From America West's web site:


America West Airlines defines an infant as a child under 2 years (24 months) of age. There are two options available for infant passengers.

Lap Children
An infant which travels on the lap of the passenger is called a Lap Child. One infant per ticketed passenger 12 years or older will be accepted without charge.

Reserved Seating
For an infant to travel in their own seat, a ticket must be purchased. America West Airlines offers a 50% discount off the traveling adult fare for one (1) infant ticket per adult paying passenger, 12 years or older. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved child seat must be used. (emphasis added)


I would like to buy a separate seat for my 18 month old and use the regular seat belt (he's the size of an average 24 month old). Will the FA's have a problem with that?

(I posted this in the America West forum but got no responses).

I wouldn't think so!

I'm looking for some information, not a guess.

Obviously the FA wouldn't insist we remove the seat belt and just let him sit there unbelted. What I don't want to happen is my wife or I having to hold him during take-off and landing. What would be the point of buying the extra ticket?

I've been in this similar situation many times albeit several years ago and had no trouble - though it was admittedly never on HP. My understanding is that it supposedly depends on the childs weight and I've heard that others have at times been directed to hold the child. I'm afraid it may well be determined by the head FA responsible for your particular flight! Incidentally, a two year old with no shoulder strap, but just a seatbelt is not in the best shape either. Hope you make out well in any case!

Thanks for the info, doc. Why do you say that a two year old with just a lap belt is "not in the best shape"?

In the highly unlikely event that they actually need to depend on the belts, what you really need is an automobile type booster seat for the same reason as the car! It's a real hassle but it is worth it for many! Have a great flight!

Airplanes are not like automobiles. Shoulder belts are helpful in cars if you stop suddenly (as in, crashing into another car or a wall). If an airplane stops suddenly, it means you're dead.

Seat belts on airplanes are quite useful for combating the effects of turbulence. A simple lap belt on a child or an adult will do the trick (i.e., you stay stuck to the seat instead of flying around the cabin).

In the event of a survivable crash, it will take me longer to take my child out of a car seat than to unbuckle a lap belt. Time is precious in that circumstance.

As an owner of both a Saab and a BMW, two companies that made both of these "items", I'm acutely aware that cars are not aircraft! Under normal circumstances!

Will the standard adult seatbelt always be properly fastened? And moreover, will it possibly induce an injury to the infant/child in the event it is to exert pressure on their abdomen? I looked into it some years ago and came to a conclusion that suited me well! So we may well not agree! But now, it's up to you!

Fortunately, it's very likely to not matter one iota!

Have a great trip!

When I fly on British Airways, lap children are given seat belts that hook into the adult passengers belt. When I asked about these belts when flying on US airlines, I have been told the FAA does not allow them. I would like to know why?

I sent an e-mail to AWA. I wrote:

I would like to purchase a separate seat for my 20 month old child rather than hold him in my lap.

According to your web site, it states I must use an FAA approved child seat. Is this truly necessary for a child almost two years old? The lap belt should be sufficient, and certainly is safer than holding him.


Their response:

Thank you for visiting AmericaWest.com.

Children 2 and under can be free as lap children, or you can purchase a discounted child seat from our reservations department. Any child two and under in their own seat must have an FAA approved seat. It is very important for their safety, especially during take-off and landing.


I guess that answers my question!

FAA final rule on Child Restraint Systems

Summary: you can use a belly belt or a harness or vest-type belt during cruise (to protect against turbulence). You may not use them during take-off and landing per the FAA's third study on the issue.

If you are going to the expense of purchasing a seat for your child, why not use the travel/car seat he/she is used to? I always brought a car seat, even when I did not purchase a seat, in the event of a turbulent flight and for take offs and landings. If there was space available, in the olden days, I was able to use my child seat. My kids have travelled a lot and now understand that we always buckle up- in planes and in cars. As bulky as it is to travel with the car seat, it IMHO is worth the extra effort.

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I don't own a car seat as I do not drive. Even if I did, I would not want to add a car seat to the load I already bring on the plane.

My understanding is that it's based on weight...

squeakr, I did ask America West. Read further up where I posted my question to them and their response.