Parents go to great lengths to keep children safe

at home and on the road. But what about in the

air? When you’re traveling by airplane, an

approved child restraint system (CRS) is the only

way to make sure your little one will be safe in

the event of turbulence or an emergency.

Turbulence is air movement that normally

cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly.

It can be created by many different conditions,

including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air

around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts

or thunderstorms. Turbulence can even occur

when the sky appears to be clear.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

strongly urges you to secure your child in an

appropriate restraint based on weight and size.

Turbulence can happen with little or no

warning. And when it does, the safest place

for your child is in a CRS, not in an adult’s

lap. Your arms just aren’t capable of holding

your child securely, especially when turbulence

is unexpected. Keeping your child in a CRS for

the duration of the flight is the smart and right

thing to do so that everyone in your family

arrives safely at your destination.

Play it safe

when flying

with your child.

Federal Aviation Administration

www.faa.gov

Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation Administration

Childproof

your flight.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions

for using a CRS. Be sure that the shoulder straps

are properly adjusted and fasten the airplane

seat belt around the CRS as tightly as possible. 

Do not place a child in a CRS designed for a

smaller or larger child than indicated in the

manufacturer’s instructions. The FAA

recommends that a child weighing:

• Less than 20 pounds use a 

rear-facing CRS.

• From 20 to 40 pounds use a 

forward-facing CRS.

• More than 40 pounds use an 

airplane seat belt.

While booster seats and harness vests enhance

safety in vehicles, the FAA prohibits passengers

from bringing these types of devices on airplanes

for use during taxi, take-off and landing.

They should be checked as baggage. Also,

supplemental lap restraints or “belly belts” are

banned for use in both airplanes and vehicles in

the United States.

It’s a good idea to bring this brochure with you

when you travel. For more information, visit

www.faa.gov. And remember that adults

should wear their seat belts at all times while on

board, too, because turbulence happens!

Make sure you’re

cleared for take-off. Keep your little one safe

when you’re in the air.

✓ Make sure your CRS is government

approved and has “This restraint is

certified for use in motor vehicles

and aircraft” printed on it.

Otherwise, you may be asked to

check the CRS as baggage.

✓ Measure the width of your CRS. 

It should fit in most airplane seats

if it is no wider than 16 inches. 

✓ Ask your airline for a discounted

fare. Many airlines now offer

discounts of up to 50 percent for

children less than two years of age.

Purchasing a ticket for your child is

the only way to guarantee that you

will be able to use a CRS.

✓ Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS

must be placed in a window seat

so it will not block the escape path

in an emergency. A CRS may not

be placed in an exit row.

✓ If you do not purchase a ticket for

your child, ask if your airline will

allow you to use an empty seat. 

If your airline’s policy allows this,

avoid the busiest days and times to

increase the likelihood of finding an

empty seat next to you.

✓ Ask your airline if they can provide

a CRS for your child. If so, you may

not be permitted to bring your

own CRS on board and may need

to check it as baggage.

✓ Arrange for your airline to assist

you if you need help making a

connecting flight. Carrying a CRS, 

a child and luggage through a 

busy airport can be challenging.

✓ Pack a bag of toys and snacks to

keep your child occupied during

the flight. 

✓ And, of course, always use a 

CRS in your vehicle when driving

to and from the airport—or

anywhere!