Proper use of an approved child restraint system (CRS) on an aircraft enhances child safety in the event of turbulence or an accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that all children who fly, regardless of their age, use the appropriate restraint based on their size and weight.

BEFORE YOU FLY

• Ensure that your CRS is suitable for travel. Check for a label with red text reading "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
• Check the width of your CRS. While airline seats vary in width, All U.S. manufactured Britax child restraints, certified for aircraft, are narrow enough to fit in airline seats.
• Ask the airline if they offer a discounted fare for a child traveling in a CRS. Purchasing an airline ticket (discounted or full fare) for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS.
• Check with the airline to determine their busiest days and times. By avoiding these times, you are more likely to be on a flight with an empty seat next to you. In many cases, airlines will allow you to seat your child under two years of age in your CRS in the empty airplane seat without having to pay the airline fare for the child. Be sure to ask your airline for its policy regarding an empty seat.
• If you purchase a ticket for your child, 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 need to change planes to make a connecting flight, it can be very challenging to transport a CRS, a child, and luggage through a busy airport. Most airlines will help parents make the connection if they can arrange for assistance in advance.
• Be prepared to ask the flight attendant for a "belt extender" to see if this makes the installation easier.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT CRS