How picky is AirTran??

[3SmilingFaces]

We are flying AirTran. We have a carseat we are using for our baby. Can't find the FAA approved sticker anywhere. Will they even check? Are they pretty picky about checking the stickers on the carseats?

 

[sam_gordon]

My .02...

Unless there are enough people on Dis to cover EVERY FA/gate agent AirTran has, I think the answer is "you need a sticker."

Situation 1: Everybody on Dis says "nope, never been asked". You get on board and aren't checked.
Situation 2: Everybody on Dis says "nope, never been asked". You get on board and get asked... no sticker, can't use the car seat.
Situation 3: Someone on Dis says "yup, they checked mine". You need the sticker.

Depends how you want to play the odds. Will you have a backup plan in case they refuse the carseat?

 

[ccgirl]

We are flying AirTran. We have a carseat we are using for our baby. Can't find the FAA approved sticker anywhere. Will they even check? Are they pretty picky about checking the stickers on the carseats?

First, let me say I love AirTran. I was so hesitant to fly them due to the negative reviews. Flew last week and absolutely loved them. I found the plane more cramped but everything else was better than I had experienced on SW. I even called and got a credit due to my flight going down. I would say to call AirTran to be sure. I have taken car seats on the plane before and have never been asked for the sticker. I know they are strict with the size of their luggage. I would just call them. Good luck and have a great flight.

 

[vicki_c]

I think Sam's answer is excellent. No matter what anyone has experienced in the past, if the policy is that it needs the sticker, you need the sticker. You could just be the 1 person out of a million that they decide to ask.

 

[jsilvers]

Federal regulations (specifically, 14 C.F.R. § 121.311) require a car seat to be labeled as approved if it is to be used in-flight; it’s not something that AirTran can waive.

That doesn’t mean that every airline consistently checks ... but remember that it’s not just the airline that can get in trouble; the FAA also periodically fines individuals for violations of its safety rules.

Also, if you can't find the sticker, there's a chance that it isn't just missing but the seat actually isn't FAA approved, and you could be putting your child at risk by using it in-flight.