How to choose the best travel car seat while going on vacation with your child?
Infants, toddlers, and young children require car seats when in a vehicle, whether they are near or far from home. The idea of bringing an additional piece of equipment on the trip can seem overwhelming.
Although it isn’t mandatory to use a car seat during air travel, it is recommended.
The FAA website states that Child Restraint Systems (CRS) are hard-backed child safety seats that are approved by the government.
CRS’s are for use in both vehicles and on airplanes, but not all of them are approved for both. Parents must check to make sure that the seat they choose is approved for travel.
There are many car seats out there that can make traveling with your children a little less daunting.
Which Car Seats Are Safe, Lightweight, and Approved for Air Travel?
Below we provided a detailed review of the best travel car seats approved by the FAA currently on the market.
They have shown to exceed in the areas of safety ratings, durability, ease of use, and value.
The 10 Best Travel Car Seats.
Our Top Pick: Chicco NextFit iX Zip Air Convertible – Great for Long Trips
- Recline Sure 9-position leveling system for an accurate fit in a wider range of vehicles
- Premium connectors and a Super Cinch tightened help achieve a secure installation with LATCH
- 3D Air Mesh technical performance fabric with airflow channels for improved ventilation on backrest
Overall Rating
| Safety: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: |  (4.7 / 5) |
| Durability: |  (4.9 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.8 / 5) |
Rated the #1 car seat overall, this is a great investment if you are going to use it as the everyday and travel car seat.
It is heavier than all of the other travel car seats on the list, but FAA approved and the most durable and long lasting.
Best Feature
The Chicco Next Fit iX has the best design and functionality. It is extremely comfortable and air flow system will help keep baby’s temperature at a moderate level.
Pros
- Design and functionality
- Comfortable
- Keeps baby’s temperature moderate
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Fits into a travel stroller
- FAA approved
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Bulky
- Expensive
Below is the video on how to install Chicco Nextfit Zip Air Convertible Car Seat Rear-Facing with LATCH.
Our Second Pick: Britax Marathon Convertible – The Most Durable
- Easy installation: Patented ClickTight makes car seat installation as simple as buckling a seat belt
- No rethreading, ever: 14 position harness, 2 position buckle for a comfortable fit as your child...
- Relax and Recline: 7 recline positions ensure comfort and the best vehicle installation angle
Overall Rating
| Safety: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: |  (4.6 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.9 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.7 / 5) |
Both on the expensive side and the heavier side, this might look like a bad option. However, the Britax Marathon car seat has over the top safety ratings.
It is well built, making it one of the most durable travel car seats on the market!
Best Feature
The Britax Marathon is one of the safest travel car seats out there. The click-tight installation system and Safe Cell Impact Protection system give parents peace of mind.
Little ones will be safe and sound wherever they are in the world.
Pros
- Extra safety features
- Comfortable
- Long lasting 5-65 pounds
- Durable
- Narrow
- FAA approved
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Our Third Pick: Combi Compact Coccoro Convertible Car Seat – The Smallest
Overall Rating
| Safety: |  (4.2 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Average: |  (4.4 / 5) |
The Combi Compact was designed to fit into very small cars, which should make installation on an airplane a breeze.
At only 15.5 inches across, even the smallest airplanes will be able to accommodate this seat.
Best Feature
Besides being compact, the Combi Coccoro is ultra comfortable. This car seat will make travel a breeze, keeping your little one snug for the entire trip!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ultra-narrow
- Long lasting (5-40 pounds)
- Can snap into a travel stroller
- FAA approved
Cons
- Pricey
- Tricky installation
- Can be too small for bigger children
Our 4th Pick: Graco Snug Ride 35 Infant Car Seat – The Lightest
- Ultra-lightweight infant car seat is easy to transport from the car to the stroller and everywhere...
- Rear-facing newborn car seat helps protect infants from 4 - 35 pounds; and up to 32", making it an...
- Click Connect system provides a one-step secure attachment between the rear facing car seat to all...
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.7 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.9 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.8 / 5) |
The Snug Ride is a great choice for an infant travel car seat. It is lightweight and comes with a travel system or can easily latch on a travel cart.
Best Feature
For an infant seat, the Graco Snug Ride is perfect for travel. It easily latches into a travel stroller or system and is lightweight and narrow enough to fit in airplane seats.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Easy to transport
- High safety standards
- Comfortable
- Easily latches onto travel system or travel stroller
- FAA approved
Cons
- Limited to infants up to 35 pounds
- Expensive
Our 5th Pick: Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat – Long-Term
- Perfect for smaller cars or for extra space in your larger vehicle, this LATCH equipped Safety 1st...
- Adjust the 5 point harness from the front of the seat
- Side impact protection built into this infant car seat keeps your little one extra secure
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.9 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.5 / 5) |
Although a little on the heavy side for a travel car seat, the Safety First Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat is durable and economical.
