How do I travel with a car seat on a plane or train?

by David S. - Published January 11, 2022 11:33 - Updated August 22, 2022 16:02

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One of the most frequently asked questions when travelling with children is what is the best type of car seat. The answer depends on many different factors: how and where you travel, how old your children are and how light you want to travel. In our opinion, carrying a high back car seat on a plane is not worth it. In this article we will focus solely on the best travel car seats.

In our opinion, if you are travelling with a baby or young child, you should rent a car seat appropriate when renting a car abroad.

Car seats for this age group are very expensive and cumbersome to transport, while the rental price is not very high compared to the cost.

However, if you are travelling with older children who can use a booster car seat, it is exactly the opposite. Travel booster seats are cheap to buy, easy to take with you, and renting one would often mean paying more.

Let us now return to the best travel car seats. Below is an overview of the information you can find in this article, including all the best car seats in our selection.

You can skip to the product information, but we strongly recommend that you also read the tips and tricks that should help you choose the right travel car seat.

Travel booster seats - overview :
Our experience with travel booster seats
Booster seat requirements
Other things to consider when choosing a travel booster seat
The best travel booster seats :

Trunki BoostApak
Mifold Grab-and-Go Booster
ComfiGO booster seat
The BubbleBum booster seat
Hiccapop Uberboost inflatable booster seat
RideSafer travel waistcoat
Backless booster seat with belt positioning
Folding high back booster seat

But before we talk about specific travel booster seats, we should first cover some things you need to consider before buying a booster seat for your trip. Read on!

Booster seat requirements

Booster seats are generally suitable for children from 4 years This is the age at which children are no longer required to use a car seat with a 5-point harness. A portable travel booster seat keeps your child safe when you rent a car or take a taxi outside your home.

However, the rules of use car seats and booster seats vary considerably from country to country. It is therefore essential to consult an official source for the country you are travelling to to ensure that you have the right car seat for your child. More information on this subject below.

In some parts of the worldIn many parts of the world, including much of Asia and North Africa, there are virtually no laws requiring the use of car seats or booster seats. Nevertheless, I would advise you to rent one or bring your own. After all, you should be more concerned about your child's safety than about the lack of local laws.

If in doubt, ask to change car seats - the car rental agencies quality products usually have a lot of them available.

Bringing your own booster seat gives you total peace of mind and ensures that your children can travel safely wherever you go.

Booster seat requirements differ from country to country

Local laws

If you are travelling abroad, make sure you check the booster seat laws in the country you are visiting.

Below are some links to the rules on car seats and booster seats for a more comfortable ride. variety of destinations. Note, however, that car seat laws are constantly changing. It is therefore your responsibility to research the latest situation in the country you are visiting.

Some countries require travel booster seats to carry specific labels in order to be used legally, so it is very important to read these regulations carefully.

Child car seat rules in the USA (please note that laws vary from state to state.
Car seat rules in the UK
Car seat regulations in Canada
Car seat rules in Australia

Although car seat and booster seat rules are very flexible in most of Asia, some countries - Singapore, for example - have regulations. We advise you to find out about your specific destination and to check the rules before travelling.
Car seat requirements are now a little different across Europe. Whereas in the past you could use a booster car seat for children from about 4 years old, the new law requires a minimum height of 125 cm (4ft 10) and a weight of at least 22 kg (49 lbs) to use a backless booster seat. In most European countries, children can use a normal adult seat from a height of 135 cm (4ft 4) (for example, in FranceSome other countries require children under 150 cm (4ft 9) and under 12 years to use a booster seat as well (e.g. Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg...). However, some other countries require that children under 150 cm (4ft 9) and under 12 years of age also use a booster seat (e.g. Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Slovenia...).
As the requirements for car seats are different I would encourage you to check the laws of the country you are planning to visit, as the situation is still subject to change in each country. You can also check if the booster seat you have is approved for use in the country you are travelling to.

Other things to consider when choosing a travel booster seat

In addition to local laws and regulations, there are a few other important things to consider when choosing the most appropriate travel booster seat. Find out more!

Security

The booster seats high-backed and " headrest "These are the safest type of car seat, as they offer the best protection for your child's head and neck in the event of a side impact. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to take this type of seat with you when travelling long distances.

The important thing to remember is that any approved booster seat is better than nothing at all.

Weight and size

After safety, weight and size are probably the most important considerations when choosing a new vehicle. choice the right car seat (booster). While some booster seats are ideal for local trips and outings, others are more suitable for long journeys where you can't carry much.

