FAA Approved Car Seat Label

[MPeter]

Okay, taking our DS (2.5) on his first flight in a couple months. We're flying Southwest and will be bringing his car seat for use on the plane. I checked instruction manual that came with the seat and it does say it is FAA approved. So, I figured we're good to go.

A coworker recently told me to make sure there is an "FAA Approved" label somewhere on the car seat, as she recently had some problems getting on a Delta flight with her car seat. They couldn't locate the FAA label on the seat.

I know there are lots of Southwest veterans here, so could someone let me know what to expect? Do I need to make sure there is a so-called FAA label somewhere on the car seat. I did a quick check yesterday and couldn't see anything on it.

It's a Graco ComfortSport convertible car seat (purchased new 2 years ago).

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, the seat must have the label, or you may be denied the right to use it by a Flight Attendant. The label is normally affixed on the side of the seat shell, and might be slightly obscured by the upholstery; check under the edges.

The tricky thing is that the label does NOT mention the FAA. The wording is set by US federal law (Code of Federal Regulations, 14CFR121.311), and this is it:

(1) ‘‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor
vehicle safety standards’’; and (2) ‘‘THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED
FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT’’ in red lettering.

If your label has been removed, call the seat mfr.; they may be able to send you a new label to put on the seat.

 

[MPeter]

Thank you!

Going to look for that today. Don't want to be any surprises at the airport.

 

[dzorn]

Manufactures will not send a replacement label. The user could put it on any seat. If you cannot find the label the best bet is to bring the instruction booklet with you. Mark the page that indicates it meet requirements. You may also look at the book to see where the label is suppose to be.

Denise

 

[MPeter]

(1) ‘‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor
vehicle safety standards’’; and (2) ‘‘THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED
FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT’’ in red lettering.

Found it! Was on the left side near the base of the seat in very small lettering (red like you said). Glad I wasn't looking for it at the airport in a panic. Thanks!