portability. We have been using this car seat with our now 5 year old son and it has totally changed our lives when it comes to traveling (safely) with kids. Read more reviews and see the weight and height restrictions here.

Should I bring my travel car seat on the plane?

One of the questions that I am asked most by readers is whether it is worthwhile to bring a car seat on the plane. If your child is over age 2 and you are already going to be bringing the car seat along, my answer is always YES!! We were actually late to the game in bringing our car seats ON the plane. I hadn’t really considered it until my second son was almost 2. We’ve now brought our Cosco Scenera Next on the plane for multiple trips and it has been an absolute lifesaver! Not only is it safer to have kids safely strapped into a car seat in the case of turbulence , it also makes flying with kids SO much easier! With my son strapped in, we didn’t have to worry about him constantly trying to bother the people in front of us or trying to hide on the seats. Our kids also sleep super well in the car seats, so it really helped the travel go as smooth as possible. Check out the latest prices on the super affordable Costco Scenra Next here.

One important thing to note is that having a forward facing car seat on a plane puts your kids’ feet at premium seat kicking range! We solve this problem by seating our older child in front of the car seat. It’s something to consider before you book your seats!

Now if your child is less than 2 years old, the decision whether to bring the car seat is entirely personal. If you want to bring your seat, you’ll usually have to pay for the seat. It is definitely safer to have a child strapped in the case of turbulence. Commercial airplanes travel at a speed of 250mph during takeoff and landing and a sudden stop or jolt could send your child flying no matter how tightly you are holding them. That being said, the majority of individuals I know do not buy a seat for their child under age 2. Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel, and in the majority of cases, an infant in your lap will be just fine. One pro tip is to ask the flight attendants whether the flight is full before you board. I have scored a free seat for my less than 2 year old infants twice using this method and both times was able to bring on my car seat without difficulty.

If you aren’t planning to use a travel carseat at your destination, you may consider using the CARES airplane travel harness. The CARES travel harness keeps your kids safe on the flight by strapping them in with an extra chest strap. It is rated for kids 22-44lbs and is approved by the FAA for travel. Not only does the Cares harness keep kids safe, but it also keeps kids contained in their seats. I love that my kids are happier to stay put in their seats when they are all buckled in and relaxed. One thing to note about the CARES harness is that you do need to secure it around the back of the seat behind you. I’ve never had anyone complain about it.

How do I know if my Airplane Car Seat is Approved?

Before you fly, you’ll want to know if your carseat is FAA approved for flight.  Please note that it is important to check your local car seat regulations as these may vary from country to country. In the US,  you will need FAA approved car seats . You can look for your car seat sticker to see if yours is approved, if approved, it should say “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”

Our quick list of FAA approved car seats:

• Portable Baby Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico 30
• Best travel car seat for toddler: Cosco Scenera Next

Please note that booster seats are not FAA approved and cannot be taken on flights.

To check or to gate check?

If we aren’t planning to bring our car seats ON the plane (we almost always do now), we usually gate check out seats. I personally trust the gate checkers to be more careful with the objects than the regular luggage line. I have friends who have checked theirs at the desk and have had damage to the seats which made them unusable.

Should you use a car seat bag?

Check out the latest Car Seat Bags on Amazon here.

There are lots of travel car seat bags available to help you lug your car seats around the airport. Some even have backpack straps and some have roller wheels to make it even easier to bring them along. I have lots of friends who use (and rave!) about these accessories. Personally, I don’t use a car seat bag. For me, it’s just one more thing to bring along!

I also find that when the luggage attendant sees something in a bag they tend to be less careful about it! When they see a car seat out in the open they know they can’t just toss it around (hopefully!). Perhaps if I traveled with my more expensive car seats, I would be more inclined to use a bag, but for now, I’m not sold on the need for one.

How do you bring your car seat through the airport?

If you gate check you can use the seat to transport your child around the airport. Check out this neat product which straps the car seat right to a piece of luggage turning it into a stroller for the airport. Or you can even buy a travel car seat cart to turn your car seat into a temporary stroller at the airport. Read more reviews and compare prices of these travel car seat accessories here.

Personally, one of the reasons that we LOVE the Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat is that it fits in the basket of our Uppa Baby Vista stroller. With the car seat tucked in the bottom of our stroller, we still feel like we are traveling light! Check out the Cosco Scenera next in detail here.

Portable Travel Car Seat Rundown

Ok, now it’s time for the detailed reviews! Here are the best car seats for travel that I have tried and tested. These opinions are my own, and I was not paid or sponsored by any of these companies.

Infant Portable Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Mico

Weight and Height Restrictions:

• Up to 32 inches

FAA Approved?

Where to buy it:.

Check out prices at the following retailers:

Why we love it

Taking a car seat with an infant is the easiest and simplest. I have always used a bucket seat with my kids and I take the same bucket seat that I use at home with me when I travel. We have the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 , and I think this is the most lightweight car seat around!  Any bucket seat , as long as it meets safety requirements, will do!

For the best car seat stroller combo,  our car seat attaches to our UppaBaby Vista which makes it great for use in the airport and also while we are on the trip. We never bring along our actual stroller seat until our little one has outgrown the bucket seat. It is too much to carry and our little ones have always been happy in the bucket seat with a few toys to play with. I LOVE traveling with my full-size stroller. Find out more about why I always bring my full size stroller here! 

Toddler Travel Car Seat: Cosco Scenera Next

• 5-40lbs (rear facing 5-44lbs, forward facing 22-40lbs)
• 19 to 40 inches

Why we love it:

For me, toddlers are the trickiest age for bringing car seats for travel. My 2-year-old certainly doesn’t fit into a bucket seat, but also is way too small for a more portable booster seat. A lot of the toddler car seats are so bulky and that makes them difficult to transport in the airport. At the advice of a friend, I purchased what I consider the ultimate portable car seat for my 2-year-old,  the   Cosco Scenera Next.   I use this car seat exclusively as my toddler travel car seat and I can not stop RAVING about it. This seat is seriously the best car seat for travel!  The car seat is SUPER lightweight, which makes it great for airplanes as it’s easy to transport and not a huge pain in the airport. It also fits perfectly in the basket of my Uppa Baby Vista Stoller (score!).

The biggest plus of this super portable car seat is the price!! It is the best value around, and with such a low price I am not afraid of it getting ruined when we travel.  We don’t use this car seat for anything but travel, and it’s also AMAZING not to have to uninstall our regular car seats from our cars because we have this one. If you are like me, installing the car seat the first time was challenging enough, I prefer to keep my regular car seats installed when I can! In the US, this portable car seat is FAA approved,  meaning that it is an airline approved car seat for travel. I prefer to take this car seat and risk it getting damaged than to take the expensive car seat that I use every day.

Portable Booster Seat: The MiFold

Best car seat for travel.

• 40 lbs – 100lbs
• 40 -57 inches

No! Booster seats are not permitted on airplanes.

My kids are still little but I recently learned about an amazing new product from my friend. The mifold car seat is a super thin and portable booster seat that was designed by a couple who also felt the pain of constantly traveling with their seats. The mifold is so compact, it can fit in your purse! The design is simple, yet safe, as it currently meets all of the safety requirements for booster seats in the US. The minimum weight is 40lbs (and 4 years of age).

My friends review? She loves it! The only complaint would be that she says her kids say the seat is not the most comfortable for long car rides. This usually isn’t a huge problem when we travel. Certainly, I would still be using my 5-point restraint car seat at home (as its safer until you reach the maximum weight!). Once my son is big enough I plan to just use the mifold for trips, carpooling, taxi rides etc. My son is soon to be 4, but far away from 40lbs. I can’t wait to try this for myself!

For those kids who are a bit small for their age,  another cool option is the Ride Safer Delight . Although a bit bulkier than the mifold, this safety restraint is rated for smaller children who are at least 3 years old and at least 30 lbs.  You can compare prices and read reviews of the Ride Safer Delight here . Check out my fellow blogger friend from The Family Voyage for a detailed review of The Ride Safer Delight .

*** Update *** My son is now almost 5 and we are LOVING the mifold! It is so great to have something that literally fits in my purse to take with us on our travels. We don’t typically use a car a lot when we travel so having this option is SO GREAT! It sure beats lugging a bulky car seat along for only 40 minutes of total drive time! At home, we use it for taxi rides as well, which is SUPER convenient on the go. Definitely, love having this option! You can read more reviews of the MiFold here.

Should you just rent a car seat for travel?

Sometimes even the most portable car seat is just too much of a pain to bring on your trip. On several occasions, especially when we have been renting a car, we have rented a car seat . A few times we had a car seat that was quite old and worn, and on one occasion we had a seat that wasn’t properly rated for my child’s size. These are the problems with renting travel car seats from a rental company. Renting from a car rental company is at your own risk, as they don’t reserve the seats ahead of time. We will still occasionally do this, especially if we aren’t planning on using the seats a lot during the trip.

There are also companies that rent out car seats specifically for travelers. These baby gear companies will tell you the exact model of car seat that you are renting. The main disadvantage to a company like this is that unless they deliver to the airport you will be left without the car seat for your trip to go pick it up! This is why we have never rented a car seat from a company like this in the past.

Don’t forget your car seat accessories!

This post would not be complete without a shout out to some of my favorite car seat accessories!

The Best Car Seat Fan

I love my Diono Stroller Fan that attaches easily to the handle of the bucket seat to keep my baby cool on a hot vacation. Check out my other favorite beach hacks in this post on what to pack for the beach with kids.

Car Seat Lap Support

If you are headed on a road trip with kids, a car seat lap organizer is a perfect accessory. This Lap Desk for kids has a spot for a drink and can easily hold a few coloring books and markers. It can be worn like a backpack which makes it easy to carry through the airport when travelling.

The Best Car Seat Head Support

If you are doing a road trip with kids, you may have concerns about ‘head slump’ in the car seat. Mostly because it was freaking me out to see my kid’s heads contorted in such ways, I bought this portable car seat head support . Now when we go on long trips my son doesn’t look so darn uncomfortable when he sleeps! And seriously, the panda face is super cute!

Best Car Seat Cover

I love this car seat cover particularly for travel. It comes with a UPF 50+ sun shade that is perfect for hot vacations where you want to keep your little one protected. Under the sun shade is a mesh layer that is perfect to keep the Mosquitos out at night. With all of the worry about mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, I wanted to prevent my little ones from getting bit as much as possible! Check out the pricing for this car seat cover here.

What is the best stroller for travel with car seats?

We are huge fans of trying to bring our full size stroller whenever we can on vacation. We have an Uppa Baby Vista and absolutely love it. The only exceptions would be when we are really limited on space (e.g. cruise, small rental car etc ). I love our full-size stroller and I’ve found every travel stroller I’ve owned to be completely lacking in so many important features. The basket on our stroller is larger enough to carry our travel car seat – you would never see that on a travel stroller!

I’ve never regretted bringing my bigger stroller and I’ve also never had any damage to my full size strollers. I have, however, had a wheel break on a flimsy travel stroller during a flight! Check out prices on the Uppa Baby vista here .

We do have a travel stroller that we use occasionally when we are really short on space. We used the Zoe XL2 travel stroller when we went on a Disney cruise and there was no room for a full size. I like that the Zoe XL has a decent recline and a really large canopy. The storage space isn’t great but it’s the best travel stroller I’ve owned yet. You can read more reviews and check out prices of the Zoe XL2 stroller here.

Have any more travel car seat questions?

Drop your questions in the comments below and I will be sure to answer them in this post.

While you’re in trip planning mode, be sure to check out my other guides to the top  baby travel gear and toddler travel gear posts for more ideas.

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• The best overall
• The best budget-friendly
• The best booster
• The best for infants
• The best for air travel

What else we considered

Check out our other baby gear guides, the best travel car seats.

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I'm not one to buy extra things just to buy them, but I'm okay with spending some extra money on a safe car seat that makes my life easier. When my daughter was born, my husband and I didn't stop traveling, and with Uber, flights, and rental cars, the need for a travel car seat quickly became apparent. They're lighter, less cumbersome, and take up less room. 

Finding the right travel car seat is difficult, though. You need to find the perfect mix of affordability, portability, comfort, and safety. An uncomfortable kid can make for a miserable flight or road trip.  

If you're planning on taking any flights, your car seat must be approved for use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) . Otherwise, it will need to be checked, and your child will not be able to sit in it on the plane. Babies and kids don't need to sit in car seats on planes, but it's safer and more comfortable for your child. All of our picks are approved by the FAA, with the exception of our booster seat pick. No booster seats are reviewed by the FAA.

I take car seat safety very seriously; I've tested my fair share of car seats and have returned the ones that didn't meet my standards. To bring you the best travel car seats, I combined my own experience testing seats with thorough research using top consumer product websites and authentic customer reviews.  

Here are the best travel car seats you can buy:

Best overall: Safety 1st Guide 65, $144.99 on Amazon Lightweight, compact, and comfortable for kids up to 65 pounds, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is the ideal travel car seat for road tripping across the country or hopping on a flight. 

Best budget-friendly: Cosco Scenera NEXT, $59.98 on Walmart The Cosco Scenera NEXT is extremely light and compact, and the low price point makes it the perfect option to have as an extra car seat for travel. 

