Infant front carrier on the airplane?

[Spart02]

Does anyone know if you are able to keep an infant in a front carrier throughout the entire time on the flight? Or do you have to take the baby out for take-off and landing? Thanks!

 

[Geoff_M]

Edited: Never mind, I didn't see you were talking about baby slings and such...

 

[FatElvis]

Everything I've heard is that you are not allowed to keep them in the carrier, at least during takeoff and landing. I assume you're talking about a bjorn or snuggli type carrier?

 

[NotUrsula]

The FA bans them during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seat belt light is turned on, because in the event of a sudden decelleration, the baby would end up acting as a de facto airbag for the adult.

Most airlines go the FAA one better, and will have FA's insist that you take off the carrier and place it in the overhead bin if you are still wearing it when they do the pre-flight check. (The logic for this being that if there is turbulence and the FA's are told to stay seated, they will not be able to come and make sure that you have indeed taken the baby out of the carrier.)

They are very useful for boarding and debarkation, but you'll want to take it off and store it once you reach your seat.

The issue of FAA approval stickers is for carseats, not soft carriers. In that case, the sticker reads: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." (It does not mention the FAA by name.)

 

[Spart02]

Thanks! I really appreciate the info!

 

[tjmw2727]

My experience is the same as Not Ursula's and I have seen the FA ask the parent to put the snugli in the overhead as well. One flight the mom was very upset as she was really counting on wearing the baby, I was afraid it was going to become a problem but she evenutally relented and put away the snugli.

Just in case anyone (not necessarily the OP) wants verification here is the quote from American Airlines:
"
FAA Non-Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices
The following may not be used when an infant seat or child restraint device is required:
Any device without an approval label
Booster seats without an approval label or shoulder harness
Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

All major carriers have the same or simlar restriction in the travel tips or FAQ section.

I will add that IMHO a snugli or sling is excellent for traveling, around the airport and such you just don't want to wear it on the aircraft.

TJ

 

[dougsmom98]

I was allowed to use it the entire time on one leg of my Delta flight last year, but not during take off and landing on the second leg of the flight. I didn't know that I shouldn't have used it for take off and landing until the second flight attendant alerted me to it. I'm glad I had it in the airport and during the flight. My daughter was not feeling well and slept most of the flight so it was nice to have my hands free for a lot of the time.

 

[disneymomof6]

my experiences have been... not allowed to use it through security (obviously) and when I boarded the plane I was told as I walked by the FA's that it would have to be stowed.... This was with all airlines I have traveled on... it is a FAA regulation... still was nice at airport between flights when wandering around.