Originally Posted by MrMan
My understanding is that studies show that families will end of driving rather than paying for the seat. A baby is statistically safer in a lap on a plane than in a car seat driving.
There are always more accidents in cars than on airplanes. That said, if you fly in an airplane, you can play the statistical gamble of holding a child on your lap and the odds will be in your favor. Nothing should happen. But if I were the parent, such odds wouldn't be good enough for me.