Best booster: BubbleBum, $29.99 on Amazon BubbleBum is an inflatable booster seat that weighs just over a pound and can be inflated in 20 seconds.

Best for infants: Doona Infant Car Seat, $550 on Amazon You won't need to pack or check a stroller with the Doona Infant Car Seat that converts directly to a stroller and is safe for babies 4 to 35 pounds.

Best for air travel: Evenflo Tribute LX, $79.99 on Evenflo Lightweight to carry through the airport, compact to fit in the plane seats, and comfortable for your baby or toddler, the Evenflo Tribute LX will serve you well on any flight. 

Best overall

Lightweight, compact, and comfortable for kids up to 65 pounds, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is the ideal travel car seat for road tripping across the country or hopping on a flight. 

If you're already buying an extra car seat for travel, you probably want to buy one and be done for good. The Safety 1st Guide 65 is a convertible car seat that holds babies as small as 5 pounds when rear-facing, and while many other travel car seats are only manufactured for kids up to 40 pounds, the seat is safe for kids up to 65 pounds when forward-facing. 

The Safety 1st Guide 65 is ideal for travel because of its light weight and compact size. It weighs only 12 pounds while many traditional convertible car seats are double that weight. Measuring 20 inches wide, 23.5 inches high, and 18 inches deep, it fits well on airplane seats and can fit three across in most cars. The seat comes with a removable cup holder, which is a nice feature to help keep it compact. I've also found that it is much more cushioned and comfortable than many of the other travel car seat options. 

The seat can be installed with or without the LATCH system, and while this seat is small, light, comfortable, and convenient to use for travel. However, it may be difficult to install tightly and securely in a car. Other reviewers say that they are able to get a very secure fit, so the fit is likely better in some cars than others. 

The Safety 1st Guide 65 is recommended as one of the top travel seats by CarseatBlog , based on research and tests conducted by Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Car Seats for the Littles , a nonprofit staffed by Child Passenger Safety Technicians, also praises this seat, calling it a "long loved convertible car seat that packs some desirable features into a low price tag."

Pros: Lightweight and compact, safe for kids up to 65 pounds, more cushioned and comfortable than many other travel car seat options

Cons: Difficult to securely install in some cars

Best budget-friendly

The Cosco Scenera NEXT  is extremely light and compact, and the low price point makes it the perfect option to have as an extra car seat for travel. 

At 10.4 pounds, the Cosco Scenera NEXT  is one of the lightest car seats out there, making it easy to carry through the airport, on and off shuttle buses, or anywhere else your travels take you. We also love this one because it's extremely affordable.

The car seat can be used for children weighing 5 to 40 pounds, and it's compact enough to fit on an airplane seat or three across in a car. The seat is 17.63 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep, and 30.25 inches high. This seat can be installed rear- or forward-facing and with or without the LATCH system.

While the Cosco Scenera NEXT is a safe option that is convenient for parents, it might not be the most comfortable seat for your child. It doesn't provide much padding between your child and the plastic shell. 

It also has a machine-washable and dryer-safe cover, so you can easily clean it right up when you're done traveling. A removable cup holder is perfect to keep drinks or snacks within reach of your child while traveling.

Wirecutter named it the best convertible car seat for travel of 2019, saying "it's lightweight, small, inexpensive‚ and yet still safe." Car Seats for the Littles praises it for travel: "It's lightweight, it fits under larger strollers, and it can be hung on the handle of a smaller stroller using the top tether strap."

Pros: Lightweight, fits in small cars and on airplane seats, machine-washable cover

Cons: Hard to install properly, some reviewers note that it seems flimsy and uncomfortable

Best booster

BubbleBum is an inflatable booster seat that weighs just over a pound and can be inflated in 20 seconds.

For safety reasons, kids should stay in a car seat with a five-point harness until they outgrow the weight and height recommendations of the seat, so boosters are only for older kids who have completely outgrown car seats. Because no booster seats are approved by the FAA, our top pick is easy to store on an airplane and quick and easy to install in a car.

Hands down, the best travel booster seat is BubbleBum , which is inflatable and made of memory foam. It weighs just over a pound and folds up very small, so you can easily store it in your carry-on, diaper bag, or purse. When ready to use, it can be blown up in 20 seconds and is 11 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 4.5 inches high. It is suitable for children 4 to 11 years old, weighing 40 to 100 pounds, and up to 59 inches tall.

BubbleBum keeps kids safer in the event of a crash by positioning the seat belt on their legs rather than their stomach, and the memory foam helps kids' bodies stay stable. BubbleBum does not have a high back or head stability, but the lack of these features is what makes it so compact and portable.

Experts widely agree that BubbleBum is the best travel booster. It's rated as a top seat by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Wirecutter , and BabyGearLab . "We like the simplicity of the BubbleBum and think it is tough to beat for children who do a lot of carpooling," BabyGearLab said. IIHS employs engineers to test booster seats and chose BubbleBum as a best bet because it properly positions the seat belt on kids in virtually any vehicle.

Pros: Lightweight, compact, easy to use, stabilizes child's body and positions seatbelt in a safer position in the event of a crash

Cons: No high back or head support

Best for infants

You won't need to pack or check a stroller with the  Doona Infant Car Seat  that converts directly to a stroller and is safe for babies 4 to 35 pounds.

We'll come right out and say it — this thing is pricey. But if you can afford it and are looking for something that makes life traveling with a baby a million times easier, the Doona Infant Car Seat will be well worth the investment. Designed with wheels attached, this car seat converts to a stroller literally in seconds with the click of a button.

If you find yourself traveling with an infant, this will save yourself room and hassle by not having to pack or check a stroller. Although the LATCH base makes it easier to transfer the seat in and out of a car, the seat can be safely installed without the base as well.

The Doona car seat measures 23.6 inches wide, 17.3 inches deep, and 26 inches high when folded, and unfolded, it measures 39 inches wide, 17.3 inches deep, and 32.3 inches high. The seat weighs 16.5 pounds, making it heavier than your typical infant car seat, but the majority of the time, you'll be pushing the stroller rather than carrying the seat. 

The Doona is safe for babies 4 to 35 pounds, and it comes with an infant insert to help stabilize and bring comfort to even the smallest baby, and many users report using it well beyond their child's first birthday. Because it is an infant seat, it can only be installed rear-facing.

Wirecutter named the Doona one of the top travel car seats, citing its convenience and ease of use. Car Seats for the Littles gave the Doona a positive review, saying it's pretty easy to install (a must for traveling) and has many comfort features to please even the smallest of babies.

Pros:  Stroller and car seat in one, easy to use, saves room when traveling, fits babies 4 to 35 pounds

Cons:  Expensive, heavier than many other infant seats

Best for air travel

Lightweight to carry through the airport, compact to fit in the plane seats, and comfortable for your baby or toddler, the Evenflo Tribute LX will serve you well on any flight. 

The Evenflo Tribute LX is a lightweight and compact seat at just over 9 pounds. It's suitable for babies and toddlers from 5 to 45 pounds. This seat fits well both on airplanes and in compact cars as it measures 17 inches wide, 25 inches high, and 19 inches deep and weighs 9.29 pounds. It's also a very affordable seat that doesn't skimp on comfort or safety. 

We like that the Tribute LX has more padding and is more comfortable than many other travel seats. Its removable cup holders make it very convenient on long trips. If you have a very snug fit on an airplane or in a car, you can easily return them. The seat can be installed rear- or forward-facing and with or without the LATCH system.

Another great feature is the option to purchase this seat with a travel and storage bag. This makes it easy to store at home when you're not traveling and will help protect your seat if you decide to check it rather than have your child sit in it on the plane. 

Board-certified pediatrician Juliet Spurrier of BabyGearLab praises this seat because it scored very well on their crash tests, and it's inexpensive. That combined with its light weight "makes it a good candidate for parents who frequent taxis or Uber," Spurrier said.

Pros: Lightweight and compact, inexpensive, comfortable padding, option to purchase with a travel bag

Cons: Some reviewers have difficulty getting a proper fit in a car

Finding the perfect car seat isn't an easy task, and especially when you're looking at lightweight travel options, you're always sacrificing one feature in favor of another. Here are the other travel car seats we considered for this guide, and why they didn't make the cut. 

• Evenflo Sonus : The Evenflo Sonus is very similar to the Evenflo Tribute LX and is also a great pick for air travel. We like that it has a higher weight capacity, so it will last you longer, but we ultimately picked the Evenflo Tribute LX because the Sonus is a bit heavier and more expensive than the Tribute LX.  
• CARES Child Safety Device : CARES is the only safety device that is not an actual car seat that is approved by the FAA. It's a five-point harness that is designed to keep your child safe on a plane. We didn't include it in the guide because it's not an actual seat, and it's not approved for use in cars. 
• Baby Trend Yumi : The Baby Trend Yumi is a high-back booster seat with head support, and we like it because it provides more security and protection than a backless booster. It does fold up to fit into an overhead compartment on an airplane, but we chose the BubbleBum instead because it is so much more compact when folded, and it's lighter.

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7 best travel car seats – portable and foldable

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When it comes to holidaying abroad, it’s hard to know what’s best to do about your kids and car seats. The thought of not having appropriate car seats makes us really anxious so I researched and tried out a few portable car seats. In this blog post I compare 7 options of portable travel car seats and tell you which we bought and why.

Travel car seat options

We don’t mess about when it comes to our kids’ car seats. We take it seriously and do our research, following whatever is the best guidance at the time.

It is one area where we don’t try to scrimp, even for grandparent’s cars. To us, it’s just not worth it.

Our three year old has good extended rear facing car seats in both our car (Cybex Sirona, you can see our review here ) and in her grandad’s car (Concord Reverso – see our video review here ).

But for our recent trip to Spain we chose to take portable car seats.

Our daughter is too young for a booster seat at 3 and I would never put our 6 year old in a booster seat without a high back at home (they should be for over 22kg and 125cm tall) .

However, following personal research I felt a travel car seat option would be better for both than nothing at all.

Portable car seats in the UK

After asking around and doing some research and it seems there are 7 options for travel car seats on the UK market at the moment:

• The BubbleBum  (affiliate link) – this is an inflatable booster seat that you blow up for them and then deflate to put in luggage. From the limited amount of safety reviews I’ve been able to find on travel car seats, this one seems to score the best. BubbleBum is crash test approved and meets and exceeds the EU ECE R44. 04 and the US FMVSS 213 safety regulations. This means we are able to use this one for our trip to Iceland. See below for more reasons we liked the Bubblebum seat and how we tested it. Bubblebum has not been reviewed by Which? at the time of writing.
• The Trunki BoostApak (affiliate link) – this is a hard shelled back pack that transforms into a booster seat. The h ard shell means that whatever you have put in the backpack can remain in it meaning it’s a good ‘two for one’ option . I’ve read some reviews that say it can be a bit heavy (3lbs without anything in it) for younger kids though and I know mine would complain about carrying it. ECE R44.04 – EU Certified for Group 2 and 3 (girls and boys weighing 15kg-36kg approx. 4 – 12 years old). Trunki BoostApak has not been reviewed by Which? at the time of writing.
• The mifold grab and go booster seat (affiliate link) – this is a foldable car seat that guides the seat belt into a more optimum position on the child. If you are looking for the most compact travel seat then this is the smallest I’ve seen on the UK market. These seem to be hard to get a hold of at the moment following a Which? safety warning review scoring 0% that says: ‘The MiFold backless booster seat is legal to be sold but offers virtually no side-impact protection. The regulation this car seat is approved to does not include a side-impact crash test.’
• The same company have also now launched the HiFold (below) which transforms into a higher back booster. This looks good but we haven’t personally tested it as it wasn’t available when I wrote this post originally. These also seem to be hard to get a hold of at the moment. The HiFold scored 50% on Which? safety testing with average to poor crash test results and is only recommended for occasional holiday use.
• NEW to the UK market is the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus (affiliate link) foldable car seat – this seat is for children aged 15 months to 4 years (or 67-105cm). It weighs 4.26kg so one of the heavier options however it is more like a traditional car seat with a high back and side impact protection which may make you feel less worried about using it compared to a backless option. You can adjust the safety harness and headrest as your child grows. It fits any car with best installation. It comes with it’s own (water repellant but not waterproof) carry bag. There is no Which? review of the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus yet but it is I-Size-compliant and conforms to the latest R129 regulations. The cover and harness shoulder pads are removable so you can machine wash when (not if) it gets dirty. Currently priced at £109.
• NEW to the UK market is the Urban Kanga Wallaroo Portable and Foldable Car Seat (affiliate link). This seat is ISOFIX i-Size 100-150cm meaning it lasts from about 4 to 12 years (or 15-36 kg). Its one of the heaviest seat in my list at 6kg which is a substantial weight if you are carrying around exploring. Like the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus it has side impact protection. The Urban Kanga Wallaroo is tested to ECE regulation R129/03 for 100-150 cm (i-Size). It has ISOfix or seatbelt installation. There are 8 adjustable height positions, recline options and memory foam seat padding. The included backpack-style carry bag ensures effortless portability. The most expensive car seat on the list at the moment at £129.90 at the time of writing. This car seat hasn’t been reviewed by Which? but the similar The Urban Kanga Uptown TV107 got a Which? don’t buy rating with 15% score for scoring poorly for side impact tests.
• NEW to the UK market is the Jovikids Portable Folding i-Size Highback Booster with ISOFIX (affiliate link). Like the previous seat this is heavy – weighing 7kg which isn’t going to be ideal if you are taking it out for a day of exploring. However, Jovikids’ highback child seat is certified to the latest European i-Size standard (ECE R129). Quality is strictly controlled, with a one-piece injection-molded frame, and has passed front, side, and rear collision tests, ensuring the safety seat provides all-around protection for your child, reducing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and shoulders. You can secure with ISOfix or seatbelt installation. The Jovikids seat can grow with your child. It’s suitable for children from 100-150 cm in height (approximately 3-12 years old). The backrest’s recline angle can be slightly adjusted for more comfortable support. The headrest is cushioned for extra comfort. The soft and breathable fabric cover of the booster seat is fully removable and easy to clean. This seat has not been Which? tested.

