By the Travel Gear Content Team, Travel Gear Australia — Established 2002, Newcastle NSW | Updated June 2026 | 20+ years supplying genuine travel safety gear to Australian families | Sources: FAA.gov · AmSafe KidsFlySafe.com · CASA.gov.au
The Answer Most Parents Need First
The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is manufactured by AmSafe Aviation — whose seatbelts are fitted to virtually every commercial aircraft in the world. It carries FAA certification under 14 CFR 21.8(d) and is accepted by CASA (Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority) as an approved child restraint on Australian-registered aircraft. It works on Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and most international carriers departing Australia.
Australian Airline Quick Reference
| Airline | CARES Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas | ✅ Yes | Confirm with special assistance team |
| Virgin Australia | ✅ Yes | Call special travel desk before flying |
| Jetstar | ✅ Yes | Avoid row 1 bulkhead seats |
| Emirates | ✅ Yes | Confirm at booking |
| Singapore Airlines | ✅ Yes | Widely accepted |
| Cathay Pacific | ✅ Yes | Confirm seat type |
| Air New Zealand | ✅ Yes | All routes |
| Malaysia Airlines | ✅ Yes | Confirm at booking |
| Scoot | ✅ Yes | Confirm at booking |
| United Airlines | ✅ Yes | FAA-regulated, full acceptance |
| Korean Air | ✅ Yes | Confirm at booking |
| Thai Airways | ✅ Yes | Confirm at booking |
Always confirm with your airline before travel. Policies can change.
Qantas — Everything You Need to Know
Qantas accepts CARES on all domestic and international routes. Children must weigh 10–20kg, be under 100cm tall, have their own purchased seat, and be able to sit upright independently.
At check-in: Note you’re using an approved child restraint to secure a compatible seat assignment.
At the gate: Show the FAA label: “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only.”
Avoid: Exit rows, bulkhead seats with airbag lap belts, lie-flat business class seats. If your seat is incompatible, Qantas must move you to an equivalent seat in the same cabin class.
👉 Buy genuine CARES — $139.99 | Same-day dispatch | Afterpay available
Virgin Australia — What’s Different
Virgin Australia accepts CARES on all domestic and international services. Crew familiarity can vary on regional routes. Show the label, cite 14 CFR 21.8(d), and they cannot refuse. Call Virgin’s special travel desk before your first flight to note CARES on your booking and confirm seat compatibility.
Jetstar — Budget Carrier, Same Rules
Jetstar accepts CARES on domestic, Trans-Tasman, and most Asian services. Avoid row 1 (bulkhead) on all Jetstar aircraft. Some 787 Dreamliner rows have airbag lap belts — confirm with Jetstar if flying these services.
What to Say to Airline Staff — Word for Word
If refused, escalate to the senior cabin crew member or ground operations supervisor before the door closes.
Your Pre-Flight Checklist
- ☐ CARES in carry-on (not checked luggage)
- ☐ FAA approval label confirmed on harness webbing
- ☐ Child 10–20kg, under 100cm, own purchased seat
- ☐ Non-exit, non-bulkhead, non-airbag seat requested at check-in
- ☐ CARES noted on booking with airline
- ☐ Script saved: “FAA certified 14 CFR 21.8(d), CASA accepted”
The Legal Basis — What CASA and the FAA Actually Say
CARES is certified to FAA Equivalent Level of Safety (ELOS) to a hard-backed car seat under 14 CFR 21.8(d). CASA aligns with FAA standards, meaning this certification is recognised on all Australian flights. No airline may prohibit a child from using an approved child restraint when a seat has been purchased. If CARES doesn’t fit your seat, the airline must move you to an equivalent seat in the same cabin class.
Sources: FAA.gov | CASA.gov.au | AmSafe KidsFlySafe.com
How to Confirm Your CARES Is Genuine
The FAA has officially warned about counterfeit CARES harnesses. The genuine label reads: “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only.” All CARES from Travel Gear Australia are genuine AmSafe products.
Seat Restrictions — What to Avoid
- Exit rows — prohibited on all aircraft
- Airbag lap belt seats — feel for a hard lump in the lap belt; if present, do not use CARES
- Lie-flat seats — CARES requires a standard upright forward-facing seat
- Motor vehicles — CARES is aircraft-certified only; never use in a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to notify the airline in advance?
A: Not legally required but strongly recommended. Noting it on your booking and requesting a compatible seat prevents almost all gate issues.
Q: My child weighs 21kg — can they still use CARES?
A: No. Maximum is 20kg and 100cm. For special needs children over 20kg who still need upper body support, a FAA Exemption Letter allows CARES up to 34kg.
Q: Can I use CARES in Qantas Business Class?
A: Only in standard upright forward-facing seats. Many international business configurations are lie-flat and incompatible. Confirm with Qantas before travel.
Q: What if the airline refuses CARES at the gate?
A: Show the FAA label, use the word-for-word script above, and escalate to the senior crew member. Document the refusal and lodge a complaint with CASA.
Q: Where can I buy genuine CARES in Australia?
A: Travel Gear Australia has stocked genuine AmSafe CARES since 2002 and dispatches same-day from Newcastle, NSW.
Related Reading
- 📖 The Complete CARES Guide — FAA & CASA Approval Explained
- 📖 The No-Stress Guide to Travelling with Kids Like a Pro
- 📖 Tips for Sleeping Better on Planes
Get Genuine CARES — Shipped from Newcastle Today
Travel Gear Australia has supplied genuine travel safety gear to Australian families since 2002 (ABN 98 351 143 900). Every CARES is a brand-new genuine AmSafe product. Same-day dispatch before 2pm Mon–Fri. Afterpay available. Full Australian Consumer Law protection.
- 👉 CARES Standard — $139.99 — Children 10–20kg
- 👉 CARES Special Needs — $139.99 — FAA Exemption available to 34kg