– European car seat: the seat must have a TÜV-approved sticker with the words “Certified for use on aircraft”. The car seat must be suitable for use on board an airplane: It is generally around 44 cm for economy class.
The car seat must not exceed a certain width which differs according to the company and the chosen travel class. It turns out that in terms of safety and comfort, it is better to use a shell in this position (strictly prohibited in the car, let’s remember), than to have a baby travel on his knees. It is therefore not uncommon to see hulls installed in the direction of travel. The approved car seat must face the front of the device: Some companies only allow front-facing car seats. In all cases, it is the on-board personnel who have the last word, so find out beforehand. How do I know if a car seat is approved for use on board an airplane?Ĭheck the rules of your American Airlines company to let them know that you want your child to travel in their car seat. In all cases, it is imperative to contact the airline before your trip, to specify that your child will be traveling in a car seat.įor safety reasons on board, it is also advisable to place the seat on the window side so as not to hinder the exit of other passengers in an emergency. In some devices, only a few rows are reserved for the use of a car seat. You may also be asked to have the car seat specifically approved for air travel. If necessary, the on-board personnel have the right to refuse installation. To be used on board an airplane, a car seat must always be approved. But depending on the company, you can also make it travel in a car seat or with an approved restraint device. On the other hand, a child over 2 years old must then travel on his own reserved place. Know that it is possible for your child to have their own place, and to travel safely in their car seat, but of course this has a price. A few years ago, ten passengers were injured aboard an American Airlines flight due to turbulence. Turbulence, although most often predictable, can also be sudden or particularly severe.Īnd incidents are not rare on this subject, several injuries are recorded each month. If the take-off and landing phases are the most critical moments of a flight, the danger remains present during the so-called “cruise” phase, when the airplane has reached its flight altitude. TÜV Rheinland, which is a product certification body, advises parents to reserve a separate place for their child and secure the car seat there.Īir travel, despite its extreme reliability, represents certain dangers that are often overlooked by the general public. However, for safety reasons, it is preferable to have your child travel with a support device adapted to his morphology.
Since July 16, 2008, children seated in an airplane on mum or dad’s lap must be secured with an additional belt.
Do we have to reserve a place for a child under 2 years old? How to make your child travel safely?įor economic reasons, under 2 years old, it is certain that having your child travel on his knees is the cheapest solution. Many parents ask themselves these questions when planning an airplane trip. Child Luggage on Plane: What Conditions Does American Airlines Apply?