Travel car seat product comparison – pros and cons

• GROUP 1 CAR SEAT: this foldable toddler car seat is suitable from 15 months up to approx. 4 years (9–18kg) and is quick to install and easy to carry, so your child travels safely in comfort
• EASY TO TRAVEL EVERYWHERE: the Nomad Plus is built for travelling as
• High back and side impact protection
• i Size-compliant and conforms to the latest R129 regulations
• Removable washable covers
• Carry bag provided
• Only lasts up to 4 years old

• Portable Highback Booster: This seat’s backrest can be folded, saving space and making it easy to store, allowing you to switch between different modes of transportation, such as cars and airplanes. The ergonomically designed handle makes it easy to carry and move, providing a safe seat for your
• Long lasting at 3-12 years old
• certified to the latest European i-Size standard (ECE R129)
• ISOfix or seatbelt installation
• Covers remove and wash
• Very heavy at 7kg, can't see you being able to lug it around on a day of tourist exploration

• TAKE ANYWHERE CAR BOOSTER – The inflatable travel car booster seat for children aged 4 – 11yrs and weighing 15 – 36kgs. It comes with a Seat Belt Positioning Clip for optimum seat belt fit.
• ULTRA PORTABLE – The world’s lightest backless car booster seat. Folds away to
• Range of designs
• Very lightweight and compact for sightseeing and fitting in bags
• Can use until your child no longer needs a car seat
• Crash test approved and meets and exceeds the EU ECE R44. 04 and the US FMVSS 213 safety regulations
• Affordable option
• Not highback or side impact protection

• Quickly Transforms – Kid’s backpack to portable car seat in seconds, can also be used as a booster seat dining chair at home or eating out and as a cinema / stadium booster
• Lift Share – Always have a portable booster seat to hand for the school pickup
• Back pack option as well as seat so child can carry themselves
• ECE R44.04 – EU Certified for Group 2 and 3
• Cover is only wipe clean
• Heavier to carry for younger children (3lbs)

Our top pick – BubbleBum as a portable travel car seat

We chose to go with the BubbleBum for a several reasons:

• It seems good for safety (as I read  here) and meets EU and US safety testing regulations as described here .
• My kids both seemed better positioned with it than the mifold when testing them in it
• My kids said it was the most comfortable to sit on (as compared to the mifold)
• I liked that it had a case unlike the others. You can pay £15 for a case for the mifold but I think that’s a bit of a cheek when you just paid £50 for the seat itself.
• It was the lightest product at only 1lb . The mifold is 1.5lbs and Trunki BoostApak is 3lbs. If you have multiple children and therefore multiple seats to carry and are going to be out exploring all day and relying on taxis then this is going to really really matter.
• It was the cheapest product on the UK Market , coming in at around £30. The mifold is around £50 and the Trunki BoostApak is around £60. For the high back foldable travel seats you are looking at close the the £100 price range which is expensive if its not going to be their main seat and if you have multiple children. To get a safe product for the cheapest price seemed like a solid option.
• It lasts longer than the Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus which you can only use until around 4, whilst being a lot lighter than the Jovikids and Urban Kanga seats that do last until around 12 years. (Updated to add: My children are now 9 and 12 and we are still using the Bubblebum for them in taxis etc.)

BubbleBum travel car seat – holiday review

We have now taken the BubbleBum with us to Lanzarote, Florida and Iceland when my children were a range of ages. They aren’t heavy at all and they fit inside the kid’s carry on luggage (kid’s size character suitcases). We’ve also used it on a number of UK trips for taxi rides.

We tried both the BubbleBum and the Mifold out in our car to see which we preferred. The kids seemed positioned better on the BubbleBum and told us it was much more comfortable.

I was surprised that something so small and light could make such a difference . It reassured me that whilst it’s not as safe as a high backed proper car seat, it’s certainly a lot better than just putting a seat belt on them.

If you usually don’t take car seats on holiday because of the hassle, then I would personally recommend the BubbleBum as a travel car seat for young children. Sure its not as good as a proper car seat but compared to using nothing, it’s an easy option to make their car journeys safer and give you some peace of mind .

Buy our recommendation for travel car seats

You can buy the BubbleBum for £34.99 on Amazon here  (affiliate link). This is a bargain to keep your kids safer.

Updated to add: This year we have used the Bubblebum for my 8 year old daughter on a 2 week holiday in America and for a trip to Iceland whilst there and it really helped position the seatbelt better for her and gave us reassurance. It was also very portable for carrying around with us when not in a car or taxis. We have really got years of our money’s worth out of this product.

Other options for kids portable car seats when travelling abroad

Just risk it.

It’s legal to not have car seats for taxis/transfers for many places in the EU so you won’t get into trouble for not using one.

Lots of people do this and generally it’s fine, after all, crashes aren’t super common.

We decided against this option though as we spend all this money to keep them safe at home, why risk it when abroad?!

Arrange for the travel company to provide seats

Our first port of call was to contact the travel operator to ask if they could provide car seats. After 2 emails, we weren’t making much progress though and there was a language barrier.

I was left with no confidence that there would be seats provided, and if they were, that they would be the right ones for the size of my children. This would be my preferred option though.

If anyone knows of any great European transfer companies that are good at providing car seats please let me know in the comments.

Take your own seats

Our second consideration, was whether or not we should take our own seats. This is something we decided against. We have our hands full with 2 kids and luggage at the airport anyway. The kids’ car seats are really bulky and heavy. Plus they are expensive and I don’t want to risk them getting damaged in the hold. There is also the issue that you aren’t going to be able to take them out and about on your daily excursions and taxi rides.

Buy cheap car seats to travel with

This is certainly an option, be it booster seats or just cheaper, more travel friendly seats than we have but for some of the reasons above, this again is something that we chose not to do.

Summary of the best portable travel car seat

There are 7 main options for portable car seats on the UK market – the BubbleBum, MiFold, HiFold, the Trunki BoostApak, Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus and the Jovikids.

We recommend the BubbleBum as our kids preferred it for comfort, it scored well on the safety scores we read, it was the lightest and cheapest. We were pleasantly surprised at the difference it made compared to belt only.

Are there any new options I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments if so.

If you liked this post about travel car seats you might also like:

• Cybex Sirona Review – extended rear-facing UK car seat
• Review Video: Concord Reverso – Extended Rear Facing Car Seat
• Abora Interclub Atlantic Gran Canaria review
• Occidental Margaritas, Gran Canaria, family holiday review
• HD beach resort, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, review
• Getting the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam with kids
• 12 ideas for toddler busy bags for airplane travel on Amazon
• Toddler won’t brush teeth? 11 tips for brushing your children’s teeth

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Please note this post was originally written in May 2018 and was last updated April 2024. Some products in this post were press samples.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through an affiliate link you will not be charged any more for your purchase, but I will receive a small fee for referring you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For my full disclosure policy, please see my about page .

9 thoughts on “7 best travel car seats – portable and foldable”

Safety is worthwhile investing in.

This was really interest. I’m on the hunt for stage two car seats for my twins and traveling in Europe wasn’t something I’d considered!

Confused as bubblebum seat says from 4yo and your child was 3, which is how I came to this page by searching for travel seats for my 3yo. Can it be used for 3yo? Can’t see a weight guide.

Bubblebum’s FAQs says ‘EU law varies slightly between 135cm-150cm. Best practice for your child is to remain in a booster seat until the age of eleven AND/OR until they reach a height of 4ft 9 inches. This is when their body proportions are starting to be more like that of a small adult and they can sit properly in the vehicle seat. Never transition your child to a booster seat until at least the age of four AND weight of 15kg.’ But for us it was a case of Bubblebum or nothing at all and we felt that the Bubblebum provided a bit more protection than nothing for our 3 year old. We’d not have used it for her in the UK as a regular seat but it was better than nothing when travelling. The weight range from what I can see is from 15KG-36KG.

Can you please link to the safety reviews you mentioned you have found on portable car seats?

Hi Janet, sadly I can’t as it was on Which? and you need a paid membership to read them however if you head to the Which? website that’s where I read them.

Would any of these be suitable for a 2 year old?

You fail to mention that backless booster seats can only be used from 22kgs and above. Also the Milfold has a safety alert on the which.com review. I guess you’re just in the blogging game for the commissions from your affiliate links. None of these seats offer side impact protection.

Hi, I wasn’t aware of the Which? safety notice for the Mifold as my membership had lapsed but I renewed it to see and have added all the available Which? safety reviews to the piece. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I have also added a new statement about backless booster seats being for children over 22kg. Several of the seats do offer side impact protection, obviously none of these seats will be as effective or safe as a regular car seat used for everyday use. We do not use these seats as our main car seats. This post doesn’t constitute advice for a reader’s own personal circumstances but is talking about what we have done for occasional travel abroad where we need something very portable. It compares using a seat like these over using nothing at all (rather than regular car seats) which is the choice many are faced with when travelling.

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SHOULD I TAKE MY CAR SEAT ON HOLIDAY?

Car seats have to be one of parents clumsiest over sized nightmares. I get asked the question daily, should I take my car seat on holiday? They are heavy, arm breaking pieces of baby paraphernalia that leave us parents in a state of guilt for not wanting to bring them with us. Not to mention

I’ve seen it spark outrage and debate online between parents when opinions are expressed. The moral of the story is, someone needs to invent an amazingly light weight car seat for all ages from newborn that can offer the same level of safety whilst also being easily transportable. At the end of the day, we all want to keep our kids safe, at home and when travelling.

I have travelled both with and without car seats. I take the view point, if we rent a car , then we will certainly take our own. Not only will it save us money, but we can also be certain of the standard of our own car seat. We can’t be sure what we will get on rocking up to a car rental office.  

This time last year, we arrived into Canada. We drove through Alberta and BC, before making our way down through the states, all the way to Argentina, predominantly by road. We rented lots of times from Kayak . That is my ‘go to’ website when renting a car.

We lugged our two car seats thousands of miles over six months. They were incredibly annoying to carry around in between rentals but also very useful in countries where car seats where not such a big deal to locals.  

There is no right or wrong answer, it 100% depends on the situation. However here are a few helpful thoughts and ideas should you need some guidance.

• If I’m going to places like Asia, say for example Cambodia, where the majority of the time we will ride around on a tuk tuk, I do not bring car seats.  

• If I’m travelling for an extended period of time and will be renting a car on occasion, I generally bring my own because it’s expensive to rent them alongside a car and I can not guarantee the quality.
• In many countries there are baby rental companies. They will have specific models that can be rented and generally are in good condition from my experience. This can be particularly useful, say if travelling from Europe to America where safety features differ significantly. I personally used my European car seats when travelling through the US.

• If you plan to take a taxi, its worth noting in many countries such as Australia and Singapore, they will not take children of a certain age unless they are in a car seat. We like to take Uber usually for ease, however they refuse to take kids without a seat. However the local taxis often have a car seat to hand in the boot and will happily provide a seat if you don’t have one.
• Now I know this will be a controversial point but the few times we’ve been stuck without a seat, I generally keep baby in the carrier and belt myself in. Having a carrier as opposed to car seat can be super handy, especially for tuk tuks and so on.
• If you are thinking about flying with your car seats, international airline associations rules do vary, so this effects the airlines rules on what car seats you can bring on-board. This guide will help you know your rights and the rules,  answer many of your questions regarding traveling with carseats even if you are not flying with a USA airline and provide details of some FAA approved car seats .

In summary, it all depends on the situation and mode of transport. Although annoying, it’s often best for us to bring our own car seats. We always try to be well prepared to make it as easy as possible. For example getting a trolley straight away at the airport.

Having coins to operate them if necessary. Getting help from a porter is also helpful in trying to reduce the stress that comes with travelling with kids and bulky equipment.  

On times when we’ve needed to physically carry both car seats, we’ve put the kids into backpacks and strapped both cat seats into the stroller so we can push them. It’s only happened a handful of times when we’ve been crossing borders by foot in Central and South America.

That really helped to lighten the load. I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If you have any comments, do let me know, I love hearing from you.

This post is brought to you in collaboration with RentalCars.com  

Ready to book your trip? Find the best deals on flights , hotels , travel insurance , tours , reliable internet and rental cars !

You may also like:

• Our Favorite Road Trips Around the World
• Top Tips for Road Trips with Kids

All views expressed are entirely my own.

Sunday 21st of July 2019

Hi, we travel to Turkey in a couple months with our two kids for their first holiday, my daughter is 8 months and my son is 2. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on the whole car seat thing.... we have transfers booked to and from the airport and we will not be renting a vehicle. Is it safe just to hold the kids in our arms in the taxi?

