CARES Harness Australia – Child Aviation Restraint System for Toddlers (10–20kg)
CARES Harness Australia – Child Aviation Restraint System for Toddlers (10–20kg) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Return and Refund Policy
Return and Refund Policy
Welcome to Our Easy Returns!
Your satisfaction is our priority. If you're not completely happy with your purchase, you can return it even if you simply change your mind. Just follow our returns process to ensure a smooth experience.
How to Initiate a Return:
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Contact Us First: Before sending back any products, please contact our customer service team to obtain a Return Authorisation Number (RAN).
- Email us: travelgear.com.au@gmail.com
Include the following information:
- Your order number
- Details of the product(s) to be returned
- Reason for the return
Special Exceptions for Personal and Food Items:
For health and safety reasons, we do not accept returns for change of mind on personal or food items unless the item is faulty, significantly different from what was shown to you, not performing as expected, or in breach of manufacturer's warranties or consumer guarantees.
Non-returnable items include, but are not limited to:
- Personal Items: Pillows, eye masks, face masks, gaiters, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, sleeping liners, water bottles, mugs, hair appliances, manicure sets, ear plugs, earbuds, headphones.
- Food Items: Back Country Cuisine Freeze Dried Food, Outdoor Gourmet Freeze Dried Food.
Note: Freeze Dried Foods must be stored correctly to ensure longevity. Once they have been in your possession, we cannot verify their handling or storage, thus we cannot return them to stock.
Returns at Our Expense:
We will replace, refund, or credit any product at our expense under the following conditions:
- You received a damaged or faulty product (claims must be made immediately upon receipt).
- We sent you the wrong product.
- We did not meet fair trading requirements as governed by Australian law.
Shipping Returns:
- If you received a product via Australia Post, our customer service team will email you a RAN.
- Use Australia Post Registered Post to return the package to avoid loss. Once we receive the parcel, we will refund your shipping costs.
Returns at Your Expense:
We accept returns even if:
- You've changed your mind about the product.
- You made an incorrect choice.
- You failed to verify and accurately provide information when placing an order.
Conditions:
- Claims must be made within 30 days of receiving your product.
- Items must be in 100% resaleable condition. Used or imperfect items are not eligible for return.
- A restocking/admin fee of up to 20% of the item value may apply.
Shipping Your Return:
You can choose your preferred delivery method (Australia Post or courier). Ensure you use Registered Post to avoid loss.
Return Authorisation Number (RAN):
A RAN is required before returning any product. Once issued, the package must be returned within 14 days. All products must be in original, unmarked packaging, including accessories and documentation.
Replacement and Refund Process:
- Replacement: A replacement product will be shipped at our expense once we receive the returned product. Delivery time is based on product availability on our website.
- Refund/Credit: Refunds include all shipping and associated costs. No refund/credit will be issued until we receive the returned product. Refunds will be processed via the same payment method used for the purchase.
Need Assistance?
If you have any further questions regarding our returns policy, please contact our Help Centre. shop@travelgear.com.au
CARES Harness Australia: The FAA-Approved Child Airplane Safety Harness
A light, handbag-sized way to keep a toddler secure in their own airline seat, from the manufacturer that designed the original harness.
The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES harness) 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.
Travel Gear is an Australian retailer supplying genuine, brand-new AmSafe CARES harnesses. Free shipping on this item.
Watch the Official Installation Video (Under 60 Seconds)
Step-by-step demonstration from the manufacturer, AmSafe:
Why Australian Families Choose the CARES Harness
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FAA certified and CASA accepted
CARES carries FAA certification under 14 CFR 21.8(d). The approval label is printed on the harness webbing, so you can show it to cabin crew if asked. -
Equivalent level of safety to a car seat
The FAA approved CARES as providing an Equivalent Level of Safety (ELOS) to a child car seat on aircraft. -
Installs in about 60 seconds, no tools
The red loop slides over the seat back and the aircraft lap belt does the rest. It suits most forward-facing economy, premium and business seats with a standard seat back. -
Under 500g, fits in your handbag
Packs into the included 15cm stuff sack, so there is no car seat to carry through the airport. -
For children 10–20kg (22–44 lbs) in their own seat
Designed for toddlers and young children roughly 1–5 years old, up to 100cm tall. Weight is the deciding factor, not age. Your child must be able to sit upright on their own and have their own purchased seat.
