FAA Safety Recommendations for Air Travel With Children
The Federal Aviation Administration has several recommendations for safe air travel with children, though in many instances individual airlines dictate safety guidelines. It is important to be familiar with safety recommendations well in advance of traveling with children, because some preparations will have to take place at home. Check the FAA's official website before traveling for the latest news releases and updates.
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Before Flying with a Child
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While the FAA mandates official identification for children under the age of 18 traveling internationally, the guidelines for domestic travel depends on the airline. Most airlines allow adult travel companions to present identification on behalf of the children they are flying with. Children under age 2 are usually allowed to ride in an adult's lap, but they will need a birth certificate or official shot record from a pediatrician's office to verify their age. Each airline has a different policy, so check with enough time to obtain the necessary identification in advance.
Airport Security
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The FAA has adopted Transportation Security Administration security regulations in all airports, and these rules can impact families with children. All passengers must go through airport security screening, including babies and children, though they will not be separated from their adult companion. Strollers and car seats will have to go through the scanning machines, so children will have to be removed before placing such items on the belt.
Though there are restrictions on the amount of liquids and gels that are allowed through security, special allowances are made for those traveling with children. Breast milk, formula, juices, baby food and liquid medications are allowed through security, and they are not required to be stored in a zip-top clear plastic bag like other liquids. These items will need to be declared to security personnel, and they may be tested for suspicious contents. Those traveling with children who have disabilities or special needs should let security personnel know so that special accommodations can be made.
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Child Safety Seats
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While the FAA recommends the use of approved child safety seats on board aircraft, they are not required. The FAA reasons that the cost of an extra ticket in order to accommodate a safety seat may be restrictive to families, and they may be forced to drive to reach their destinations. FAA studies show that driving can be a more dangerous method of travel for families than flying, so the use of child safety seats is not mandatory, keeping the safest travel option open to families.
There are several different kinds of child restraint systems that are approved for use on flights. Some car seats are approved for use as a restraint system by the FAA, and these are usually hardback. Check with the manufacturer for each model to determine FAA approval. There are also restraint systems that are FAA-approved, but cannot be used as a car seat in a vehicle.
Car seat manufacturers will list the appropriate weight limits for rear-facing or forward-facing positioning, which will apply on an airplane as well as in a car. Generally, the FAA recommends that children riding in a restraint system who are less than 20 lbs. should face the rear, children 20 to 40 lbs. in a restraint system should face forward, and children over 40 lbs. should use the provided lap belt.
Check the FAA official website for videos on restraint system installation. Follow flight crew instructions for holding lap children during takeoff and landing if not using a restraint system.
In Case of Emergency
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FAA regulations state that in the case of an in-air emergency, such as a loss of pressure in the cabin, adults should first secure their own oxygen masks and then assist their child. Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to sit in exit rows, as passengers in these rows may be called on to assist the flight crew in the case of an emergency. Specific procedures will be detailed by the flight crew before each flight, and they may differ based on the airline.
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