When it comes to traveling with kids, every ounce of luggage and every inch of space matters. That’s why backless booster seats are such a game changer for families on the go. They’re lightweight, compact, and easy to toss into a carry-on or rental car—without sacrificing the safety your child needs. Whether you’re planning a road trip, flying cross-country, or hopping in and out of Ubers, the right backless booster makes all the difference in keeping things stress-free and secure. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best travel-friendly options so you can find the perfect fit for your family’s adventures.
Before moving to a backless booster, we chose to travel with a highback booster. Check out this article to learn more about highback boosters that are travel-friendly.
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
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. 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.
3. 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.
Backless booster seats might seem simple, but choosing the right one can transform how smoothly your family travels. The best options strike a balance between portability, comfort, and proper belt fit—so your child stays safe no matter where the journey takes you. Whether you need something ultra-compact for flights or a durable option for everyday carpooling, there’s a travel booster here to fit your needs. Safe travels, and here’s to making every trip with your kids a little easier (and a lot more fun).
