Originally Posted by
Eclipsepearl
Remember that a solo parent with two under-2's can only have one on the lap. The other has to have a seat so they wouldn't be affected.
Even this is not necessarily applicable everywhere as here in Canada, we do not permit a single parent or guardian to be responsible for two infants:
Transport Canada FAQ: Can an adult travel with two children under the age of two? If not, why?
The air carrier is supposed to take into consideration the number of persons on board (including lap held infants) and ensure that there is a sufficient amount of safety equipment to meet the needs of each person. This includes oxygen and flotation equipment. So, as Eclipsepearl noted, today's reservation systems should be sophisticated enough to be programed to advise the air carrier or the passenger when there is going to be a potential problem.
As for being able to successfully hold on to an infant on your lap,
Newton's Second Law is a tough one to argue with and things can happen very quickly in the air...
MAJOR TURBULENCE RESULTS IN 17 INJURIES ON 2 FLIGHTS.
Date: Dec 6, 1996
Severe turbulence rocked an American Airlines flight over Colorado on Thursday, throwing passengers out of their seats and injuring 16 people on board, including a 7-month-old child.
...
Most of the injured, 14 passengers and two crew members, suffered minor head and neck injuries, bruises and cuts. Eleven were taken by ambulance to local hospitals, where most were treated and released.
The injured infant, Jacob Converse of Tooele, Utah, was treated for a minor head injury. His mother, Terra Converse, was unhurt.
Full article here...