--- type: Car Seat Review title: BubbleBum Teleport — Independent Review description: Independent review of the BubbleBum Teleport booster — 5.2 lbs, 40–100 lbs, FMVSS 213 certified, not FAA accepted. Best Travel Boosters. resource: https://www.velivolotravel.com/car-seats/bubblebum-teleport/ tags: [car-seat, gear, review, booster, not-faa-approved] timestamp: 2026-07-14 --- # BubbleBum Teleport Booster: Foldable Travel Booster Review **Quick Answer**: Per BubbleBum's published documentation, the Teleport is a FMVSS 213-certified foldable booster, weighs 5.2 lbs, and is not FAA accepted for in-flight use. **TL;DR**: The BubbleBum Teleport is a belt-positioning booster weighing 5.2 lbs that telescopes to roughly one-third of its deployed height. At $62, its suitable for children 40–100 lbs across the full booster window. FMVSS 213 certified and not FAA accepted, it cannot be used in flight — its role is ground transport at the destination after flying. The shoulder carry strap makes it easy to travel with. ## Velivolo Family Score: 6/10 — Decent - **Aviation Fit** (3/10): Cannot be used in flight - **Install Ease** (9/10): Vehicle lap-shoulder belt routes through integrated belt guides in under 30 seconds. - **Longevity & Value** (5/10): At $62 and a 40–100 lb range, the Teleport delivers use across the older booster window. - **Travel Ergonomics** (9/10): Folds to roughly one-third its height; at 5.2 lbs it is among the lightest foldable boosters available. ## At a Glance - **FAA Acceptance**: Not approved — This restraint is not approved for use on aircraft. Gate-check or carry; use at destination in rental cars and rideshares only. - **Child Range**: 40–100 lbs and 43–57 inches — Minimum 40lbs, 43inches and 4 years old. However, Velivolo CPST Experts recommends children remain in their five-point harness until they've maxed out either the height or weight limits. For booster use, the child should be ideally over 5 and developmentally mature enough to remain upright throughout the duration of the trip, even when asleep. - **Folded For Travel**: Yes — At 5.2 lbs it fits in a rolling carry-on or large backpack when folded. — telescopic fold to ~1/3 height ## Quick Facts - The Teleport Highback Booster weighs 5.2 lbs and folds via a telescopic mechanism to approximately one-third of its deployed height. - The Teleport covers children 40–100 lbs and 43–57 inches tall. - Not permitted for use on aircraft. - The Teleport measures 14.5 inches wide, enabling three-across placement in many mid-size vehicles. ## Specs - **Brand**: BubbleBum - **Category**: booster - **Facing**: forward-facing only - **Price**: $62 - **Rear-Facing Weight Limit**: — lbs - **Forward-Facing Weight Limit**: 100 lbs - **Height Limit**: 57 in - **Min Weight**: 40 lbs - **Seat Width**: 14.5 in - **Seat Weight**: 5.3 lbs - **Expiration**: — years ## FAA & FMVSS - **FAA Approved**: No - **FAA Label Text**: "" - **FAA Label Location**: - **Regulatory Citation**: 14 CFR 121.311(b)(2)(ii) — belt-positioning boosters prohibited on US commercial aircraft - **FMVSS 213**: Yes - **FMVSS 213a**: not_published Not certified for use on aircraft. ## Aviation Fit The BubbleBum Teleport Highback Booster cannot be used in flight on US commercial carriers. Per 14 CFR 121.311(b)(2)(ii), belt-positioning booster seats are prohibited during taxi, takeoff, and landing because they require a lap-shoulder belt that aircraft seats do not provide. The Teleport's value for flying families is entirely in its destination role: its 5.2-lb folded form fits in a rolling carry-on or checked bag, providing a structured highback booster for rental cars, taxis, and rideshares at the destination. Instead of gate-checking, families should pack it in carry-on, store in overhead bin, or underneath the passenger seat infront. - **Fits Economy Seat**: No - **Install Method**: Not certified for use on aircraft. - **Recline Friendly**: No - **Gate Check Recommended**: No **Economy Fit**: The Teleport cannot be installed on an aircraft seat. **Gate Check**: Not Necessary. Consider folding the Teleport and placing it in the overhead bin or underneath the passenger seat infront. (It does typically count toward your carry-on allowance, excluding Delta Air Lines) **Travel Verdict**: The Teleport is a destination booster that's easy to travel with — fold it, pack it, unfold when you reach your destination. ### Airline-Specific Issues - **All US Part 121 carriers**: Per 14 CFR 121.311(b)(2)(ii), belt-positioning booster seats are prohibited for use during taxi, takeoff, and landing on all US commercial flights. The Teleport may be gate-checked