It is 18” wide so should fit on most airline seats, but be sure to call ahead to be safe.
It has a weight range of 5 to 65 pounds which means it is the only travel car seat you will ever need!
Best Feature
You will get your money’s worth from this travel car seat. It will allow you to travel safely with an infant weighing 5 pounds to a 65-pound toddler.
Therefore, it will make Safety 1st Car Seat the only seat you will ever have to purchase!
Pros
- Economical
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Wide age range
- Lightweight
- Narrow
- FAA approved
Cons
- Installation can be tricky
- The buckle is a bit big
Our 6th Pick: The Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat – Best All Around
- VERSATILE: The Sonus Convertible Car Seat helps protect rear facing infants from 5-40 pounds, and...
- TESTED & TRUSTED: In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable federal safety standards, this...
- ALL-SEASON COMFORT: The Sonus features a revolutionary air flow ventilation system that provides a...
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.5 / 5) |
Evenflo has been around for nearly 100 years providing reliable and durable products for children.
They design a complete line of car seats, including FAA approved Child Restraint Systems (CRS).
The Evenflo Sonus is a rather new model, yet highly safe and convenient for your travel needs.
Best Attribute
The Evenflo Sonus is a great travel car seat on a friendly budget. It is very affordable and safe car seat on the market!
It is FAA approved and is suitable for infants to toddlers from 5-20 pounds.
Thus, it allows the most use for the dollar spent. Its durability and comfortability will ease the duress of traveling.
Pros
- Lightweight (10 lbs)
- FAA approved
- Easy installation
- Well padded and comfortable
- Narrow
Cons
- Not suggested for forward facing under two
- Single strap harness
Our 7th Pick: CARES Safety Restraint System – Most Convenient
- Safety harness designed specifically for aviation travel
- Compact fits into 6 inches stuff sack weighs just 1 pound
- Easy to install takes less than 1 minute
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.6 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.4 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.4 / 5) |
The CARES Safety Restraint System is not a car seat, but rather a one-pound, 5 point harness restraint system.
Although it is not a seat, it is an FAA approved travel restraint system (https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/#cares). It simply keeps kids safe during travel with ease.
CARES fits in a diaper bag, backpack or carry-on luggage.
Best Attribute
The CARES Safety Restraint system is super light and compact. It does not require any added effort to take along on a trip.
Pros
- Lightweight (1 lb)
- FAA approved
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The child must weigh between 22 and 44 pounds
- Wraps around seat
- The child can slide out through lap belt
Our 8th Pick: Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat – Most Comfortable
- With 2 modes of use, this LATCH equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to...
- The 5 point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features 6 heights and 3 buckle...
- In both the rear facing and forward facing modes, built in side impact protection keeps your little...
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.2 / 5) |
| Durability: |  (4.1 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.4 / 5) |
This car seat has been said to have extra cushioning, making it very comfortable for travel. However, it may be too big for some airplanes.
Best Feature
The Cosco Apt 50 is easy to travel with. It is lightweight, so maneuvering through the airport is a breeze!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- FAA approved
Cons
- Wider than average
- Tough to install
- Uncomfortable
Our 9th Pick: Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat – Ultra Safe and Ultra Light
- Side impact tested, Meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards and Evenflo's side...
- Designed and tested for structural integrity at energy levels approximately 2X the Federal crash...
- Multiple shoulder harness positions for better fit and longer use. Age at least two years of age
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.6 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.4 / 5) |
This car seat is not only inexpensive and lightweight, but it also has extremely high safety ratings. Infants to toddlers will travel comfortably in the Evenflo Tribute LX.
Best Feature
The Evenflo Tribute is an ideal travel car seat. It is one of the lightest on the market, weighing only 9 pounds.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cleans easily
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Comfortable
- High safety ratings
- FAA approved
Cons
- Low durability
- Straps may tangle
Our 10th Pick: Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat – Most Affordable
Overall Rating
| Safety: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Ease of Cleaning: | (4.4 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Average: | (4.5 / 5) |
The Cosco Scenera Next car seat is extremely affordable and lightweight, the perfect combination in a travel car seat!
Installation is easy and is sure to fit in airline seating. It is FAA approved so using it on a plane will not be a problem.
Best Feature
It is less expensive than any other travel car seat on the market by at least $10!
Pros
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- FAA approved
- For infants and toddlers 5-20 pounds
- Narrow
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Only goes up to 13 inches
- 40-pound limit
- Awkward to carry
Amazon’s Top 3 Best Selling Travel Car Seats
- ANYWHERE YOU GO: The Pico travel car seat can be used every day, every wayon a plane or in the...
- DESIGNED FOR SAFETY: Pico meets all U.S. safety standards regulated by the National Highway Traffic...
