Airplane Travel with Children

Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to passengers aboard airplanes. Although child safety seats are not required on airplanes, they can be extremely effective in reducing injuries due to air turbulence.

Airlines allow use of some child safety seats on airplanes if the seats have labels stating they meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The following guidelines can help families protect their children:

• Choose a child safety that has a label stating it is approved for use on aircraft.
  
  
• Infant only, convertible child safety seats, and forward facing seats with harnesses can be used on aircraft.
  
  
• Booster seats or vests are NOT allowed, even if certification labels are present.
  
  
• Child safety seats with a width of 16” or less will fit best on airline seats.
  
  
• Child safety seats are installed with the airline seats’ lap belts.
  
  
• Child safety seats should be installed in window seats.
  
  
• Tethers cannot be anchored on aircraft.
  
  
• Children over 40 pounds should use the aircraft seat belts.
  
  
• To guarantee child passengers can use their child safety seats on the aircraft, they must have their own seating assignments.
  
  
• Always read and follow child safety seat manufacturer instructions.

By using a child safety seat on an airplane, your child will ride safer during the flight and have access to his or her own child safety seat upon arrival at your destination. For more information, you can visit the FAA website at www.faa.gov.