or transported in luggage but cannot be used in the aircraft cabin during any phase of flight. ([source](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-121.311)) ## Velivolo Travel Score: 9/10 - **Cabin Fit** (2/10): Cannot be used in the aircraft cabin, but may be brought onboard (typically as part of your luggage allowance). - **Gate-Check Ease** (9/10): Gate-Check not necessary. Fold the Teleport, place it in one of your suitcases, in the overhead bin, or under the passenger seat infront. - **Taxi/Rental** (9/10): The Teleport's primary role — unfold in under a minute, route the lap-shoulder belt through the guides in any rental car, taxi, or rideshare. The built-in shoulder carry strap makes it convenient to transport between rideshares. - **Folded Portability** (10/10): 5.2 lbs and folds to approximately one-third of deployed height; fits in most rolling carry-ons or large backpacks, making it the most portable structured highback booster in the travel cluster. ## Safety - **Certifications**: FMVSS 213, ECE R129 (i-Size) - **Side-Impact Tested**: Yes - **NHTSA Ease-of-Use Stars**: — - **Expiration Policy**: Per BubbleBum's published guidance, the Teleport should be replaced per the date-of-manufacture label on the seat. the Teleport hard-shell model's specific expiration policy should be confirmed on the seat's date label or via BubbleBum customer support at bubblebum.co. The BubbleBum Teleport Highback Booster is certified to FMVSS 213, the US federal motor vehicle safety standard for child restraints. **Recall History**: Clean — no recalls on record. ## Vehicle Compatibility - **LATCH Limit**: — lbs (tier ) - **Install Methods**: ### Reference Vehicles - **2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L** — Fit: good, Install: Lap-shoulder belt, 3-across: true. At 15.7 inches wide, three Teleport seats fit comfortably in the Odyssey's 56-inch rear bench without significant armrest interference. Lap-shoulder belts in all three rear seating positions route cleanly through the positioning guides. (tier L4) - **2024 Toyota Camry LE** — Fit: good, Install: Lap-shoulder belt, 3-across: n/a. The Camry's rear bench accommodates the Teleport well in outboard positions. Center position requires confirming lap-shoulder belt availability — many Camry trims provide a three-point center belt, making center installation feasible. (tier L4) - **2024 Honda Civic LX** — Fit: good, Install: Lap-shoulder belt, 3-across: n/a. The Civic's narrower rear seat (~49 inches) accommodates the Teleport in outboard positions. Three-across installation with other boosters of standard width is tight and not recommended. The compact 15.7-inch width is an advantage in this vehicle class. (tier L4) ## Pros - Folds to approximately one-third of deployed height via a telescopic mechanism, fitting in most rolling carry-ons or large backpacks at just 5.2 lbs. - The 14.5-inch seat width helps with three-across installation. - Has a built-in shoulder carry strap and additional luggage strap, making transport during travel days easy. - Features a machine washable cover. ## Cons - Cannot be used on aircraft. - At 5.2 lbs it is heavier than the inflatable BubbleBum (under 1 lb deflated), requiring deliberate packing strategy for ultra-light travelers. Or extra item to carry with its dedicated shoulder carry strap. ## Best For - **Traveling families with school-age kids 40–100 lbs**: The Teleport is engineered for the exact gap where an inflatable backless booster feels too bare and a full-size highback is too heavy to travel with. At 5.2 lbs folded, it provides structured highback support in rental cars without requiring a checked car-seat bag. - **Parents who carpool or rideshare at the destination**: The Teleport unfolds in seconds and routes the vehicle lap-shoulder belt through integrated guides — making it fast to install and remove across multiple rideshare or taxi trips during a vacation. - **Three-across families**: At 14.5 inches wide, the Teleport is slim, making three-across installation feasible in most minivans and many full-size SUVs, ## Key Features ### Telescopic Fold Mechanism The Teleport uses a telescopic fold that collapses the seat to approximately one-third of its deployed height. This mechanism is the defining travel feature — the folded form fits in most rolling carry-on suitcases and large backpacks, enabling families to bring a structured highback booster without checking a separate bag or relying on a gate-check tag. **Key takeaway**: Folds to one-third height for carry-on packing ### Built-In Shoulder Carry Strap The Teleport features a built-in