The recent emergency landing of a Delta Air Lines flight in Toronto has raised awareness about the hazards associated with flying while holding a young child in one’s lap. The plane turned upside down during the incident, creating significant challenges for parents trying to secure their infants in such conditions.
So far, it has not been confirmed whether the injured 18-month-old was seated on a parent’s lap. Fortunately, all 21 individuals who sustained injuries were discharged from the hospital. However, it’s important to note that young children have lost their lives in aviation accidents in the past. Despite a surge in aviation incidents lately, airline accidents are still uncommon, though children are particularly vulnerable to injuries during turbulence when they are not secured in a seat.
Experts suggest that for children under two, having an individual seat and using an approved car seat is the safest option, even if families need to purchase an extra ticket for that. However, due to the current regulations allowing infants to travel on a parent’s lap, many parents overlook these recommendations and continue to do so. Jan Brown, a former flight attendant, shared a tragic experience from 1989 when she witnessed a mother who lost her 22-month-old son due to a plane crash, leading her to become a strong advocate for the use of child seats.
Among the four children who were sitting on laps during that crash, three sustained injuries and the woman’s son was among the fatalities. In 2012, a 6-month-old boy was killed when a plane made a hard landing in Nunavut, Canada. More recently, three infants could have faced serious danger when a door plug unexpectedly detached during flight on an Alaska Airlines aircraft, but fortunately, they were not positioned near the opening.
Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and their Canadian counterpart, the Transportation Safety Board, have consistently recommended that young children travel in approved car seats for their safety. Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supports this measure, it has not mandated it, despite advocacy from safety advocates. In fact, the recommendation for specialized restraint systems for older children was made following multiple tragic accidents in North America decades ago.
NTSB member Tom Chapman highlighted the common financial concerns for parents traveling with young children, which can lead them to forgo buying an extra seat. He remarked on the misunderstanding parents have regarding the risks involved in not securing their children properly during flights. Not only do separate seats offer enhanced safety, but they can also alleviate the difficulties parents face when managing restless babies over long flights.
Car seat expert Michelle Pratt emphasized that families should take advantage of airline regulations and buy tickets for all passengers, regardless of age. She notes that the cost of a baby ticket can be less than that of a checked bag, suggesting that convenience and safety should take precedence.
Parent opinions on this issue vary. Some, like Clare Ronning, believe car seats are unnecessary, having traveled multiple times with her infant without one, viewing regulations as a form of money-making. Conversely, Meredith Tobitsch refuses to fly without a seat for her daughter, citing both safety and comfort as key factors. She noted that her child slept better in a car seat, resulting in a more enjoyable flying experience.
The FAA’s decision to not require tickets for children under two stems from a study from the 1990s, which suggested that mandating seats could lead families to opt for driving, a mode of travel statistically riskier than flying. Chapman argues that this rationale is outdated and merits reevaluation, especially considering the current lower costs for airline tickets.
Parent Andrea Arredondo acknowledged the possibility that mandatory seat purchases might deter her family from flying, given their already challenging logistics when traveling with multiple children. She expressed concern about managing three kids along with their car seats, stroller, and equipment, implying that the burden may outweigh the benefits.
Overall, these discussions surrounding child safety in aviation underscore the complexities families face when making travel decisions and the need for ongoing advocacy for children’s safety in the skies.