Travel Mad Mum

Sunday 28th of July 2019

It's a personal decision and it will also depend on how far it will be to and from the airport. You should also check that it is legal there to take taxis without car seats for the kids because the drivers may refuse to take you. The transfer service may have car seats though if you ask them about it ahead of time.

Friday 28th of December 2018

Thank you for wonderful post. A great post for families who travel with young children. It gives clear options for most stages and alternative ideas to rent-a-car seats.

Friday 21st of September 2018

I never bring a car seat cause I think its not worth it, the one we have is an iso fix, 360 degrees rotating with a "leg" that adjusts to the floor of the car and it is way too heavy to carry around, not to mention that it could be seriously damaged if it was to be checked often.I do my research and book cars ahead and make sure that age proper car seats are offered, I even ask which the model of the available car seat is ?.The annoying part is that after some tiring flight hours and under extreme heat/cold/rain we have to struggle to adjust a car seat that might not be iso fix (aka easy to install) and make sure that the said car seat is in good condition and safely holds my child.I go beyond and I dont even bring stroller for my 2.5 year old son when we are travelling for summer vacation in islands with pebbe stone sidewalks and narrow streets, so during afternoon naps we rest as well.

Sunday 16th of September 2018

Hey ! When I travel I have a lightweight car seat. The bigger the car seat isn’t better. It’s the install of it that makes a different. Now my son is 40 pounds so he’s in a booster seat!

Saturday 15th of September 2018

We follow the same guidelines as TMM and bring seats when we are renting a car. We structured our last big trip around two cities (Washington DC and New York) where we knew we could take public transit the whole time so we didn’t need a car seat for our 3-year-old. We still brought our Then 11-month-old’s infant bucket for the plane rides and strapped it into the stroller for the ride to and from our hotels. We are probably outliers here in that we buy our kids seats even when they could be lap infants.

We like the Traveling Toddler strap for attaching a convertible seat to a carry-on for carrying through the airport. Find it on Amazon. It’s just a few dollars and easier to store than a specific car seat trolley.

We are traveling to visit family at Thanksgiving and will be packing both car seats to fly for the first time ever. I’m dreading it. Right now, the plan is to use our 1-year-old’s convertible car seat on the plane and check the 3-year-old’s seat. We’ll buy a bag sold by the car seat manufacturer to put the seat into to check it. I absolutely do not trust the airport staff not to throw the seat around and damage it. Thin car seat protector bags don’t actually protect the seat from harm or unseen damage, but this travel bag from the manufacturer will. Bonus, it will have extra space for luggage in there.

• Family Life |

Everything you need to know about holiday car seats before your next family getaway

If you’re planning a trip abroad with your baby , there’s a lot to consider before you go including the rules around holiday car seats and what the best option is for you and your tot.

Whatever you’re planning on doing on your holiday and wherever you’re planning on going, it's likely you’ll need to go in a vehicle at some point to get from the airport to your hotel or holiday home. One thing is for sure, you’ll want to make sure your child is safe in the correct car seat for their height, whether it’s one you take with you or one you rent when you get there.

Furthermore, many taxi firms, coach companies and private drivers will not allow you to travel unless your baby has the correct car seat to sit in, so you want to make sure you’re well prepared before you go to avoid any nasty surprises when you get there.

We've done the research for you to find out all the latest rules and advice around holiday car seats to help you make the best decision for you.

Do you need a car seat for holiday transfers?

This really depends on where you’re travelling to and what kind of transfer you plan on taking.

According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents , children under 3 years old can travel on buses or coaches without wearing a seat belt, or using a child car seat, just as you might when taking a child on a bus in the UK. However, this may differ from country to country, and although you might not be breaking any laws, this is not the safest option. That’s why we’d recommend checking with the coach or bus operator before you travel to see if they will provide a child car seat for journeys. If they don’t, you can ask if you could bring your own, and if it can be fitted in the bus seats. Just be prepared for them to say it isn’t possible for you to fit a car seat in there. The same rules apply here for children over three years old and up to 135cm tall.

If there isn’t a way for your child to be in a car seat for your journey, you may want to consider other travel options to your accommodation such as a private pre-booked transfer, taxi or rented car.

If you plan on visiting different places during your holiday, a rented car with a rented car seat may be the safest and easiest option for you. Alternatively, if it’s just a transfer you’re needing to the hotel, you’ll still need a car seat if you’re taking a private hire vehicle or taxi. The RoSPA advise that children under three years old should be in an appropriate rearward-facing seat that meets the R44 or R129 safety standards or a forward-facing child seat with an internal harness that meets R44 or R129. Just note that it is illegal to carry a baby in a rearward-facing baby seat in the front of a vehicle if there is an active front passenger airbag. The airbag must be deactivated or the baby seat must be placed in the rear of the taxi, private hire vehicle or minicab.

Although children can travel in the back seat of a car without a child seat or seat belt if they are not available and fitted, this is not a safe choice. It’s a much safer option to book a different taxi with seat belts and with car seats provided.

In short, there are no legal requirements for a child to be in a car seat or wear a seatbelt when seated in the rear of a car or on a coach or bus in many countries, however, in terms of keeping your little one as safe as possible on their journey, we’d strongly advise parents to travel in the safest way possible for their child, depending on their height and age by booking a taxi with a car seat or hiring a car with a car seat.

Car seat law’s in Europe

The rules can differ slightly in Europe depending on what country you’re visiting. We’ve compiled the travel and taxi rules for some of the more popular holiday destinations in Europe to help you plan your trip.

Spain: It’s compulsory to transport children under 18 years old and less than 135cm tall in a UN R44/R129-approved car seat in the back seat of the car. Children traveling in taxis are not required to use car seats in city areas, but if you land at an airport and your journey is out of the city centre, you'll need a car seat.

Italy: All children under 150cm in height, regardless of weight or age, must use a UN R44/R129-approved child car seat. There is no requirement to use a car seat in a taxi.

Portugal: All children under 12 years old and less than 135cm tall must use a UN R44/R129-approved child car seat. You can transport children under three years old in the front seat in a child car seat as long as the airbag is deactivated. There is no requirement to use a car seat in a taxi.

Greece: Children under three must be placed in a suitable child restraint, while children between three and 11 (measuring less than 135cm) must be in an appropriate child restraint for their size. Taxis are not required by law to provide a baby seat.

Do I need to take a car seat on holiday?

You might be wondering if it’s possible to take your own car seat with you. After all, it’s a seat your child already feels comfortable in, you know it’s safe and it could save you money on car seat rental, as well as provide you with some much needed peace of mind. Firstly, it’s important your car seat meets the safety requirements in the country you’re travelling to. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to enquire about hiring a seat when you get there. Just be sure to pre-book this well in advance before you travel. If you get there and find the car seat the rental company is providing doesn’t meet the safety standards or isn’t quite the right size for your child, then you should ask them to offer a more suitable and safer alternative.

If your car seat does meet the safety requirements of the country you’re travelling to, then you’ll want to weigh up the pros and cons of taking your own car seat on holiday with you. Before you consider this, it’s a good idea to contact the airline you’re travelling with to find out their own rules on taking car seats on the plane as some may not allow this.

The good news is, that if you do want to take your car seat, most airlines will allow you to take your car seat or travel stroller on the plane for free, but you will probably be required to book a separate seat for your baby to place the car seat on. If there isn’t enough room for the car seat or you haven’t booked your baby a separate seat, then the car seat may have to be checked in with the rest of your luggage in the hold if there isn’t a spare seat on board, but be aware, car seats can sometimes get damaged when in the hold.

This is why many parents opt not to take a bulky car seat on the plane with them, and instead, carry their baby in a baby carrier through the airport and on the plane or in a stroller for older babies which can then be folded and placed in the overhead locker. It’s also not much fun carrying a big car seat around the departure lounge as well as any other hand luggage you might be taking with you. Then, once you get to the other side, you can pick up your rented car seat to use for the duration of the trip or use a transfer service that can provide a car seat for the journey.

Really, it comes down to whatever you feel most comfortable with as a parent. If the idea of your child sitting on your lap during a bus or taxi journey makes you feel anxious, then it’s probably a good idea to find a safer alternative and a form of transport that allows you to use a car seat.

You may also want to consider the length of the journey, the time of day you’re travelling and what the roads are like when you get there. For example, if it’s just a 10 minute drive sticking to major routes where there are suitable speed limits in place, you may not feel the need to hire a car seat. However, it may be a safer option to find a private taxi service that can offer a taxi with a car seat provided for the journey. On the other hand, if your transfer is a few hours long on winding roads, then it’s probably worth either finding a transfer that can provide a car seat or hiring your own private car with a car seat. Just be sure to keep in mind the safety rules around how long your baby should sit in a car seat for.

Lorna White is the Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Flying with a car seat on a plane: 10 things you NEED to know (2024)

This article about taking a car seat on a plane is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

Are you considering flying with a car seat? Or maybe you’ve decided it’s your best option and wondering exactly how to fly with a car seat? Then you’ve come to the right place!

This guide covers everything you need to know about travel with a car seat on planes – from choosing an airplane car seat to airline rules to installation quirks and insider tricks you can only learn with lots of experience. We’re sharing it all to make traveling with a car seat on a plane a smooth experience for your family.

Flying with a car seat is the safest option

Let’s start with the most basic question: why should you fly with a car seat? The simple answer is that airplane seatbelts aren’t designed for tiny bodies. The general recommendation is for children under 40lbs to fly in an FAA-approved restraint – either a travel car seat or a CARES harness (minimum weight 22lbs, but fits better at 30lbs – full review here ). The best car seat for airplane travel depends on your child’s age, size and development level – start your search here to pick the right one . The FAA and the NTSB both recommend using your car seat on airplanes.

This video shows you exactly why:

Why aren’t parents required to use car seats on airplanes? First, because airlines have lobbied to prevent rules that might decrease the number of families who fly – and thus, their revenue. Second, air travel is much safer than car travel. Government statisticians have determined that society is better off overall with unrestrained or improperly restrained kids on flights than with many more families taking to the roads to travel. Learn more about the pros and cons of flying with a lap infant if you have a baby.

Even if you’re reading this after you’ve made your travel arrangements and you didn’t buy a seat for your baby, you can always ask at the ticket counter or check in with the gate agent. If the flight isn’t full, you can often use an empty seat for free to put your child (with their car seat) so that everyone on the flight is safer.

So do you need to bring a car seat when traveling? You need some way to keep your child safe in-flight and safe on the roads beyond, so in part it will depend on your child’s age and the type of trip.

Can you take a car seat on a plane? It depends on the airline

The US leads the way for using car seats on airplanes. Kind of shocking, eh? Not only do the FAA and NTSB encourage buying kids their own seat and using a car seat in flight, but your right to use an FAA-approved car seat through the entire flight is protected by law. Bookmark these FAA rules on car seats on your phone (or even save it) in case a flight attendant gives you a hard time. Across the border, Transport Canada maintains similar standards .

If you bring your car seat on board ( and you should ), you’ll have to use it for your child for take-off, landing and when the seatbelt sign is on during turbulent patches. All in the name of safety! Just make sure your car seat is certified for airplane use – nearly every car seat in the US is FAA-approved (just not this one ). You can’t use a booster seat on planes at all since they require a lap-shoulder seat belt, but a combination car seat like this one is completely fine if the harness is still installed. Get more details on bringing booster seats on an airplane here.

Read more: Important info for traveling with car seats

How do I know if I have an airline approved car seat? Near the base of the car seat there’s a white sticker with lots of small print. In red letters it should say that it’s approved for aircraft use.

Below is an example of the FAA approved car seat sticker from this seat . It’s located inconveniently on the bottom of the seat, but they’re in different places on different seats. Make sure you locate yours before you get to the airport; for some international flights, we’ve had to show it at the check-in counter to avoid sending it along with the baggage. In other cases, we’ve been asked to show it before installing on the plane.

Some parents (and flight crews!) get confused when they see this because it has two separate sentences about aircraft. That’s because the seat can either function as a forward-facing harnessed seat or as a booster seat. Just leave the harness in and you’ll be fine! An FAA-approved convertible car seat will generally just have the first red sentence, while an all-in-one car seat will have both. Booster seats can’t be used on board so they will only have the last red sentence.

It’s been an uneven few years for airlines, and plenty of crew members don’t know the ins and outs of flying with a car seat. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant encounters:

• It’s YOUR responsibility to know how to correctly install your own travel car seat for airplane use. Be sure to read the manual in advance of your flight and consult a CPST if you have questions.
• Infant car seats generally fit better than rear facing convertible car seats .
• You are allowed to rear face within manufacturers’ limits on US carriers, even if it impedes recline. You may want to consider seating someone else from your family in front of a large rear facing car seat so that another passenger isn’t inconvenienced.
• Car seats must be installed on forward facing aircraft seats, but that doesn’t mean that car seats must be forward facing.

Read more: The lightest infant car seats of 2023

Note that on some airlines the seats are so narrow that you’ll have to choose your travel car seat wisely. If you plan to fly Spirit airlines, for example, be sure to read this article for all the particulars.

