Are Booster Seats Allowed On Planes? | Safe Skies

Booster seats are generally not permitted for use during flight, as they are not FAA-approved child restraint systems for aircraft.

Navigating air travel with children brings a unique set of considerations, and understanding the rules around child safety devices is paramount for a smooth journey. Many parents rely on booster seats for ground transportation, so it is natural to wonder about their role in the cabin. The key distinction lies in how these devices are designed and the specific safety requirements for air travel.

Understanding Booster Seats and Air Travel

A booster seat is designed to elevate a child so that an adult seat belt fits them correctly across the shoulder and hips in a vehicle. It is a positioning device, not a complete restraint system on its own. This fundamental design difference is crucial when considering air travel.

Aircraft seat belts are engineered to secure passengers directly to the seat, distributing forces across the pelvis during turbulence or an emergency. Booster seats, by lifting a child, can prevent the aircraft’s lap belt from properly fitting across the child’s hips, potentially leading to “submarining” where the child slides under the belt. This significantly compromises safety in an aviation environment.

FAA Regulations and Airline Policies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the safety standards for air travel. The FAA does not approve booster seats for use during flight. Aircraft seats and seat belts are not designed to be used in conjunction with a booster seat to safely restrain a child during takeoff, landing, or turbulence. Consequently, airlines universally prohibit the use of booster seats in the cabin.

Instead, the FAA strongly recommends that children weighing under 40 pounds use an FAA-approved Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat. These systems are specifically designed to integrate with an aircraft seat and its seat belt, providing a secure five-point harness for the child. While booster seats are not permitted for use, the rules for transporting them differ.

The Role of a CRS (Car Seat) on a Plane

In contrast to booster seats, FAA-approved Child Restraint Systems (car seats) are permitted and highly encouraged for children who meet their weight and height limits. An approved CRS will have a label stating “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” or “This restraint is certified for use in aircraft only.” These devices provide superior protection compared to a lap belt alone for young children.

When using a CRS, it must be installed in a passenger seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions and secured with the aircraft’s lap belt. The child must remain in the CRS during taxi, takeoff, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated. This ensures they are properly secured throughout the flight.

Traveling with a Booster Seat: Carry-On or Checked Baggage?

Since a booster seat cannot be used during the flight, your main concern becomes how to transport it efficiently and safely for use at your destination. You have two primary options: carrying it on or checking it as baggage.

• Carry-On: Some booster seats are compact enough to fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. This option keeps the booster seat with you, reducing the risk of damage or loss. However, it adds to your carry-on burden and takes up valuable space. Always verify the dimensions with your specific airline.
• Checked Baggage: Most airlines allow car seats and booster seats to be checked as baggage, often without an additional fee, similar to strollers. This is usually the most practical option for larger booster seats. To protect it from damage, consider packing it in its original box, a dedicated car seat travel bag, or wrapping it securely in plastic.

Airline Specifics for Transporting Child Safety Devices

While general rules exist, individual airline policies can vary slightly regarding the specifics of checking or carrying on child safety devices. Many airlines offer to gate-check car seats and booster seats for free, meaning you can take it to the aircraft door and retrieve it there upon arrival. This can be a convenient middle ground, reducing the amount you carry through the terminal while minimizing time away from your item.

Always check your chosen airline’s website or contact their customer service before your trip. Confirm their policy on carry-on dimensions for booster seats, checked baggage fees for child safety items, and gate-check procedures. Being prepared avoids surprises at the airport.

Booster Seat Transport Options

Option	Pros	Cons
Carry-On	No risk of damage/loss; immediate access upon landing.	Adds to carry-on burden; takes up overhead bin space; size limits apply.
Checked Baggage	Less to carry through airport; often checked for free.	Risk of damage or loss; item not accessible during flight.
Gate-Check	Use until boarding; often free; retrieved at aircraft door.	Still subject to handling; not accessible during flight.

Alternatives for Onboard Child Safety

Since booster seats cannot be used on the plane, it is important to consider appropriate safety measures for your child during the flight. The best option depends on your child’s age, size, and your travel preferences.

1. Lap Child (Under Two Years Old): Children under two can typically fly as a “lap child” without purchasing a separate seat. However, the FAA and safety experts highly recommend purchasing a seat and using an FAA-approved CRS for children of any age. During severe turbulence, holding a child securely can be challenging, even impossible.
2. Purchasing a Seat for a Child: For children over two, or for lap children where safety is a priority, purchasing a separate seat is the standard. This allows the child to be secured by either an FAA-approved CRS or the aircraft’s lap belt, depending on their size.
3. FAA-Approved Child Restraint System (CRS): As discussed, this is the safest option for children who fit the weight and height requirements of the car seat. It provides a familiar and secure restraint during all phases of flight.
4. CARES Harness: For children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds who have their own seat, the CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness is an excellent FAA-approved alternative. It is a lightweight, portable harness that attaches directly to the aircraft seatbelt, converting it into a 5-point harness.

CARES Harness: An Overview

The CARES harness is the only FAA-approved harness-type child safety device for use in aircraft. It is designed for children who are at least one year old, weigh between 22 and 44 pounds, and are able to sit upright unassisted. It is a simple belt-and-buckle system that loops over the back of the airplane seat and attaches to the existing lap belt, providing upper body restraint.

Parents often find the CARES harness convenient because it is much lighter and less bulky than a traditional car seat, making airport navigation simpler. It provides a secure and comfortable restraint for children who have outgrown the need for a full car seat but are not yet large enough for the aircraft’s lap belt to fit perfectly.

Child Restraint Options for Flight

Option	Age/Weight Range	Key Benefit
Lap Child	Under 2 years old	No separate ticket cost.
FAA-Approved CRS	Manufacturer’s limits (typically up to 40-65 lbs)	Highest level of safety and security for young children.
CARES Harness	22-44 lbs, 1+ year old	Lightweight, portable, FAA-approved harness alternative.
Aircraft Seatbelt	Typically 40+ lbs and able to sit properly	Standard restraint for older children and adults.

Planning Ahead for a Smooth Journey

A little preparation goes a long way when traveling with children. Confirming details beforehand can alleviate stress and ensure a positive experience for everyone.

• Research Airline Policies: Always start by checking your specific airline’s rules regarding child restraint systems and the transport of booster seats. This information is typically found on their website under “traveling with children” or “special assistance.”
• Consider Your Child’s Age and Size: This will guide your decision on whether to use an FAA-approved CRS, a CARES harness, or if your child is old enough to be safely secured by the aircraft’s lap belt alone.
• Airport Security (TSA): Booster seats, like car seats, are permitted through airport security checkpoints. You may need to remove your child from the seat and send the seat through the X-ray machine. Be prepared to lift and carry it through the screening process.
• International Travel Considerations: While onboard rules are consistent, if you are traveling internationally, research the car seat laws of your destination country for ground transportation. Requirements can vary significantly, and you will need your booster seat or car seat immediately upon arrival.

Why This Matters: Safety First

The rules and recommendations surrounding child safety devices on planes are rooted in ensuring the highest level of safety for young passengers. Aircraft experience turbulence, sometimes unexpectedly severe, and require specific restraint systems to protect occupants during these events and in the rare case of an emergency landing.

Aircraft seat belts are designed to fit snugly across the strong bones of the adult pelvis. A booster seat elevates a child, often causing the lap belt to rest across the softer abdomen, which can lead to serious internal injuries in a sudden impact. Using an FAA-approved CRS or the CARES harness ensures that children are properly secured, aligning with the stringent safety standards of air travel.