If you are looking for the best travel booster seat options to keep your kids comfortable and safe, then you came to the right place!
As parents, we all know how important safety is when transporting our little ones. When you’re traveling with your kids, not using your own car, and have minimal space in your luggage, you need to find a safe option that travels well.
Car seat and booster seat laws around the world may differ, but one thing is for sure - your child should be safely restrained in a car or booster seat until they are at least 10 years of age.
You need a product that is safe, efficient, and easy to check in at the airport. Thankfully, traveling booster seats are designed for exactly that purpose.
Here are our top picks of portable car booster seats that you can travel with to keep your toddlers and young kids safe.
Not in the mood for research and reading and just want to find out which is the best?
- THE BEST TRAVEL HIGH BACK BOOSTER SEAT -
Our top pick is the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat.
- It is super lightweight
- Slim design, fits three booster seats on the back seat of the car
- High-back security
- Can use for weights from 30 - 100 lbs
Click here to check out the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-2 Booster Back Travel Seat
- THE BEST BACKLESS BOOSTER TRAVEL SEAT -
Our top pick is the Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Seat.
- Removable cup holders
- Built-in carry handle
- Removable and machine-washable seat and armrests
- Comfortable design
Click here to check out the Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Booster Travel Seat
Helpful Links:
- Here is our guide to the best baby travel gear. We also suggest you check out our baby travel guide as well.
- Here are our picks for the options for the travel car seats and the best car seat alternatives.
- Check out this booster seat user guide for best practices.
Keen for all the info? Keep reading.
FAQ's
Here are some quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
1. Can you take a Backless booster seat on an airplane?
Yes you can, however as with back booster seats, you will not be able to use it on the plane as it requires a lap-shoulder seat belt when using.
2. Should I bring a booster seat on a plane?
Safety when traveling is the number one priority so we will always say yes as you may want to use the booster seat when you reach your final destination.
However, it is important to note that you will not be able to use the booster seat on the plane seat as booster seats require a lap-shoulder seat belt when using.
3. How do you fly with a booster seat?
As you cannot use the booster seat when flying, you can either take the booster seat on the plane as carry on or you can check your booster seat in.
4. Does a booster seat count as a checked bag?
No, the booster seat does not count towards your checked luggage items so you can check your booster seat in for free into the hold in addition to your other checked luggage.
We always recommend that you double with your airline as they may have different rules and allowances.
5. Can you gate check a booster seat?
Yes, you can.
6. How to pack a booster seat for checked baggage?
We recommend that you always place your booster seat in a protective carry bag or cover to try and protect the seat from any damage or soiling.
Comparison Table of the 10 Best Travel Booster Seat Options
Here are the top ten best travel car booster seat options in an easy-to-navigate comparison chart:
Brand | Star Rating | Best For | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
2-3 Y/O+ (30 - 100 lbs) | 11.5 lbs | |||
2 - 4 Y/O (22 - 110 lbs) | 9.6 lbs | |||
4 Y/O+ (40 - 110 lbs) | 5 lbs | |||
4 Y/O+ (40 - 110 lbs) | 1.3 lbs | |||
(30 - 100 lbs) 4 - 10 Y/O 57" tall | 8.5 lbs | |||
4 - 12 Y/O (40 - 120 lbs) | 11.73 lbs | |||
4 - 10 Y/O (40 - 100 lbs) | 2.2 lbs | |||
4 - 11 Y/O (40 - 100 lbs) | 15 oz | |||
4 Y/O+ (40 - 120 lbs) | 6.6 lbs | |||
10. Clypx comfiGO Booster Car Seat | 4+ Y/O (40+ lbs) | - |
Travel Booster Car Seat Buyer’s Guide
Before you buy any booster seat, but especially a travel one, make sure you’ve checked the following features.
1. Lightweight
Your chosen booster seat should be light enough that it doesn’t weigh you down. Choose a seat that doesn’t weigh too much and won’t be uncomfortable to carry with you in between car rides. This is especially important if you plan on taking taxi rides instead of using a rented car.
2. Is it compact and easy to store?
When purchasing a traveling booster car seat, you want to be able to store it away from both during your travels and once you’re back home. Ideally, you want something that folds up, deflates, or fits easily into a bag.
This goes hand-in-hand with the lightweight feature of the seat, as both of these allow you to move from point A to B without causing too much of a hassle.
3. Can it be adjusted to your child’s age and height?
Some booster seats are adjustable, allowing you to keep using them as your child grows. Not only does this allow you to save money, but it also means that once you find a trusted seat, you can use it for years to come.
4. Is it certified for use in the country you’re traveling to?
It’s important to remember that booster seat laws differ from country to country. Before purchasing a travel booster seat, be mindful of the country you’re traveling to and what its laws are.
Some countries require children of younger ages to be in a car seat and not a booster seat. While other countries are fine with booster seats, but they need to be used until the child is older.
If you’re frequent travelers, like us, then it’s best to look for a travel booster seat that is certified in most countries, so that you won’t have to buy multiple sets.
Click Here to See Our Pick of the Best Back Booster Travel Seat for Travel
Click Here to See Our Pick of the Best Backless Booster Travel Seat for Travel
10 Best Travel Booster Seats Reviews
Here’s a our list, in our opinion, of the best booster car seat options for you to travel with.
1. Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat Review (Best Travel Booster Car Seat)
This is a super lightweight travel booster seat weighing only 11.5 lbs. Although this is a highback booster seat, it is very easy to carry around and travel with.
One of the best features of this booster, it is not only super comfortable for your child, you can fit even three of those on the back seat of your car.
In the forward-facing position with the harness, this booster is suitable for children weighing from 30-65 lbs and in the belt position, you can have your kid in it up to 100 lbs.
