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Using Child Restraints on Aircraft

Although it is legal to carry children under two on your lap, the FAA strongly recommends that all children who fly, regardless of their age, be protected by an approved child restraint system (CRS) or child restraint device that is appropriate to the child's size and weight. Proper use of an approved child restraint system enhances child safety in the event of an accident. A CRS also provides protection for a child during turbulence.

A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

A child safety device is an FAA-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles. For example, FAA has approved a new harness-type device appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.

Approved Child Restraint Systems

- 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 child safety device is approved and has "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it.

- 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.

- The FAA recommends that a child weighing less than 20 pounds (9.1 kilos) use a rear-facing CRS, that one weighing from 20 to 40 pounds (9.1 to 18.1 kilos) use a forward-facing CRS, an dthat those over 40 pounds (18.1 kilos) use an airplane seat belt

Other Restraint Systems

While booster seats and harness vests enhance safety in vehicles, FAA prohibits passengers from bringing these types of devices on airplanes for use during taxi, take-off and landing. These devices 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.

Before You Fly

Check with the airline to find their busiest days and times. By avoiding these times you are more likely to be on a flight with an empty seat next to a parent. In many cases airlines will allow you to seat your child under two years of age in a child restraint in the empty seat at no extra charge. Ask your airline for its policy regarding an empty seat.

Ask the airline if they offer a discounted fare for a child traveling in a CRS. When you buy a ticket (discounted or full fare) for your child, you are guaranteed that they will have a seat and that you will be able to use the CRS.

If you purchase a ticket for your child, reserve adjoining seats. A CRS should be placed in a window seat so it will not block the escape path in an emergency. A CRS may not be placed an exit row.

Check the width of your CRS. While child seats vary in width, a CRS no wider than 16 inches (40.6 cm) should fit in most coach seats. A CRS wider than 16 inches (40.6 cm) is unlikely to fit. Even if the armrests are moved out of the way, a wide CRS will not fit properly into the frame of the aircraft seat.

If you need to change planes to make a connecting flight, request that the airline arrange for assistance in your connecting city.

Related Resources
Top 10 Safety Tips for Traveling With Children
FAA consumer information hotline at 1-800-FAA-SURE (1-800-322-7873).
FAA brochure on the safe use of child seats
Child Travel Health Advice from the Centers for Disease Control
FAA Regulation 121.311 concerning child seat use

Sources: Fly Smart Air Traveler's Checklist, Federal Aviation Administration