Airlines know that traveling with small children is not always easy. For this reason, there are many options for car seats on airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration does not require the use of child restraint devices, but they do have rules in place to be sure they are used correctly when they are used.
Not every car seat approved for use in cars is approved for use in airplanes. A child restraint device that has been approved by the government says so in writing. Passengers should check for printed approval on their car seat before attempting to take it onto a plane. If a car seat is not labeled as a government-approved child restraint device, it will need to be stored as luggage.
Space is always a commodity on airplanes, so size does matter when it comes to which car seats are approved on airplanes. According to the FAA's website, a car seat should measure 16 inches or smaller to fit comfortably in most airplane seats. A wider child restraint device will crowd neighboring seats.
Car seats should never be placed on an aisle seat or on a middle seat. They may create a barrier for other passengers, making it difficult to get in and out of their seats in the case of an emergency. Car seats should also never be placed in an emergency exit seat. Car seats cannot usually be removed quickly, causing a hazard in the event a quick exit is needed.
According to the FAA's website, a child weighing less than 20 pounds should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Children weighing more than 20 pounds, but less than 40 pounds can face the front in a car seat. Any child weighing more than 40 pounds should not use a car seat, but instead should use the seat belt provided by the airline.
A parent or guardian who does not wish to use a car seat may carry their child on their lap. The child must remain on their parent or guardian's lap for the duration of a flight. A child using his own seat must use a restraint device. The FAA has also approved a harness for children ranging from 22 pounds to 44 pounds. The harness is a belted restraint that fits over the airplane seat and is provided by the airline.
Backless booster seats may not be used in airplanes. A child who has outgrown a standard, hard-backed car seat should use only the seat belt provided on the airplane seat. Harness vests and belly belts, both of which are widely used in motor vehicles, are not permitted on airplanes.
