When traveling with children by air, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does require some sort of safety seating after the age of 2. A typical car seat with a hard backing material, also called a child restraint system (CRS), can work in most situations. You can check on the seat directly or in the instruction manual to see if your seat has been approved for use in aircraft. While some airlines have their own CRS, it is always best to find out if you need one or not.
According to the FAA, once you confirm if your CRS has been approved for aircraft the next thing you should do is measure the width of the CRS. You can use seat that is no wider than 16 inches in most aircraft seating. While it is possible to hold a young child under the age of 2 in your lap, if you plan to use a CRS it is better to reserve a seat for that child as there are no guarantees there will be empty seats. You will need to install the CRS in a window seat in order to not impede traffic in the aisle.
A travel harness is another option if your family chooses to travel by air. This product is designed to work as a harness for children who weigh between 22 and 44 lbs. It works by having a strap placed around the air craft seat back down to the point of the child's shoulders. The shoulder straps at the bottom have loops that allow the seat belt to go through. The chest clip connects the shoulder straps for a safety harness effect. You can tighten or loosen as needed for the child.
The FAA has approved only one travel harness, named CARES and made by AmSafe Aviation, for aircraft use. Instead of carrying a bulky car seat, you can put the travel harness in a bag that fits easily into a diaper bag or purse. The CARES travel harness has received awards from Mr. Dad, Dr. Toy and the National Parenting Association. The FAA has found the CARES Travel Harness to be just as safe as a CRS, according to the CARES website.
In the end, you have to go with what you feel is the best option for your child. It is possible to bring infant baby carriers onto the plane. Backless booster seats, harness vests and belly belts are not approved by the FAA as good safety devices to be used on aircraft. Should you want any of these or the unused car seat to be at your final destination, the FAA suggests checking these devices as baggage.
