Originally Posted by plasticman
I'm not 100% on this, but I think all seats have to be fwd facing on aircraft. Hopefully if I completely lost my mind, others will correct me. I know one dual seat we had (Graco maybe) could only be used facing forward. Maybe it was just that seat.
I've seen rumors to the same effect on Flyertalk off and on, but several years ago, when my kids were still rear-facing, I never had an AA FA mention that they must be forward facing. They faced the rear until they were a year old (same as in the car). Things may have changed since then.
Edit to add: AA says it can face rearward or forward:
FAA Approved Infant Seat or Child Restraint Device Seat Locations
If you are using an approved infant seat or child restraint device, please note that it...
May face toward the front or rear of the plane in accordance with instructions on child seat label
May not occupy an exit seat or the row in front of or behind an exit seat
May not occupy the space between a customer and an aisle
https://www.aa.com/content/travelInf...20Restrictions