CARES Special Needs Child Aviation Restraint System — FAA & CASA Approved
CARES Special Needs Child Aviation Restraint System — FAA & CASA Approved 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:
-
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
Flying with a Special Needs Child Just Got Safer — The Only FAA & CASA-Approved Aviation Harness Designed for Kids Who Need Extra Support
Travelling by air with a child who has a physical, developmental, or sensory disability can feel overwhelming — especially when standard airline seatbelts simply don't provide the support your child needs.
The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System (Special Needs), manufactured by AmSafe Aviation — the company whose seatbelts protect passengers on virtually every commercial aircraft in the world — is the only FAA-certified harness-type child restraint system accepted by aviation authorities globally, including CASA (Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority), for children who require additional upper body support during flight.
CARES has been used successfully by many children with special needs. Parents should check with their physician or physical therapist to determine whether CARES provides sufficient upper body support for their child.
Travel Gear Australia is a trusted Australian retailer of genuine, brand-new AmSafe CARES units — the same product sold directly by the manufacturer at KidsFlySafe.com.
Official Installation Video — See Exactly How It Works
From AmSafe, the manufacturer — installs in under 60 seconds:
Who Is the CARES Special Needs Harness For?
CARES is used by families flying with children who have a range of physical and developmental conditions where additional upper body support or postural stability is needed during flight, including:
- Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
- Cerebral palsy (mild to moderate)
- Developmental delays affecting trunk control
- Autism spectrum disorder (where structured restraint aids comfort and safety)
- Sensory processing differences where the lap belt alone causes distress
- Children recovering from surgery or injury requiring stabilisation
- Larger special needs children 20–34kg (44–75 lbs) travelling under an FAA Exemption Letter
Important: Always consult your child's paediatrician, physician, or occupational/physical therapist before using CARES to confirm it provides sufficient support for your child's specific needs.
Key Features for Special Needs Families
-
Upper Body Support Standard Seatbelts Can't Provide
CARES adds a harness system over the shoulders that works together with the aircraft lap belt, providing the front-to-back and lateral stability that children with trunk weakness, low muscle tone, or postural challenges need during turbulence, take-off, and landing. -
FAA Certified — The Only Harness-Type Device with This Approval
The FAA approval label is printed directly on the harness webbing. Show it to any airline crew if asked — no separate paperwork required for retail customers. -
Predictable, Familiar Structure — Important for Sensory Needs
Many parents of autistic children find that CARES provides a structured, contained feel that is better tolerated than a standard lap belt alone. The shoulder straps provide clear physical boundaries which some children find reassuring during a flight. -
Under 500g — No Extra Baggage
Packs into a 15cm stuff sack. Flying with a special needs child means managing a lot already — CARES adds nothing meaningful to your carry-on weight. -
FAA Exemption Available for Larger Special Needs Children (20–34kg)
If your child exceeds the standard 20kg (44 lb) weight limit but is no taller than 148cm (58 inches), you may apply for an FAA Exemption Letter allowing continued use of CARES. See the FAQ below for details.
Australian Regulatory Approval — What Special Needs Families Need to Know
CARES is accepted for use on Australian and international flights under CASA's child restraint framework. The FAA certification label on your harness is the recognised proof of approval on Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and major international carriers.
No airline may prohibit a child from using an approved child restraint system (CRS) when a seat has been purchased for the child. If the approved CRS does not fit in a particular seat, it is the responsibility of the aircraft operator to accommodate the CRS in another seat in the same class of service.
For special needs children exceeding the standard weight range, several companies manufacture restraint systems for adults with physical challenges, and adults (18 years or older) who have physical challenges that require the support and security of a CRS or device in order to travel safely on an airplane may request an exemption to the FAA's regulations.
Sources: FAA Kids Corner — Official Child Restraint Guidelines | AmSafe KidsFlySafe.com
FAA Exemption Letter — For Children 20–34kg (44–75 lbs)
If your special needs child has outgrown the standard 20kg (44 lb) CARES weight limit but still needs the upper body support CARES provides, you can request an Exemption Letter from the FAA so you can use it. Larger special needs youngsters who are granted this exemption will be seated in the last row of a section of the plane, so no one sits behind the child.
