Traveling with kids is a whole different ball game—and if you’re anything like me, the idea of lugging around a bulky car seat sounds exhausting… now multiply that by two! I’ve been flying with my twins since they were just 4 months old, and I’ve lived through the chaos (and frustrations) that come with trying to keep little ones safe and secure mid-flight.
Over the years, I’ve tested everything from full-sized car seats to travel harnesses to ultra-light options designed specifically for airplane travel. Two of the most popular choices for flying families are the CARES Harness (also called the Kids Fly Safe harness) and travel-friendly car seats like the WAYB Pico, Cosco Convertible, and Evenflo Tribute.
If you’re wondering whether you should invest in a CARES harness or haul a car seat onto your next flight—or if you’re just trying to keep your sanity intact—I’m breaking it all down for you here. We’ll walk through the pros, cons, real-world challenges, and what has actually worked best for my traveling crew.
Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which option will make your next trip smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful.
CARES Harness Review: Why I Swear by It for Air Travel
When I discovered the CARES harness—officially called the Kids Fly Safe CARES Child Aviation Restraint System—it felt like I unlocked a cheat code for flying with toddlers. Designed specifically for airplane use, the CARES harness is FAA-approved for children who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds (typically from about age one to five). And let me tell you—it made traveling with twins so much easier.
Before using CARES, I had to deal with bulky car seats, double strollers, and a serious arm workout just getting through security. Once I switched to the CARES harness, everything changed. Each harness folds up into a small, lightweight pouch that easily fits into a backpack (in fact, I could fit two CARES harnesses into one regular-sized backpack with room to spare). No gate-checking giant seats, no stressing about damage, and no dragging 20-pound seats down narrow airplane aisles.
Installation is a breeze. You place the red strap around the back of the airplane seat, tighten it so it’s snug, and then secure your child into the five-point harness—similar to a car seat. The only slight inconvenience is that you’ll need to lower the tray table behind your child’s seat to install it properly. (Pro tip: I usually boarded early and set it up before the person behind us even arrived. Problem solved.)
Once secured, the CARES harness holds your child firmly in place, making it much safer than just using the airplane’s regular lap belt. It’s officially certified by the FAA, meeting all their stringent safety guidelines (CARES official safety sheet here).
Downsides?
- Your kiddo sits directly on the plane seat without any extra padding, so they sit a little lower than usual. My boys never minded, but it’s something to be aware of.
- And of course, you have to hope the person behind you doesn’t mind a quick tray table adjustment (again—boarding early = lifesaver).
Bottom line:
If you’re traveling with a toddler or preschooler and want to ditch the giant car seat, the CARES harness is absolutely worth it for air travel alone. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and makes life at the airport 10 times easier.
Car Seats on Planes: The Good, the Bad, and the Heavy
Before I discovered the freedom of the CARES harness, I did what a lot of parents do—I lugged our regular, everyday car seats onto the plane. And let me tell you, hauling not one, but two giant car seats through the airport made me seriously question every life decision that led up to that moment.
Why I Ditched My Regular Car Seats
When my boys were little, I used their regular car seats because it felt like the safest and most familiar option. They clipped into our double stroller, which helped somewhat when navigating the airport. But the minute we had to gate check the stroller or board the plane? Nightmare.
- They were heavy. Regular car seats weigh a ton compared to travel-friendly models.
- They were bulky. Maneuvering them down airplane aisles was a complete headache.
- They complicated everything. Security lines, boarding, and even fitting them into the plane seats was a full production.
- Boarding was the most stressful part. Trying to manage a double stroller, two bulky car seats, carry-ons, and twin toddlers while getting onto the plane was hands down the most stressful part of the entire trip for me.
Once we switched to a lightweight stroller like the GB Pockit Stroller (which doesn’t support car seats), it made even less sense to haul full-sized seats through the airport.
The Cosco Convertible Car Seat: Lightweight but Still Bulky
Switching to the Cosco Convertible Car Seat was a game-changer:
- Lighter weight: Around 12 pounds
- Easier to carry: Backpack-style carrying bags make a big difference
- Budget-friendly: Affordable without sacrificing FAA approval (See Cosco’s FAA certification here)
Downside: It’s still a bulky object to deal with inside the plan
The Evenflo Tribute: Cheaper and Lighter
An even lighter option? The Evenflo Tribute:
- Only about 9 pounds
- Costs around $60
- FAA approved for airplane use (See Evenflo’s safety sheet here)
Great for short trips or when budget matters most.
