Child Safety on Airplanes
Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap?
Did you know the safest place for your little one during
turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system
(CRS) or device, not on your lap?
A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the
government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. FAA has also
approved a harness-type restraint appropriate for children weighing
between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of device provides an alternative to
using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It
is not approved for use in motor vehicles. FAA strongly urges parents
and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on
weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is
the smart and right thing to do.
Cleared For Take-off
* Make
sure your CRS is government approved and has "This restraint is
certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it.
Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage.
* Make sure
a harness-type restraint is approved and has "FAA Approved in
Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it.
* Measure the width of your CRS. It should fit in most airplane seats if it is no wider than 16 inches.
* Ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines now offer
discounts of up to 50 percent for children less than two years old.
Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you
will be able to use a CRS.
* Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS should
be placed in a window seat so it will not block the escape path in an
emergency. Do not place a CRS in an exit row.
* If you do not buy a
ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an
empty seat. If your airline's policy allows this, avoid the busiest days
and times to increase the likelihood of finding an empty seat next to
you.
* Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If
so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may
need to check it as baggage.
* Arrange for your airline to help you
if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a CRS, a child,
and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.
* Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
Child restraint
FAA CRS label
The
CRS must bear a label or markings showing FAA approval under Section
21.305(d) and be clearly marked FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR
21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only.
Keep Your Little One Safe When You're in the Air
Airplane
window Be sure the shoulder straps are properly adjusted and fasten the
airplane seat belt around the CRS. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions when using a CRS. FAA recommends that a child weighing:
* Less than 20 pounds use a rear-facing CRS
* From 20 to 40 pounds use a forward-facing CRS
* More than 40 pounds use an airplane seat belt
* A child may also use an alternative, such as a a harness-type
restraint, if it is approved by FAA. FAA has approved one restraint
appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of
restraint is not safe for use in motor vehicles.
While booster
seats and harness vests enhance safety in vehicles, FAA prohibits
passengers from bringing these types of restraints on airplanes for use
during taxi, take-off and landing. These restraints should be checked as
baggage. Also, supplemental lap restraints or "belly belts" are not
approved for use in both airplanes and vehicles in the United States.
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