A quick question about that form you print off when flying

VLsMom · Aug 1, 2007

From the FAA.

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/media/childsafety.pdf

It says to forward-face a child weighing between 20 and 40 lbs.

So what evidence would convince a flight attendant or a pilot to keep my 27 lb daughter rear-facing?
Maybe printing off that sheet explaining the benefits of rear-facing a child?

sfeitler · Aug 1, 2007

Or just lie about her weight. Not likely they'll weigh her.

-Sarah

VLsMom · Aug 1, 2007

I suppose. But she looks much heavier than 20 lbs...LOL.

sfeitler · Aug 1, 2007

Yeah, they might look at you sideways.

I have to say, only once was I really challenged about rear-facing my DD1, before she was 2 years old; and that was by an FA who was convinced no one could ride safely RF on a plane, because the plane seats fold forward in a crash, I guess? Anyway, we stood our ground, and eventually another FA got her to go away. But I know other folks here have been challenged, so who knows. I have encountered some minor questioning, along the lines of "are you sure that seat is installed correctly" and "can that seat be used rear-facing" to which I just answer yes, and put on my very most confident smile or grimace, depending on how tired I am from travelling.

-Sarah

CandCfam · Aug 1, 2007

It also says this before that entry:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for using a CRS.

So, while the FAA recommend 20 and over to FF, they also say to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which say to keep a child RF to the limits of the seat.:thumbsup:
Make sure to take your CSR user manual with you.

bensmom · Aug 1, 2007

IMO, the FAA flyer is outdated, from when RF seats didn't go above 20 pounds. I've only had a problem once from a flight attendant about a RF seat for an older child (and she said it was fine as long as the person in front of us didn't mind not reclining).

On my next flight, with my 26 pounds 16 month old, I plan to take the FAA Advisory Circular 120-87A with me. It is more clear (IMO) that as long as you install the child restraint on a forward facing aircraft seat, you should follow the labeling for the correct direction. Here's a link to the advisory circular:
http://tinyurl.com/22c9no

HTH!

MomToEliEm · Aug 1, 2007

I always take along the official FAA guidelines, not the child safety pamphlet they give out. It is much easier to prove your point when you have the full documentation in your hand about following the seat instructions when seat is in use.

LaurensMommy · Aug 1, 2007

Wow, I have flown 4 times with my daughter, all after she turned one and nobody ever questioned me when I installed her Marathon RF'ing. They all asked me if I needed help installing the seat or if I was OK doing it myself.

sfeitler · Aug 1, 2007

bensmom said:
On my next flight, with my 26 pounds 16 month old, I plan to take the FAA Advisory Circular 120-87A with me. It is more clear (IMO) that as long as you install the child restraint on a forward facing aircraft seat, you should follow the labeling for the correct direction. Here's a link to the advisory circular:
http://tinyurl.com/22c9no

Thanks for that link! I'd only ever seen the pamphlet, never the full advisory. It was interesting reading. (You know you're a carseat geek when...)

-Sarah

VLsMom · Aug 1, 2007

bensmom said:
IMO, the FAA flyer is outdated, from when RF seats didn't go above 20 pounds. I've only had a problem once from a flight attendant about a RF seat for an older child (and she said it was fine as long as the person in front of us didn't mind not reclining).

On my next flight, with my 26 pounds 16 month old, I plan to take the FAA Advisory Circular 120-87A with me. It is more clear (IMO) that as long as you install the child restraint on a forward facing aircraft seat, you should follow the labeling for the correct direction. Here's a link to the advisory circular:
http://tinyurl.com/22c9no

HTH!

thanks! Helpful indeed.

A quick question about that form you print off when flying

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