aa flight attendents

[tribecamom]

almost wouldn't let me use my sitnstrolls on the plane. DS is 2, 35 pounds, dd is 3.5, 39 pounds.

DS DD DH and I were in the 2nd row of first class with ds and dd in the window seats. I asked for seat belt extenders and first flight attendent said I couldn't put seatbelt in front of seat (which is how sit and stroll installs) because "the weight of the seat plus dd would be too much for the seat belt and dd would be crushed. Carseats are not made for 3 1/2 year olds, but for 2 and under." I calmly pointed out seat was for up to 40 pounds, FAA approved and properly installed...seat belt holds me and I am alot more than the carseat plus 40...ultimately they let me use them begrudingly "just this time" because they would be late if I had to uninstall and gate check but flight attendant repeated it is against AA security policy to use seats with belt in front?!? Then she informed me my kids should be rear facing. HELLO??? Is anyone out there in the friendly skies???

I wonder how to handle this in the future....

[quinnsmom]

I am sorry you had so much trouble. I really do NOT look forward to airtravel. Unfortuantely my experiences with flight attendants and gate agents are always so negative and very uncooperative relating to DS and accomodating children.

It sounds like that FA was just alking gibberish. How could the seatr belt NOT hold a car seat and a toddler yet it can hold an adult?!>! Makes no sense.

I can't answer your question but have a question for you. I didn't think children under a certain age (13, 15?) weren't allowed in First Class. Is this an "old rule" or just a specific (I am thinking Delta) airline rule.

Thanks. :)

[californiagirl]

Carry the FAA regs and the user manual. The FAA regs say it must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. They tend to back down faced with the FAA in print...
She's probably confused because backless boosters aren't allowed.

Here's a link where the FAA provides a user-friendly official brochure to carry with
you (ignore what they say about 16" width on airplane seats): http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

And the regs: http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/4CD73E790F253A468625706D00688E07?OpenDocument&Highlight=child%20restraint%20system

[tribecamom]

(less distance to travel in the plane and more room for the car seat)

Honestly we usually fly AA or Continental so it is possible delta has a rule--in my pre kid days my kids would have made me NUTS :) lol

[tribecamom]

the belt in front weren't allowed--but she must have been thinking a booster!!

thanks so much, am printing away!!

[holliam]

Wow! It sounds like she just didn't understand what you were trying to install, perhaps?

We just had a really positive experience flying on AA. We had a cross-country flight with a layover, and on each flight, the desk personnel allowed us to board early because we were installing a carseat. In fact, on one of the flights, she came and found us where we were sitting at the gate and allowed us to board even before first class! None of the other parents were allowed to board early; no idea if they asked or not. We were the only ones with a carseat, and every flight attendant told us we were smart to have it!

None of them even questioned how we were installing the seat. They just said to make sure she is in the window seat.

DD slept all 4 flights except for take-off and landing. I am bringing her carseat for as long as I can!! Combined with the GoGo Babyz, it was such a painfree trip!

Holli

[gcampbell72]

A friend of mine always flies first class with her toddler - and I know they flew on Delta last month.