There’s one important (and recent) exception to note: some of the new premium classes of service like United Polaris and Air Canada Signature aren’t able to safely accommodate car seats. In those classes, the only option is to hold a child under 2 in your lap and to buckle older kids in the lap belt. Personally, I wouldn’t book those with a young child.

Can you bring a carseat on a plane in other countries? In my experience, outside of the US and Canada it’s more like the wild west. Every airline sets their own policies. They can range from airlines that are extremely supportive of car seat usage on board in the interest of safety to airlines that prohibit all car seats in the cabin. Some don’t allow any car seats, some only allow forward-facing car seats, some only allow car seats for certain ages. Thankfully a few give discounts if you’re purchasing a child their own seat.

The strangest rule we’ve encountered is that even if you bring a car seat on board, some foreign airlines require you to use a “belly belt” instead during take-off and landing. Belly belts have been banned in the US and Canada because they turn a baby into an air bag. What should you do if you find yourself in that situation? Graciously accept the belly belt and attach your child to you. As soon as the flight crew is securely seated in their harnesses, strap your baby into the car seat to keep them safe during the most dangerous part of the flight.

The worst situation reported by one of our Tiny Globetrotters families was when traveling on an Asian carrier with their 3 year old and car seat. They wouldn’t permit the kid to sit in the car seat for take-off, but he was clearly not of an age to use the belly belt. The airline forced the family to gate check the car seat. Which leads me to recommend…

If you’re flying a carrier that isn’t based in the US or Canada, be sure to check their “traveling with children” section before booking your tickets to make sure you’re comfortable with the airline’s policies. You’d hate to arrive at the airport and be told that you need to check your car seat unexpectedly!

What’s the best carseat for flying?

The best airplane car seat depends on your child’s age and size – there’s a wide range to choose from but it’s important to consider your family’s specific needs in selecting the best car seat for plane travel. Check out these best car seats for airplanes, including the honest pros and cons of each one:

– Best infant car seat for travel

– Best travel car seat for a 1 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 2 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 3 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 4 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 5 year old

– Best travel car seat for a 6 year old

– Best travel booster seat

How do you travel with a car seat? The airport isn’t so bad

For lots of parents, the most daunting part of figuring out how to travel with a car seat is strategizing about the airport. How to travel with a car seat in the airport depends on your family’s specific needs, like how many kids, their ages and what gear you’ve chosen for flying with car seat and stroller.

Yes, a car seat is another thing to schlep with you on the endless trek through the airport. But it’s not the end of the world. Travel systems and other car seat-stroller combinations can help, and there are lots of creative ways you can transport your car seat through the airport all the way to the gate – read about them all here .

Just give yourself plenty of extra time to get through security. Some car seats fit through the x-ray machine, but others will require hand inspection. We’ve been delayed as much as 10 minutes at security waiting on an officer to poke at our car seats. Beyond that, it’s not much of an issue if you have a solid game plan for transporting your car seat around the airport.

Maneuvering through the plane with a car seat can be ugly

Ok, so getting through the airport is no big deal with the right tricks up your sleeve. Getting through the plane… that can be a little tricky depending on your car seat. Car seats have gotten wider, aisles have gotten narrower. So what can you do?

The first thing to do is show up at the gate with your small child, car seat, carry-ons and miniature circus tent and politely explain that you need some extra time to board the plane and get situated. Usually gate agents will let you on fairly early in the process even if there isn’t an official family pre-boarding policy. Trust me, the extra space in every direction can only help you!

There have been plenty of times when I’ve had to carry a car seat down the aisle of an airplane over my head. That’s why I personally prefer a lightweight travel car seat ! The other great option is to use a foldable car seat travel cart to wheel your narrow car seat through the aisle. Just make sure the folks in front of you keep their knees in! If you have a Doona , you don’t even have to fold the wheels in until you get to your seat.

Once you get to your row, if possible put your child in the same row on the opposite side of the aisle. It’s for their own good! Raise the arm rests in your row to make your life easier. There’s usually a hidden lever on the underside of the aisle arm rest (near the hinge) to lift it.

If you’ve used a cart up to this point you need to detach the car seat from the cart, lift the car seat into the row and shimmy it to the window seat if need be. Then fold your cart and stow it under the seat in front of your car seat. If your car seat is light enough that you carried it over the tops of the seats, hopefully you can gently place it in position to begin installing the car seat on the plane.

For me, maneuvering down the airplane aisle was always the worst part of flying with a car seat!

How do you install a carseat on a plane? It’s usually pretty easy

Do you remember your first time?

The first time you huffed, puffed, sweated, swore and possibly cried… through installing a car seat, that is.

Installing a car seat on a plane won’t be like that. It’s generally the easiest kind of installation you can do. There are just a few simple steps for how to install a car seat on a plane:

• Find the correct belt path on your car seat for rear-facing or forward-facing
• Loosen the adjustable side of the airplane seatbelt
• Feed that side through the belt path
• Pray that your hand is tiny enough to reach through
• Buckle the seatbelt
• Put your weight into the car seat (possibly with the airplane seat reclined) while pulling the seatbelt tail to tighten

Here are few tips to help you out… 

• An infant car seat is the easiest style to install since the “belt path” is just two little arms that are completely exposed.
• For a rear-facing car seat, the buckle is usually between your child’s feet or knees so it won’t bother them. As long as your child is on the older side of infancy, it’s ok to install your rear-facing convertible car seat a little more upright. Sometimes that’s necessary on airlines with tiny seat pitches.
• The biggest challenge with using a forward-facing car seat on an airplane is that the seat belt buckle may end up right in the middle of your child’s back. We usually shove a sweatshirt in there after installing the car seat to offer more padding and that’s worked well. Some parents also recommend looping the short side of the seatbelt around the armrest so that the latch plate connects outside of the car seat.
• If your car seat has a lock-off for seatbelt installation pretty please read the manual to understand your seat’s particulars. The last thing you want to do is break the lock-off on your super expensive car seat ! See the yellow box below.

That’s pretty much it when it comes to car seat airplane installation! The best place to look for details on your car seat is in your manual.

SPECIAL NOTE: Installing a car seat with a lock-off, ClickTight, SnugLock or other fancy tensioning mechanism

Lots of car seats today are designed to make seatbelt installation in cars easier, and I love them. They may have a traditional lock-off (Clek Foonf/Fllo, Britax Allegiance etc), a locking panel (Britax ClickTight, Graco SnugLock) or a “tensioning” panel (Evenflo LockStrong, Nuna True Tension).

The common feature of these seats is that you must consult the instructions to make sure you install the car seat on the plane without breaking it. Generally you’re instructed to bypass the tensioning/locking mechanism for aircraft installation.

At least once per week now I’m asked how to install a Britax ClickTight on a plane, or someone tells me that they couldn’t get it to work and had to check the seat. Below you can see the Britax ClickTight airplane installation instructions taken from the Marathon manual, and you’ll not that they’re totally different than the instructions for installing in a car! Note that the directions for installing the car seat rear facing and forward facing are different as well.

Want to know all my best secrets? Click here to learn how to travel with your car seat like a pro!

You can only be seated in specific places on the plane

Nearly all airlines have rules on where on the plane you can install your child’s car seat. Generally speaking, it needs to be in a window seat if it’s a single aisle plane, and it can also be in a middle seat in the middle section on a plane with two aisles. We’ve gotten away with putting a rear-facing car set in the window and a forward-facing car seat in the adjacent middle seat.

A car seat (or a child without a car seat, for that matter) can’t be in an exit row. In the US, you usually can’t install a car seat in the row in front of or behind the exit row either. Many airlines don’t allow car seats in the bulkhead row.

Errrrrr…. So where can you install the car seat?

Rest easy. You can install your child’s car seat in the vast majority of seats on any given flight (assuming the airline permits them). We’ve only run into an issue once in all the flights we’ve taken, and that was because we were assigned seats immediately behind the exit row.

If you’re having trouble figuring out the right seats to request or if you’ve booked a Basic Economy fare, I suggest reaching out to the airline in a private message on Facebook or Twitter and let them know you’ll be taking a car seat on the plane. It’s by far the fastest way to reach a real customer service representative, you’ll have everything documented and they can make changes for you immediately if you provide a confirmation number.

You have to install your car seat on a forward facing aircraft seat. Into the early 2000s, Southwest offered “lounge seats” (aka “party seats”) in the exit row that faced each other. You’re unlikely to see those again, but you also can’t install a car seat on sharply angled seats.

Some well-meaning parents worry about inconveniencing other passengers by limiting their recline on long flights. That’s awfully nice of you! Remember that your child’s safety trumps another passenger’s comfort and convenience. That said, you can try to mitigate the issue by putting someone else from your family in front of the car seat – especially if it’s rear-facing. 

When we traveled with two kids in car seats, we’d book our family of four in the “AB-AB” (two rows of window seat and middle seat) configuration rather than “ABC-D”. The forward-facing car seat went in the window seat in front of the rear-facing car seat since there was no real need for recline. We missed having the aisle seat but survived lots of flights this way.

If you’re lucky enough to be flying in First Class or Business Class, you’ll definitely want to do your research in advance. There are many limitations on car seats in First Class and Business Class and they vary not just by airline, but even by aircraft type and configuration.

Rear-facing car seats are awesome for sleeping babies (and beyond)

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep on flights because you just can’t seem to get comfortable? Imagine if you got to sit in a perfectly-sized, cushioned recliner for the entire flight. That’s what I’m talking about.

But seriously, that’s what it’s like for your baby or young toddler when you put them in a rear-facing car seat on the plane. Their heads are properly supported so they don’t loll awkwardly forward. Our flights got much harder when our kids switched to forward-facing because they had a harder time getting comfortable!

The other advantage of rear-facing car seats on planes is that your kids can’t really drop stuff. We’d prop the tablet at our kids’ feet against the seat back when they were old enough to watch. If they dropped a toy or blankie, it rarely went further than their laps (or ours). These days I feel like half of our flights are spent retrieving their stuff from disgusting airplane floors.

If you’re traveling with another child in a car seat or adult, you may want to consider seating them in front of the rear facing car seat so that a passenger outside of your family doesn’t lose out on recline. It’s not required, but it is considerate.

Your kid may not be able to use the tray table (but that might be ok)

One downside of using a forward-facing car seat on a plane is that, with very few exceptions ( this one , this one and this one ), a standard tray table won’t come down all the way. Boooooo. That can make it hard to serve them meals or offer quiet hands-on activities on a long international flight. One option is to bring along a tray like this one that props on their laps.

Somehow, our kids managed to survive. By the time we let them face the front of the plane, they were much more interested in spending the whole flight watching movies on the in-flight entertainment system… at least as much as we’d let them. And our kids have almost always refused airline meals anyway – just a few nibbles even on 13 hour flights! So we don’t stress too much about it. I do recommend bringing a car seat with a cupholder so that your kid can have easy drink access to stay hydrated.

This, however, is the one bright spot of Spirit Airlines and their comically tiny tray tables. They are so ridiculously small that the car seat arm rests don’t interfere with them!

You can flip the airplane car seat around mid-flight if you need to

The FAA says you have to use your car seat per manufacturer instructions, but if your child is the right age and size to rear-face or forward-face then it’s totally up to what you want to do. Change your mind mid-flight? No problem.

Why might you want to flip your car seat back and forth during the flight? There are a few reasons. On a long flight, you might want to let your child face forward to eat and watch a movie but then flip her rear-facing (which offers more recline) for sleeping. Alternatively, if you have a child who’s old enough to face forward but won’t stop kicking the seat in front then switching him to rear-facing is the kindest thing you can do for the passenger in front.

When riding in a car, the car seat harness should come from below the shoulders for rear-facing and above the shoulder for forward-facing. I have changed them mid-flight when there was a big difference, but for the cruise portion of the flight I wouldn’t worry if they’re pretty close to the right spot. For take-off and landing I’d make sure the car seat is installed such that the harness height is correct.

There isn’t usually anywhere to store a car seat on board

Last but not least… once you decide to bring a car seat on a plane with you, you’re pretty much locked in to that decision unless you bring this . Your child will be required to use it for take-off, landing and turbulent patches. In between they don’t necessarily have to be strapped in (though that’s always the safest bet).

But don’t plan on taking your baby out and stowing the car seat elsewhere to let them play. There generally isn’t room. There are exceptions, of course – on a huge international flight, the overhead bins (if they aren’t full) are usually tall enough to accommodate an infant car seat.

Sometimes flight attendants will be nice and put a car seat in a closet in another cabin. But usually either you take it or leave it. A notable exception is this car seat (suitable for kids at least 2-3 up to 7-8): if you’re bringing it on board for a child over 40lbs and decide you don’t want to use it mid-flight, you can separate the base from the back for storage.

If your child is at least 30 lbs and you don’t need a car seat at your destination (or you have a Ride Safer travel vest for cars), you can use the CARES harness instead if you think you’ll want your child to have the whole seat available to relax and play rather than sitting in the car seat most of the time.

Get a quick visual summary of flying with a car seat !

Flying with car seat FAQs

While kids under 2 who have their own seat on a plane are often required to use a car seat, kids over 2 aren’t required to use one. However , it’s strongly recommended to use a car seat to keep your child safe through runway incidents or extreme turbulence.