This is currently our pick for the best high back booster for travel for 2023.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these booster seats or click the button below.
2. Evenflo Maestro Sport Booster Car Seat Review
This Evenflo booster car seat comes is a pretty bulky booster seat, however when judging on the comfort level, it is 4.5 stars in our eyes!
This booster easily converts from the forward-facing highchair with the harness (up to 50 lbs), into the belt-position booster seat (up to 110 lbs).
Although you might not fit three of those across in your car's back seat, it is still one of our favorites and most recommended convertible booster car seats.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these portable booster seats or click the button below.
3. Chicco GoFit Backless Booster Car Seat Review
Great for long car rides, the Chicco GoFit, in our opinion, best backless booster seat is ideal for a family road trip. While not as small as other travel booster seats, this seat has a convenient carry handle and is still light enough to carry around.
The larger size also means more comfort for kids and a better boost. This booster is designed perfectly for kids.
The fabric is all removable and machine-washable, allowing for spills and accidents.
There is a foldable, removable cup holder on each side of the seat as well. It also had integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on this backless booster car seat or click the button below.
4. Hiccapop Uberboost Inflatable Booster Car Seat Review
This hiccapop Uberboost Inflatable booster seat is a great travel companion as you can easily deflate the booster seat when not in use and store it away in your luggage.
Not only is the inflatable booster seat easy to pack away, but it is also easy to inflate with only a few breaths.
If you do not have luggage to store the deflated booster seat in, you can pack it away in its very own travel bag.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these travel booster seats or click the button below.
5. Graco Highback Turbobooster Car Seat Review
Another great portable booster seat, the Graco Turbobooster is perfect if you’re planning on doing extended rides during your travels. It’s designed for children aged between 4 and 10 years.
With well padded high-back design, this booster seat is as comfortable as it is possible.
The booster travel seat also features a durable, non-skid base, and an easy-to-clean material.
The seat is relatively light for a high back booster seat, however definitely not as easy to travel with then the No. 1 on our list.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on this booster car seat or click the button below.
6. Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat Review
The Safety 1st booster seat is designed to fit children aged 2 to 12, weighing 30 to 120 lbs. The seat is able to grow with your child, thanks to the belt-positioning booster mode that you can use up to 120 lbs.
The Safety 1st booster seat boosts kids up to the perfect height, allowing seat belts to be secured across the body safely and comfortably.
While the seat does not fold up to fit into bags, it is still easy enough to transport, and perfect if you plan on traveling in a car for long periods.
The seat is well-padded and wide enough to keep children comfy the whole trip long. This booster seat also has a cup holder on each side, which can be pushed in while not in use to save space.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price of these toddler booster seats or click the button below.
7. Cosco Topside Backless Booster Car Seat Review
The Cosco Topside Backless Booster is great for traveling with small kids. The booster seat fits securely in most cars and gives your child the extra height they need to keep seatbelts properly positioned.
It safely holds children aged 4 to 11, providing they weigh no more than 100 pounds. It is easy to move it around from car to car if you change vehicles.
It is small and compact in design making it easy to fit three of these booster seats across the back seat of most cars.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on this booster seat or click the button below.
8. BubbleBum Inflatable Backless Booster Car Seat Review
The Bubblebum Booster is great for traveling with small kids. Created by a mom after she identified the need for a travel-friendly booster seat, the Bubblebum is the answer to many traveling safety concerns.
It has been rated a Best Bet Booster by IIHS for 8 years in a row and meets the safety requirements of both the EU and US.
It safely holds children aged 4 to 11, providing they weigh less than 100 pounds. It’s also small enough to fit three across a seat, or one in between two car seats.
Weighing just 500g, the booster seat deflates and rolls up easily, and comes in a small carry bag. You can also choose from a range of colors and designs, making it more appealing to some kids.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on this booster seat or click the button below.
9. Diono Solana 2 XL Backless Booster Seat Review
The Diono Solana 2 XL Backless booster seat is exactly what you need for quick and easy transporting during a vacation. The seat is easy to install and simple to use and is, in our opinion, one of the best backless booster car seat options out there.
It’s a great option for catching taxis and Uber as it is super light and weighs only 6.6lbs. The seat also works well for keeping in family members’ cars for emergency trips, so it can be used even at home.
The Diono Solana 2 XL booster comes with retractable cup holders, one on each side, to hold those important road trip drinks and snacks.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these lightweight booster seats or click the button below.
10. Clypx comfiGO Booster Car Seat Review
Clypx comfiGO car booster seat is unlike any other booster seat on our guide.
This one is a super compact design, which is of course very much easy to store and/or take on an overseas trip for your next family vacation.
ComfiGO kid's booster seat sits flat on the car seat and it comes with a non-slip rubber bottom to prevent your kids sliding and fidgeting.
Best thing about this seat, in our opinion, is the fact that there is no hard plastic sitting, it is super lightweight and you can fit three of those across the back seat with ease. Massive plus for families with three young kids.
Yes, this seat is suitable only for kids over 4 years old. Good swap from the clunky and chunky toddler seat.
PROS
CONS
>>> Click here to check the current price on these portable booster seats or click the button below.
Verdict on the Best Traveling Booster Car Seat
So, which is the best booster seat for travel? Well, that largely depends on your child’s age and weight, as well as your travel plans and needs.
It’s also good to note that even the best backless booster seats are not allowed to be used in the airplane seat itself. If you prefer to have added protection for your child during your flight, the Airplane Safety harness is the best option.
Now that you’ve read our top picks of travel booster seats, we’d love to hear yours!
- Which booster seats have you used while traveling?
- Do you take your own booster seats or rent them when you arrive?
Let us know!
Tip: For more information you can also visit our travel car seat for 3 year old guide.