That said, the additional baggage charges you will incur if you take your own booster seat may be less than the cost of renting a booster seat at your destination. Plus, you'll have a portable booster seat that you can use later!

If you are travelling with 2 or 3 children, consider whether you can fit all the travel car seats next to each other.

Versatility

Some seats are designed to serve more than one purposeThis is ideal if you have limited luggage space and want to get the most for your money.

Important advice

Wherever possible, we recommend that you sit with your child and keep an eye on him or her if you are using a backless booster seatIt is a little easier for him to squirm into a dangerous position.

Try placing your travel booster in the middle of the back seat, if possible. Experts say that this is the best place to put it. safest position in the car.

Practise fitting the booster seat before you travel. While most booster seats are fairly simple, some may require a little more expertise!

The best booster seats Travel: Comparison and review
There are many good options when it comes to travel car booster seats. So, in order to give you the most comprehensive guide to the best travel booster seats available right now, I've not only based it on our experience, but I've also consulted other family travellers, and done extensive research.

In the end, I selected several portable booster seats which I think are the best options for those looking for a lightweight travel booster that doesn't compromise on safety. In addition, I have also included a folding high-back booster. It's obviously not as easy to pack as the backless booster seats, but if you're travelling with a smaller child and still prefer to pack your own car seat, it could be a good option.

Below you will find our selection of the best booster seats for travel. You'll find a brief review of each booster seat and a list of the key features that we think make them so useful. Of course, we've also included our personal favourite - the travel booster seat our kids have been using for years. Check it out!

These are the best booster seats travel :

Trunki BoostApak travel car seat

When we talked about versatility earlier in this article, the Trunki BoostApak is the booster seat we were thinking of! The Trunki BoostApak is not only a booster seat, it's also a carry-on approved child's bag, with padded straps for comfort and a generous 8 litre capacity.

This means that you can use it to easy to pack toys, books, games and snacks, then quickly convert it into an EU certified travel booster seat when you need it. There's no need to unpack the Trunki before using it as a seat, as its hard plastic inner shell protects the contents of the bag. The shell is also designed to provide maximum strength in the event of an accident.

It is very easy to convert the Trunki from a backpack to a booster seat, but if you (like many of us!) find some accessories for children who are a bit fussy, make sure you practice with it before you leave the house!

In addition to being used as a backpack and booster seat for the car, the Trunki Boostapak, with its washable cover, is also a excellent booster seat for the cinema ! Once we even took our children's Trunkis to the cinema.

The only slight problem we've had with this booster seat/backpack is that it's slightly too heavy for young children to carry - an empty Trunki BoostApak weighs 1.7kg. So when our children were just 4 or 5 years old, we usually had to help them carry it to the airport. This isn't a problem, as the Trunki usually stays in the car for the duration of the journey.

Trunki boostapak is our best buy in children's travel equipment.

Features of the Trunki BoostAPak travel booster :

Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years, weighing 15 to 36 kg (30 to 80 lbs).
Converts from backpack to booster seat in seconds.
The folding belt guides and seatbelt adjuster help ensure a perfect and secure fit.
Approved as hand luggage by most airlines.
EU certified for daily use in cars

Mifold folding travel car seat

Only 10 inches long and 2 inches thick (25 cm x 5 cm), Mifold weighs less than 1.75 lbs (800 g). It meets or exceeds safety standards by fitting the car seat belt to your child, rather than raising your child to fit the car seat. safety belt !

The small size of the booster seat makes it easy to store folding in your handbag, glove compartment or even your child's bag. You can easily fit 3 in a row on the back seat, even if your car is very compact.

Although its extremely small size is a great advantage in terms of travel, the fact that the Mifold does not 'boost' your child's height can be a disadvantage on long car journeys, where their view may be limited. It can also be quite difficult to fit, and young children will certainly need help to buckle up.

But when it comes to lightweight, easy-to-carry travel booster seats, Mifold's Grab-and-Go is the best. better.

Mifold Grab-and-Go Features :

Suitable for children aged 4 years and over, weighing 18-45 kg (40-100 lbs).
Very durable, with a solid metal frame covered with a tough polymer plastic.
Shoulder positioning guides and waist belt clip to ensure a perfect, custom fit.
Incredibly compact, perfect for travel and use in small cars.
Few parts, so very easy to clean.
Different colours available (if you have more than one child, you know how important this can be).
Perfect for older children who don't want to look like preschoolers.