As kids approach 40 pounds, they can get a better fit with the airplane seatbelt than when they are smaller. But an average 3 year old is still just over 30lbs and benefits from riding in a travel car seat for a 3 year old . Another option at this age is the CARES harness .

Average sized 4 year olds can often sit safely using the airplane seat belt, though not if they’re on the smaller side. However, bringing the travel car seat on a plane avoids the risks of loss or damage when checking a car seat .

If you buy your child their own seat and are flying a US-based carrier, it’s your legal right to bring an FAA-approved car seat on board and use it! If you don’t buy a seat for your child (under age 2), you may luck out and ask for an empty seat. If you’re flying a non-US airline, be sure to check their specific policies before booking your tickets.

While a car seat isn’t generally required on a plane, some airlines do require a car seat if you purchase a ticket for a child under age 2 (assuming he or she is under 40lbs).

Not sure if you do need a car seat on a plane for your upcoming trip? Reach out to the airline to confirm, but remember that the recommendation/requirement is in place to keep your child and the other passengers safe in a runway crash or during serious turbulence.

Car seats must be installed so that they don’t block the safe exit of another passenger. In a single-aisle aircraft, that generally means a window seat (or window seat and middle seat if you’re installing two car seats). On a two-aisle aircraft, you may also install a car seat in any airplane seat in the center section.

If you’ve purchased a ticket for your child, you don’t have to pay extra to bring the car seat on board! When checking your car seat , there’s generally no charge but many airlines deem them “special items” and aren’t liable for loss or damage per the contract of carriage.

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The post Flying with a car seat on a plane: 10 things you NEED to know (2024) appeared first on Travel Car Seat Mom .

The Best Economy Seats for Long-Haul Flights

By Jessica Puckett

Flying in economy class on a long-haul route is often a necessary sacrifice travelers make in order to afford a far-flung trip. But just thinking about spending hours in coach—with the cramped legroom, lack of recline , and crowded seating arrangements—is enough to send a shiver down any flier’s spine.

Fortunately, there are a handful of airlines that still offer decent space and comfortable seats on long-haul routes, even in their regular no-frills economy classes. Here, we’ve rounded up seven of the most comfortable economy seats available for long-haul flights, based on criteria like legroom pitch, recline depth, seat width, and the overall seating configuration of the economy cabin.

As these seats are still in regular economy, they don’t offer as much space as the more upscale products in premium economy cabins . The below selections may just have a few extra inches of space or recline over their competitors—but even an inch or two can make a world of difference on an hours-long flight, especially if you’re trying to sleep .

If you must fly coach on your next long-haul journey, these are the best economy seats on international flights. (Or, check out these affordable business class cabins that won't break the bank.)

JetBlue is one of the best US carriers when it comes to legroom, even in economy.

JetBlue Airbus A321

The New York-based carrier is one of the top US airlines in terms of legroom. Its Airbus A321 long-range planes, used for its transatlantic routes to Europe, are no exception. In regular economy, called “Core” on JetBlue, expect to see 32 inches of pitch and 18 inches of width, and three inches of recline at your seat. You’ll also find a headrest with adjustable wings and power outlets (though not enough for every passenger to have their own charging port). On planes that also feature Mint business class, the Core cabin has 102 seats in a 3-3 layout, so the one drawback is a potential lack of elbow room as the A321 is just a single-aisle plane.

Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000

Much of the attention on board JAL’s new A350 plane, which debuted in January 2024, has been focused on its luxurious first and business class suites . But even the back of the plane offers fliers a respectable amount of comfort. In the regular economy cabin, seats offer about 34 inches of legroom pitch and more than 18 inches of seat width, making them one of the roomiest long-haul economy options on the market. Plus, in the fully upright position, the seats sit back at a deeper angle than standard economy seats—before you even engage the recline function, which also offers several more inches of tilt. Extra bells and whistles include a large 13-inch 4K entertainment screen, water bottle pouch and separate cupholder, power outlet and USB-A and -C charging ports. The only downside to the cabin is that the 155 seats in regular economy are laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, which means more dreaded middle seats. But the rows are spaced far enough apart that economy passengers shouldn’t feel too cramped. You’ll find these jets operating nonstop routes from New York JFK and Dallas Fort Worth to Tokyo Haneda.

All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Another Japanese carrier that offers one of the best economy seats on international flights is All Nippon Airways. Its coach cabin, especially aboard its Boeing 797-9 Dreamliners that fly between Tokyo and Los Angeles, offers relatively spacious seats with 34 inches of legroom pitch and 17.3 inches of width. The seats also come with a built-in footrest—a rarity outside of premium economy—plus several inches of standard recline. Instead of the seat simply tilting back, however, the seat pan also slides forward so as not to intrude too much on the passenger behind, giving each flier a bit more space. The seats are in a 3-3-3 layout, so avoiding the tight middle seat could be tough; though extra features like universal PC power ports and USB ports at every seat, thick cushioning, and a headrest that adjusts up and down, should help ease the pain.

The high ceilings and wide body of the double-decker Airbus A380 jets help to create an airy, spacious feel.

Emirates Airbus A380

Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380 jets are the stuff of aviation legend—even on the lower level in plain old economy. The cabin class offers seats with 34 inches of pitch, 18 inches of width, and a solid four inches of recline. With a total of 399 standard economy seats configured in a 3-4-3 layout, the cabin sounds like a crunch. But keeping in mind what an enormous, superjumbo jet the A380 actually is, with higher ceilings and a wider footprint than most jets, those numbers start to sound a lot less stress-inducing. In fact, fliers who’ve experienced the A380 in economy consistently say that the cabin has an airy and spacious feel, despite its massive passenger capacity. There’s also a padded adjustable headrest, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, and over-the-ear headphones provided at each spot. From the US, you can catch Emirates A380s flying from Houston , Los Angeles , San Francisco , New York JFK, and Washington Dulles to Dubai, and also on special fifth freedom routes , like between New York JFK and Milan.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380

Singapore’s economy class aboard its Airbus A380 planes is another spacious cabin, even if you’re riding all the way at the back of the superjumbo jet. The pitch in regular economy is a respectable 32 inches, and seats are a roomy 19 inches wide. When it’s time to relax after meal service, you’ll find the seatback able to recline six inches, which is quite a deep angle rarely found outside of premium economy class. (But don’t worry, the seatback entertainment screens have adjustable angles so you can keep watching even if the person in front of you fully tilts back.) Just like aboard Emirates’ A380, Singapore’s economy class on this double-decker plane is laid out in a 3-4-3 seating chart, but with the A380’s wider body and higher ceilings, it shouldn’t feel too crowded. Extra touch points at the seats adding to the convenience and comfort include a cup holder to free up the tray table space, phone storage, and a soft six-way headrest. You can find the A380 on the airline's long-haul routes from Singapore to Hong Kong , London , Tokyo, and Melbourne, as well as its fifth freedom flights between New York and Frankfurt, among other destinations.

By Lindsey Tramuta

By Lauren Burvill

By Kristi Kellogg

By Sarah James

The exterior rows of Hawaiian's A330 main cabin are ideal for couples hoping to avoid the middle seat, thanks to its 2-4-2 configuration.

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330

These efficient Airbus jets fly the majority of Hawaiian’s long-haul routes, like its nonstop flights from New York and Boston to Honolulu (which may not technically be international flights, but at more than 11 hours each they are two of the longest domestic flights in the US). Seats in the A330’s Main Cabin offer 31 inches of pitch, which is quite a bit tighter than what other airlines offer on this list. But if you can score a seat on the edges of the cabin, your spot is likely to feel a bit more spacious. That’s because the rows are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, making the seats nearest the windows on either side a prime pick for couples or other travel duos for a comfortable ride to and from the islands. All 192 economy seats also offer 17.6 inches of seat width and a four-inch recline. If you’re worried about legroom, you could spring for one of the 68 Extra Comfort seats, which offer 36 inches of pitch, but those usually cost a couple hundred dollars extra on the airline’s longer routes.

Delta Boeing 767-400ER

With an average age clocking in at more than 23 years old, Delta’s Boeing 767-400ERs are certainly older planes. But when it comes to comfort in economy class, don’t count out these workhorse jets that fly many of Delta’s transatlantic routes out of Atlanta and New York JFK, among other long hauls. The Main Cabin on these old-reliables accommodate 156 seats that each offer 31 to 32 inches of legroom pitch, 18 inches of seat width, and three to four inches of recline. What’s more, the seating chart is configured in a 2-3-2 layout, eliminating middle seats on the edges of the cabin for more breathing space near the windows. Additional features like an adjustable headrest, USB ports, and a sizable entertainment screen make the flight feel smoother, even from the cheapest seats.

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Watch CBS News

Best car seats for keeping baby safe and comfortable

By Meredith Gordon

Edited By Fox Van Allen

May 29, 2024 / 2:31 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Congratulations, you've got a baby on the way. Amidst all the excitement and emotion that comes with awaiting the arrival of the newest member of your family comes the realization that you're going to need the right baby gear , and fast. That means starting with a car seat. 

Finding the right car seat is mandatory. Some hospitals will require a car seat test to make sure an infant's car seat is installed correctly before releasing the child from its care. And as your baby gets bigger, you'll need to swap out that infant car seat for a convertible car seat that covers both your infant and toddler needs.

A lot goes into choosing the right car seat for babies or toddlers. We're here to help cut through the car seat clutter and help you find the best one for your family's needs. Keep reading for our top car seat picks of the year.

Best car seats for babies in 2024

Car seats can be broken down into two categories: infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are designed for newborns and can usually be used until your baby is anywhere from 30-40 pounds (depending on the seat). An infant car seat is designed to be placed rear-facing, which is the safest way for a baby to be placed in the car.

A convertible car seat can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes and is generally suitable for children from birth to about four or five years old. Unlike an infant car seat, a convertible car seat is designed to stay in the car.

While some parents skip the infant car seat stage entirely, we recommend using one. Infant seats are safer and don't require you to remove your child (who could be sleeping) from their seat when exiting the car.

• Best infant car seat : Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
• Best infant car seat runner-up : Chicco KeyFit 35
• Best convertible car seat : Britax Poplar convertible car seat
• Best convertible car seat runner up : Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 convertible car seat

Best infant car seats in 2024

State laws differ, but in general babies should be placed in an infant car seat until they are at least nine months old -- unless the baby weighs over 40 pounds. Children are required to be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they are about two years old. Check your state's car seat requirements for more details. 

Best infant car seat: Clek Liing Infant Car Seat

One of the safest infant car seats on the market, the seat's base installs with the car's Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system or a seatbelt-tensioning system for cars without a LATCH system. A two-stage body support system makes this seat a terrific choice for small babies (and babes who arrive early), while the seat is compatible with most top stroller brands.

The real star of the show here is this seat's extensive safety features, including advanced side-impact protection and an adjustable load leg that increases the seat's stability and reduces crash forces by 40%. 

The Clek Liing infant car seat is available for $500 at Amazon.

Pro:  This car seat had as us at all those safety features . We also like the space-saving design, which makes this a better fit for small cars than most car seats -- and makes 3-across seating possible for families with bigger kids still in boosters and car seats.

Con: It's pricey!

Best infant car seat runner up: Chicco KeyFit 35

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is one of the easiest to use infant car seats on the market. This seat fits with most cars' LATCH systems and features a spring loading-leveling foot on the base that ensures proper installation every time. 

The five-position headrest raises with the harness. The seat's anti-rebound bar provides added stability and leg room as baby grows. It offers a removable infant head and body support insert, which can be used for newborns 4-11 pounds. It easily moves from the car seat base to compatible Chicco strollers.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is available at Amazon for $184, reduced from list price of $230.

• It's easy to use and to install. The newborn support and the extended headrest make this seat usable from birth until baby is 32 inches tall.
• This seat is only compatible with Chicco strollers.

More top-rated infant car seats in 2024

• Easy installation and no rethread : Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat with Anti-Rebound Bar, $170
• Best rain/sun shield : Nuna Pipa RX Car Seat & Base, $450
• Most versatile for travel : UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat, $330

Best convertible car seats in 2024

Some parents choose to get one seat, called a convertible car seat, for both the infant and toddler stages. Convertible car seats can sit both rear-facing and front-facing. 

Convertible car seats are not stroller compatible, however, and are not as safe for an infant as an infant-designated car seat. Purchasing one convertible car seat in lieu of an infant car seat will save you money. But because a convertible car seat isn't stroller compatible, you'll often be taking a sleeping baby out of the seat to put them in their stroller. 

Best convertible car seat: Britax Poplar convertible car seat

Britax's Poplar convertible car seat boasts easy installation thanks to   its ClickTight technology, which features clear seatbelt paths and labeled access with seat belt thread or buckle options offered.

While other convertible car seats can be clunky, this 17-inch seat is designed to fit three-across, making room for siblings, other car seats or other passengers in the back of your car. The seat also features two dishwasher-safe cup holders.

The seat features a 14-position harness and headrest, which when adjusted together can help mom and dad find baby's perfect fit. The seat frame is made from steel and features a "crumple" zone to help absorb crash energy.

This Amazon best-selling carseat is listed for $300, but is currently on sale for $240.

Pro : 

• This seat is easy to install and to clean.
• It's available in eight colorways (price varies by color).
• This seat isn't great in rear-facing mode for an extended period of time as it doesn't provide much legroom.

