So, you’ve booked the accommodation and the flight, and now all that’s left to think about is how to transport your little one while you’re away. If you're planning to hire a car or use taxis, you might want to consider taking your own car seat so you're not reliant on a rental provided by car hire and taxi companies. The quality of car seats provided by rental companies can vary, but small children may also find it more comforting to have their own car seat – especially if you arrive late at night or in a totally different time zone.
If you are planning to take your own car seat, it's worth considering whether it can also be used on the aeroplane (and strapped into the plane seat) which can make life easier when you're flying with your baby. They'll be safely strapped-in in case there's turbulence, but it’ll also leave you free to eat and read rather than holding them for the entire flight. Of course, the downside to this is that you’ll have to pay for your baby to have their own seat which isn’t legally required until the age of two, and remember that babies shouldn't be in a car seat for extended periods. More on this in our FAQs below.
Best FAA approved car seats at a glance
What is an FAA approved car seat?
There are various bodies that determine whether a car seat is airline approved, depending which country you're travelling in and which airline you're flying with. Therefore, your first step should always be to contact your airline and ask if your car seat is approved for use onboard.
FAA: The FAA approves car seats for use when travelling on a US airline. An FAA-approved car seat is a car seat that meets the Federal Aviation Administration's safety standards for use on airplanes. This ensures the car seat sits neatly in the plane seat and can be secured properly. If you're wondering how to check if a car seat is FAA approved, check for a label that says "certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft". If a car seat is not FAA approved, it may need to be checked as baggage.
TÜV: TÜV approved car seats are generally approved for travel across Europe and will have an airline approved car seat sticker saying "For use in Aircraft".
CAA: The UK equivalent of the FAA, the CAA doesn't offer specific approval for car seats or have an airline approved car seat sticker, but does recognise other bodies, including the FAA and TÜV in its advice on airline approved car seats.
The good news is that there are lots of FAA approved travel car seats available – from newborn right up to toddler age. Below, we’ve shared seven of our favourites.
The best FAA Approved car seats
Best FAA approved car seat for a newborn
www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk
If you’re travelling with a newborn or very young baby, Maxi-Cosi’s Pebble 360 Pro is a popular choice for many parents. First off, it’s FAA approved and TÜV-certified so can be used on most airlines (however it may be too wide for some aircraft seats so be sure to check beforehand), and it comes with a five-point harness and offers excellent head and neck support. It also has an integrated sun canopy, which is super helpful when travelling to warmer climes, and feels light in hand, even with a baby inside.
What one mum reviewer said: "Love this car seat, the recline feature is so amazing. I also love how the straps don’t fall down under baby due to the way the hardness is made. The seat colour is so lovely, and I can clip it to my pram with the adaptors. I also have the rain cover. Really happy”.
Pros
- TÜV-certified
- Approved by most airlines
- i-Size compliant
- Excellent head and neck support
- Padded seat
Cons
- May be too wide for certain airlines
| Model: | PEBBLE PRO |
| Age range: | Newborn to 12 months |
| Weight: | 4.55 kg |
| Size: | 67 x 44 x 56cm |
| Testing certificate: | TÜV-certified |
- Only rear facing
- Three-point harness with stay-open feature
- One-touch buckle system
- Can be used with or without ISOFIX base
- Can be used with travel system
- Integrated sun canopy
Best FAA approved car seat and stroller
The Doona + Infant Car Seat is your ideal travel companion. Not only is it FAA approved and TUV-certified, but it can also transform into a stroller the moment you step off the plane. No more waiting around for your pram to be delivered (or wondering if it ever made it onto the plane!), simply press a button and the legs unfold, turning it from car seat to stroller in seconds.
It's available in a range of colours, and uses Baby Safe materials & new and improved breathable textiles and inner foam, with removable and washable covers.
All Doona car seats are FAA approved, including the Doona, Doona+, Doona i and Doona X and they're all on the TUV approved car seat list too.
**
Read our full Donna + Car Seat and Stroller review**
Pros
- Transforms into a stroller easily without the need for a separate travel system
- Lightweight
- Available in a range of colours
Cons
- Only suitable for rear-facing
| Model: | Donna + |
| Age range: | Suitable from birth up to 13kg |
| Weight: | 7.5 kg |
| Size: | Folded: 60 x 44 x 66 cm <br><br>Unfolded:<strong> </strong>99 x 44 x 82 cm |
| Testing Certification: | ECE R44, TUV (EU), FAA (US) and aircraft approved for travel |
Best FAA approved foldable car seat
If you’re looking for a booster seat for a child 18 months and over, this ultra-compact and lightweight design from Maxi Cosi is ideal for taking on holiday. It folds in half to about the size of a large backpack making it easy to transport and carry around. It also comes with its own travel bag so you can safely stow it away at check-in or take on board the plane with you. This car seat can also be used up to the age of four so it’s a good long-term travel option.
