Ensuring Child Safety During Air Travel

The Importance of Approved Child Restraint Systems

A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that has been approved by the government for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also endorses a harness-type restraint for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds, which is exclusively approved for use on aircraft and not in motor vehicles. The FAA strongly recommends that parents and guardians use an appropriate restraint for their child's weight and size throughout the flight.

Selecting and Using a CRS

• Approval Labels: Ensure the CRS is government-approved, with a label stating "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
• Harness-Type Restraints: Look for the label "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on harness-type restraints.
• CRS Dimensions: The CRS should be no wider than 16 inches to fit in most airplane seats.
• Discounted Fares: Many airlines offer discounts for children under two years old, which can be up to 50 percent off. Purchasing a ticket for your child ensures you can use a CRS.
• Seat Placement: Place the CRS in a window seat to avoid blocking the escape path in an emergency. Exit rows are not suitable for CRS placement.
• Empty Seat Usage: If you haven't purchased a ticket for your child, inquire if the airline allows the use of an empty seat for the CRS.
• Airline-Provided CRS: Some airlines may provide a CRS, which could mean you're not allowed to bring your own and may need to check it as baggage.
• Assistance with Connections: Request help from the airline when making connecting flights if you're carrying a CRS, child, and luggage.
• Entertainment Pack: Bring toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.

CRS Labeling and Usage

The CRS must display a label or markings indicating 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."

Weight-Based Recommendations

• Under 20 pounds: Use a rear-facing CRS.
• 20 to 40 pounds: Use a forward-facing CRS.
• Over 40 pounds: Use an airplane seat belt.
• Alternative Restraints: FAA-approved harness-type restraints are available for children weighing 22 to 44 pounds.

Booster seats and harness vests, while beneficial in vehicles, are not permitted during taxi, take-off, and landing on airplanes. These should be checked as baggage. Additionally, "belly belts" or supplemental lap restraints are not approved for use in airplanes or vehicles in the United States.

Statistics and Facts About Child Safety in Air Travel

While the FAA does not require a CRS for children under two years old, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has long advocated for mandatory CRS use for all children during flights. According to the FAA, the safest place for a child under two during a flight is in a CRS, not on a parent's lap. However, as of 2017, only a small percentage of parents purchased separate seats for children under two to use a CRS, primarily due to the additional cost.

A study by the Journal of Pediatrics found that lap children (children under two traveling without a CRS) are at greater risk of injury during turbulence or an emergency landing. The study suggests that the use of CRS could significantly reduce the risk of injury.

For more information on child safety during air travel, visit the FAA's guidelines on traveling with children and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on child restraint use in aircraft.