Car seat location on plane

[Carrieannew]

I did a quick google search but was not fully understanding. I am traveling with my son (15 months at the time) and my daughter who will turn 13 on our trip.

I purchased seats for all of us. And I will be bringing his car seat. But my question is does the seat have to go by the window or can it go in the middle seat?

Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

On most planes it must go in the window seat.

 

[policycobb]

Car seats are supposed to go by the window. I flew several times on SW and we were able to sit with our daughter in the middle seat between us. I did have to have the flight attendant's approval.

 

[1tufgt]

Most flights will ask you to put the seat by the window due to easy exiting in case of a emergency.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you are on a plane with a configuration of two sets of side seats and a row of middle seats, it can also go in the middle seat in the middle row. Otherwise, it's as others have already stated, it goes at the window.

 

[jsilvers]

Car seats are supposed to go by the window. I flew several times on SW and we were able to sit with our daughter in the middle seat between us. I did have to have the flight attendant's approval.

I'm not sure that the flight attendant should have allowed that. The FAA standard for where child restraint systems ("CRS") can be used is:

A window seat is the preferred location; however, other locations may be acceptable, provided the CRS does not block the egress of any passenger, including the child’s parent or guardian, to the aisle used to evacuate the aircraft.​

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/52b83b02fcc01375862577a60070fb65/$FILE/AC%20120-87B.pdf.

Since the child seat was between a passenger and the only aisle, perhaps its a question of how the word "block" should be interepreted.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I'm not sure that the flight attendant should have allowed that.

He/she should not have allowed this. How is the window seat passenger going to be able to quickly exit over a car seat? Not possible.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Your carseat must be FAA approved and have the label on it.