My husband and I want to go to Hawaii and take our daughter who will be 3 at that time. Will she need her own plane seat, or can she just sit on one of our laps??
2006-08-26 07:47:39 · 13 answers · asked by me 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
As for the weight thing, right now she is 2 1/2 and barely weights 24lbs. She is VERY tiny and petite. And also a VERY GOOD traveler. We travel about once a month to our place in Arizona (4 1/2 hrs away) and she will sit in her car seat the whole time and not complain, so for running in the aisles, that would not happen. As for the safety issue, I can understand that.
2006-08-26 08:42:59 · update #1
Up until a child's 2nd birthday, federal law allows that child to be a lap child, and does not require that they have their own seat. At the age of 2 years, however, federal law states that the child must occupy their own seat. You may take an FAA approved child seat if you wish.
2006-08-26 08:28:44 · answer #1 · answered by wingnut 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do believe , like a car seat that children over a certain age or weight are required to have their own individual seat. You should really check with the airline you'll be flying with. But I would think in case there is a crash a child on parent's lap might be in more danger than strapped into a seat of their own.
2006-08-26 07:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that all passengers fly buckled up at all times. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends car seat use in aircraft by all children up to 40 pounds. For children who no longer fit into car seats with harnesses, lap belts must be used. The lap belt will help restrain a child in case of “clear air turbulence” (rough air.) This is common, and can cause injury. It can also happen without warning. A child, riding on your lap, could be torn from your arms during this turbulance or an air crash. Buckling the child in with you, in your seatbelt, is also a no no. The child could be easily crushed by your body during rough air, and sustain serious injury. The aircraft's seat belt will likely fit an average, or larger child better than a lap belt in a motor vehicle. It's important to note that a snug fit may not be possible for small, thin children, (with the lapbelt.) In that case, use a carseat that meets FCC guidelines. (It should be noted on the carseats' safety label.) FAA recommends using car seats that have this label: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” Aircraft seats are different from motor vehicle seats, so some auto products work differently and fit differently in them. For best fit, use a seat less than 16 inches wide. Booster seats or child vests are not allowed. A booster seat made for use with a lap-shoulder belt cannot be used, because there is no shoulder belt for upper-body restraint. However, if the booster seat also has a harness for children under 40 pounds and your child is under that weight, you can usually use it with the harness on an aircraft. (Check with your chosen airline.)Harnesses that hold a baby on a parent’s lap, (belly belts) are NOT permitted, even if claiming to meet FAA standards. Crash tests have shown that car safety vests, and booster seats with shields, may not protect a child in an aircraft seat. Therefore, they are not allowed, even though some very old models came with labels stating they are certified for aircraft use. On the positive side: keep in mind, purchasing a child’s ticket entitles you to two more carry-ons plus a car seat. (If you use one.) Many airlines do offer discounts for young children as well. Plan to bring along things to keep your child entertained. Activities or games that are easy to handle and clean up, are great, such as Etch-a-Sketch or Color Wonder Finger Paints (which require no water.) There are many websites with further information on airline safety, and requirements for young children. You should ask questions of your prospective airline as well, to ascertain it's individual policies concerning your child. I wish you good luck, and a safe trip for you and your family.
2006-08-26 09:22:15 · answer #3 · answered by the lady wears black 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the maximum age a child can sit on the parents lap is 2 years old.
2006-08-26 07:51:56 · answer #4 · answered by tooqerq 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes she does. I know because I worked for an airline the maximum age is 2 to sit on your parents lap. sorry!! you also need a car seat for her to sit in.
2006-08-26 07:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by Sky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in case of emergency she needs her own seat with own seat belt. besides she will end up running around the aisle on such a long flight unless she has her own seat.
2006-08-26 07:52:34 · answer #6 · answered by foxfirevigil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on her weight class, but I would recommend it for safety. I take it you've never flown with a 3 year old, lol, trust me, you want her to have her own seat.
Have a great time in the tropics!!!!
2006-08-26 07:52:02 · answer #7 · answered by alysinvunderland 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What they said. Besides if shes on your knee the whole time, it might go to sleep, and flying is uncomfortable enough as it is. Have a great holiday!
2006-08-26 07:56:12 · answer #8 · answered by Steph :-) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes cheapskate. I know I'd be pissed off as hell if I was sitting next to somebody holding a three year old on their lap.
2006-08-26 08:11:28 · answer #9 · answered by scarletbegonias9 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes she needs her own seat so that you will be able to seat her in a car seat for saftey
2006-08-26 07:56:37 · answer #10 · answered by spacecase 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