petitefrancaise

I cannot believe that airlines have not come up with a better solution themselves for seating for toddlers. It's like pretending they don't exist.

There have been a spate of products launched to help toddlers sleep in economy class seats and it looks like the airlines are not happy about them.

No Cookies | The Courier Mail

How in hell's name they can quote safety when the alternative is to have an unrestrained toddler wandering around the aisles absolutely defeats me.

So, I'm going to get on to my airbus contacts ( one of whom is a materials engineer and was lead engineer on the design team for the outer skin of the A380) to see if she can push anything in front of the right people.

And no, most of us cannot afford to travel business class with kids.

scrubbedexpat099

Well if it saves one life, best to ban them.

ian-mstm

With respect, the safety alterative is to not have an unrestrained toddler at all. FWIW, I don't think that anyone under 12 should even be allowed on an airplane... but I imagine that's not going to go over too well.

Ian

Pulaski

12 might be a bit extreme, but I agree with the principle.

scrubbedexpat091

If in a window seat and not blocking other seat's, I don't see why these things would be an issue, although I can see them becoming an issue if they are in the middle or aisle seat potentially creating a hazard for someone in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Can the toddler use these items and still have their seat belt on?

Pulaski

The problem with such contraptions is that depending on where they are installed they will obstruct other passengers trying to exit the plane in an emergency. Remember that an aeroplane has to be capable of being evacuated entirely, 100%, in IIRC 90 seconds, using the doors on only one side of the aircraft, therefore any such bed contraption installed in the centre bank of seats will actually prevent other passengers from exiting the aircraft in a one-side emergency, e.g. an engine fire, such as happened ..... yesterday!
I think a window seat is the only seat that those things wouldn't obstruct another seat.

SanDiegogirl

Thank goodness....... after an excruciating economy flight last week where several toddlers had the run of the plane (parents just ignored the bouncing around, the shouts and squeals and their noisy electronic gadgets), I'm saving to be able to fly business class to get away from the 'little darlings'

lansbury

I have to say it is normally quite peaceful up front

lansbury

They should stick them in the hold with the cats and dogs. At least the pets would have company.

SanDiegogirl

Can't wait to join you ........

scrubbedexpat099

Crates may be a more obvious solution. Or Mothers Little Helper.

markonline1

I don't see an issue with these devices, provided they are only used in flight, and stowed for takeoff and landing. They are no different to the skycots BA use at the bulkhead seats.

Whereas I'm saving for my private jet so I don't have to deal with anyone. 20 years working in aviation has given me a deep dislike of the flying public!!!!

mrken30

If you fly a US airline, they HAVE to allow you to use an approved child restraint. THey are even required to move other passengers if necessary. The only condition is that you have to purchase a seat for the child. I'm sure the Australian CAA has similar rules.

https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/

However they cannot be fitted in a place where they impede the exit of passengers.

If an approved CRS, for which a ticket has been purchased, does not fit in a particular seat on the aircraft, the airline is responsible for accommodating the CRS in another seat in the same class of service.

Pulaski

Why did it take you so long? I doubt I have flown more than 50 times in my entire life and I very soon developed a dislike of most of my fellow passengers!

markonline1

Ha! No, my dislike borders on the almost unhealthy! I used to love getting to the airport. It's where my holiday used to start. Now I hate it. Full of twats asking the same stupid questions, all refusing to follow even the most basic of instructions. I'm getting angry just writting about it LOL.