Lap children on planes

[MommyBryn]

I am fully aware that a child in their own seat (carseat as well) on the plane is the safest option, so please no lecture there. However we'll be traveling with a large group this winter and at this point can only afford one seat for the girls (we'll have a 2.5 year old and a 7.5 month old). My 2.5 year old will have to have the seat since she's over 2, so my little one will be the lap child. I've read that they don't allow babies to be in slings/carriers on planes? (why that's any different than the child on my lap, I don't know... )

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Your best bet would be to contact the individual airlines and find out their policy.

 

[tjmw2727]

No they don't allow any type of sling/carrier etc. The child has to be on your lap outside of the seatbelt. If your child is attached to ou he/she will act as your airbag in the event of turbulance etc.

It is probably clearly listed on your airlines website here is the quote from AA as one example:

" Non-Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices:

Any device without an approval label
Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
Vest and/or harness-type devices
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 "

Delta and SWA have similar wording in their websites. You should be able to find the information in the FAQ or travel policies, then traveling with children.

TJ

 

[all4fun]

The rule is an FAA one, so it will not vary by airline.

And you can use a carrier or sling during the flight, just not during take off, landing, or taxi (when the plane is moving on the ground).

hth

 

[tjmw2727]

The rule is an FAA one, so it will not vary by airline.

And you can use a carrier or sling during the flight, just not during take off, landing, or taxi (when the plane is moving on the ground).

hth

Right it is an FAA rule, thanks for clarifying. I should have made that more clear but the OP should be able to find the working on their individual airlines website as well.

But - I woudn't count on using a sling or carrier ore even the baby b air during the flight anymore. Many arilines are instructing the FA's to prohibit the use alltogether and the wording on the airlines website backs this up.

Apparently to many parents were using the devices during take off and landing against instruction so most of the airlines, under pressure of heavy fines, have banned them entirely.

TJ