Usually standards approved are based on Motor Vehicle safety standards (for car seats) AND/OR standards approved for Aviation use by a regulatory agency such as FAA, TC (Transport Canada) or CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority). Most airlines specify that if a parent wishes to use a child restraint system (CRS) they may do so, provided the CRS meets certain standards. Each airline may set their own rules based on staff training and aircraft type. However, CARES is considered “carry-on” equipment (same as car seats) and is not really regulated by aviation authorities. Regulatory authorities around the world have approved the use of AmSafe CARES restraint. In other countries it’s a little different.
However, the FAA regulations only apply to those airlines under its jurisdiction, i.e. Many countries follow the same or adapt regulations based on the FAA regulations. If the approved CRS does not fit in a particular seat, it is the responsibility of the aircraft operator to accommodate the CRS in another seat in the same class of service. No aircraft operator may prohibit a child from using an approved child restraint system (CRS) when a seat has been purchased for the child. United States – (FAA) Federal Aviation AdministrationĬARES is FAA approved (to be carried on and installed by passengers) on U.S.-registered Part 23 and Part 25 (commercial and general aviation) aircraft for any of their domestic or international routes. If your special needs flyer is close to, or over 5 ft tall, you want to purchase “SPECIAL CARES” which extends to accommodate an adult flyer up to 6 ft.” Please see the table below for additional help. When you are ready to purchase your CARES – if your special needs flyer is under 5 ft tall, the regular CARES will fit.
Instructions on how to file an exemption request can be found below in the CARES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FLYERS SECTION OF THE WEBSITE. This “exemption” will apply to ALL future flights. To use CARES on US airlines, older children, teens, and adults with special needs must make a request to the FAA for an “exemption” from the standard CARES height and weight limits. This will allow you to use it during all phases of flight from takeoff to landing. Be sure you ask for the row in front of the bulkhead (this may be the last row of seats in the plane).
YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS FLYER OVER 44 LBS AND 40 INCHES TALL CAN ALSO USE CARES. And know that your child is secure for taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing.
So, just book your flight, carry your 1 pound CARES on board in your pocket or purse, install it on any seat in one minute. If it does – no more having to make arrangement weeks or months in advance with airlines because CARES is already certified for kids 22-44 lbs for all phases of flight. And you have to do it again before each subsequent trip! Check with your child’s physician or physical therapist to determine if the CARES child aviation restraint provides sufficient upper body support for your child. If your child has a disability that requires hauling a brace to provide upper body support in an airplane seat, you know what a hassle it is to make arrangements months in advance with the airline.