Air Travel Safety for Kids: Keeping Young Passengers Secure

Air travel with kids can be exciting, but it also brings its set of challenges. Whether you’re taking a family vacation or travelling for business, ensuring your child’s safety on a plane is a top priority. With cramped spaces, turbulence, and the fast-paced nature of air travel, keeping young passengers secure and comfortable requires some preparation.

Did you know? According to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), child passenger safety during flights is just as important as in a car. Studies show that children under 2 are safest in a car seat or child restraint system (CRS), and children over 2 should also be seated in appropriate restraints for optimal protection.

With the right safety measures, you can help your little ones stay safe, comfortable, and happy while in the air. Let’s dive into the best practices for air travel safety when flying with kids.

Why Air Travel Safety for Kids Matters

As parents, we take countless precautions to ensure our children’s safety on the ground, but once in the air, it’s easy to forget the importance of proper restraints and preparation. Here’s why air travel safety is critical:

• In the event of turbulence: Even mild turbulence can pose a risk to unrestrained children. According to the FAA, children should be securely fastened in their seatbelts or a child safety seat to reduce the risk of injury.

• Emergencies and sudden movements: In rare cases, an emergency or sudden cabin pressure change can cause jarring movements. Having your child secured in a seat with a harness reduces their risk of injury.

• Long durations in flight: For longer flights, kids can get restless, making it harder for them to stay in their seat and properly secured. This is a key reason why keeping them restrained as much as possible is essential.

Air Travel Safety Tips for Families

1. Choose the Right Seat for Your Child

Choosing the correct seat for your child is the first step in ensuring their safety.

• Children Under 2: The safest option for children under 2 is to have them in a car seat that’s FAA-approved. These seats are designed to provide the best protection in case of turbulence. Many airlines allow children under 2 to fly for free as a "lap child", but it’s strongly recommended to book a seat for them with a proper restraint system.

• Children Over 2: Once your child reaches 2, they should be in their seat, secured by an appropriate harness or booster seat. The FAA recommends using a child safety seat for as long as possible until they outgrow the manufacturer’s weight and height limits.

2. Harness the Power of a Safety Device

It’s important to make sure your child’s seatbelt is adjusted correctly. But for children in car seats or booster seats, using the appropriate harness system is crucial:

• Convertible Car Seats: These seats can be used rear-facing for infants and toddlers, then converted to forward-facing for older children. When used correctly, they provide the most comprehensive safety.

• FAA-Approved Safety Restraint Systems: Make sure any seat you use is approved for aeroplane use. The FAA will have approved these seats with a label.

3. Secure the Seatbelt Correctly

If your child is old enough to use the plane's seatbelt, make sure it's secured across their lap and chest correctly. The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs and not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie across the shoulder and chest—not the neck.

4. Practise Safety Procedures with Your Child

Before boarding the plane, teach your child about basic safety procedures. Explain why it’s important to stay seated with the seatbelt on during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. Having them understand that these rules are there to keep them safe can help prevent resistance during the flight.

5. Prepare for Turbulence

Turbulence frequently occurs during flights, surprising even the most composed passengers. Prepare your child by explaining what turbulence is and that it’s usually brief and not dangerous. Remind them to stay in their seat with their seatbelt fastened until the seatbelt sign is turned off.

6. Stay Calm and Reassure Your Child

For young children, flying can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. If your child seems anxious during the flight, reassure them with calm words and distractions. Keep a small bag of snacks, books, or toys to keep them engaged and distracted from any fears.

7. Stay Hydrated and Keep Snacks Handy

Long flights can dehydrate little ones quickly, and an uncomfortable child can make air travel feel even more stressful. Make sure to bring a water bottle (just make sure it’s empty before passing security) and snacks that are easy for them to eat in-flight. Healthy snacks like crackers, fruit, or granola bars can help keep their energy up.

Air Travel Safety for Kids: Age-Appropriate Tips

For Babies (0-2 years):

• Always use an FAA-approved car seat if you purchase a seat for your child.

• If flying as a lap child, make sure to secure them properly in your arms during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

• Consider noise-cancelling headphones to protect their ears from the noise of the engine.

For Toddlers (2-5 years):

• Keep them in a car seat or booster seat to ensure they’re properly restrained.

• Bring familiar comfort items, like a favourite stuffed animal or blanket to make them feel secure.

• Explain the importance of staying seated with their seatbelt on during the flight.

For School-Aged Kids (6-12 years):

• If they’re sitting in their seat, ensure that they understand how to use the seatbelt correctly.

• Remind them to stay seated when the seatbelt sign is on and why it’s important.

• Pack small toys or tablets with headphones to keep them entertained.

For Teens (13+ years):

• Emphasise that they should keep their seatbelt on throughout the flight.

• Encourage them to stay calm during turbulence and understand what’s happening.

• Provide distractions like books, movies, or music for their entertainment.

Adding Peace of Mind with the SafeKid Travel Tracker

Even with the best intentions, children can wander off or experience symptoms before they’re able to explain them. That’s where WATCHU Guardian GPS Smart Watch comes in.

Why Parents Love It:

• Emergency SOS Button: With one press, your child can instantly alert you if they’re feeling unwell or need help.

• Two-Way Calling: Check in or coach them through next steps if they’re unsure.

• Live GPS Tracking: Always know where your child is, especially during outdoor excursions or camp days.

• Safe Zones: Get notifications when your kids go into or come out of places that are meant to be safe, such as parks or school premises.

WATCHU Guardian adds a powerful layer of protection, especially for families with active outdoor lifestyles or children who have heat sensitivity, allergies, or other health concerns.

Conclusion

Air travel with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or unsafe. By taking the proper precautions, from selecting the right seat to using appropriate safety restraints, you can ensure that your child is secure and comfortable. Whether you're travelling domestically or abroad, a little preparation can significantly increase your child's safety in the air. 

For more travel tips or to browse products that can make your family’s air travel safer, please browse our products or contact us if you need assistance.

Safe travels!