Inflatable car booster Bubble Bum

The award-winning BubbleBum booster seat is described as a inflatable booster seat. However, it actually contains more memory foam than air, which means that it will protect your child even if it is punctured in an accident.

It takes just 20 seconds to inflate the BubbleBum booster seat, then it quickly deflates and folds down to a small size, perfect for slipping into your hand luggage or backpack.

Rated "Best Bet" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 8 consecutive years, it is designed to be used with an adult 3-point seat belt (not a lap belt). The shoulder belt positioning clip and lap belt side clips help keep your child safe and comfortable.

At just 1.2lbs, it's the lightest travel booster seat we've reviewed and it's also the cheapest. But because it's a little smaller than some other travel booster seats, we think it's more suitable for short trips than long road trips.

Features of the BubbleBum booster seat:

Suitable for children aged 4-11 years, weighing 18-45 kg (40-100 lbs).
Inflates and deflates quickly.
Lightweight, it folds into a compact size and is easy to store anywhere.
Comes with its own bag.
Made of durable material.
Its slim design allows you to use 3 on the back seat.

Backless booster seat with seat belt positioning

Update The model reviewed below was not available at the time of our last update. Check out these popular alternatives that offer much the same functionality. As this is the most popular portable booster model, there are many brands that sell similar models and are constantly changing in colour and appearance.

The Chicco GoFit Belt-Positioning Backless Booster is the only backless booster we have reviewed that has two cup holdersThis is a huge advantage on long journeys. The cup holders fold down, which is handy if you need to fit more than one car seat in the back seat. They can be easily removed and are dishwasher safe.

A little more expensive than other backless booster seats, the Chicco GoFit seems very sturdy and well made, while offering much more padding for your child's comfort than many other seats of this type.

The seat is equipped with guides for the lap belt and a shoulder strap, which is attached to the back of the seat by a fabric strap. In some cars, you can fit three of these seats in the back - but you should only do this if you have a 3-point seatbelt on the middle seat, not a lap belt.

At 2.5 kg, it is heavier than the other travel boosters in this selection and would also take up more space in luggage. Nevertheless, it is still light enough to carry and easy to move from one vehicle to another.

The only drawback of this seat is that it has no latch connectors. While this is an advantage in terms of travel, as it can be quickly moved into any vehicle, it means that it may move around a bit during your journey and will need to be stored safely when not in use.

Chicco GoFit Booster Seat

Suitable for children aged 4 years and over, weighing 18-45 kg (40-110 lbs).
Double foam padding
Machine washable armrest covers and seat cushion
Integrated carrying handle
Smooth underside to protect the vehicle seats

Folding high back booster seatThe Mifold Hifold high back booster seat is the largest travel booster seat in our selection. Although it is not as portable as the other portable travel booster seats listed here, it offers much more in terms of comfort and protection. But you can still take it with you quite easily.

This travel car seat is ideal if you plan to rent a car abroad for a long period of time. It's also perfect if you're doing tourism in EuropeFor example, the laws on child car seats are not the same everywhere and a small backless booster seat may not be sufficient for a younger child.

Good to know: Depending on the manufacturer, this booster seat is regulated for global use throughout the world, except in Australia.

This high back booster seat features a technology "multi-fit The unique shoulder belt can be adjusted to 243 individual settings and is perfectly shaped to allow your child to nap comfortably on the move. The 3-position shoulder belt adjustment ensures a perfect fit, while the supportive and comfortable padding will keep them happy on long journeys.

It is important to remember attach the seat in the car even if your child is not using it, as there is no lower anchor to hold it in place.

Features of the Mifold Hifold high back booster seat:

Suitable for children weighing 18-45 kg (40-100 lbs) and measuring 102-150 cm (40-59 inches).
Literally grows with your child and provides comfort and security for many years.
Folds small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of an aircraft. It is best to check your airline's carry-on requirements if you plan to take this booster seat on a plane.
Fully adjustable headrest (with side impact head control).

This is our full guide of the best portable and lightweight travel booster seats. We hope it will help you find the best travel car seat for your children.

Have you used any of these lightweight booster seats or do you have a portable booster seat from favourite trip ? Feel free to share your experience - you can leave a reply below.

Norauto car cushion (alternative)

This ergonomic seat cushion is a high quality product that restores the verticality of your spine by adapting to you and making the sitting position more comfortable. It limits posture pain, so it's perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time travelling in the car or who wants a better quality than travel car seats!

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David S.

How do I travel with a car seat on a plane or train?