AmSafe CARES Harness
The AmSafe CARES Harness weighs 1 lb. A light belt-and-strap harness that works with the airplane lap belt for a child who has their own seat.
- 1 lbWeight
- 44 lbChild up to
How the CARES Harness 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).
The CARES Harness on board
AmSafe lists it as FAA-approved for aircraft. Maker limits: 22–44 lb, up to 40 in.
- American lists “Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness” under devices not approved for use on board. Source
- Breeze: “Child seats may be carried on board the aircraft if a seat has been purchased for the Infant or Child” Source
Quoted from each airline's page as of 2026-11-02.
Listed features
- Under 1 lb
- Maker says about one minute to install
- Fits in a bag with no car seat to carry
Worth checking
- Aircraft use only
- Narrow range, 22 to 44 lb and up to 40 in
- Not for seats with inflatable seat belts
Where to buy the CARES Harness
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 Harness | |
|---|---|
| Type | Airplane gear |
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Child weight | 22–44 lb |
| Child height | Up to 40 in |
| FAA-approved for aircraft | Yes, per the maker label |
| Setup time | 60 seconds, per the maker |
| Fits | Aircraft seats with a forward-facing lap belt; maker says it fits most economy, business and first-class seats |
| Machine washable | No |
| Maker's use notes | FAA approved per 14 CFR 21.305(d), approved for aircraft use only; not for cars; forward-facing seats only; child must sit upright unassisted; not in exit rows or on seats with inflatable restraints; use lap belt only |
Compare the CARES Harness with
How each closest rival differs from the CARES Harness, from the makers' specs.
- AmSafeCARES for Special Needs1 lb$92$92.50Compare side by side
- Cosco KidsScenera NEXT Convertible Car SeatCompare side by side
- BritaxCar Seat Travel Cart$89$89.99Compare side by side
- J.L. ChildressUniversal Car Seat Travel Belt$10$10.99Compare side by side
CARES Harness: questions answered
From AmSafe's published specs and retailer listings, last checked 2026-11-11.
What are the AmSafe CARES Harness limits?
The maker lists 22 to 44 lb, up to 40 in tall. Follow the manual.
Are there any use restrictions on the AmSafe CARES Harness?
The maker says: FAA approved per 14 CFR 21.305(d), approved for aircraft use only; not for cars; forward-facing seats only; child must sit upright unassisted; not in exit rows or on seats with inflatable restraints; use lap belt only.
Can you use the AmSafe CARES Harness on a plane?
The maker says it is FAA-approved for use in aircraft. Look for the approval text on its label, and check your airline's rules before you fly.
How big is the AmSafe CARES Harness 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/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Child-Aviation-Restraint…
- amsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CARES_KFS-Safety-Card_2015.pdf
- amsafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KFS_FACT-SHEET_2015.pdf
- amsafe.com/product/kidsflysafe-com
Last checked 2026-11-11. Spot something wrong? Tell us. Read our editorial and safety policy and corrections.