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Quick Answer: The CARES Harness (Kids Fly Safe) is a lightweight, FAA-approved airplane safety harness for toddlers weighing 10kg and over. This review compares it directly to travelling with a car seat on long-haul flights – including flights from Zurich to Sydney – so you can decide which is right for your family.
While I have previously raved about taking car seats on board long-haul flights, I have to admit that what I hate about them is the schlepping. So after using the CARES harness on multiple long-haul flights to and from Switzerland, here’s my honest review comparing it to using a car seat while flying with a toddler.
The Problem with Car Seats on Plane
Car Seats are HEAVY!
They are awkward to carry, must be put through the x-ray machines, and I get all sweaty every time I bring one as I try to wrangle it up the narrow airline aisle to our seats. Once fitted into the seat though, they are amazing and I’m always glad I made the effort. Especially when I am sitting on a plane for 24 hours from Zurich to Sydney.
But what to do if your car seat is too wide for your airline seat (you can check SeatGuru to confirm seat wide before you fly)? Or what if you just can’t manage the weight and the lugging of it through the terminal?
There is actually a pretty good alternative. It’s called a CARES Airplane Safety Harness – and in this review I’ll tell you exactly when it works, when it doesn’t, and who it’s best suited for.
What is the CARES Harness?
The CARES harness (which stands for Child Aviation Restraint System) is the only FAA-approved child safety harness specifically designed for airline travel. It:
- Slips over the airplane seat back and is secured with the airline lap belt.
- Is approved for children weighing 10kg (22lbs) to 20kg (44lbs)
- Weighs just 250g and pack down to the size of a rolled up tshirt
- Costs approximately CHF 100 / USD 75 / AUD 115
I first used it when my youngest was 20 months old on a flight from Zürich to Singapore, because our car seat was too wide for the Swiss economy seats and here is what I found out.
| CARES Harness | Car Seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~250g ✅ | 4–8kg ❌ |
| Setup time | 2 minutes ✅ | 5–10 minutes ❌ |
| Reclines | No ❌ | Slightly ✅ |
| Tray table access | Yes ✅ | No ❌ |
| Screen visibility | Low for small kids ❌ | Elevated ✅ |
| Best age | 2–4 years ✅ | 10 months–2 years ✅ |
| FAA approved | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Price | ~CHF 100 ✅ | CHF 150–400 ❌ |
CARES Harness or Car Seat: Which Is Right for Your Child’s Age?
After using both on multiple long-haul flights from Zurich, this is my honest recommendation based on age:
10 months to 24 months: Use a car seat. This is the hardest travel age — little ones still need the head and body support a proper car seat provides, and the extra security is worth every sweaty moment hauling it through the terminal. I know. I’ve done it.
2 to 4 years: Use the CARES Harness. This is the sweet spot. At this age children sit more comfortably upright, they understand basic instructions, and the harness fits properly. It’s lighter, faster to install, and frankly makes the whole experience less stressful for everyone. This is when I switched and never looked back. However, if you child is tall, it will work well earlier.
Short flights with 2–4 year olds: Also CARES. It’s genuinely not worth installing a car seat on board for a two or three hour flight. The harness is on in two minutes and off just as fast.
The bottom line: if your child is under two, bring the car seat. If they’re over two and you’re facing a long-haul flight, the CARES Harness is the better call.
My CARES Harness Review: The PROS
1. Virtually Weightless
The CARES harness weighs next to nothing – you’ll barely notice the extra weight in your carry-on. It packs down to about the size of a rolled up t-shirt. No more sweating through the terminal with a bulky car seat balanced on top of your stroller.
2. Install in 2 Minutes
Slip the harness over the top of the seat back, tuck , the back strap behind the tray of the passenger behind you (don’t worry the person behind you can still use their tray!) and tighten. Then guide the straps over your child’s, thread the lap belt through the harness, and close the chest clasp. I did find it trick at first to get it tight enough, but with a bit of fiddling I got it right. With practice it becomes very quick.
PRO TIP: Practice at home on a dining chair before your flight. It makes airplane installation much faster and less stressful
3. Keeps Toddles Safe During Turbulence
I felt confident knowing my toddler was secure and couldn’t wriggle free during unexpected turbulence. the CARES harness felt significantly safer than a lap belt alone or being held in a parent’s arms. I was able to rest during the flight knowing she was safely buckled in.
4. Tray Table Access
Unlink a car seat, which blocks use of a tray table completely, the CARES harness allowed full access to the tray table. This is a genuine game-changer for long-haul flights – you can prop up a tablet, rest meals, and set up actives without juggling everything on your lap.
CARES HARNESS CONS
1. No Recline
The CARES harness relies entirely on the recline of the for sleeping. For long-haul flights this can be tricky, though a small travel pillow helps considerably. My toddler slept in it, so it’s workable.
2. Kids Sit Lower (Screen Visibility Issue)
Unlike a car seat which raises children up to screen level, the CARES harness leaves smaller children sitting qutie low. For children under 2 or on the smaller side, they may struggle toes the in-flight entertainment screen clearly.
I also noticed when my toddler was just 10kg, she was a little small for the harness – the chest strap rode up near her neck. A small pillow under her helped with both screen visibility and harness fit. By age 2 she fit it perfectly.
She even slept!
3. No Crotch Strap
The CARES harness has no strap between the legs like a car seat or stroller does. For an active or escape-artist toddler, this could be an issue – a very determined Toddle could potentially slide down and wriggle out.
This is where knowing your kid matters. My toddler was calm-natured and never tried to escape – she actually asked me to bucker her in when we returned to the bathroom. But if your child is a Houdini, factor this in.
CARES Harness vs Car Seat: My Verdict
My toddler was comfortable and safe in the CARES harness, and I loved how easy it was to travel with. The positives clearly outweigh the negatives – but the right choice depends entirely on your child.
My CARES harness review:
- 10 months to 24 months: Use a car seat. This is the hardest travel age and the extra security and comfort of a proper car seat is worth every bit of the shlepping.
- 2 to 4 years: Use the CARES Harness on long-haul flights. It’s lighter, faster, and at this age children generally sit more comfortably.
- Shorter Flights with 2-4 years: The CARES harness is also a great choice here – it’s not worth installing a car seat on board for a 3 hour flight.
And my dream? I would LOVE airlines to supply car seats or a CARES harness for use in flight. A toddler mum can dream!
Where to Buy the CARES Harness?
- U.S.A.: Buy CARES HARNESS on Amazon.com where there is
- Switzerland & Europe: Buy CARES Harness on Amazon.de
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. The CARES harness is the only FAA-appriced child aviation restraint system aside from certain car seats. It has been approved for use on all US carries and is widely accepted internationally.
The CARES harness is designed for children weighing between 10kg (22lbs) and 20kg (44lbs), which typically covers ages 2-4 years.
Yes. The CARES harness is accepted on most major international airlines including Swiss, Lufthansa, Emirates and QANTAS. Always confirm with your specific airline before travel.
It depends on your Child’s age. For children under 2, a car seat provides better support and comfort. For children aged 2-4, the CARES harness is light and easier.
Currently there is no supplier within Switzerland, however Swiss residents can order from Amazon.de and costs around CHF 60.
