Car Seats for Airplanes Guide
car seats for airplanes
Air travel with small children is a challenge for any parent, especially since airlines restrict the number of items that can be carried on a plane. Most airlines make allowances for people traveling with toddlers, but it can be cumbersome carrying strollers, car seats and bags. Toddler car seats for airplanes can make travel easier.
Do I have to use a car seats for airplanes?
You’re not required to, but both the Federal Aviation Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend that you use an FAA-approved child restraint device. That means either an approved car seat or the CARES harness (see below).
Legally you may carry a child up to 24 months old on your lap, usually free of charge — but unexpected turbulence can send that lap-carried kid flying out of your arms. And in a crash, your child could be crushed against your body.
Ironically, the law mandates that everything in an airplane cabin be battened down during takeoff, landing, and turbulence — except children young enough to ride on their parents’ lap.
Why isn’t there a law requiring child safety restraints in airplanes? Because Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) analyses have found that if forced to buy an extra airline ticket, many families would drive instead. And statistically that’s a far more dangerous way to travel.
CARES Child Aviation Restraint System. With the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System, parents don’t have to lug around an additional item. This a safety harness system specifically created for air travel. It has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and can be used for children older than 1 who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds and are up to 40 inches tall. The harness belt and buckle system works with a standard airplane seat. The only airline seat the harness system won’t work for is the seat near the exit row. The harness comes with an instructional DVD and travel bag.
Car seats for airplanes – Safeguard Go Folding Car Seat
This is a versatile toddler car seat that can also be used on airplanes. The Safeguard Go Folding Car Seat has a five-point harness system. This seat works for travel because it can be folded and fits in a travel bag or in a bag specifically made for the car seat. The seat can also work as a stroller when waiting in the airport. The car seat fits on the Go Go Kidz Travelmate, which has to be purchased separately. This item looks like a dolly that can be pushed, and a travel bag can also be placed on it.
Car seats for airplanes – how do I position and use the seat?
You’ll want to book a window seat. That’s where you’ll need to put the car seat, to make sure it won’t block the escape path in an emergency. You may not put a car seat in an aisle seat or exit row.
Here’s what the FAA recommends for children riding on airplanes ( car seats for airplanes ):
Less than 20 pounds? Ride in a rear-facing car seat.
20 to 40 pounds? Ride in a forward-facing car seat.
Over 40 pounds? Use the airplane seat belt.
As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when strapping your child into the car seats for airplanes.
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