Does a 4 year old HAVE to have a carseat on airplane?

[DisneyClown]

If they are 4 years old and under 40 lbs., do they have to be in a carseat on plane, or is that just the recommendation and they could just have the regular seatbelt on the plane?
We're flying Southwest, if that makes any difference.

 

[okw2012]

If they are 4 years old and under 40 lbs., do they have to be in a carseat on plane, or is that just the recommendation and they could just have the regular seatbelt on the plane?
We're flying Southwest, if that makes any difference.

It is not required. But it does reduce the risk of injuries in case of an incident at landing, just like in a car in fact. I can't understand why DOT does not simply require airlines to provide passengers with child seats!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

No need for a car seat for any child.

 

[goofy4tink]

My dd started flying at 3, no car seat or booster for her. But, she was also very tall for her age.

 

[helenk]

we took my grand-daughter to WDW this past October, she is 4 and 1/2, but petite, we flew Southwest and did not take a car seat.
She sat in the seat fine during the flight, and kept her seat belt on, she was fine.

 

[lizzytizzy]

I actually saw some little kids on planes with their own seatbelts. I think their mom brought it with them. Looks like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rent-my-CARES-Kids-Fly-Safe-airplane-seat-belt-harness-/320709396978

http://kidsflysafe.com/

 

[kaytieeldr]

It is not required. But it does reduce the risk of injuries in case of an incident at landing, just like in a car in fact. I can't understand why DOT does not simply require airlines to provide passengers with child seats!

The DOT might expect parents - not airlines - to take responsibility.

A child on a plane is safer in a carseat than on someone's lap. But any child capable of sitting in a chair without assistance is perfectly fine using the airline restraint system (properly).

The space between seats is generally minimal. Whenever possible, if someone insists on putting an older/taller child in a carseat on a flight, please put a member of your own party in the seat in front of that child.

 

[Southernswthrt]

My daughter is 19 months and we'll be flying for the first time with her next week. I bought her an adult WGA fare and the CARES harness for convenience as opposed to her carseat because I'll be flying alone. I personally believe that will be safer than holding her in my lap.

The answer to your question is no, but the CARES harness could be used along with the plane's regular seatbelt. I believe it can be used until a child is 40 lbs or so.

 

[DisneyClown]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I think we'll be ok then. I bought my kids both an adult WGA fare. My 16 month old is still in the high back carseat but my 4 year old is in a backless booster now (not allowed on plane). I am bringing carseat for 16 month old (I thought it was required) because he will sit still better in it for plane ride anyhow, but I think my 4 year old will be fine in the plane's seatbelt. Just didn't want to find out a carseat is required for her because of her weight. Thanks for info!!