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighing just 8 pounds, Pico makes it easy to travel light. Our AeroWing...
- COMPACT BOOSTER SEAT the worlds most compact, backless booster. Designed for kids, aged 4 and up,...
- PORTABLE BOOSTER SEAT IDEAL FOR TRAVEL mifold foldable booster fits into a childs backpack, glove...
- KEEPS CHILD SECURE mifold ensures optimal seatbelt fit. Instead of lifting the child up, the...
- With 2 modes of use, this LATCH equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to...
- The 5 point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features 6 heights and 3 buckle...
- In both the rear facing and forward facing modes, built in side impact protection keeps your little...
Buyers Guide
The most important factors to look for when buying a travel car seat is safety, ease of use, durability, and pricing. Getting your child safely secured must be quick and easy.
The seat may be moved to multiple aircraft and/or cars throughout trips or may be checked with other luggage. Because of these factors, durability is essential.
The investment should withstand many adventures. This purchase is going to be an additional item that might be used infrequently, so the price should be considered.
Safety
A car seat’s safety rating should be one of the most important factors while shopping. All car seats are required to pass a 30 mph crash test in order to be released to the market (source).
Furthermore, most car seat manufacturers have added safety features to increase a seat’s safety level.
Therefore, before you travel with your child, make sure that the child seat has the best safety features for traveling.
Ease of Use
A travel car seat will be installed and removed frequently. Many transfers can take place during trips.
The safety seat should not be something that is a struggle to install.
Traveling with a child requires many items. The travel car seat should be lightweight and not overbearing to get around the airport with.
The width of the seat should also be narrow. This will avoid any trouble getting it to install correctly.
Safe installation is imperative, and if it is difficult, mistakes can occur.
A simple and easy installation process is one that will ensure the child’s safety when traveling.
Durability
Travel car seats go through a lot of wear and tear. The in and out and up and down and occasional bag check may cause some bumps to the seat.
If the child is using a convertible seat, it could last throughout their toddler years. Durability will ensure that the travel seat will tag along as long as the child needs it.
Pricing
A travel car seat most likely will not be the primary car seat used. Since car seats are generally expensive, it may break the bank to buy another one just for travel.
The price of a travel car seat should be practical and affordable.
| Best Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicco Next Fit | #1 Rated Car Seat | 25 lbs | |
| Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat | Extra Safety Features | 28 lbs | |
| Combi Compact Coccoro Convertible Car Seat | Extra cushioned and comfortable | 12 lbs | |
| Graco Snugride 35 Infant Car Seat | Lightweight and comes in a travel system | 7.5 lbs | |
| Safety 1st Guide 65 | Durable and long-lasting (up to 65 pounds) | 14 LBS | |
| Evenflo Sonus Convertible Car Seat | Long lasting, can be used for infants and toddlers from 5-20 lbs | 13 lbs | |
| CARES Safety Restraint System | Most lightweight travel system | 1 lb | |
| Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat | Ultra comfortable | 11 lbs | |
| Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat | Extremely Lightweight | 9 lbs | |
| Cosco Scenera Next | Budget Friendly | 10 lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Buy a Travel Car Seat?
Traveling with an infant or toddler isn’t easy. Your regular car seat may not be FAA approved. Maybe it’s too bulky and wide to fit on the plane.
It is best to check that your car seat is suitable for travel. A car seat should not cause additional stress while traveling.
Do I Have to Buy a Car Seat for 2-year-old?
The Federal Aviation Administration recommends for all the children to sit in FAA approved car seats for the duration of the flight.
Can a Car Seat Be Installed on a Plane in a Rear-Facing Position?
Yes, especially in the case of the infant seats. Those seats are not approved to be installed in a forward-facing position. Make sure your child is within the weight/height limits of the seat to be installed in a rear-facing position.
Traveling With Your Child Just Got Easier
Purchasing a travel car seat can assure that you can get from point A to point B safe and happy.
If your child is going to be comfortable and safe, it is well worth the added purchase. Having peace of mind throughout the adventure is priceless.
Consequently, in the end, the most crucial factor, hands down, should be safety features!
Check to make sure the seat meets both the FAA and other government guidelines. Furthermore, check for a tag that states that the restraint system is certified for use in aircraft.
Last update on 2020-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
hi, which seat do you think is the safest and is suitable for 0-4 years? I heard the britax brand is very good but not sure which one, was looking at both the millenia and graphene? not sure of the difference? which do you think is better?
Hi, Jolene!
Both Britax Millenia and Graphene are very comparable convertible car seats that feature optimal protection around your child’s head and easier installation every time. Millenia is better because it offers more cushion and better torso and head protection and was voted the best in 2019. We update our posts frequently and will make sure to include the detailed reviews for all of the newest britax car seats.
Best! Keren Simanova