Best convertible car seat runner up: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 convertible car seat

Convertible car seats rarely come with an easy installation, but the Graco 4Ever DLX convertible car seat does just that. The seat fits with a car's LATCH system and features an integrated lock system. The seat grows with your child by offering six recline options and a 10-position adjustable headrest.

The seat offers two cup holders, a baby seat insert and a belt tensioning plate to ensure your little one is secure in his or her seat. It can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds). The seat can even be used as a highback belt-positioning booster  (40-100 pounds) or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds), guaranteeing you'll get your money's worth here.

• This seat is easy to install and usable up to 120 pounds.

Con : 

• The cover can be challenging to remove for cleaning.

More top convertible car seats in 2024

• Pricey, but worth it : Nuna Rava convertible car seat, $550
• Handy rotating seat : Cybex Sirona S, $400
• Safe and sturdy on a budget : Evenflo EveryKid 3-in-1 convertible car seat, $160

When to switch your car seat

While each state has different car seat requirements, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your child in a car seat for as long as possible, noting that with each car seat transition comes less protection for your child in the event of a car accident.

In the United States motor crashes are the leading cause of death for children under four years old. Making sure your child's car seat is properly installed and safe for your child could be the difference between life and death. That means keep your child in some sort of car seat or booster from birth to adolescence.

• Infants are required to be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height and weight requirement established by the car seat's manufacturer.  That means you'll switch your child out of their rear-facing car seat anywhere from nine months to two years old (recommended).
• Babies and toddlers should be in a forward-facing car seat once they've outgrown their rear-facing car seat until they are at least four years old.
• Children need to use a belt-positioning booster seat once they outgrow a forward-facing car seat, until they are at least eight years old. 
• Lap and shoulder belts are required for children who have outgrown a booster seat.
• Children are recommended to sit in the back seat of the car until they are at least 13 years old.

Can I use a car seat after a car accident?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association ( NHTSA ) advises that any car seat involved in a moderate or severe car accident be replaced. That's because the force of a car accident can damage the structural integrity of the car seat. If a car seat is involved in a minor crash, one where the car could be driven from the crash site, no one was injured in the accident, the car door nearest the car seat wasn't damaged, air bags were not deployed and the car seat shows no visible damage, it may not need to be replaced, but should be inspected by a certified car seat expert.

Many car insurance companies will cover the cost of car seat replacement following a car accident. 

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Gilmore Car Museum Announces 2024 Dates For Model T Driving Experience

Are you ready to experience true “Time Travel?” Take your seat behind the wheel of an authentic Ford Model T!

Are you searching for a unique holiday gift for someone special? Or maybe you’re looking for something fun to do with friends? Step back in time at Gilmore Car Museum for a driving experience in an authentic Ford Model T! Registration is now live at GilmoreCarMuseum.org.

The Model T Driving Experience takes place from May through October, rain or shine, and requires pre-registration for a session from 9:00AM - 12:00PM ET or 1:30PM - 4:30PM ET on select dates. Classes fill up fast, so don’t wait to secure your 2024 date!

Driving a Model T is nothing like driving a Ford of today. Introduced by Henry Ford in 1908 right here in Michigan, this “sturdy, low-priced car for the masses” soon became the world’s best-selling automobile. Controlled by three pedals on the floor, a handle beside the seat, and two small levers on the steering wheel, you won’t find any keys or push button start in this Ford - drivers had to turn a hand crank on the front of the vehicle, all the while adjusting the choke  and  fuel mixture!

Our instructors will teach you all of the basics:

• Use of spark and throttle control levers
• Coordination of hand and foot controls
• Proper shifting technique, reversing the vehicle
• Correct use of the neutral/brake lever, stopping the vehicle
• Starting basics and crank start demonstration

Ready to get behind the wheel? Book your class before December 25 and we’ll include a FREE commemorative wooden Model T holiday ornament! In addition, students will receive a historian-guided tour of some of the most fascinating pieces in our collection, an exclusive souvenir Model T booklet, a Certificate of Completion, as well as admission to the entire historic campus of the Gilmore Car Museum on the day of their class.

Please Note:

• Valid driver’s license or learner’s permit is required.
• Class size is limited for a more personalized, one-on-one learning experience.
• YES, we still drive in the rain just like they did in 1908, so be sure to dress for the weather!

For questions or more information, visit  www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org , call (269) 671-5089 or email  [email protected] .

Kathleen Schiefler

Win 4 passes to the grand rapids children's museum.

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More From Forbes

Father’s day gift guide 2024: the best travel gifts for new dads.

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Traveling with little ones can be a day at the beach, thanks to these thoughtful gifts.

Just because he’s become a dad doesn’t mean your favorite traveler has to also become a homebody. Sure, it can be tougher to get around with a little person pretty much attached to him but it can be done more enjoyably than he might think.

We’ve found a variety of gifts that make travel so much easier with babies and toddlers that he won’t want to go anywhere without them – both the gifts and the kids – ever again.

Doona Liki Trike S5

He already loves and trusts Doona because of their must-have all-in-one car seat & stroller travel system so he will be thrilled to see that they’ve created the world’s most compact folding trike. Designed for children 10 months to 3 years old, it transforms into five different modes so parents can push little ones in it and leave older kids to ride on their own. So much more fun than a stroller, it will get him and his mini me through the airport without tears. It then folds up easily to toss in an overhead bin. Price: $300

Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Car Seat

Getting little ones in and out of car seats can be challenging but Graco has changed the game with a rotating feature that will make Dad’s life so much easier, especially if he’s planning to make frequent stops on a road trip. Of course, safety comes first and this seat protects kids on all sides and can be used rear or forward facing or as a booster. It also has a headrest that adjusts to 10 different positions to keep children safe and comfortable as they grow. Price: $349

7 AM K-Poncho

One of the best inventions ever, this baby carrier cover is perfect for dads headed to coolcation destinations. With its water repellent outer shell and plush lining, it keeps babies cozy, whether they’re facing Dad or the world. It even has hand slits so he can hold on to them. The cover also adapts to all strollers and car seats, making it indispensable at home or away. Price: $100

As Russia s Armored Vehicles Get Worse Ukraine s American Made M 2s Destroy Them Faster

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Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack

A diaper bag is a new parent essential but Dad is probably more interested in practicality than cuteness. Luckily, this one has both in spades so anyone will feel good about carrying it around, even on the most luxury vacation — especially in sophisticated black. It easily clips onto a stroller and features lots of pockets, pouches and even a mini changing pad. Plus, it features a dedicated safe space for his laptop so he can get some work done while baby sleeps. Price: $215

Regalo Play Mat with Travel Case

Whether they’re waiting for a flight or spending the night in a hotel, this cushy foam mat gives Dad a clean, safe place to put little ones down. It’s even waterproof so he can use it outdoors and clean it right up afterwards. Older kids will get a kick out of the design, with its roads and parks, and will enjoy playing with their own toy cars and trucks on it. Babies will just find it soft and comfortable and dads will be glad they can give their arms a rest. Price: $49.99

Magnetic Me Lake You A Lot Grow With Me Convertible Coverall

Having to change a baby on a plane or at a rest stop is way easier with one of these adorable, magnetized rompers. Made of super soft, breathable and temperature regulating Tencel modal, it features a magnetic closure, which means no snaps and zippers that can take forever to do properly. It also has foldover cuffs to keep little hands and feet cozy on over-air conditioned flights. You can choose from dozens of cute prints but this one is perfect for spending long weekends at the lake. Price: $40

KeaBabies Baby Car Seat Mirror

Rear facing car seats are safest for babies but, if Dad is driving alone with his little one, it can be disconcerting not to be able to see what’s going on back there. This shatterproof mirror is a game-changer, letting him keep his mind on the road while keeping an eye on his precious cargo. Price $19.96

Looky Lou Bundle

Vacations offer lots of cute photo ops but, let’s face it, babies are not always the most cooperative subjects. Thanks to the innovative Looky Lou, all Dad has to do is clip this cute little rattle to his phone and suddenly everyone’s looking in the right direction and smiling. The bundle comes with a board book introducing little ones to Lou the lion so they’ll be especially happy to see him whenever Dad feels like capturing the moment. Price: $29

Keep Going First Aid Kit Bundle

Because kids are unpredictable and accidents happen, give Dad some peace of mind with this trio of different sized first aid kits to prepare him for anything. He can keep one in the car, toss one in the diaper bag, pack one in the luggage. Well organized and easy to access, the kits include everything from bandages and ointments to nosebleed plugs, tick removers and burn gels. Hopefully he’ll never have to use it but, if he does, it will absolutely be the gift he’s most thankful for. Price: $124.97

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8 Best Dog Strollers, Tested and Reviewed

Get across town with your dog off the ground using one of these.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Gen7pets promenade.

Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite

Best for Small Dogs

Frisco collapsible stroller.

Best With Car Seat

Wonderfold p2.

Best for Running

Pet gear jogger.

Best for Two

Ibiyaya double.

Best for Large Dogs

Pet gear expedition.

Luxe Dog Stroller and Car Seat

Tavo pets maeve + roscoe.

I've spotted dogs in strollers in Atlanta, Boston and in my city, Brooklyn. In Indianapolis, I watched a dog being happily strolled down a parade route. At first it all seemed a bit silly, but now I better understand why people are pushing their pets.

"Small dogs benefit since they sometimes don't have the stamina for walking far — although my little dog begs to differ," says Megan Conrad , B.V.M.S., a veterinarian with Wellhaven Pet Health who frequently weighs in on petcare for the Good Housekeeping Institute and who owns two pups.

"Dog strollers are also useful for dogs with neuropathies, non-painful nerve conditions that causes difficulty walking," Conrad says. "Or for an elderly dog that can't walk as far as it used to but still wants to be out." We've also noticed that some pandemic-era pups have a hard time separating from their owner and would rather ride along on errands than be left at home. For this list our Lab pros at looked at more than a dozen top-selling dog strollers and tested among dogs of different sizes. We also poured through online reviews and Reddit forums, and consulted pet owners while researching brands we've come to trust.

This smooth-rolling set of wheels can hold one large or two small dogs, up to 50 pounds in total, thanks to two separate tethers. The bed is wide and, to our human hands, felt comfy and springy. "I've pushed baby strollers and this is totally comparable," said a tester, who used it with a 19-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. "The dog loved it."

The Promenade has the largest and most sturdy basket of all the ones we tested. You can't just reach into it; you'll need to bend down and unzip a zipper at the back to access the space. The nice part about that is nothing can fall out when you zip it back up. There's also a useful pet parent console with two cupholders and a storage compartment that clicks shut.

We found folding the stroller to be fairly easy during testing, though it did take a minute to learn the process. Our only hiccup was the assembly; you must insert two pins into the back wheels, which takes good eyesight and dexterity. (You might need to phone a friend!) But even with that, it came together in less than 15 minutes. Gen7Pets also makes our favorite roller bag pet carrier .

You can find even under-$50 dog strollers out there, but our experts felt they were just too rickety to recommend. We prefer this value choice, which comes in under $100, but has relatively substantial wheels and an overall sturdy feel. Happy Trails Lite is also easy to fold and the lower storage basket, though only 10" x 10", is deep enough at 7 inches so that contents don't roll out. Plus, there are two cupholders.

The top dome shuts with a latch, not a zipper, which allows you to quickly secure your dog or let it back out . It's a nice feature for owners and also for nervous pets who don't like the sound of a zipper. At press time, 75 percent of the Happy Trails Lite amazon reviews were five-star ones.

This is best suited for small dogs as it only holds up to 25 pounds and the bed is 22 inches long. Though the seat is compact, the handle is still 40 inches tall, a suitable height for tall pet parents. It's fairly lightweight at 13 pounds, though that means it bounces a bit over the sidewalk so it's not as smooth-rolling as our top choice.

This lightweight choice also comes in under $100. If you're nervous about assembling a stroller, this one is no sweat. We were able to snap the wheels on and have it ready to go in about four minutes . For such a lightweight stroller (at 11 pounds), it rolled well and turned easily while our tester was walking with it, thanks to its swiveling front wheels. The bed itself is small (only 19 inches long), but it's nearly 10 inches deep and our 20-pound tester dog enjoyed lying in this one and peering out the front mesh panel.

The Frisco brand is a Chewy exclusive. We've previously praised Frisco's hard-to-destroy plush toys for dogs. Chewy customers report using this dog stroller for French Bulldogs and similar-sized pets.

The detachable cupholder is fairly loose, so our tester used it for a water bottle only. ("I would not trust it with a cup of take-out coffee," she said.) The storage basket is shallow yet fits several dog toys. Folding the stroller is a bit awkward but, once folded and locked, it's slim and easy to store.

Related: Our favorite dog harnesses from Chewy, Amazon, Walmart and Petco

With its removable pet bed, the P2 can function as both a dog stroller and a dog car seat — plus it can be a dog carrier, essentially giving you three products for the price of one. You fold the frame out of your way and cart the bed as a carrier using the shoulder strap, making this a nice choice if you frequently transition your pet in and out of your car. Your vehicle's seat belt can attach to straps on the side of the carrier and hold it in place in your backseat. (Read the manual carefully for full instructions.)

