Child Restraints and Airplanes

updated 06-05-08

FAA Regulations

FAA Recommendations and Information

Additional Resources and Information

FAA Regulations
Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations do not require that all children be restrained on aircraft. Instead, children younger than 2 years old are permitted to be held on the lap of an adult even during takeoff, landing, and conditions of turbulence. However, all child passenger safety researchers, advocates, and educators - and the FAA - agree that using a child restraint system on board an airplane is the safest way for an infant or small child to fly.

Most current infant-only and convertible child restraints have passed the testing criteria that allow them to be certified for use on aircraft. FAA regulations prohibit the use of most harness/vest restraints and all booster seats on board airplanes.

Note: Airlines are not required to allow the use of certified child restraints. Parents may have to purchase a ticket or travel on low-occupancy flights to assure a seat for a child under age two. Adults flying with young children are urged to make arrangements in advance with the airline, and get written confirmation of the airline's approval for use of the child restraint on the flight. 

FAA Recommendations and Information
The FAA provides useful information about flying with children, including "Security Procedures at the Airport" and " Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Children," on their website. Following is child safety information and recommendations posted on the FAA "Flying with Children" web site:

Child Safety on Airplanes
Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap?

A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

A child safety device is an FAA-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles. For example, the FAA has approved a new harness-type device appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.

The FAA strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do.

Print out this section or the brochure (PDF) to take with you when you travel.

Cleared For Take-off

• The CRS must bear a label or markings showing FAA approval under Section 21.305(d) and be clearly marked “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only”.
• 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.
• Make sure a child safety device is approved and has "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it.
• 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 old. Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS or device.
• Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS should be placed in a window seat so it will not block the escape path in an emergency. Do not place a CRS in an exit row.
• If you do not buy 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 help 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.

Keep Your Little One Safe When You're in the Air.

Be sure the shoulder straps are properly adjusted and fasten the airplane seat belt around the CRS or device.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a CRS. 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
• A child may also use an alternative device, such as a harness-type device, if it is approved by the FAA. The FAA has approved one device appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. This type of device is not safe for use in motor vehicles.

While booster seats and harness vests enhance safety in vehicles, FAA prohibits passengers from bringing these types of devices on airplanes for use during taxi, take-off and landing. These devices should be checked as baggage. Also, supplemental lap restraints or "belly belts" are not approved for use in both airplanes and vehicles in the United States.

The FAA controls the approval of some but not all CRSs. Additional information is available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Additional Resources and Information

Safe Ride News
Article: Airline Travel With Kids—Hints From Seasoned Travelers (May/ June 2002)
Fact sheet: Safer Airplane Travel with Babies & Toddlers English - Spanish

American Academy of Pediatrics
Restraint Use on Aircraft: Policy statement of the AAP Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention (November 2001 / Reaffirmed May 2005)

Federal Aviation Administration
Flying with Children website
For more information call: 1-80O-FAA-SURE (1-800-322-7873)

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