For parents that plan to bring their child on a flight, it's important to select the best carseat for airplane use that not only provides security but also let your child travel in comfort.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the safest place for your child on an airplane is in a child safety restraint system (CRS), not on your lap! In fact, in 2007, a child survived a plane crash all thanks for her children car seat.
The car seat is one of the many innovations created to adhere to a child or an infant’s smaller frame and keep them safe when traveling. But cars seats aren’t just for road trips and can be used elsewhere as well such as when traveling on airplanes.
Choosing the best carseat for aircraft use is just as important as selecting a cars seat for everyday use in order to ensure a child’s safety and comfort.
Does My Child Need A Car Seat On A Plane?
There are many different laws and regulations on the use of car seats depending on where you live but for air travel, there is no direct law that states that a carseatis a necessity.
This, however, is a recommendation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to add an extra level of safety and comfort for small children especially.
It is a known fact that any child under the age of two years old will not be required to purchase a seat on the plane and parents will have the option to have them on their lap instead. But then here lies the huge difference between a two-month-old and an 18-month-old.
Purchasing an extra seat for a child under two will be substantially cheaper than the rate of any regular adult but isn’t necessary. If you are flying off of peak season and arrive at the airport early, you might just be awarded a free seat for your child on the plane.
An extra seat and a car seat for children on the aircraft provides them with the right fitting space for them to get comfortable especially on long haul flights and for infants to sleep properly somewhere other than their mother's arms which can be stressful for the caretaker.
Many airlines offer bassinets for babies, but these have proven to be inconvenient as they are often raised too high and are only ideal for very young babies (below 9-months-old) as they have a weight requirement (usually below 24 lbs) and have shallow sides for those that roll or can sit up.
FAA Certification
Not all baby carseats are made equal, after all, there is limited space on airplanes as compared to cars, and the difference is movement also needs to be considered to maximize security for children.
Make sure that the car seat you plan on taking on the plane with you has FAA Certification which is a mark in red that entitles the owner to use the carseat on airplanes.
All car seat manufacturers are required to state whether their carseat has FAA Certification or not and this will be written in red lettering with a plane logo to make it easy to find.
Regulations and Recommendations
Always be aware that airplane seats are differently designed from car seats, and a car seat will need to be compatible with airplane seats to be used appropriately and safely.
The following regulations and recommendations have been put in place or your convenience in choosing the best carseat for airplane use:
- Ensure that the carseat you plan on using has FAA certification.
- The average airline seat is 16 inches wide; you will want to make sure you bring a car seat that fits this frame or calls the airline first for more specific measurements.
- Make sure your child will have a place to use the car seat, get to the airport early and request any vacate and unoccupied seats (if available) or buy your child a seat at a discounted price.
- Make sure the airline is aware that you will be using a children carseat. A children carseats are NOT recommended to be placed by any exit row for the child own safety and also not to block passage areas. It is recommended that a car seat is placed by the window or in the middle of a three seat lane.
- Get a car seat with a carrying bag (or can be bought separately, see car seat carriers below), or ask the airline in advance for assistance. A bulky carseat, plus luggage and a child can be difficult to lug around especially if you have a connecting flight.
Who Should Use a Baby Car Seat?
When using a baby car seat in a vehicle, specifications may vary depending on many different variables such as height, weight, and age.
However, when using a carseat on an airplane, the main variable to consider is weight. Any child over 40lbs is recommended to be in a regular airline seat and use a regulation seatbelt.
For children between 20-40lbs, it is recommended that either a forward facing car seat is used or the CARES system which will be provided by the airline. The Cares system compromises of a harness system that attaches to the seat and onto a child like a five point harness would.
However, not all airlines provide this option. So it is advised that you call ahead and ask if this service is provided or you can either use your front facing babycarseat providing it adheres to FAA regulations or buy a CARES system at Amazon which is FAA certified too.
Any child under 20lbs is recommended to be in a standard rear facing FAA approved carseat though.
Car Seat Installation
Each car seat manufacturer will have different instructions for installation onto an airplane seat.
For easier installation, it is suggested that the airline seat is reclined first to allow more space for the base to fit and for easy access to the seatbelt which will need to be looped onto the baby carseat for stability.
If the airline seat belt is too short, know that you always have the option of asking for an extender from the flight crew. Check out this informative video on how to strap a babycarseat correctly and securely.
Top Rear-Facing Carseats For Babies and Toddlers
If you are looking to buy the best carseat for airplane to prepare for your next trip with your child, you are in the right place!
We have made your life easier by scouring the web and gathered the best baby car seat with FAA approved and written a summary for each car seat. Check them out below.
Top Front-Facing CarSeats For Babies and Toddlers
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Car Seat Carriers for Airports
Though car seats may provide a very welcome extra element of security, they could also be inconvenient as their size and weight need to be accounted for as well.
Airport stop-over and connecting flights might prove to be difficult with the extra baggage of a car seat. There are few products; however, that may help you make bringing a car seat around more convenient. These products are as follows:
Takeaway
So, there you have it. We hope that this post is helpful and also has help you to select the best carseat for airplane use for your upcoming flying trip with your children.
You don’t have to compromise on convenience for the sake of safety. Know what your options are and provide your child with the best of comfort while optimizing your baby safety while traveling on a plane.
Source Here: The 11 FAA Approved Best Carseat For Airplane Use To Keep Babies Safe
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