Australian Approval: What Parents Need to Know
- CARES is accepted by CASA for use on Australian flights. The FAA approval label on the harness is the proof of approval.
- Airline policies can differ, especially on international routes. Check with your airline before you travel, and carry the harness label details with you.
- Retail harnesses do not come with an FAA 8130 tag. The approval label on the harness is the marking to show crew.
Sources: FAA Kids Corner: child restraint guidelines | AmSafe KidsFlySafe.com (manufacturer)
Planning the whole trip? Read our complete guide to the CARES harness in Australia and browse more gear for travelling on planes.
Is My CARES Harness Genuine? How to Show It to Airline Staff
Look-alike harnesses are sold online. They are not the AmSafe product and may not carry the FAA approval. Every CARES harness we supply is a genuine, brand-new AmSafe unit.
Three ways to check on the spot:
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The FAA label on the webbing. Look for wording such as:
▸ FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only
▸ FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d), Amd 21.50 6-9-1980, Approved for Aircraft Use Only
Show this label to the flight attendant. - The manufacturer name: AmSafe. The genuine CARES is made by AmSafe Aviation, Inc. and the label names them.
- The build quality. A genuine harness uses seatbelt-style webbing, metal hardware and neat stitching.
About the FAA 8130 tag: the 8130 is an airline bulk-purchase document. Retail harnesses do not include one, and the approval label on the harness is what you show crew. See the FAA's guidance.
Approved for Take-off, Landing and Turbulence
Many child travel accessories are only allowed once the seatbelt sign is off. CARES is approved for use during taxi, take-off, landing and turbulence, so your child stays secured through every phase of the flight.
About the Manufacturer: AmSafe Aviation
AmSafe Aviation makes aircraft seatbelts and restraint systems. CARES was developed because a standard aircraft lap belt is designed for adults and does not fit small children well. It is the only harness-type child restraint the FAA has certified for use on aircraft.
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
Full Specifications
| Child weight range | 10–20 kg (22–44 lbs) |
| Maximum child height | 100 cm (40 inches) |
| Recommended age | Approx. 1–5 years (weight is the deciding factor) |
| 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 |
| Safety standard | FAA Equivalent Level of Safety (ELOS) to a car seat |
| Approved phases | Taxi, take-off, turbulence, landing |
| Seat compatibility | Most forward-facing aircraft seats (red loop up to 157cm circumference) |
| Airbag seats | Not compatible: do not use on airbag-equipped seats |
| Motor vehicle use | Not approved: aircraft use only |
| Regulatory approvals | FAA (USA) and CASA (Australia) |
Frequently Asked Questions: CARES Harness Australia
Q: Is the CARES harness CASA approved for Australian flights?
A: CARES is accepted by CASA in Australia, according to the manufacturer. The FAA approval label printed on the harness is the proof of approval. Airline policies can differ, so check with your airline before you fly.
Q: Will my airline accept the CARES harness?
A: Most airlines allow it for children who meet the weight and height limits and have their own purchased seat, but policies vary. Check with your airline before travel and show the FAA label to crew at the seat.
Q: How do I prove to airline staff it's genuine and not a cheap copy?
A: Show the label on the harness webbing reading FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only (or the 21.305(d) wording). It names AmSafe as the manufacturer.
Q: Why doesn't it come with an FAA 8130 tag?
A: The 8130 is an airline procurement document for bulk purchases. Retail harnesses carry the approval label on the harness itself.
Q: What's the difference between CARES and bringing a car seat on the plane?
