CARES Special Needs Harness: Extra Upper Body Support for Children on Flights
Flying with a child who needs more support than a standard lap belt gives can feel daunting. The CARES harness adds shoulder straps that work with the aircraft lap belt.
The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is made by AmSafe Aviation. It is the first and only harness-type child restraint certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and it is accepted by CASA (Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority) as an alternative to a car seat on aircraft, according to the manufacturer.
The manufacturer notes that CARES has been used by many families of children with special needs. Speak to your child's doctor, paediatrician or therapist to confirm whether CARES gives enough upper body support for your child.
Travel Gear is an Australian retailer supplying genuine, brand-new AmSafe CARES harnesses. Free shipping on this item.
Official Installation Video (Under 60 Seconds)
Who Asks About the CARES Special Needs Harness?
Families ask about CARES when a child needs more postural or upper body support than the aircraft lap belt provides, or finds a loose lap belt hard to manage. This can include children with low muscle tone, developmental delay, or sensory needs, among others. Every child is different, so please speak to your child's doctor or occupational or physical therapist before you buy or use it on a flight.
Key Features
- Shoulder harness over the aircraft lap belt
CARES adds a harness over the shoulders that works with the lap belt to hold a child more upright and secure during taxi, take-off, turbulence and landing. - FAA certified
The FAA approval label is printed on the harness webbing, so you can show it to cabin crew if asked. - Clear physical boundaries
Some families find the structured harness feels more predictable than a loose lap belt. Practise at home first so your child can get used to the fit. - Under 500g
Packs into the included 15cm stuff sack and adds almost nothing to your carry-on. - FAA exemption for larger children
Children above 20kg may be able to use CARES with an FAA Exemption Letter (see below).
Australian Approval: What Families Need to Know
- CARES is accepted by CASA for use on Australian flights, according to the manufacturer. The FAA approval label on the harness is the proof of approval.
- Airline policies can differ, particularly on international routes. Tell your airline in advance that your child has additional needs and will travel with an approved child restraint, and check their policy before you fly.
- Your child must have their own purchased seat to use CARES.
Sources: FAA Kids Corner: child restraint guidelines | AmSafe KidsFlySafe.com (manufacturer)
FAA Exemption Letter for Children 20–34kg (44–75 lbs)
According to the FAA and AmSafe, a larger child with special needs who has outgrown the standard 20kg limit may be able to keep using CARES with an FAA Exemption Letter.
- Applies to children 20–34kg (44–75 lbs) and no taller than 148cm (58 inches).
- Needs a recommendation from your child's doctor or therapist.
- The child is seated in a row with no passengers directly behind.
- Allow up to 6 weeks for the letter, so apply well before you travel.
- Apply through the manufacturer's KidsFlySafe.com website. The letter is issued under US rules, so check with your airline whether it applies on your flights.
Is My CARES Harness Genuine?
Look-alike harnesses are sold online. Every CARES harness we supply is a genuine, brand-new AmSafe unit. Look for the label on the webbing reading FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only (or the 21.305(d) wording), naming AmSafe as the manufacturer. Retail harnesses do not come with an FAA 8130 tag. The label on the harness is what you show crew.
For the standard harness for children 10–20kg without extra support needs, see the CARES harness and our complete guide to the CARES harness in Australia.
Why Buy from Travel Gear
- Genuine AmSafe product. Not a copy, not a similar item.
- Free shipping on the CARES harness.
- Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday, via tracked parcel post.
- Australian-based support from people who know this product.
- Australian Consumer Law protection on every purchase.
- Secure checkout with Afterpay and major credit cards accepted.
What's in the Box
- 1 x genuine AmSafe CARES Child Aviation Restraint System
- 1 x compact 15cm stuff sack
- Printed installation instructions
Specifications
| Standard weight range | 10–20 kg (22–44 lbs) |
| Exemption weight range | Up to 34 kg (75 lbs) with an FAA Exemption Letter |
| Maximum child height | 100 cm standard / 148 cm (58 in) with exemption |
| Product weight | Under 500g (approx. 1 lb) |
| Packed size | Fits in the 15cm stuff sack |
| Manufacturer | AmSafe Aviation, Inc. |
| FAA certification | 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only |
| Approved phases | Taxi, take-off, turbulence, landing |
| Seat compatibility | Most forward-facing aircraft seats (not emergency exit rows) |
| Not compatible with | Airbag-equipped seats, lie-flat seats, motor vehicles |
| Regulatory approvals | FAA (USA) and CASA (Australia) |
Frequently Asked Questions: CARES Special Needs Australia
Q: Will my child tolerate the CARES harness?
A: Every child is different. Some families find the shoulder straps give a predictable, contained feel. We recommend practising with the harness at home before your flight and speaking to your child's doctor or therapist.
Q: Do I need a doctor's letter to use CARES on an Australian flight?
A: For children within the standard 10–20kg range, the FAA approval label on the harness is the proof of approval, so no medical letter is needed for the harness itself. A doctor or therapist recommendation is needed if you are applying for an FAA Exemption Letter for a child over 20kg. Check your airline's policy before you fly.
Q: My child is over 20kg but still needs upper body support. Can they use CARES?
A: Possibly, with an FAA Exemption Letter for children up to 34kg and 148cm. Contact AmSafe through KidsFlySafe.com to start the application and allow up to 6 weeks.
Q: Will my airline allow CARES for my child?
A: Policies vary, so check with your airline before you travel. We suggest telling them in advance that your child has additional needs and will use an approved child restraint, which helps them allocate suitable seating.
Q: Is CARES suitable for a child with a specific condition?
A: AmSafe advises families to check with their child's physician or physical therapist to confirm whether CARES gives enough upper body support for their child's specific needs. We cannot give medical advice, so please speak to your doctor or therapist.
Q: How do I show the airline it is genuine?
A: Show crew the label on the harness webbing reading FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only. All harnesses from Travel Gear are genuine AmSafe products.
Q: Can CARES be used in a wheelchair-accessible aircraft seat?
A: CARES is designed for standard forward-facing aircraft seats. If your child transfers from a wheelchair to a standard seat, CARES can typically be used, but confirm with your airline in advance.
Q: Is CARES covered by NDIS?
A: NDIS funding for travel equipment is assessed individually. CARES may be claimable under some support categories, so check with your plan manager or support coordinator before you buy.