What You Need To Know
When you bring a car seat on a plane you’re juggling three priorities: will the seat fit the airplane seat and cabin dimensions, is the seat FAA‑approved for aircraft use, and how straightforward is installation on airline seats? Below we compare the Doona Car Seat & Stroller, the Baby Trend EZ‑Lift 35 Plus infant seat, and the CARES airplane harness on those exact points so you can pick the right option for your trip.
Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Nitro Black - All-in-One Travel
Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Nitro Black - All-in-One Travel stood out for parents who want minimal handling and fast transitions between car, terminal and plane. and balanced scoring across the most useful buying criteria.
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FAA-approved infant and convertible car seats for airplane travel with infants
Doona trades extra weight for turnkey door‑to‑gate convenience (stroller integrated), fits most airline seats and is FAA‑approved. Baby Trend EZ‑Lift 35 Plus is a budget‑friendly, lightweight FAA‑approved infant seat that installs like a typical infant carrier but needs a base or lap belt installation on aircraft. CARES is an FAA‑approved aircraft restraint that’s ultra‑portable and fastest to install — excellent for older toddlers who can sit unassisted, but it’s not suitable for infants under 1 or for vehicle use.
Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Nitro Black - All-in-One Travel
Doona
Integrated car seat + stroller designed for door‑to‑gate travel. FAA‑approved for use on aircraft as an infant car seat; converts quickly between car seat and stroller without a separate stroller to carry.
Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus Ergonomic Lightweight Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat
Baby Trend
Lightweight rear‑facing infant seat built for budget‑minded travelers. FAA‑approved for aircraft use and installs like a traditional infant carrier using the airplane lap belt.
Child Airplane Travel Harness - CARES Safety Restraint System
CARES
A lightweight, FAA‑approved aircraft restraint designed to secure children in airplane seats. Extremely portable and fast to install, but intended for children who can sit upright (generally 1 year and older) and is not a car seat for vehicle use.
Buying Notes
Prioritize FAA approval and your child’s age/weight range first. Measure the airline seat (width and cushion depth) before you fly and check your carrier’s policy on car seats. If you want door‑to‑gate convenience and fewer transfers, choose the Doona. If you want a budget, traditional infant seat that’s light and FAA‑approved, pick the Baby Trend. If your child is over 1 year, weighs and sits upright, a CARES harness is the lightest, fastest option — but it is not for infants under 1.
Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Nitro Black - All-in-One Travel: pros and cons
Pros
- All‑in‑one car seat and stroller — no separate stroller to gate check
- FAA‑approved for aircraft use
- Straightforward installation on airplane seats using lap belt
Cons
- Heavier than many infant seats (integrated stroller components)
- Bulkier footprint than a bare infant carrier when folded
- Higher price point
Integrated car seat + stroller designed for door‑to‑gate travel. FAA‑approved for use on aircraft as an infant car seat; converts quickly between car seat and stroller without a separate stroller to carry.
Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Nitro Black - All-in-One Travel: score breakdown
Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus Ergonomic Lightweight Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat: pros and cons
Pros
- Typically lighter and more compact than full‑size infant seats
- FAA‑approved for use on airplanes
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Requires carrying a separate stroller if you want one
- Less padding and fewer premium travel features than higher‑end models
- Base cannot be used on the aircraft — seat must be secured with lap belt
Lightweight rear‑facing infant seat built for budget‑minded travelers. FAA‑approved for aircraft use and installs like a traditional infant carrier using the airplane lap belt.
Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus Ergonomic Lightweight Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat: score breakdown
Child Airplane Travel Harness - CARES Safety Restraint System: pros and cons
Pros
- Ultra‑portable and light — easy to pack
- Very quick and simple to install on aircraft seats
- FAA‑approved for airplane use
Cons
- Not suitable for infants who cannot sit upright (not for children under ~1 year)
- Not a substitute for a car seat in vehicles
- Doesn’t provide the same side‑impact protection as a car seat
A lightweight, FAA‑approved aircraft restraint designed to secure children in airplane seats. Extremely portable and fast to install, but intended for children who can sit upright (generally 1 year and older) and is not a car seat for vehicle use.
Child Airplane Travel Harness - CARES Safety Restraint System: score breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any car seat on an airplane?
Use only seats labeled FAA‑approved. Check the label on the shell and your airline’s policy before you fly.
Do I need FAA approval for a car seat on a plane?
Yes — airlines allow only car seats certified for aircraft use; FAA approval is indicated on the product.
Is the CARES harness suitable for infants?
No — CARES is intended for children who can sit upright (typically 1 year and older); it’s not for infants or car use.
How do I install a car seat on an airplane seat?
Use the airplane lap belt to secure the seat per the manufacturer’s instructions or install with the base if airline policy allows; tighten so the seat doesn’t move side‑to‑side.
Will these seats fit in economy seats?
Most economy seats fit standard FAA‑approved infant seats, but aisle/exit rows and slim seats vary — measure or test beforehand if possible.