WAYB Pico Car Seat Review: Foldable, Stylish, but a Learning Curve
If you’re serious about traveling light, the WAYB Pico is tough to beat:
- Just 8 pounds
- Folds small and fits in overhead bins
- Comes with a roomy travel backpack that can carry extras
- FAA and road trip approved (See WAYB’s safety certifications here)
Downside: Strap adjustment is a bit tricky, especially switching between airplane mode and car rides.
CARES Harness vs. Travel Car Seats: Which Is Best for Flying with Kids?
When planning a flight with little ones, the first big decision you have to make is:
Should I use a travel harness like CARES or bring a full travel car seat?
| Feature | CARES Harness | Travel Car Seat (WAYB, Cosco, Evenflo) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Airplane use only | Airplane and car use |
| Weight | Less than 1 lb | 8–12 lbs |
| Portability | Fits in a backpack | Backpack or overhead bin |
| Setup Ease | Extremely easy | Moderate (seatbelts can take practice) |
| Child Size Range | 22–44 pounds, up to 40 inches | Varies by model (typically 22–65 pounds) |
| FAA Approved | Yes | Yes (check sticker) |
| Car Usage | No | Yes |
| Cost Range | ~$90 | ~$60–$400+ |
| Best For | Flying only (no car seat needed) | Flying + rental car needs |
My Take: Harness vs. Car Seat
- Use the CARES Harness if you’re flying somewhere you won’t need a car seat after landing (city trips, resorts, international taxis, etc.).
- Bring a Travel Car Seat if you’ll be renting a car, visiting family, or doing a road-heavy trip once you arrive.
Both are FAA-approved and 100% safe—it just depends on your trip!
Best Travel Car Seats Compared: WAYB Pico vs. Cosco vs. Evenflo
If you know you’ll need a car seat once you land, here’s how the top travel favorites stack up:
| Feature | WAYB Pico Car Seat | Cosco Convertible Car Seat | Evenflo Tribute LX Car Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8 lbs | 12 lbs | 9 lbs |
| FAA Approved | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Car Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $$$ ($400 range) | $$ ($80 range) | $ ($60 range) |
| Best For | Lightweight travel, style | Durability, value | Budget flying families |
My Take: Best Travel Car Seat
- Lightest + Most Stylish: WAYB Pico (splurge)
- Best Value: Cosco Convertible
- Best Budget Pick: Evenflo Tribute
If you’re chasing toddlers through airports, lighter is always better!
Things to Know About Using Car Seats and Harnesses on Airplanes
Before you head to the airport, there are a few important rules to know:
1. Your Child Needs Their Own Seat
Both the CARES harness and any car seat require your child to have their own airplane seat.
Pro Tip: If buying a seat for your under-2-year-old isn’t in the budget, ask the gate agent before boarding if there’s an open seat next to you. Sometimes you can bring your car seat on board without paying extra!
2. Car Seat Direction: Rear-Facing or Forward-Facing
- Rear-facing is allowed if the car seat manufacturer allows it for your child’s size.
- Car seats must be installed on a forward-facing airplane seat.
3. Where You Can (and Can’t) Install Car Seats and Harnesses
- Window seats preferred (for evacuation safety)
- No aisle seats
- No exit rows
4. Specific Notes About the CARES Harness
- For kids 22–44 pounds and up to 40 inches tall.
- Installed on forward-facing airplane seats only.
- No aisle seats or exit rows allowed.
FAA Rules for Flying with Kids: What You Should Know
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that:
- Kids under 2 have their own seat with an FAA-approved restraint.
- Car seats must have the FAA certification sticker.
- CARES is the only FAA-approved harness for in-flight use.
- Check out the FAA’s Flying with Children page here.
Final Thoughts: What I’d Recommend to Another Mama
If you’re overwhelmed trying to decide, here’s my best advice:
- If you’re flying only and don’t need a car seat later:
The CARES Harness is a game changer. - If you’ll be renting a car or driving:
Go with a lightweight travel car seat that fits your needs and budget.
Either way, you’re making the best choice just by thinking ahead.
You’ve got this, mama!
