Ever since I have heard the story of United Airlines Flight 232 which crashed in Sioux city, and heard about senior flight attendant Jan Brown Lohr's experience, my feelings on this matter have solidified.
Jan "was forced by regulation to ask parents with "lap babies" (children without seats) aboard flight 232 to place their children on the cabin floor during the flight's final moments before impact. One of four children died from smoke inhalation. The deceased child's mother came to her at the crash site and stated "You told me to put my baby on the floor and now he's gone." Since then, Lohr has tirelessly lobbied in Washington D.C. to promote the safety of children on all civilian aircraft and airlines, asking that federal regulations require all children to have a seatbelt on every flight."
While the cost may be more upfront when buying a seat for your infant on a flight, the safety of your child is worth much more. Please consider buying a seat for your infant on your next vacation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at lisa@traveldivalisa.com or call 330-329-9178. Thank you!
We flew with two kids and took the seat (rated for flight) on the plane. The problem was it was very difficult to buckle into the seat and it had to be placed on the inside (not aisle) seat. This was very hard to do and we really struggled to get it latched before take off.
ReplyDeletePerhaps some airlines, who now accommodate larger individuals with wider seats, might consider parents' needs. Not every flight is booked solid. If they made some flights parent friendly without too much more added cost, it would be a good thing. Considering they are nickel and diming you for extra bags, you'd think that there could be a way to help parents help their children be safe.
Thank you for your comment -- I absolutely agree! If they are going to charge you for the seat, they should provide a better way to strap the child in the seat.
ReplyDeleteUntil the airlines get off their butts and do this, one suggestion is to ask a flight attendant for an extender (often used for larger passengers). This would give you a longer belt to work with and may make it easier when strapping in your child and their car seat.