Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat Review: Our Top Pick for Travel After 10+ Flights
Prior to having my daughter, planning my next adventure was simple. I’d block off work days and choose a destination—somewhere warm, a European city I hadn’t explored, or a quick visit to a friend across the country. Traveling solo was effortless.
But once I became a mom, everything changed—especially when it came to flying with a toddler. I quickly learned that bringing a car seat on a plane takes preparation, and that’s when I came across the Cosco Scenera infant car seat, one of the most popular travel-friendly options for parents.
After doing extensive research and asking fellow mom friends for advice, I realized the safest choice for flying with my daughter was using an FAA approved car seat (like the Cosco Scenera).
Only one small issue: the infant car seat we used every day wasn’t designed for air travel.
A few reasons why:
– Infant car seat bases can’t be installed on an airplane
– High risk of damage to our everyday car seat
– Too bulky and heavy for airport travel
– Limited by weight and height restrictions
Enter the Cosco Scenera infant car seat. This was the perfect travel solution for a variety of reasons.
We’ve flown with it on over 10 trips, including a long-haul flight from the East Coast to Hawaii. It’s lightweight, FAA-approved, and budget-friendly, making it one of the best car seats for airplane travel.
Here’s my honest Cosco Scenera infant car seat review and why I recommend it for parents who fly with infants or toddlers. Plus, I’m including a step by step on Cosco car seat installation!
Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat Review: Our Top Pick for Travel After 10+ Flights
Things To Consider
The first thing to consider when picking a toddler car seat for flights is to determine if it is safe. The Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat is FAA-approved and has undergone the same crash tests as all other car seats. The seat has a 5-point harness with easy front adjustment, 5 harness heights and 3 buckle locations, side impact protection, and meets or exceeds Federal Safety Standards (NHTSA).
- Width of seat: 17”
- Weight of seat: 7 pounds
- Crash Replacement Policy: Replace after a moderate or severe crash
Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat Rear-Racing Statistics
- Height Limit: 19-40”
- Weight Limit: 5-40 pounds
- Head height: At least 1” below the top of the shell
Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat Forward-Facing Statistics
- Height limit: 29-43″
- Weight limit: 22-40 pounds
- Head height: Ears must be below the top of the shell
The Cosco Scenera infant car seat is priced at $59.98 making this a GREAT option as an extra car seat specifically for flying with a toddler car seat. The official Cosco Scenera infant car seat user manual can be found here.
Like all toddler car seats, there are pros and cons. For me, I found the pros outweighed the few cons, leaving it a great option.
Pros of Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- FAA approved
- Easy to install with seat belt extender
- Good safety features
- Adjustable buckle height
- Compact when installed rear-facing
- Can be used from birth in the rear-facing position
- Can be easily installed once at your final destination in a car or shuttle.
Cons of Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat
- Thinly padded
- Can be difficult to install without a seat belt extender
- Can be harder to install if have larger hands
- If you have a child that is larger for their height and/or weight they will outgrow the seat quickly.
- Only one incline option
Overall, I would recommend the Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat for travel. It has everything that we need for airplane travel and we will continue to use it until she grows out of it.
If you’re planning to bring it on your next trip, be sure to decide in advance how you’ll transport the car seat through the airport.
Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat Airplane Installation
The Cosco Scenera infant car seat is easy to install when flying with a toddler. Installing the car seat on an airplane is similar to installing it in a car.
You will want to follow the process for installing via a lap belt. However, for airplane travel the lap belts are sometimes not long enough to be threaded through the Cosco Scenera infant car seat.
Image: Cosco car seat installation
Pro Tip: Cosco Car Seat Installation on Plane
Once boarding the airplane, ask the flight attendants for a seat belt extender. Even if you don’t need it it’s easier to have one with you than figure out the need after you are already at your assigned seat.
The seat is slim and has fit in airplane seats even with the handle down!
Interested in other honest travel gear reviews? From Slumberpod reviews to Babyzen YoYo travel stroller reviews, inflatable toddler bed reviews, and much more… we’ve got you covered!
Cosco Scenera Infant Car Seat Installation Steps
- Position the car seat
The Cosco Scenera infant car seat must be installed in the seat closest to the window on an airplane. In case of emergencies, all row passengers need to be able to safely exit, and a car seat can not block it.
2. Route the seatbelt
For rear-facing installation, route the airplane seatbelt through the rear-facing belt path on the Cosco Scenera infant car seat. Make sure the seatbelt is not twisted when threaded through. If the seatbelt is too short, you will need an extender from the flight attendant.
3. Buckle and tighten the seatbelt
Click the airplane seat belt in place and tighten it as much as you can. The car seat might not be as tight when installed in the airplane as in a car but pull it snugly to make sure it’s a safe fit.
4. Secure your child
After making sure the Cosco Scenera infant car seat is secure in the airplane seat, place your child and adjust the buckle and straps. Make sure to do the pinch test to confirm the straps are tight enough. Adjust if needed.
Traveling with a toddler car seat can be difficult, especially if the car seat is too heavy. The Cosco Scenera infant car seat is an excellent lightweight, affordable, FAA-approved for airline installation, and easily maneuverable option. Personally, we have taken it on numerous vacations and have been very happy with it.
FAQ
1. How long are Cosco Scenera infant car seats good for?
Cosco Scenera infant car seats are good for 8 years but it’s important to check the expiration date printed on the car seat to confirm the exact date.
2. Is the Cosco Scenera car seat FAA Approved?
Yes! The Cosco Scenera car seat is FAA Approved. There is a sticker on the car seat, so make sure to locate it before your flight ( in case light attendants ask to see it).
3. Is Cosco Car Seat a good brand?
Yes, it is a solid choice brand, especially for those looking for a lightweight and affordable car seat. Also, Cosco has been in business for over 70 years.
4. What is the maximum weight for Cosco Scenera infant car seat?
According to the Cosco Kids website, the Cosco Scenera Next car seat can be used in the rear-facing position from 5 to 40 pounds or forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds.
5. Can Cosco infant car seats go on the plane?
Yes. The Cosco Scenera Next car seat is an excellent option for airplane travel. It can fit safely and comfortably on all major airlines.
Top Resources for Traveling like a Pro
As an experienced traveler with over 6 years of booking and planning trips for my family and over 10 years of exploring the world solo, I have curated a list of the most reliable and efficient websites for travel planning.
1. Hotel Bookings: Expedia.
2. Excursions and Activities: Viator. I’ve used them to book tours and have never had issues like I did with other companies.
3. Free Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to over 1400 airport lounges around the world.
Amazon Storefront Travel Faves
Don’t forget to visit my Amazon storefront, where you’ll find thoughtfully curated selections of travel essentials for those:
1. Traveling with a Toddler
2. Road Trip with a Toddler
3. Travel Essentials
Read More
1. Flying With a Toddler Car Seat: 3 Things You Need to Know 👶
2. Flying With a Toddler Internationally: 10 Things to Pack 🧳
3. 10 Proven and Effective Ways to Pop Your Toddlers Ears on a Plane 👂
4. Top 7 Best Airplane Travel Toys for Babies and Toddlers ✈️
5. 7 Simple Ways to Save Money on Food While Traveling With Children 🌴
Written by: Melanie Suggs
Reviewed July 22, 2025
Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers on over 30 international flights and even more domestic ones.
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.