Key exemption facts:
- Applies to children 20–34kg (44–75 lbs) and no taller than 148cm (58 inches)
- Must be recommended by your child's physician or therapist
- Once received, the Exemption Letter is good on any airline based in the United States, and for an unlimited period of time
- Your child must be seated in a row with no passengers directly behind them
- Allow up to 6 weeks to receive — apply well before your travel date
- Contact the FAA directly via the KidsFlySafe.com website to request your exemption
Is My CARES Harness Genuine? How to Prove It to Airline Staff
The FAA has warned consumers about counterfeit CARES harnesses — particularly on third-party eBay and Amazon listings. These fakes are not engineered to aviation safety standards and will not pass inspection by airline crew. All CARES units sold by Travel Gear Australia are genuine AmSafe products.
To verify authenticity on the spot: Show the airline crew the label printed directly on the harness webbing reading:
"FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only"
This is legally sufficient proof. No 8130 tag or separate certificate is required for retail customers.
What's in the Box
- 1 × Genuine AmSafe CARES Child Aviation Restraint System
- 1 × 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 FAA Exemption Letter |
| Max Child Height | 100 cm standard / 148 cm (58 in) with exemption |
| Product Weight | Under 500g (approx. 1 lb) |
| Packed Size | Fits in a 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 | Virtually all forward-facing economy, business & first-class seats (excluding emergency exit rows) |
| Not Compatible With | Airbag-equipped seats, lie-flat seats, motor vehicles |
| Regulatory Approvals | FAA (USA), CASA (Australia), Transport Canada, CAA (UK) |
Frequently Asked Questions — CARES Special Needs Australia
Q: My child has autism — will they tolerate the CARES harness?
A: Many parents of autistic children report positive experiences with CARES, as the structured shoulder harness provides clear physical boundaries that some children find more predictable and comfortable than a loose lap belt. However, every child is different. We recommend practising with the harness at home before your flight to allow your child to familiarise themselves with the fit and sensation.
Q: Do I need a doctor's letter to use CARES on an Australian flight?
A: For children within the standard weight range (10–20kg), no medical documentation is required — the FAA approval label on the harness is sufficient. A physician's recommendation is only required if you are applying for an FAA Exemption Letter for a child over 20kg.
Q: My child is over 20kg but still needs upper body support. Can they still use CARES?
A: Yes — with an FAA Exemption Letter. Children up to 34kg (75 lbs) and no taller than 148cm (58 inches) may use CARES under this exemption, provided they are seated in a row with no passengers behind them. Contact AmSafe via KidsFlySafe.com to begin the exemption application. Allow up to 6 weeks.
Q: Will Qantas or Virgin Australia allow CARES for my special needs child?
A: Yes. Both airlines accept CARES for children within the approved weight and height range. We recommend notifying the airline in advance that your child has a disability and will be travelling with an approved child restraint system, as this helps ensure appropriate seating is allocated.
Q: Is CARES suitable for a child with cerebral palsy?
A: CARES has been used by many families of children with cerebral palsy, particularly for mild-to-moderate presentations where the child can sit upright independently. AmSafe directly advises consulting your child's physician or physical therapist to confirm CARES provides sufficient upper body support for your child's specific level of function before travel.
Q: How do I prove to the airline that our CARES is genuine, not a fake?
A: Show the crew the label on the harness webbing: "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only." This is the only documentation required. All units from Travel Gear Australia 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 uses a wheelchair and transfers to the aircraft seat, CARES can typically be used provided the seat is a standard forward-facing design. Confirm with your airline in advance.
Q: Is CARES covered by NDIS for travel purposes?
A: NDIS funding eligibility for travel equipment is assessed individually by your plan manager or support coordinator. CARES may be claimable under certain support categories as a travel-related assistive technology. We recommend discussing with your NDIS planner before purchasing.
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.
Payment & Security
Payment methods
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
We can only deliver to a street address
We're unable to ship to PO Boxes, parcel lockers, or any other non-standard collection point. Please use a physical street address at checkout.
- Your address needs a street number (and unit/apartment number, if you have one).
- Orders placed with a PO Box or parcel locker address will not be processed — they will be cancelled and automatically refunded.
