Flying with young children — especially those with additional needs — can feel overwhelming.
In this CARES harness review, I’m sharing my families personal experience and why this simple device turned a potentially stressful flight into a much smoother journey.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how we were even going to get on the plane.
My autistic son struggles with seatbelts, freely unbuckling them or resulting in a meltdown, and I’d heard horror stories of families being delayed — or even asked to leave flights — because their child couldn’t stay buckled during take-off.
The thought filled me with dread.
That’s when I discovered the CARES harness, and it truly changed everything.
Flying with Virgin Atlantic at Age Three: Our Real Experience
We flew with on a long haul flight with Virgin Atlantic in 2022 when my son was three years old.
At that stage, there was no way he would have kept a standard seatbelt on without a major struggle.
I knew we needed a better option — something that would help him feel secure, not restricted.
The CARES harness gave both of us that security.
Important to know: airlines won’t fit the harness for you — it’s your responsibility to install it on the seat.
We practised a few times at home using a dining room chair before we flew, and it made all the difference on the day.
By the time we boarded the plane, my son was already familiar with how it would feel.
Special Assistance Tip: Reducing Stress at Boarding
When we flew with Virgin Atlantic in 2022, we were travelling with special assistance and were offered the choice to either board first or board last — a common option for families travelling with children who have additional needs.
Since we were flying with my parents (who were seated directly behind us), we found a solution that worked really well: they boarded early to fit the CARES harness, while my son and I boarded right at the end. This helped us avoid the stressful hustle of passengers stowing bags and moving around the aisles — something that can be very overwhelming for a child with sensory sensitivities or autism.
If your child struggles with transitions, crowds, or unpredictable noise, I highly recommend considering boarding last as a way to help them stay calm before take off.
That said, my parents did find it a little tricky to install the CARES harness in the tight space of the plane before the rest of the passengers started boarding. The crew were unfamiliar with the harness, but they were supportive and allowed us to fit it ourselves — with one important instruction: the back strap must not restrict the tray table or entertainment screen of the passenger seated behind. Luckily, this wasn’t an issue for us since my parents were in that row, but it’s definitely worth considering if you have strangers behind you.
What Is the CARES Harness?
The CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness is a lightweight, FAA-approved alternative to carrying a heavy car seat onto the plane and suitable for use with special need passengers on flights.
Designed for children aged 1 and older, weighing between 22–44 pounds (10–20kg) and up to 40 inches tall, it transforms a standard seatbelt into a secure, four-point harness — much like what you’d find in a car seat, but without the bulk.
There’s also a Special CARES harness option available for children with disabilities or who don’t fit the standard sizing.
If you’re looking for a special needs flight harness that’s recognised by airlines and easy to use, CARES is currently the only approved choice.
Please do double check with your airline, however, before booking your flights.
This CARES harness review is based on our own experience flying with it, and why it became an essential tool for keeping our autistic son safe and secure during air travel.
Why the CARES Harness Was a Game-Changer for Our Family
I really want to give an honest CARES harness review. When you’re flying with an autistic child, seatbelts can be a REAL challenge.
Many sensory-sensitive children dislike the feeling of restraint or may instinctively unbuckle without warning.
For us, the CARES harness provided essential security.
It was comfortable enough that my son didn’t fight it, but firm enough to keep him safely in place during take-off, landing, and turbulence.
Without it, I honestly don’t think we would have made it onto the plane.
It also gave me peace of mind.
I didn’t have to worry about flight attendants reminding us about seatbelts mid-flight, or about the risk of being forced to leave the aircraft.
If you’re wondering how to keep a child safe on a plane who might struggle with regular seatbelts, the CARES harness is a brilliant solution.
Key Benefits of the CARES Harness
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs just 1 pound and folds into a small bag.
- FAA Approved: Recognised by most airlines flying to and from the USA and many international carriers.
- Quick and Easy to Install: No special tools required — it fits most standard airplane seats in minutes.
- Ideal for Special Needs Children: With the Special CARES harness option, it provides a secure, approved way to accommodate children needing extra support.
When looking for a child airplane harness alternative to a car seat, it doesn’t get much easier than this.
Important Things to Know Before You Fly
- Practice before you fly: Set it up on a dining room chair or similar at home a few times so your child is familiar with the feeling.
- Double-check with your airline: Most major airlines accept CARES, but always confirm ahead of your flight, especially internationally.
- It’s for in-flight use only: You’ll still need a car seat for car transfers at your destination.
- Apply early if you need the Special CARES exemption letter; it can take a few weeks.
- Fit it yourself: Cabin crew are not allowed to fit the CARES harness for you.
Where to Buy the CARES Harness
You can find the CARES harness easily on Amazon, where it’s often available with fast delivery.
If you’re planning your next family flight, I highly recommend checking it out: click to buy
It’s one small addition to your packing list that could make a huge difference to your peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Is the CARES Harness Worth It?
Absolutely.
For any parent travelling with a young child or a child with additional needs, the CARES harness isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity.
It gave my son the comfort and security he needed, and it gave me the confidence to fly without fear of disruption or danger.
Whether you’re worried about a sensory-sensitive child unbuckling or simply looking for a stress-free alternative to a bulky car seat, the CARES harness is well worth considering.
Have any questions about travelling with a neurodiverse child or need more travel tips? Check out my sensory friendly guide here!
And if you found this CARES harness review helpful, please share it with anyone you know who’s planning to fly with children soon!
If you are looking for more Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line tips or tricks, please give us a follow on Instagram @neversayneverland_adventures. We’d love to connect with you.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love.