CARES Special Needs Flight Harness for Kids
CARES Special Needs Flight Harness for Kids 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
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.
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.
