SlimFit3™ LX 3-in-1 Car Seat (Model# 2215325)

We are using two Graco SlimFit3 LX3 and one UppABaby Aria.

We used this seat: https://www.gracobaby.com/shop/car-seats/toddler-car-seats/all-in-one-car-seats/slimfit3-lx-3-in-1-car-seat/SP_446289.html The manual explicitly states it is certified for aircraft use but has a couple of caveats. I recall checking for the FAA sticker before we traveled and it was there, but no one asked to see it. It’s fairly light (as far as convertible seats go) and was very easy to install. It fit very nicely in our economy seats, perhaps because it’s a slim seat.

Here’s my two cents on traveling light and easy with a kid. Always buy your child their own plane seat. I do this every time and skip the lap infant option. It is absolutely worth it and saves your sanity. I check in our full-size, comfortable stroller and make sure it’s protected in a high-quality travel bag. I do not gate check anything. Instead, I use a car seat setup that works as a mobile stroller through the airport. I bought a car seat specifically for air travel, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, and attach it to a Britax car seat travel cart. This becomes your faux stroller while navigating the airport. The car seat is FAA-certified and gets installed directly into the airplane seat once onboard. The Britax cart folds up and fits in the overhead bin. Just note that car seats must be installed in a window seat so they don’t obstruct others. The biggest benefits are huge. Your child has their own seat, can relax or sleep comfortably, and is much safer. You also get to relax. Gate-checking a car seat risks damage and it gets dirty fast, so avoiding that is a win. Once you land, you already have your car seat with you and can easily install it in the rental car. It’s simple, efficient, and honestly a game changer for traveling with kids. I literally just did this today with my 3 year old and 10 month old.

Graco is a highly rated, trusted brand with safety standards and we have loved all of their car seats we used! Still using the convertible slim fit one with my bigger booster kids.

You should rear face as long as possible. At least until 2.  Graco is pretty budget friendly and has a rear facing seat until 50 lbs (extend to fit). Slim fit is also rear facing until 40 lbs if you have space issues. 30% off on Graco website, there may also be better deals elsewhere