Children can use FAA-approved booster seats on planes if they meet specific safety and size requirements.
Understanding Booster Seat Use on Airplanes
Flying with kids can be a challenge, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety and comfort. One common question parents ask is, Can Kids Use A Booster Seat On A Plane? The short answer is yes, but with important caveats. Unlike car travel, airplane seats and safety regulations differ significantly, which affects how booster seats can be used.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that children under 40 pounds use an approved child restraint system (CRS) during flights. However, many booster seats designed for cars do not meet FAA approval. This means parents need to understand which types of booster seats are allowed and how to use them properly.
FAA Regulations and Booster Seats: What You Need to Know
The FAA does not specifically ban booster seats on airplanes but requires that any child restraint system used must be certified for use in aircraft. Most traditional booster seats are not FAA-approved because they rely solely on the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts, which differ from airplane seat belts.
Airplane seat belts are lap belts only, without the shoulder strap needed for proper booster seat function. Therefore, standard booster seats often fail to provide the necessary restraint and protection during turbulence or sudden stops.
Instead, the FAA approves only certain types of child safety devices for air travel:
- Car Seats: Rear-facing or forward-facing car seats with a harness that have FAA approval labels.
- CARES Harness: A special harness designed specifically for children aged 1 to 4 years and weighing between 22-44 pounds.
Booster seats that don’t have FAA approval or lack a harness cannot be safely used on planes. Parents should always check the label or manufacturer’s information before bringing a booster seat onboard.
Why Aren’t Traditional Booster Seats Approved?
Traditional booster seats elevate the child so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across their shoulder and lap. But airplane belts are only lap belts without shoulder restraints. This makes traditional boosters ineffective because they cannot secure the child safely in turbulence.
The lack of shoulder belts means there is no upper body restraint, increasing injury risk in sudden movements. Consequently, airlines generally do not allow standard boosters unless they are explicitly approved for aircraft use.
Types of Child Restraint Systems Allowed on Planes
Knowing which restraint systems are allowed helps parents plan better for safe travel.
| Child Restraint Type | FAA Approval Status | Age/Weight Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-Facing Car Seat | Approved if labeled FAA-certified | Infants up to 2 years or per manufacturer guidelines |
| Forward-Facing Car Seat with Harness | Approved if labeled FAA-certified | Typically ages 2-5; weight varies by model (usually up to 40 lbs) |
| CARES Harness (Airplane Harness) | FAA-Approved specifically for aircraft use | Ages 1-4 years; weight between 22-44 lbs |
| Standard Booster Seat (No Harness) | Not FAA-approved for airplane use | N/A – Not recommended on planes |
The CARES Harness: A Game-Changer for Travel Safety
The CARES harness is lightweight, portable, and designed exclusively for air travel. It secures around the child’s torso and attaches directly to the airplane seat belt. This device meets all FAA safety standards and is a preferred alternative to bulky car seats or non-approved boosters.
Parents traveling with toddlers often find CARES convenient because it fits most economy-class airplane seats and offers superior protection compared to using just a lap belt.
The Practicalities of Using Booster Seats on Planes
Even if your child’s booster seat is FAA-approved (which is rare), fitting it into an airplane seat poses challenges:
- Lack of Shoulder Belt: Most boosters require both lap and shoulder belts to work correctly.
- Narrow Airplane Seats: Economy class seating offers limited width; bulky car seats might not fit comfortably.
- Luggage Considerations: Carrying a bulky CRS or booster adds weight and hassle during boarding.
Because of these hurdles, many parents opt to hold smaller children in their laps or purchase an extra seat for their child’s car seat. Airlines typically offer discounted fares for children under two who sit on laps but require full tickets if you want your child to have their own seat with a CRS.
Airline Policies Vary Widely
Each airline has its own rules about using CRS devices onboard. Some allow only FAA-approved car seats or CARES harnesses; others may have stricter policies banning any non-approved devices altogether.
Before you fly, always check your airline’s website or call customer service to confirm what types of child restraints are permitted onboard. This step avoids surprises at the gate or boarding area.
The Safety Benefits of Using Approved Child Restraints on Planes
Using an approved CRS dramatically reduces injury risk during unexpected turbulence or emergency landings. Children secured in an appropriate device are less likely to be thrown from their seats or sustain impact injuries.
Studies show that unrestrained children face higher risks in flight incidents than those properly buckled in CRS devices. While aviation accidents involving kids are rare, safety experts emphasize prevention through proper restraint use whenever possible.
Even though holding a child on your lap may feel natural, it does not offer adequate protection in case of sudden jolts mid-flight. An approved CRS provides a dedicated anchor point that keeps kids secure throughout the journey.
The Weight and Size Factor Matters Too
Children weighing less than 40 pounds benefit most from using CRS devices like car seats or CARES harnesses during flights. Once kids exceed this weight threshold, airlines generally consider them safe enough using just the standard airplane lap belt without additional restraints.
However, height also plays a role—kids must be tall enough so that the plane’s lap belt fits snugly across their upper thighs without cutting into their stomachs. If the belt doesn’t fit properly, even older kids may require boosters designed specifically for aircraft use (though these are rare).
Packing Tips When Traveling With Kids’ Booster Seats or Car Seats
If you decide to bring an approved booster seat or car seat onboard:
- Label Check: Verify it has an FAA approval sticker before departure.
- Size Matters: Measure your airplane seat dimensions ahead of time.
- Luggage Strategy: Consider gate-checking bulky car seats if space is tight.
- Easily Accessible: Keep harness straps untangled for quick installation.
- User Manual: Bring instructions in case airline staff need verification.
Some parents rent car seats at their destination instead of lugging theirs through airports. While convenient, rental availability varies widely by location and quality may differ from personal equipment.
Families flying with CRS devices should request early boarding whenever possible. This extra time helps install restraints carefully without rushing while other passengers wait behind you.
Airlines usually accommodate such requests but confirming this ahead avoids last-minute stress at busy gates.
Key Takeaways: Can Kids Use A Booster Seat On A Plane?
➤ Booster seats are allowed on most airlines.
➤ Check airline policies before your flight.
➤ FAA approves only certain booster seat types.
➤ Seats must fit in the airplane seat securely.
➤ Use a harness or seat belt with the booster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kids Use A Booster Seat On A Plane Safely?
Yes, kids can use booster seats on planes if the seat is FAA-approved and meets specific safety standards. Most traditional booster seats are not approved because airplane seat belts lack shoulder straps, which are essential for proper restraint.
What Types Of Booster Seats Are Allowed For Kids On Planes?
The FAA approves only certain child restraint systems for air travel, such as car seats with harnesses that have FAA certification or the CARES harness for children aged 1 to 4 years. Standard booster seats without harnesses are generally not allowed.
Why Are Traditional Booster Seats Not Approved For Kids On Airplanes?
Traditional booster seats rely on lap and shoulder belts found in cars. Since airplane seat belts are lap-only, these boosters cannot secure a child properly, increasing injury risk during turbulence or sudden stops. This is why most are not FAA-approved.
How Can Parents Ensure Their Kids Use Booster Seats Correctly On A Plane?
Parents should check for FAA approval labels on booster seats before flying. Using certified child restraint systems or the CARES harness ensures compliance with safety regulations and provides better protection for children during flights.
Are There Alternatives To Booster Seats For Kids On Planes?
Yes, alternatives include FAA-approved car seats with a harness or the CARES harness system designed for air travel. These options provide proper restraint and meet safety standards that traditional booster seats do not fulfill on airplanes.