The 5 Best Booster Seats for Travel (That Moms Actually Love)
Let’s be real—if you’ve traveled with kids, you know it’s never boring. It can be chaotic, hilarious, exhausting, magical… sometimes all within the same hour. But you know what makes it way less stressful? Knowing your kid is safe, secure, and comfy in a booster seat that’s built for travel.
It doesn’t matter if you’re using a rental car, flying to visit family, or trying to squeeze three kids into the backseat of a compact car. Having the right booster seat is one of those little things that can make a big difference. And when you're juggling strollers, backpacks, and snack bags, the last thing you need is a clunky, impossible-to-install seat adding stress to your day.
Don’t have time to read it all? This is my highest recommendation for the best travel booster seat:
Diono Monterey 5iST
Why we love it:
✅ Folds compactly to fit in a carry-on suitcase
✅ Expandable sides for growing kids and long-term use
✅ Slim profile fits well in small cars or tight backseats
✅ Reinforced frame for excellent crash protection
✅ Ideal for families who travel frequently or swap vehicles often
We created this list of the best booster seats for traveling in 2025 based on real-mom experiences—because we’ve been there. From folding down seats in an airport parking lot to emergency snack situations mid-road trip, these picks are tried, tested, and tantrum-proofed.
We’ll help you figure out:
Which seats are lightweight and portable
Which ones work well in a sports car or small car
Which ones have a five-point harness for younger kids
Which models fit kids over 120 pounds
What to bring for airplane travel and what to leave at home
Let’s find the booster seat that fits your child, your lifestyle, and your trunk space.
Why we love it:
The Graco Tranzitions 3‑in‑1 Harness Booster is your all-in-one travel powerhouse—designed to grow with your child from harnessed safety all the way to independent booster use. Starting as a five point harness booster, it transitions seamlessly into a high back booster with harness, and finally converts into a backless booster, making it a true 3 in 1 booster seat with harness. Built for kids from 22 to 100 pounds, it’s a smart choice if you want a dependable car seat 5 point harness option that lasts through multiple growth stages—including use as a booster seat for child over 120 pounds. While not the most compact option, it strikes a balance between safety and practicality—ideal for families prioritizing long-term value without compromising on security or comfort.
Pros:
Works for kids 22 to 100 lbs
Converts through three stages
Easy to install
Narrower than many 3-in-1 models
Cons:
Doesn’t fold down for travel
Not great for plane carry-ons
Best for:
Families who want long-term value and don’t plan to carry the booster through the airport. Also great for road trips and secondary vehicles like grandparents' cars.
Highlights: 3 in 1 booster seat with harness, five point harness booster, car seat 5 point harness, booster seat for child over 120 pounds, high back booster with harness
⭐️ 2. Cosco Topside Backless Booster Car Seat
Why we love it:
If you’re looking for something ultra-light, affordable, and easy to stash in your trunk or carry through an airport, the Cosco Topside is a solid winner. This portable booster seat is designed for older kids who no longer need a harness but still require that seatbelt boost. It’s one of the best options out there for families who just want something simple and dependable—and it weighs less than 3 pounds!
Pros:
Super lightweight and easy to carry
Affordable and widely available
Padded seat for extra comfort
Won’t leave indentations on your vehicle seat
Ideal for carpooling, travel, or backup use
Cons:
No back or head support
Not FAA-approved for air travel
Not suitable for younger kids or those under 40 lbs
Best for:
Families with kids ready for a belted booster seat who want the lightest booster seat possible. It’s perfect for travel days, taxi rides, grandparents’ cars, or when you need a no-fuss, small booster seat that gets the job done.
Highlights: portable booster seat, small booster seat, lightweight harness booster seat, 40 pound car seat, belted booster seat, lightest harness booster seat
⭐️ 3. Mifold Comfort Grab-and-Go Backless Booster Seat
Why we love it:
This tiny but mighty booster is a game-changer for families who want true portability without sacrificing safety. The Mifold Comfort is more than 10 times smaller than a traditional booster seat but still meets or exceeds safety standards. It’s incredibly compact, slips easily into a backpack or glove box, and is perfect for carpools, travel, and rideshares. Unlike traditional high back travel booster seats, this one is all about sleek, minimalist convenience—without losing comfort thanks to its cushioned seat and belt guides that help with proper positioning.
Pros:
Extremely compact and travel-friendly
Cushioned seat for added comfort
Easy to store and transfer between cars
Ideal for taxis, carpooling, and travel
Great for older kids who don’t want “babyish” seats
Cons:
No back or side support
Not suitable for kids under 40 pounds or under booster age
Not FAA-approved (but great for use right after landing)
Best for:
Parents who want a truly small booster seat that fits in a bag, carpool moms, and families with older booster-age kids who want something sleek, safe, and totally portable. It’s also one of the best booster seats for traveling if your kid is old enough for a belted booster seat.
Highlights: small booster seat, best booster seats for traveling, belted booster seat, booster seat for travel, lightweight harness booster seat
⭐️ 4. Diono Monterey 6XT SafePlus High-Back Booster
Why we love it:
This booster folds up small enough to fit in a suitcase (yes, really). It's sleek, sturdy, and ideal if you're flying and renting a car at your destination. It expands for older, taller kids and fits well in snug spaces—hello, booster seat for sports car.
