Top 11 Car Seats for Stress-Free Air Travel (FAA Approved & Lightweight Options 2025) -

Traveling with toddlers and young children can be an adventure in itself, but when it comes to ensuring their safety during air travel, finding the right convertible/3-in-1 car seat can make all the difference. Lightweight and FAA-approved convertible car seats are the go-to choice for parents who want to make their journeys hassle-free while keeping their little ones secure and comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best options for convertible car seats that are perfect for airplane travel.

Let’s answer some common questions first:

1. What is a “Travel Car Seat?” Can I just use my regular car seat for my next trip?

A travel car seat, often referred to as a travel-friendly or portable car seat, is a specially designed child safety seat that is built to be lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, making it well-suited for families who frequently travel by car or, more importantly, by air. These car seats are intended to ensure the safety and comfort of infants, toddlers, and young children during travel while meeting the safety standards and regulations required for car seats used in vehicles.

Once Briggs outgrew his infant car seat (around his first birthday), I opted to purchase two convertible car seats. The first one was the Baby Jogger City Turn. I love this rotating car seat but it is very heavy and not ideal to carry through an airport. This is why I bought a second, lighter option, which was the Cosco Scenera. It has now been discontinued but replaced with this great alternative!

2. What makes a car seat a good “travel car seat”

These are the top features that I consider when choosing and recommending a travel car seat:

Portability: Travel car seats are designed to be lightweight and easily portable. They are often made from materials that are durable yet lighter than standard car seats.
Compact Design: Travel car seats typically have a compact design, making them suitable for use in smaller spaces like airplane seats. Some models may even fold down or collapse to save space.
FAA-Approved: For air travel, many travel car seats are FAA-approved, meaning they meet the safety standards required by the Federal Aviation Administration. This allows parents to use them on airplanes, securing their child during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.
Easy Installation: Travel car seats are generally designed for easy and quick installation, which is particularly important when moving between different modes of transportation. They often come with clear instructions and may not require the use of specialized tools for installation.
Compatibility: Travel car seats are designed to fit in various types of vehicles, ensuring that they can be used not only on planes but also in rental cars, taxis, and other forms of transportation.

Module 1: Car Seats + Flying
In this module, you’re going to learn everything there is to know about car seats and flying! (Psst- This module is included in the full Flying With A Baby Course!)

Module 2: International Travel With A Car Seat
This module is specifically for those who will be traveling with a US car seat to an international destination.

Now, let’s get into my list of recommended travel car seats after they outgrow the infant car seat!

Psst… I made a Google Sheets document with some of the key features of each car seat! I hope this helps keep everything organized as you try and decide what is going to be the best option for your family.

1. Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat:

The Cosco Scenera Next (or the Cosco Scenera Next Deluxe) is a budget-friendly option that’s a favorite among frequent travelers (this is the one we used for two years).

NOTE- THIS SEAT HAS NOW BEEN DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED WITH THIS ONE.

2. Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat:

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for families who want an option that can transition with their growing child and is FAA-approved for air travel. This is a common next step after a child grows out of the Cosco Scenera. Weighing approximately 11 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver through airports. Remember, it can only be used with its 5-point harness while on the plane, not in booster mode. Its compact size and straightforward installation make it a practical option for parents looking for a cost-effective and travel-friendly solution, ensuring a smooth and secure journey with young children.

The most popular complaint of this car seat is the lack of extra cushioning (just like the Scenera). But for the price point and the fact that it’s not their main car seat, just their travel one, this definitely makes my list!

3. Safety 1st Crosstown Slim

The Safety 1st Crosstown Slim is one of my top recommendations for families who travel often, especially by air. Weighing only about 14 pounds and measuring a narrow 17 inches across, it’s easy to carry through airports, maneuver into rideshare cars, and install in compact rental vehicles. Its slim profile also makes it a great option for fitting three across in the backseat, whether you’re on a road trip or squeezing into a smaller overseas taxi. Plus, it’s FAA approved in rear-facing and forward-facing modes, so you can use it directly on the plane for your child’s safest in-flight seating option. The dishwasher-safe cup holders and machine-washable cover make cleanup easy after inevitable travel messes.

While it’s perfect for travel, the Crosstown Slim does have a slightly lower harness height compared to bulkier convertible seats, so it may be outgrown a bit sooner for very tall kids. However, for the years it fits, it strikes an excellent balance between safety, portability, and usability. Whether you’re hopping between airports or taking scenic drives abroad, it’s a solid choice that keeps your child comfortable and secure without adding unnecessary weight to your travel load.

4. The Safety 1st Ellaris

This car seat offers a thoughtful combination of comfort, safety, and travel-friendly features, making it a standout for on-the-go families. Weighing in at just 12 pounds, it’s one of the lighter convertible car seats on the market, which makes a big difference when you’re hauling gear through an airport or juggling kids and luggage. It’s FAA approved for airplane use, so you can keep your child harnessed in their familiar seat during flights. The slim 17-inch width also means it’s easier to fit in tight backseats, ride-share vehicles, and smaller international cars. Adjustable headrest positions, plush padding, and side-impact protection give it everyday comfort without sacrificing portability.

The Ellaris is also designed with busy parents in mind—its seat pad can be removed and machine-washed without uninstalling the seat, and the cup holders are removable for quick clean-up. While it’s slightly less known than some other travel-friendly seats, the Ellaris’s combination of light weight, narrow fit, and multi-mode use make it a great choice for parents who want a safe, easy-to-transport seat for both domestic and international travel. If you want a seat that’s just as practical for a weekend trip as it is for everyday use at home, the Ellaris is worth a serious look.

5. Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat:

The Wayb Pico is a standout choice for frequent jet-setting parents seeking a lightweight and FAA-approved car seat designed explicitly for travel convenience. It’s honestly one of the most unique travel car seats that I’ve seen on the market! Weighing in at just 8 pounds, this compact car seat folds into a small backpack for easy transport and storage. The Wayb Pico is FAA-approved, suitable for children between 22 and 50 pounds, and equipped with a five-point harness system for maximum safety. It has a slim width (14.75 inches making it a very easy fit for airplane seats. Its sleek design and travel-friendly features make it a fantastic option for jet-setting families, ensuring that you can navigate airports and aircraft with ease while keeping your child secure and comfortable. For me, it’s much easier to install with the lower anchors than the vehicle seatbelt.

The two downsides of this car seat are that it is forward-facing only. So for those looking to keep their kids rear-facing long past their second birthdays, this may not be your first choice. Additionally, if you’re hoping that your little one falls asleep while flying, this may not be the most comfortable option. The last common complaint is that some parents complain about the shorter crotch strap. At Briggs’ current age, we have not yet run into that problem but I’ll be sure to update this post if/when that does happen.

6. Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat:

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a versatile car seat suitable for a wide age range, from infancy to toddlerhood. While it’s not as feather-light as some options, it makes up for it with its 3-in-1 functionality, allowing it to grow with your child from rear to forward to booster mode. Like all the car seats on this list, it is FAA-approved.

It is on the pricer end of our list but it does come with more features (like nicer padding) that other car seats don’t come with. But because of that, you are seeing the weight of the car seat increase (it’s almost 20 lbs.) Not impossible at all to wheel through the airport but definitely heavier than other car seats on our list.

7. Graco Contender Slim:

The Graco Contender Slim is an excellent addition to our list of top convertible car seats designed for travel. As the name suggests, it offers a space-saving design that’s perfect for airline travel and families on the go. Weighing around 16 pounds, this car seat is FAA-approved and suitable for children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode.

One cool feature about this travel car seat is that the forward-facing belt path is enclosed. This basically means that the seat belt is threaded through a separate space from the child’s back, instead of having the belt just underneath the cover. Why is this important? When installing in cars, there’s really no difference (in fact, it can make it a bit more challenging)…but when it comes to airplanes, there is a big benefit! Depending on the lap belt on the plane, if you are forward facing using a car seat that does not have an enclosed belt path, there is a chance that the buckle can land right in the middle of their backs. While it doesn’t bother every kid, it can be an issue for some.

8. Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat:

The Evenflo Sonus 65 Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and relatively budget-friendly choice for families who are seeking a reliable and FAA-approved car seat for air travel. Weighing in at approximately 12 pounds, it strikes a balance between portability and comfort. The Evenflo Sonus 65 can accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and 22 to 65 pounds in forward-facing mode.

A potential drawback to this car seat is that it only has one allowed recline when rear-facing so some parents have complained about properly installing it on the airplane or even in the rental vehicles. It’s worth noting like many of the other car seats on this list, if you can learn how to install using the “pull the seat cover up and tighten from inside the belt path hack”, it makes it a lot easier.

9. Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat:

The Evenflo Tribute LX is another affordable and lightweight option that is FAA-approved for air travel. It’s designed for children between 5 and 40 pounds and offers multiple harness slots to ensure a secure fit. The compact size of this car seat makes it easy to navigate through airport terminals and fit in airplane seats.

It is similar to the Cosco Scenera in many ways, one of which being the lesser padding which some parents have complained about.

10. Century Drive On 3-in-1 Car Seat:

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for versatility and convenience during air travel. This car seat offers a 3-in-1 design that allows it to grow with your child from infancy through toddlerhood. While not the lightest option on the list, its functionality more than makes up for it. Its durability and adaptability ensure that it’s a reliable travel companion for families who value long-term use and safety. Plus, the no re-thread harness comes in clutch when you need to get the harness to fit just right. The downsides include the fact that it’s on the pricier end of my car seat list along with it being quite wide.

Traveling with toddlers and young children doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially when you have a reliable, lightweight, and FAA-approved convertible car seat at your side. The options mentioned in this blog post cater to a variety of needs and budgets, ensuring that your child’s safety and comfort are always a top priority during air travel. Choose the one that suits your family best, and embark on your next journey with confidence, knowing you’ve made an informed and secure choice for your little traveler. Safe travels!

11. Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Car Seat

The Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a fantastic choice for families who want a lightweight, budget-friendly option without compromising on safety. At just over 10 pounds, it’s easy to carry through airports or transfer between vehicles, making it especially appealing for frequent travelers. This seat accommodates children from 4–40 lbs in rear-facing mode, 22–65 lbs forward-facing, and up to 100 lbs in booster mode, giving it impressive longevity for the price. With a slim 17-inch width, it can often fit three across in most vehicles, which is a big win for larger families or those traveling with multiple seats. It’s also FAA-approved in rear- and forward-facing harness mode, so parents can keep their child safely buckled in during flights.

In addition to its portability, the Trooper offers thoughtful safety and convenience features. It has deep side wings for enhanced side-impact protection and meets all current U.S. federal safety standards. The seat pad is removable and machine washable, so cleaning up travel messes is straightforward, and dual cup holders are perfect for keeping drinks or snacks within reach. While it doesn’t have as much plush padding as some heavier seats, the trade-off in weight makes it an ideal “travel seat” that won’t break your back to carry or your budget to buy. For parents looking for a reliable, easy-to-transport convertible seat that can handle both daily drives and big adventures, the Baby Trend Trooper is an excellent addition to your gear lineup.

Want to feel prepared to travel with your car seat? Register for this mini-module that can be done online in as little as one hour!

In this module, you’re going to learn everything there is to know about car seats and flying! Here’s just a taste of what you’ll experience in the module: