Traveling with kids? A lightweight, legal, and easy-to-carry booster seat can make your trip smoother. Here are the best FMVSS 213-compliant booster seats for family travel in 2025! I’ve included high-back boosters and backless boosters in this roundup post.

Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes during taxi, takeoff, or landing. This is because they require both a lap and shoulder belt to function properly, and airplane seats are equipped only with lap belts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explicitly states that booster seats and backless child restraints are not allowed during these critical phases of flight .

Traveling with a Booster Seat

While booster seats cannot be used during flight, you can still bring them on board:​

• Carry-On: Store the booster seat in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.​
• Checked Baggage: Most airlines will check car seats for free. I always recommend bringing them with you on the plane when possible.

This way, you’ll have the booster seat available for use in vehicles upon reaching your destination.​ Always check with your airline before traveling to confirm their specific policies regarding child restraint systems.​

1. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless Booster

• Price Range: $23–$70
• Best For: Budget-conscious families who need a simple, reliable seat.
• Pros:
  • Lightweight (around 5 lbs).
  • Hidden cup holders.
  • Machine washable cover.
  • Great price point.
• Cons:
  • Only backless — no head or neck support.

Similar options include the Cosco (one of the narrowest booster seats on the market), the DionoSolana, and the Chico GoFit.

2. RideSafer Delight Travel Vest

• Price Range: $140–$219
• Best For: Urban travel, carpooling, and fitting 3 kids across a seat.
• Pros:
  • Extremely compact and wearable.
  • Positions seatbelt correctly without a full booster.
• Cons:
  • Slight learning curve to fit properly.

Read my full review here!

3. BubbleBum Inflatable Booster

• Price Range: $36–$40
• Best For: Families who need a lightweight, ultra-portable seat.
• Pros:
  • Inflates/deflates quickly.
  • Folds down smaller than a lunchbox.
  • Very easy to travel with as you can fit in inside of a travel diaper bag or carry-on without needing to put it inside a checked bag
• Cons:
  • Only backless — no head or neck support.
  • Some users mention it can slide around on leather seats.

The Hiccapop is a similar option.

4. Mifold HiFold Fit-and-Fold Highback Booster

• Price Range: Around $199
• Best For: Parents who want a foldable, highback booster for bigger kids.
• Pros:
  • Folds up small enough for carry-on luggage.
  • Adjustable for width, height, and head support
  • Good for kids 43.5–59 inches tall and 40–100 lbs.
• Cons:
  • Higher price point.
  • Takes a little longer to fold/unfold.

5. Mifold Original Grab-and-Go Booster

• Price Range: Around $39–$45
• Best For: Ultimate portability — perfect for taxis, Uber, or backup seat.
• Pros:
  • 10x smaller than a traditional booster seat.
  • Fits in a glovebox or backpack.
• Cons:
  • Can be tricky to fit perfectly on smaller kids.
  • Not super padded for long rides.

6. Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel High-Back Booster

• Price Range: ~$249–$299
• Best For: Families who want premium safety and comfort in a foldable highback booster.
• Pros:
  • Folds compact for easy travel and storage.
  • Rigid LATCH connectors for easy vehicle install.
  • Reclining, adjustable headrest (great for sleep support).
  • Superior side-impact protection (Linear Side-impact Protection system).
• Cons:
  • Higher price tag than most boosters.

7. Baby Trend PROtect 2-in-1 Folding Booster

• Price: $69.99
• Weight: ~10.4 lbs
• Best For: Budget-conscious families seeking portability.
• Pros:
  • Converts from high-back to backless.
  • Folds compactly for storage.
• Cons:

8. Diono Monterey 6XT SafePlus High-Back Booster

• Price: $185.99
• Weight: ~15 lbs
• Best For: Families needing a travel-friendly booster with extended weight capacity.
• Pros:
  • Accommodates children up to 120 lbs.
  • Folds for travel.
• Cons:
  • Heavier than other options

Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling in 2025, these approved booster seats are some of the most portable options out there and all of them will fit in the overhead bin on an airplane.