A: Both are FAA-approved options. A car seat gives more head and side support for sleeping, but it is heavy, bulky and can be hard to fit on an aircraft seat. CARES weighs under 500g, fits in a handbag and installs in about 60 seconds. If you don't need a car seat at your destination, CARES is the more practical choice.
Q: Is CARES suitable for long-haul flights?
A: Yes, it can be used for the whole flight, including overnight flights. Some parents find toddlers sleep more comfortably in a car seat than a harness, so this is a personal preference. CARES is not compatible with lie-flat or airbag-equipped seats, so check with your airline if you are travelling in a premium cabin.
Q: Does my child need their own seat to use CARES?
A: Yes. The child must sit in their own purchased aircraft seat and be able to sit upright independently. CARES cannot be used for a lap infant.
Q: Can I use CARES in the car?
A: No. CARES is approved for aircraft use only and is not designed for a vehicle seatbelt.
Q: My child is close to the weight limit. Can they still use CARES?
A: The upper limit is 20kg (44 lbs) and 100cm tall. Once your child exceeds the limits, they can use the aircraft lap belt on its own. If your child has special needs and needs extra upper body support, see our CARES Special Needs harness.
Type: Harness-type belt that integrates with airplane seats.
Functionality: Combines with the standard lap seatbelt to form a secure five-point restraint.
Portability: Lightweight and easy to install in under a minute.
Certification: Globally certified by various aviation authorities, including CASA; the only system certified for all flight phases.
Suitable Ages/Weights: For children weighing 10-20kg (approximately 1-5 years old).
Usage: Enhances safety during turbulence and emergency landings, provides a car seat-like harness that helps children sleep during flights.
Additional Benefits: Reduces the need for bulky car seats on flights.
Innovation Origin: Inspired by the inventor's observation of her daughter's travel challenges.
Sales: Over 70,000 units sold globally, including in Australia and New Zealand.
FAA 8130 Tag: Not included for retail customers; applicable only to airline customers.
1. What is CARES?
CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) is the only FAA-approved harness-type safety device for children traveling by plane. It’s designed specifically for aviation use for children aged 1 and older, who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds.
2. Can CARES be used in cars?
No, CARES is exclusively for aircraft use. It does not substitute for a car seat and is not approved for vehicle use.
3. How do I install CARES?
CARES can be installed in less than a minute on any airplane seat. It works with the existing seatbelt, enhancing its safety without the need for additional straps or complicated adjustments.
4. Is CARES suitable for use in both economy and first-class seats?
Yes, CARES is adaptable and can be used on any airplane seat, except in the emergency exit rows. It’s suitable for window or center seats in economy, business, and first class.
5. Where is CARES approved for use?
Besides FAA approval in the USA, CARES is also certified by aviation authorities in Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several other countries.
6. How do I clean CARES?
The CARES harness can be hand-washed using mild soap and cold water. It should be air-dried away from direct sunlight. The metal parts should be wiped with a cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
7. What should I do if airline staff are not familiar with CARES?
Always carry proof of FAA approval when flying. CARES is labeled with "FAA Approved," which usually informs and reassures airline personnel about its legitimacy.
8. Can CARES be used for children with special needs?
CARES is suitable for many children with special needs. Consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it provides adequate support for your child during flights.
- Seat child in airplane seat
- Lower tray table behind child’s seat.
- Slide RED LOOP (end 1) of CARES over seat back and adjust height of Red Loop so that it is just above child’s shoulders, then tighten the loop and close tray table over Red Loop.
- Place Black Shoulder Straps (2) over child’s shoulders and slide buckle and connecter ends of regular airplane lap belt through loops at the bottom of the BLACK SHOULDER STRAPS.
- Buckle seat belt and snug it down across child’s lap as you normally would do – and then buckle chest clip and snug down the Shoulder Straps.
- You now have your child safely fastened for taxiing, take off, landing and whenever during your flight the Captain turns on the ‘fasten seat belt’ sign. AmSafe joins the FAA and the airlines in urging that you keep your seat belt and your child’s CARES fastened at all times during flight.
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