What one parent reviewer said: "After 3 weeks of use I can say ‘yes, that's what I was looking for'. The seat has everything you need if you have two cars or if you have to be constantly changing vehicles. It is light, much more than a fixed chair, easy to carry, it has a handle and folds up, greatly reducing its size, even if you need to remove it to store it in the trunk it is a good option. We are going on vacation to the Canary Islands, and we have seen that it is the best option for a rental car”.
Pros
- Folds down into a compact size
- Can be used from 18 months to four years
- Easy installation
- Can be used in all cars
Cons
- Some reviewers say not sturdy enough to be used as a permanent seat
- No ISO Fix
| Model: | NOMAD |
| Age range: | 18 months to 4 years |
| Weight: | 4.26kg |
| Size: | 50D x 37.5W x 57H cm |
| Testing certificate: | Not TÜV-certified, but R129/03 regulation and compatible with i-Size ready cars |
- Reinforced side protection
- Visible belt routine
- Anti-slip shoulder pads
- Portable
- Fits easily into any car
- Quick universal installation
- Easy harness and headrest adjustment
- Easy to remove washable fabrics
- Lightweight (4.26 kg)
- 5-point safety harness
Best lightweight FAA approved car seat
If you’re travelling with a newborn or very small baby, Bugaboo’s Turtle Air by Nuna car seat is suitable for babies from birth up until around 18 months. TÜV-certified, it has a super strong shell, three-point harness, and an SPF50+ sunshade that will shield your baby from any bright sunlight on the plane or car. Reviewers also love its very lightweight feel that’s ideal for travel.
What one mum reviewer said: "I am so happy with the quality and construction of the car seat. It looks and feels very safe and very comfy for a newborn and yet still lightweight (only 3 kg) for a baby car seat. I love that it could last baby for a while and all the handy extra features like the sunshade and merino wool insert make this an amazing car seat”.
Pros
- Ultra-light three-point harness
- Adjustable head support
- Isofix wingbase
- In-built sun canopy with SPF50+
- Very lightweight and easy to transport
- TÜV-certified
Cons
- Only compatible with Bugaboo prams
| Model: | Turtle Air by Nuna |
| Age range: | Newborn to 15 months or a maximum of 13 kg and 83 cm |
| Weight: | 3kg |
| Size: | 69 x 44 x 59.8 cm |
| Certification: | TÜV-certified |
- Comfortable padding with merino wool insert
- Lightweight (less than 4kg)
- Rear facing
- Adjustable head support
- Sun canopy with peekaboo window
- Three-point harness
- 220-degree swivel
- Compatible with the Bugaboo 360 ISOFIX Base (sold separately)
- From newborn
5.
Joie Tilt
Best FAA approved car seat for longevity
Suitable from birth to approximately four years, the Joie Tilt offers plenty of longevity and safety. It also meets most airline’s weight and size regulations so, while you’ll need to check before your flight, it’s a safe bet for taking on board. It’s fitted with a very secure five-point harness and has an adjustable headrest so it can grow with your child. The only thing to bear in mind is that this car seat can only be secured with a seatbelt as it isn’t ISOFIX compatible.
What one mum reviewer said: "I bought this a month ago and am so happy with this purchase. The tilt-in-front feature is fantastic for growing children. My 2-year-old doesn't like to sit rear face anymore. So, it's pretty good and enjoyable for her and supportive for their neck during nap time. Moreover, it's quite a good size to put on the middle seat of the car if you have three kids. I researched a lot and returned my previous purchase to fit three kids in a car, and I am so happy it's so perfect”.
Pros
- Suitable for rear and forward facing
- Meets most airline regulations
- Grows with your child
- Five-point harness
Cons
- Doesn’t have official TUV certification
- Not ISOFIX compatible
| Model: | TILT |
| Age range: | Newborn to four years (or 18kg) |
| Weight: | 6.72kg |
| Size: | 49.2 x w 42 x h 61.6 cm |
| Testing certificate: | ECE R44/04 |
- Deep recline with four positions
- Adjustable head rest
- Five-point harness
- Padded and removable infant insert
- Suitable for forward and rear facing
Best FAA approved rear-facing car seat
www.oliversbabycare.co.uk
When it comes to travel safety, Joie’s i-Gemm 3 car seat is not only FAA approved and TÜV-certified, but it also exceeds ECE R129/03 safety standards. It’s designed for optimum comfort with a super-soft padded seat and memory foam headrest that will keep your baby’s head and neck fully supported. The very generous UPF50+ protective hood is also super handy for keeping their delicate skin protected as you travel around, and we love the curved base which allows you to rock baby to sleep when they’re secured in the car or aeroplane seat.
Read our full Joie i-Gemm review.
