FAA approval and car seat approval are two separate things
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not approve car seats for use in cars. The FAA sets rules for what you can bring on an airplane and how to use it during flight. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the federal agency that tests and certifies car seats for vehicle use.
When you see "FAA approved" on a booster seat, it means that seat has been tested and cleared for use on airplanes — not that it meets car safety standards. A booster seat can be both NHTSA-certified for cars and FAA-approved for planes. These are two separate certifications, and you need to check both if you travel by air with your child.
Many booster seats sold in the United States carry both certifications, but the labels can be confusing. The NHTSA label appears on the seat itself and shows it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The FAA approval is usually noted in the instruction manual or on a separate sticker.
Key Takeaways
- NHTSA certification means the booster seat is safe for use in your car; FAA approval means it can be used on an airplane during flight.
- A booster seat must meet NHTSA standards to be legal and safe for driving, regardless of whether it is FAA-approved.
- If you fly with your child, check the instruction manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm FAA approval before booking your flight.
- Airlines have specific rules about which car seats can be used on planes, and not all NHTSA-certified seats are FAA-approved.
How NHTSA certification works for booster seats
Every booster seat sold legally in the United States must pass NHTSA crash testing and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. This testing simulates frontal and side-impact crashes and measures how well the seat protects a child's head, neck, and torso. The seat must also have a label on the back stating the date of manufacture and that it meets this standard.
NHTSA certification is what makes a booster seat legal to use in your vehicle. It is not optional and not a marketing claim — it is a legal requirement. If a booster seat does not carry an NHTSA label, it cannot be sold as a new seat in the United States and should not be used in a car.
This certification does not expire, but booster seats themselves can wear out or become damaged. If a seat has been in a crash, even a minor one, it should be replaced because the internal structure may be compromised.
What FAA approval means for air travel
The FAA allows certain car seats and booster seats to be used on airplanes during flight, but only if they are on the FAA's approved list. This list changes periodically as manufacturers submit seats for testing and as older models are discontinued. The FAA tests seats to make sure they will stay in place during turbulence and will not become a projectile in an emergency.
Not every NHTSA-certified booster seat is on the FAA list. Some manufacturers do not pursue FAA approval because they do not market their seats for air travel. If you plan to fly with your child, you need to verify that your specific booster seat model is FAA-approved before you book your ticket.
You can find the current FAA-approved car seat list on the FAA website. The list includes the manufacturer name, model number, and sometimes a range of model years. Bring a copy of this list or the seat's manual to the airport so you can show the flight attendant that your seat is approved.
How to learn about your booster seat is FAA-approved
Start by checking the instruction manual that came with your booster seat. Most manuals include a statement about FAA approval, usually near the front or in a section about air travel. If you no longer have the manual, visit the manufacturer's website and search for your specific model number. The model number is printed on a label on the back or bottom of the seat.
You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line with your model number and ask directly whether that seat is FAA-approved. Write down the answer and the date you called, in case you need to show proof to an airline.
The FAA website maintains an official list of approved car seats and booster seats. You can search this list by manufacturer or model to double-check before you travel. If your seat is not on the list, it is not FAA-approved, even if the manual or a retailer says it is.
Differences between booster seats approved for cars versus planes
A booster seat used in a car keeps a child in the correct position so the vehicle's seat belt fits properly across the chest and lap. The seat belt itself does the restraining. A booster seat used on a plane must be able to attach to the airplane seat using the airplane's seat belt system, and it must stay firmly in place during flight.
Airplane seats are narrower and have different belt configurations than car seats. Some booster seats that work perfectly in a vehicle cannot be secured properly in an airplane seat. This is why FAA approval requires separate testing — the seat has to work with both systems.
If you own a booster seat that is NHTSA-certified but not FAA-approved, you can still use it in your car. You straightforward cannot bring it on the plane. Some families choose to buy a second booster seat that is FAA-approved specifically for air travel, or they use a different restraint system on the plane.
What airlines require you to do with an FAA-approved booster seat
Each airline has its own policies about car seats and booster seats on planes. Some airlines require you to notify them in advance that you will be bringing a booster seat. Others allow you to bring it without advance notice. Call your airline before you travel to confirm their specific rules.
When you board the plane, bring your booster seat and the instruction manual or a copy of the FAA approval list showing your model. The flight attendant will inspect the seat to make sure it is on the approved list and that it can be properly secured in the airplane seat. If there is any doubt, the flight attendant may ask you to check the seat or to use a different restraint.
You will need to install the booster seat in your assigned airplane seat using the airplane's seat belt. The process is similar to installing it in a car, but the airplane seat belt may work differently. Read your booster seat manual before you fly so you understand how to attach it to an airplane belt system.
Choosing a booster seat if you fly regularly
If you travel by air frequently with your child, look for a booster seat that is both NHTSA-certified and FAA-approved. This way you can use the same seat in your car and on the plane, which is simpler than buying two seats or renting one at your destination.
When you are shopping, ask the retailer or manufacturer whether the model you are considering is FAA-approved. Do not assume that a popular or expensive seat is approved — check the specific model number. Some manufacturers make both approved and non-approved versions of similar-looking seats.
Keep your booster seat's instruction manual in a safe place, or read a digital copy from the manufacturer's website. You will need it to install the seat correctly in your car and to show proof of FAA approval at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a booster seat on a plane if it is not FAA-approved?
No. The FAA does not allow car seats or booster seats on planes unless they are on the official FAA-approved list. If your seat is not approved, you will need to use a different restraint system or check the seat as baggage. Contact your airline to learn what alternatives they offer.
Does FAA approval mean the booster seat is safer in a car?
No. FAA approval only means the seat can be used safely on an airplane. Safety in a car is determined by NHTSA certification. A booster seat that is NHTSA-certified but not FAA-approved is just as safe in your vehicle as one that has both certifications.
What if I buy a used booster seat — does it still have FAA approval?
Approval does not expire, so a used booster seat that was FAA-approved when it was new is still approved. However, check the model number against the current FAA list to be sure, because some older models may have been removed from the list. Also inspect the seat for damage or wear before using it.
Can I rent a booster seat at my destination instead of bringing mine on the plane?
Yes. Many car rental companies and third-party services offer booster seat rentals at airports. This can be simpler than traveling with your own seat. Call ahead to reserve a seat and confirm that the model they offer is FAA-approved if you plan to use it on the return flight.
What happens if the flight attendant says my booster seat is not approved?
Bring a copy of the FAA-approved list or your seat's manual showing the approval. If the flight attendant still will not allow it, you may need to check the seat as baggage or use an alternative restraint. Contact your airline's customer service before your flight to avoid this situation.