Why does the FAA not approve Baby B'Air® for takeoff, taxi, and landing?
The FAA changed the existing regulations in early 1996, banning devices other than approved car seats during takeoff, taxi and landing. This FAA rule change DOES NOT prohibit the use of the Baby B'Air® during the cruise portions of the flight. The FAA banned these types of devices during take-off, taxi and landing because they could cause more harm than good (for more information see the next question in bold below.)
Since the vest has been designed to address the specific safety concerns of aircraft, Baby B'Air® is working to win an exception for our new product so that it may be used during the entire flight. Until that rule is changed, the vest cannot be used during takeoff, taxi and landing in the U.S. The applicable FAA regulation, known as a CFR, is clearly marked on the back of each vest for the benefit of the parent and flight personnel. These regulations may also be found in the card that came with the vest. It is a good idea to keep this card handy when you use the vest on any airline.
Why is the Baby B’Air the only safety solution for lap children? Can’t I use another device to secure my child safely?
Shoulder or harness carriers and other such devices could place the child in the parent’s crush zone, injure the parent’s back or cause injury to the child. The Baby B’Air Flight Vest® was designed specifically to address these concerns, allowing the child to travel out of the parent’s crush zone while attached to the lap belt, not the parent’s body. The Baby B’Air® is the ONLY device to address these safety concerns found in aircraft. For more information about the use of carriers on aircraft see the FAA website section titled "Reminders" second bullet point
Isn’t take-off, taxi and landing the most dangerous portion of the flight?
No. Surprisingly, over 90% of all injuries occur during flight, mainly due to turbulence. Children are often left unprotected during this time and even removed from car seats. Parents are encouraged to secure their child through the flight.
What if the flight attendant has a problem with the Baby B'Air?
Simply show the flight attendant the tag on the back of the Baby B'Air listing the FAA ruling noting that it does not prohibit use during flight. You may encounter flight personnel who are not familiar with the entire content of the FAA ruling and the tag is placed on the Baby B'Air to provide the exact location of the rule.
If a passenger has any misunderstanding with a flight attendant:
Since the Baby B'Air Flight Vest is a new product, some airline personnel are unaware that the FAA regulations allow the Baby B'Air for use in flight. If any parent has a problem using the Baby B'Air in flight, they may return the vest directly to Baby B'Air for a $50 refund check by providing the airline and flight information. This enables us to follow up with the airline. The airline can then inform the crew on the rules regarding use of the vest.
The vest and information must be sent to:
Baby B'Air Returns
4949 Beeman Avenue
Dallas, Tx 75223
The vest can be in any condition and with or without packaging. However, it MUST be accompanied with the flight number, date, cities of departure and final destination, airline and passenger name, address and phone number. A $50 dollar refund will be sent directly to the consumer for providing this flight information. This will help us provide feedback to the airlines and educate airline crews throughout the country.
Is the Baby B'Air a replacement for an approved car seat used in aircraft?
The Baby B'Air is not a car seat and cannot be used during takeoff, taxi, and landing. The Baby B'Air provides protection during flight when the majority (over 90%) of injuries occur and your child is most vulnerable.
Can I use the Baby B'Air in my car?
NO! The Baby B'Air was designed ONLY for use during air travel to prevent injuries due to severe turbulence and should NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE BE USED IN AN AUTOMOBILE.
I work for an airline. Why don't I know anything about the Baby B'Air?
The Baby B'Air was just introduced to the market in March 1999 and it takes time to educate the hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout the airline industry. Many airline employees love the Baby B'Air since, as standby passengers, they cannot guarantee a seat for their infant carriers.
We have worked closely with representatives of the FAA and major airlines for over two years developing this product. We listened to their advice and input before introducing Baby B'Air to the market. However, there are many people who are just now seeing this new product and learning of the complete content of 49CFR which allows the Baby B'Air to be used during flight.
If a customer has any questions regarding the Baby B'Air they can email us or contact our help desk at 1-800-417-5228.