Pros
- Super soft and comfortable
- Can be used with ISOFIX or seatbelt
- Curved base allows you to rock baby
- Soft-grip handle
- Good-sized UPF hood
Cons
- Only rear facing
| Model: | i-Gemm 3 |
| Age range: | Newborn to 12 months |
| Weight: | 4.5kg |
| Size: | 66 x w 43.5 x h 58.5 cm |
| Testing certificate: | TÜV-certified and exceeds ECE R129/03 safety standard |
- Can be used with ISOFIX or seatbelt
- Memory foam headrest
- TÜV-certified
- UPF50+ sun canopy
- Encore spinning system
- R129 + i-Size Certified
- Three-point harness
Best FAA approved car seat with sun canopy
www.johnlewis.com
This lightweight and easily portable car seat from Nuna is TÜV-certified and R129-compliant – which means it’s undergone extra tests for head and neck safety. It’s also comfortable to carry with a high-strength handle, and super comfy for baby with a headrest that can be placed in seven different positions. The straps are also easy to adjust and secure while you’ll have the flexibility between using it with an ISOFIX base or seatbelt.
What one mum tester said: “Straps are easy to move and secure. Ideal with the 360 bases with getting our baby out of the car easily and quickly. Also comes with adapters with the pushchair base to slot onto the base”.
**Read our full review of the Nuna Pipa Next.
**
Pros
- Straps are easy to adjust and secure
- TÜV-certified
- UPF 50+ canopy
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
| Model: | PIPA NEXT |
| Age range: | Newborn to 15 months |
| Size: | H59 x W44 x D69.5cm |
| Weight: | 3.58 kg |
| Testing certificate: | TÜV-certified and R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
- Rear facing
- Additional in-built sleep shade
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be used with ISOFIX or seatbelt
- Headrest with 7 different positions
- High-strength handle
How to find a car seat to take on an aeroplane
If you have booked your little one a seat and want to take a car seat on the plane, there are a few factors to consider:
1. Is it an airline approved car seat? You'll need to check for an airline approved car seat sticker such as one from the FAA or TUV. It should also be certified as R129 or ECE R44-04.
2. Size: As well as the above, it must be the right size to fit in an airline seat. Most airlines specify a car seat width of less than 43cm (17") but as airline seat widths vary, you should call the airline you'll be flying with (or airlines if you have connecting flights) and confirm that your seat will fit.
3. Weight: As you'll be carrying the car seat on and off the plane, you'll need to be sure you can carry it along with the rest of your luggage! The lighter the better when it comes to bringing a car seat on the plane.
4. Age and height: Airlines have different rules so, for instance, children aged 2 and over can use a car seat onboard British Airways, but not onboard Virgin Atlantic. Make sure you know the rules and requirements for the airline you're travelling with.
5. Fittings: In general, a car seat is only approved for use on the plane if can be fitted using the plane's seat belt. This means that any seat that can only be fitted with a three-point harness will not be permitted. If you're planning to use a car seat on the aeroplane and at your destination, take the time to figure out if you will be able to strap it in if there are no ISO fix fittings on the car you hire or the taxis you use.
FAQs
Do I need to take my own car seat on holiday?
This all depends on what you’re most comfortable with and where you’re travelling to. Different countries have different laws on car seats so, while you may be able to organise hiring a car seat or high-backed booster for your rental car or booking a taxi with a car seat in it, it may not be as high-quality as the one you have at home. If you’re not planning on using your car seat on the flight and are confident that you’ll be able to rent a good quality one at your destination, then you may prefer to travel a little lighter. The car you hire will need to have ISOFIX or ISOFIT points in the car which is standard in most modern cars.
Is a bassinet better than a car seat on an aeroplane?
A bassinet is a great option for smaller babies on long-haul flights as it provides a safe, flat surface for them to sleep in comfortably. If there’s turbulence, however, you’ll be asked to take your baby out of the bassinet and hold them. If you want to take an FAA-approved car seat on board so that your baby has a safe place to sit, there’s a few things to bear in mind. First, you’ll need to buy an extra seat for your baby which is otherwise not legally required until the age of two. A car seat is also not a suitable option for a young baby to sleep in for hours at a time on a long-haul flight because babies can't stay in car seats for prolonged periods. Current safe sleeping advice states that babies should lie flat while sleeping and are not in a car seat for more than two hours without a 30-minute break.
Does every airline allow you to take your own car seat on board?
Most airlines allow you to bring your own car seat on board a flight if they are FAA or TUV approved, but the rules can vary from airline to airline. Make sure you check what’s required before you book so that you’re not caught off-guard.
Are Maxi-Cosi car seats FAA approved?
Maxi-Cosi's Pebble 360 Pro² and Coral 360 baby seats are all officially approved to be used on aircraft.
Can I use my car seat on an airplane?
As all airlines have their own rules, you should always check with your specific airline before bringing a car seat on the plane. Not only will their seat measurements vary, but the specific rules will differ too. For instance, some airlines will allow a child to sit in a car seat until 36 months, but others will only allow it until 24 months.
It also depends which cabin you're in. For instance, Virgin Atlantic allow car seats on board in Economy but not in Upper Class as there are airbags fitted in the seatbelts.
Cat Hufton is a freelance journalist and writer who has worked for some of fashion’s most iconic companies and written for the world’s best known magazines and newspapers.