shoulder carry strap. Allowing for easy of transportation on travel days. **Key takeaway**: Hard-shell structure with headrest and side wings ### Built-in Luggage Strap The Teleport also features a built-in luggage strap that you can slide through the carry handle of your rolling carry-on suitcase. **Key takeaway**: 15.7-inch width enables three-across seating ### Machine Washable Cover with Non Skid Bottom The Teleport Booster has a machine washable cover, and features a non skid bottom. **Key takeaway**: US and European dual certification including side-impact ## Real-World Scenarios - **Domestic flight with a 6-year-old at 55 lbs** (5/5): The Teleport cannot be used in flight, but at 5.2 lbs the child is able to carry it themselves through the airport using the built-in shoulder carry strap, and store it in the overhead bin compartment on the airplane. - **Uber pickup at the destination airport** (5/5): The Teleport's primary role. Unfold in under a minute, place child in seat, route the vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the guides. - **Three-across weekend carpool with 40–100 lb kids** (5/5): At 14.5 inches wide, three Teleports fit comfortably for many 3-across situations. ## How It Compares - [BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/bubblebum.md) ($29–39) — Per BubbleBum's published documentation, the inflatable BubbleBum is a backless booster that deflates to under 1 lb for carry-on packing. The Teleport is heavier at 5.2 lbs but provides a structured highback with headrest and side wings — more support for longer trips and taller children. Choose the inflatable for maximum packability; choose the Teleport if your child needs a highback for comfort or side-wing support. Wins at: Maximum portability — deflates to under 1 lb. - [mifold Original Grab-and-Go](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/mifold-original.md) ($39–49) — Per mifold's published documentation, the Original is a compact backless booster weighing approximately 1.5 lbs. The Teleport is heavier but provides full highback support with headrest and side wings. The mifold Original folds smaller but offers no head or shoulder support for sleeping children. Choose the mifold for maximum compactness in a backless booster; choose the Teleport for structured highback use. Wins at: Smallest pack size in a backless booster. - [mifold Comfort Grab-and-Go](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/mifold-comfort.md) ($45–55) — Per mifold's published documentation, the Comfort adds padding over the Original but remains a compact backless booster. The Teleport provides a full highback with headrest at a comparable price point. For families whose child sleeps in the car or needs side support, the Teleport's structured shell is a meaningful upgrade over the Comfort's backless design. Wins at: Padded backless option with smaller pack size. - [WAYB Pico](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/wayb-pico.md) ($379–399) — Per WAYB's published documentation, the Pico is an 8-lb FAA accepted 5-point harness seat that works on aircraft and in vehicles for children 22–50 lbs. The Teleport at $62 is dramatically less expensive but not FAA accepted and uses a belt-positioning design requiring a minimum of 40 lbs. Choose the Pico for families who need in-flight restraint or have younger children in harness; choose the Teleport as an affordable destination highback booster for a child already in the booster window. Wins at: FAA accepted dual-purpose in-flight and vehicle seat. ## Common Mistakes ### Using the Seat Before the Fold Locks The Teleport's telescopic fold mechanism must fully extend and lock before the child sits in the seat. Per BubbleBum's published product guidance, placing a child in an incompletely deployed seat risks collapse of the fold hinge in a crash event. Caregivers should push the seat to its fully extended position and verify the locking click before buckling the child. Per BubbleBum's published guidance, do not use the seat if the hinge does not lock positively. **Source**: [BubbleBum](https://www.bubblebum.co) ## Travel Tips - **Bring in the Cabin **: The Teleport's 5.2-lb folded form also fits in most rolling carry-ons, giving you the option to keep it with you instead of gate-checking. You can store it in the overhead bin compartment, or under the passenger seat infront of you. - **Better than a Rental Seat**: For older children, the Teleport is convenient to travel with, eliminating the need to rent a car seat from the agency. At $62 retail price, the seat pays for itself in avoided rental fees that charge $20-40/day. Per BubbleBum's guidance, verify the telescopic fold mechanism extends fully and clicks into place before placing the child in the seat. - **Inspect Fold Hinge Before Each Trip**: Per BubbleBum's product guidance, inspect the telescopic fold hinge and locking mechanism before each use. Verify the seat fully extends to its deployed position and the lock engages with a positive click. Do not use the seat if the hinge feels loose or fails to lock, and contact BubbleBum customer support at bubblebum.co for replacement guidance. ## FAQ ### Can I use the BubbleBum Teleport on an airplane? No, The Teleport is not certified for use on aircraft. But for convenience, you may considering bringing it on board (typically considered as part of your baggage allowance) and storing it in the overhead bin or underneath the passenger seat infront of you. [Source](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-121.311) ### What are the weight and height limits on the BubbleBum Teleport? The Teleport Highback Booster is rated for children weighing 40–100 lbs and measuring 43–57 inches tall. [Source](https://www.bubblebum.co) ### How does the BubbleBum Teleport fold for travel? The Teleport uses a telescopic fold mechanism that collapses the seat to approximately one-third of its deployed height. Once folded, parents and children alike can use the built-in shoulder carry strap for easy transport. Before each use, the seat must be fully extended to its deployed position and the locking mechanism engaged before placing the child in the seat — listen for the positive locking click. [Source](https://www.bubblebum.co) ### How wide is the BubbleBum Teleport — does it fit three-across? The Teleport Highback Booster measures 14.5 inches at its widest point — narrower than most boosters, which typically run 17–20 inches. The Teleoport has a 15inch depth. This profile makes it helpful for 3-across situations. [Source](https://www.bubblebum.co) ### What is the BubbleBum Teleport expiration date? The Teleport's expiration date is printed on the date-of-manufacture label located on the underside of the seat shell. Reference your label to confirm the expiration date. [Source](https://www.bubblebum.co) ### How does the Teleport compare to the BubbleBum inflatable booster? Per BubbleBum's published documentation, the inflatable BubbleBum backless booster deflates to under 1 pound for carry-on packing, while the Teleport Highback weighs 5.2 lbs when folded. The inflatable model is the choice for maximum packability in a backless booster; [Source](https://www.bubblebum.co) ### Can I use the BubbleBum Teleport in a taxi or rideshare? Yes. the Teleport Highback Booster installs in any vehicle with a standard three-point lap-shoulder belt, making it well-suited for use in taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshares where a rear-seat lap-shoulder belt is available. Many families use the Teleport specifically for airport-to-hotel or airport-to-cruise legs where travel is limited upon arrival to destination. [Source](https://www.bubblebum.co) ## Related Concepts - [Back to Car Seats Catalog](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/index.md) - [bubblebum](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/bubblebum.md) - [mifold-original](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/mifold-original.md) - [wayb-pico](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/wayb-pico.md) - [cares-kids-fly-safe](https://www.velivolotravel.com/okf/car-seats/cares-kids-fly-safe.md) ## Sources - [BubbleBum Teleport Product Page (2026): Specifications, weight range, fold mechanism, certifications](https://www.bubblebum.co) - [14 CFR Section 121.311 — Seats, Safety Belts, and Shoulder Harnesses (2024): Federal rule prohibiting booster seats on US commercial aircraft](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-121.311) - [FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-87C (2015): FAA guidance on child restraint systems in aircraft, CRS categories](https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_120-87c.pdf) - [NHTSA NCRUSS — National Child Restraint Use Special Study (DOT HS 812 157) (2015): Nationally representative booster misuse rates — 16% highback, 24% backless](https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812157) - [Amazon — BubbleBum Teleport Highback Booster (B0CT67FR3J) (2026): Retail listing, street price, customer reviews](https://www.amazon.com/BubbleBum-Teleport-Highback-Booster-Travel/dp/B0CT67FR3J?tag=velivolollc-20) **Last Updated**: 2026-07-14 **Author**: Velivolo Editorial Team — Family Travel Experts