Pros:
Foldable design
Adjustable width and height
Slim profile
Excellent safety ratings
Cons:
Pricey
Not for kids needing a harness
Best for:
Families who fly often, have limited luggage space, or need to fit 3 booster seats across. Also ideal for kids at the upper end of booster use.
Highlghts: slim booster seat, slimline car booster seat, best booster seats for traveling, booster seat for sports car, foldable booster seat
⭐️ 5. BubbleBum Inflatable Travel Booster
Why we love it:
The BubbleBum Inflatable Travel Booster Seat is a true marvel in portability and simplicity—perfect for families on the move. Weighing less than a pound and inflating in just under 20 seconds, this small booster seat is ideal for older kids who no longer need a high-back model but still require proper belt positioning. It rolls up neatly into its own travel pouch, making it one of the most portable booster seats on the market. The seat supports up to 110 lbs and positions the seatbelt at the correct level without adding bulk, making it a favorite for rideshares, quick errands, road trips, and airplane baggage claim transfers. While it doesn’t offer back or side support, the BubbleBum is lauded as one of the best travel booster seats and a great choice for families who want a no-fuss, belted booster seat they can stash anywhere.
Pros:
Weighs under 1 lb
Rolls up into its own travel bag
Easy to inflate/deflate
Great for rideshares or rental cars
Cons:
Not for kids who move around a lot
No side or head support
Best for:
Older, booster-trained kids who just need a height boost for the seatbelt to fit right. Ideal for city trips, rideshares, and families packing super light.
Highlights: small booster seat, best travel booster seat, belted booster seat, booster seat for travel
✈️ Booster Seats & Airplane Travel: What You Need to Know
Can you use a booster seat on an airplane?
Short answer: No—not even a high back booster with harness. Planes only have lap belts, and booster seats require a shoulder belt for proper function.
But here’s what you can do:
Use a car seat 5 point harness that's FAA-approved
Use a 3 point harness booster seat that’s labeled for air travel
Store your booster in overhead or check it at the gate
Pro tip: If you’re flying with a child who still uses a harness, pack a lightweight harness booster seat like the Cosco Finale and use it onboard. If not, bring a foldable booster seat like the Diono or pack a BubbleBum in your carry-on.
🧳 How to Pack or Check Your Booster Seat
Traveling with a booster doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some smart ways to bring your seat along:
Carry-on: The BubbleBum and Diono Monterey fold down and can fit in a backpack or roller bag.
Gate check: Place larger boosters in a travel bag and check them at the gate. You can usually pick them up right as you exit the plane.
Checked luggage: Wrap bulkier seats in towels or padding to prevent damage.
Remember: even if you don’t use the booster during the flight, you’ll need it the second you land and hop into that rental car or Uber.
🧼 Renting a Booster Seat at Your Destination
If you're traveling light or your trip is super short, renting a booster may be easier.
Where to rent:
Car rental companies: Add-on fees apply and quality varies
Baby gear rental services: Check out BabyQuip for sanitized, name-brand options
Hotels & resorts: Some offer free boosters—ask ahead!
Pros of renting:
One less thing to pack
Less to carry through the airport
Convenient drop-off and pickup
Cons of renting:
Availability is limited during peak times
Booster may not be your preferred brand or fit
Extra fees may apply
If you're relying on a rental, make sure you ask for a high back booster with harness or a 3 in one booster seat that matches your child’s size.
🚘 Booster Seat Safety While Traveling: Why It Matters
Even if you're just hopping in a car for a 10-minute ride, safety matters. Booster seats properly position the seatbelt across your child’s chest and hips—not the neck or belly—helping reduce injury risk in crashes. And travel often brings less-than-ideal conditions: different cars, rushed installs, worn seatbelts.
Why booster seat safety should be a priority:
✅ Ensures proper belt fit in any vehicle
✅ Helps navigate rental cars and small backseats safely
✅ Essential for unfamiliar roads or distracted driving situations
✅ Gives you peace of mind while focusing on the trip
Even on vacation, your child deserves the same protection they’d get at home.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Booster Seat for Your Next Adventure
So, which seat should you pick? That depends on your child, your car, and your sanity level when traveling.
Let’s recap:
Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1: Best long-term use with a 5 harness booster seat that grows with your child.
Cosco Finale DX: Most lightweight, budget-friendly, and FAA-approved—perfect for families who fly often.
Chicco KidFit Zip Plus: Most comfortable, ideal for long car rides and kids who nap on the go.
Diono Monterey 5iST: Best for tight spaces, carry-on folding, and sports cars.
BubbleBum: Best for minimalists and older kids—fits in a purse, ready for city rides.
No matter which one you choose, remember: you're choosing safety, sanity, and smoother travel for everyone in the car. Whether you want a slimline car booster seat, a 3 point harness booster seat, or the best travel high back booster—you've got options that moms actually love.
So deep breath, buckle up, and enjoy the ride. And hey, if you’ve got a favorite booster we didn’t include, drop a comment and let us know. We’re always updating our picks with real-mom recs.
Safe travels!
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