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! In this article we will be discussing my favorite foldable highback booster seats. If you’re looking for backless boosters, you can find my favorites here.

Starting with a high-back booster seat is important because it provides extra support and safety that many kids still need when they first transition out of a harnessed car seat. The high back helps position the vehicle’s seat belt correctly across the child’s shoulder and lap, reducing the risk of injury in a crash. It also offers head and side-impact protection, which is especially important for younger or smaller children whose bodies are still developing.

Additionally, the headrest and side “wings” help keep kids comfortable and supported when they fall asleep, preventing them from slumping out of position and compromising belt fit. Once a child consistently sits properly and no longer needs that extra support, moving to a backless booster is safer and more comfortable.

Flying With A Booster Seat?

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.​ Out of the four options below, the MiFold HiFold seat is the one that will always fit in the overhead on the airplane. You may be able to accommodate the Diono in the overhead bin on an airplane, but it would be a tight fit.
• 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.​

My Top Four Folding Booster Seats

Below are my top picks for folding high-back booster seats that I’ve tested. I’ve personally decided to go with the Mifold HiFold option.

1. Mifold HiFold Fit-and-Fold Highback Booster

• Price Range: Around $199
• Weight: 10lbs
• 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.

2. Cybex Solution G2 Folding Travel High-Back Booster

• Price Range: ~$249–$299
• Weight: 12.8 lbs
• 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.

3. 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:
  • This is the largest of the folding booster seats we’ve tested

4. 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.