"Folding and unfolding is really simple and works well," said a tester who used this with a 10-pound miniature poodle. "The only thing is that it's not great for going over big cracks on a walkway or sidewalk. We hit hard a few times and stopped instantly." Some of the three-wheelers on our list rolled better over bumps, but the P2 does fine if your sidewalks are relatively smooth or you push your dog around a simple park path. This could also be a perfect choice for getting your dog through a crowded station or airport (though if you need the carrier itself to fit under an airplane seat, we have smaller choices in our dog carrier story).

Leatherette details give this a high-end look and a durable feel, especially at the handlebar. The sling basket is the most open and shallow on our list and not able to hold much. There's also a basic, detachable cup holder that hangs off the side.

A dog stroller with large tires and a fixed front wheel allows running or jogging with your pet — extra exercise for you, and a fun outing for them. The 12-inch tires on this model are gel-filled, not air-filled tires, so they provide a smooth ride over most terrain yet can't go flat (unlike some other popular dog joggers on the market, which have to be sold with air pumps and which need more tire maintenance).

Because of the robust tires and frame, you can take a medium-sized or fairly heavy dog in this, as long as it's less than 75 pounds and 28 inches long. That means this is also a great choice even if you only intend to walk but you have a chonky dog who weighs more than the 30 pounds that most regular dog strollers can hold.

Like other Pet Gear strollers, this is zipperless; the mesh latches shut for easier entry and exit. There's plenty of mesh ventilation along all sides for breathability and a panoramic view out the front. It comes with a console that has two cupholders. The basket on this is shallow and both the assembly and the fold are a little more difficult than with other models, because of those big tires.

If you've got two dogs, you'll want a double dog stroller. Actually this double-decker model has two tethers in each of the two compartments, so you could safely transport up to four pets if you've got a brood of small dogs or stroller-loving cats. The brand touts this as a way, for instance, of taking multiple pets to a dog or cat show.

The top compartment is small — less than 16 inches long, and only able to hold 13 pounds — but if you aren't using it for a second pet, it can instead make a nice basket for your own storage. So, say, you're visiting an outdoor market, you can fill that up while your dog sits below. (That larger bed on the bottom holds a dog up to 33 pounds.)

There's no underseat basket storage on this one, but there are pockets on the back of each compartment as well as two cupholders. Assembling is on the easy side but it really helps if you watch the instruction video, which is the second brand video to play on the product's Amazon page.

Are you looking to stroll a big and heavy dog? This model from Pet Gear can hold a dog up to 150 pounds and nearly 32 inches long. The front wheels can swivel 360 degrees to help you steer your big bud. You also don't have to do as much heavy lifting with this low-to-the ground dog stroller — you can coax your dog to step up 11 inches onto the dog bed from the side, or from the back . This also makes it a great choice for dogs with an injured leg or a similar health complication.

We like the adjustable handle for the pet parent who is doing the pushing; most other dog strollers have only one set handle height. There's no cupholder or storage basket on this one.

You latch your dog inside, no zipping required. It only has one tether, so it's meant for a single rider. A sun-roof panel zips open so your dog can stick his head out of the top (truly adorable). You do need a wide door to accommodate this going in and out of your home; it might be best if you can store it in a garage.

It was only a matter of time before pet strollers got as fancy as baby strollers, and this one is a high-end modular system that functions as a gorgeous stroller, car seat and carrier. This set is made by Tavo from the minds of Nuna, which makes our favorite baby stroller for frequent travelers , and the Roscoe pet stroller has the smooth wheels and easy steering you'd want from gear with this price tag.

The "pod" that your dog rides in, the Maeve, clicks on and off the stroller frame. In car-seat mode there's a stability leg you can use and clip-on side impact protection. The brand says its dog car seat benchmarks against United Nations ECE child-restraint standards and is even crash-tested (for dogs, not children), labeling the whole thing a "pet protection system." It could be a worthwhile investment for people who drive often with their dog in the backseat.

Our tester, however, only used this as a stroller. "We are training a puppy and this is helpful when she gets tired," they said. " There's a plush mattress and also two machine-washable mattress covers, plus nice details like leatherette trim, a pet-parent organizer on the handle, and both a short and long tether for the carrier. This model is for medium dogs; Tavo also makes a set for small dogs .

How we test dog strollers

Good Housekeeping Institute pros evaluate pet gear (and kid gear) regularly, and we frequently publish pet-care advice .

For this list of the best dog strollers, we considered bestsellers and new dog strollers from reputable brands. In home tests conducted by both our experts and consumer testers we assessed more than a dozen models, timing how long it took to assemble each stroller. Then we pushed dog strollers along bumpy sidewalks with a dog inside and rated the ease of folding after our walks. We ranked strollers for extras like cupholders and storage. Finally, we interviewed pet owners who use dog strollers, read through online reviews to be sure we weren't missing any important details and checked Reddit forums before finishing our recommendations.

What to look for when shopping for the best dog stroller

When picking out a dog stroller for your best friend, consider:

✔️ Weight limit: Compact dog strollers can't carry as much weight as the larger strollers, but it's important for your pet's safety that you find a model that can hold your dog's weight. If you want to use a dog stroller to carry two pups, add their weight together and make sure you buy a stroller that can accommodate that total.

✔️ One tether or more: A must-have safety feature is a tether inside the dog stroller that attaches to your pet's collar, so it can't leap out. If you want to stroll with two dogs, look for a model that includes two tethers.

✔️ Bed length and width: Measure the length of your dog and be sure it is a little shorter than the length of the dog bed on the stroller. When in doubt, go larger — it's best that your dog has some room to turn around and get comfortable. One dog-stroller brand recommends buying a stroller with a bed at least 2 inches longer than your dog. Look at the width too, and measure how wide your dog is while sitting or lying down to be sure they won't be cramped.

✔️ Strolling or jogging tires: Most dog strollers are meant for walking, in which case small plastic wheels will do. If you intend to run with the stroller or tackle rough terrain like a hiking path, look for a model with larger wheels, which provide more stability and a smoother ride. If you'll be jogging, the front wheel should lock so you can go straight without the stroller tending to veer to the side, which can happen if you try to move fast with a stroller that has a swiveling front wheel.

While large tires roll better, they'll add weight to the stroller and prevent it from folding as compactly as a stroller with small wheels. Pick which you want more: A heavy stroller that rolls smoothly but is still somewhat large when folded, or a lightweight and compact stroller that bounces a bit over cracks and bumps.

✔️ Number of tires: Eight weak tires are worse than three high-quality ones, so quality counts far more than quantity. In general, a stroller with three wheel positions is made to take on rougher terrain (but not always; again, check how big and robust those tires are first). Strollers with wheels at all four corners generally provide a stable ride on a smooth path.

Can a dog ride in a baby stroller?

No, pets should always ride in a pet-specific stroller, like Mickey is doing (pictured). Don't put your dog in a baby stroller or a toy stroller because:

✔️ Dog strollers have a tether to clip to the collar so your pet doesn't leap out . If your dog sees a squirrel and wants to give chase, you won't have a runaway as long as your dog is clipped in.

✔️ The seat is a flat bed in a pet stroller, so that your dog can lie down. A baby stroller is usually angled, not flat, and it's not comfortable for an animal who either wants to rest or stand up and see the sights.

✔️ Most pet strollers can be completely enclosed with mesh that zips or latches shut . This is another way to prevent a dog or cat from escaping, and it lets you provide a bit of privacy so your pet isn't bothered by curious kids or nosy canines.

On the flip side, you should never put a baby in a pet stroller. Pet strollers have none of the safety features required for a baby or a toddler. We also noticed in testing that there are plenty of pinch points when you fold these dog strollers. If you're opening or closing a dog stroller and have a young child, be sure they stand off to the side. For your kid's use, see any of our favorite baby strollers .

How to care for your dog stroller

Pet strollers are made with water-resistant fabric to repel rain and to prevent the bed from getting ruined if your dog has an accident. All parts can be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe for cleaning. If the wheels get muddy you can rinse them with a hose.

The interior pads can be removed and washed with soap and water in a sink, then air-dried. Most have a stiff plastic or a wooden board inside to provide stability, so they can't go in the washing machine.

Many users report lining a stroller with a dog blanket or pet bed to make it more plush. Teddy (pictured) often visits the beach so his owners line his dog stroller with a beach blanket. Some brands sell bolsters; for instance there's a fuzzy stroller pad that matches with our value pick, Happy Trails stroller from Pet Gear (and it can be machine-washed).

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The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing consumer products for nearly 125 years. Scientists, engineers and experts of every sort test appliances, cleaning products, home goods, beauty products and yes, items for pets such as dog beds and cat toys . Many of our Lab pros are also pet parents.

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Severe weather could hamper your travel, outdoor plans for Memorial Day weekend

A series of storms is forecast to unleash dangerous weather conditions across the central and eastern U.S. through Memorial Day weekend, likely snarling traffic and delaying flights during one of busiest travel periods of the year .

Friday's weather remained relatively calm throughout the day in many regions, which boasted comfortable temperatures for an early start to the holiday weekend. But weather advisories were in effect in several areas of the Midwest, where a handful of storms barreled through Friday morning.

Those storms brought winds as high as 70 mph and heavy rain Friday to small towns still reeling from powerful winds, rain and tornadoes from earlier in the week, including Greenfield, Iowa, where a twister killed four people , injured 35 others and damaged more than 150 homes on Tuesday.

In southwest Oklahoma, at least one tornado touched down late Thursday, the weather service said. Repair efforts were underway Friday after multiple houses were damaged, including one that had its roof blown off, according to local media reports. In Nebraska, softball-sized hail fell as strong winds uprooted trees and tangled power lines. As of Friday morning, over 25,000 homes and businesses were without power across Iowa and Nebraska, according to a USA TODAY outage tracker .

Meteorologists in the weather service's Quad Cities office on Friday warned of high winds and the potential formation of tornadoes in Iowa and Illinois throughout the day.

"An arcing line of severe storms continues to move east at 60 mph this AM. The primary threats are damaging winds, with embedded tornadoes possible in northwest IL," the weather service said. "After this line moves out, WE ARE NOT DONE! More strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon."

A corridor stretching from northeastern Texas and the Tennessee Valley to Missouri and Illinois – where more than 45 million people live – faces the greatest risk of floods, damaging winds and possible tornadoes on Friday, according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center . The cities in the crosshairs of the various storms include Dallas, Chicago, Indianapolis, Memphis and Milwaukee. Flood watches and warnings were in effect throughout eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee, where 2-3 inches of rain had fallen .

The persistent threat of severe weather comes on the heels of deadly storms that, since last week, have ravaged the Plains and Midwest, especially the Texas cities of Houston and Temple , and Greenfield, Iowa . Over the last week, at least nine deaths, dozens of injuries and millions of dollars in damages have been tied to the nonstop severe weather outbreak.

Weekend forecast: Plains, Midwest face unrelenting storms

Through the holiday weekend, the Plains and Midwest regions, which for the last several weeks have been battered by potent and deadly storms , will face a constant threat of tornadoes .

Meteorologists forecast "several strong to violent tornadoes, extreme hail, and corridors of widespread wind damage" throughout the central and southern Plains on Saturday. A moderate risk of severe storms – a 4 on a scale of 5 – is concentrated over Kansas and Oklahoma, with Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita being the cities in the threat zone.

The storms are forecast to shift northeast on Sunday, bringing severe thunderstorms over parts of eastern Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. A much larger area of the Midwest and south-central U.S. is in the path of the storm system, too. By Monday, meteorologists expect the poor weather to expand into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

"Thunderstorms this weekend will not only threaten outdoor events such as weddings, barbeques and camping trips, but they can be dangerous across the Great Plains to the East Coast," according to AccuWeather .

Over 43 million people to travel during stormy holiday weekend

With the unofficial start to summer meeting a ferocious stretch of severe weather, travelers across the central and eastern U.S. may experience delays on the roads and at airports.

Nearly 44 million people  will travel 50 miles or more over the Memorial Day holiday travel period, which is from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, according to projections from The American Automobile Association. Over 38 million people will travel by car, while more than 3.5 million will take flights.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."

On Thursday, storms forced officials to temporarily ground flights at New York City's two major airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Hundreds of flights were delayed across the mid-Atlantic and New England, including at airports in Boston, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Cleanup, recovery underway in the aftermath of devastating storms

Across the central U.S., construction crews, utility workers, emergency responders and residents worked to clear the immense wreckage left in the wake of recent storms.

In Greenfield, Iowa, dozens of volunteers joined authorities from around the state to assist in the recovery after the town was decimated Tuesday afternoon by a powerful tornado. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said at the news conference Thursday that the response has been remarkable. "I was on the ground yesterday and I can't even tell you the amount of debris that has been collected and hauled off," she said.

In Houston, authorities worked to repair buildings that were damaged by storms that barreled through the city on May 16, killing eight people and knocking out power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses, most of which has been restored this week. The city's emergency management office said several roads will be closed through the weekend as waste management workers continue collecting storm debris.

In Temple, a city about 60 miles north of Austin, emergency responders were clearing downed trees, piles of wreckage and restoring power following a tornado that damaged homes and left several people with minor injuries on Wednesday. In Bell County, which encompasses Temple, more than 25,000 utility customers were without power on Friday, according to a USA TODAY outage tracker .

National weather radar

Contributing: Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY ; José Mendiola, Des Moines Register

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