AmSafe CARES for Special Needs
The AmSafe CARES for Special Needs weighs 1 lb, per AmSafe. A longer-strap version of the CARES harness for older or taller special-needs flyers who can use it only with an FAA exemption.
- $92.50List price
- 1 lbWeight
How the CARES for Special Needs stacks up
Against the 8 airplane gear we track. The shaded band is where the middle half of them fall; the dot is this one.
Within the typical range for airplane gear (1 lb to 6.6 lb).
Within the typical range for airplane gear ($89.99 to $249).
Listed features
- Longer straps for taller flyers
- About 1 lb
Worth checking
- Needs an FAA exemption letter, which takes weeks
Where to buy the CARES for Special Needs
Prices and availability change. We may earn a commission from some links.
- Check for recalls: Search the agency's recall list with the model number and date code from the label: CPSC recall search.
- Car seat use and installation: see NHTSA's car seat page, which also lists free car seat inspection by certified technicians. Check the label and the maker's instructions, and ask your pediatrician about your child.
Full specs
| AmSafe CARES for Special Needs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Airplane gear |
| List price | $92.50 |
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Fits | Aircraft seats; extended version for taller flyers up to about 6 ft per maker |
| Maker's use notes | Extended version always needs an FAA exemption letter carried on every flight; without it, not usable during ground movement, takeoff or landing; standard CARES is certified only up to 44 lb and 40 in |
Compare the CARES for Special Needs with
How each closest rival differs from the CARES for Special Needs, from the makers' specs.
- AmSafeCARES Harness1 lbCompare side by side
- BritaxCar Seat Travel Cart$89$89.99
- $2.50 less
- Cosco KidsScenera NEXT Convertible Car SeatCompare side by side
- J.L. ChildressUniversal Car Seat Travel Belt$10$10.99
- $81.50 less
CARES for Special Needs: questions answered
From AmSafe's published specs, last checked 2026-11-11.
Are there any use restrictions on the AmSafe CARES for Special Needs?
The maker says: Extended version always needs an FAA exemption letter carried on every flight; without it, not usable during ground movement, takeoff or landing; standard CARES is certified only up to 44 lb and 40 in.
How big is the AmSafe CARES for Special Needs packed?
It weighs 1 lb.
Still wondering? Write to us at hello@cribpicks.com and we'll look it up.
More airplane gear
- Flyaway DesignsFlyaway Kids Bed2.8 lb$159$159
- Stokke / JetKidsJetKids by Stokke BedBox6.6 lb$249$249
- WAYBPico8 lb1.8 cu ft folded$499
Where these specs come from
- amsafe.com/product/cares-for-special-needs-travelers
- amsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Child-Aviation-Restraint…
Last checked 2026-11-11. Spot something wrong? Tell us. Read our editorial and safety policy and corrections.