Why Seat Belts and FAA-Approved Child Restraints Matter More Than Ever

By Eugene Bruno on April 24, 2025

If you’ve been following the news, you’ve probably seen an alarming rise in aviation emergencies lately — from a door plug blowing off a Boeing 737 midair to flights shaken by severe turbulence. Fortunately, most recent incidents haven’t led to major casualties. But they’re a clear reminder that airplane seat belt safety including FAA-approved child restraints aren’t optional — they’re critical to protecting you and your family during air travel.

With summer travel season about to begin, and more families flying with young kids, it’s the perfect time to focus on traveling safely with young children. It’s essential to make sure everyone is properly secured — whether it’s in the air or on the road.

In airplanes, your first line of defense is an FAA-approved restraint system. This includes your standard airplane seat belt, a CARES Child Aviation Restraint System, or an FAA-approved car seat installed on board. These devices are designed to withstand the extreme forces caused by turbulence, hard landings, or even emergency situations. Without them, even a relatively minor incident can result in serious injuries.

It’s the same story on the ground. Car seat belts and child safety seats dramatically lower the risk of injury or death during a crash. In fact, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death in a car accident by about 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%. The same basic physics apply in the air: if a plane hits turbulence or makes a sudden maneuver, your body (or your child’s body) keeps moving until something — preferably a seat belt or restraint — stops it safely.

One issue that’s especially important for parents: airplane safety rules for children under two. Technically, you can hold a younger child in your lap during a flight. It saves money but the FAA strongly recommends that parents use an FAA-approved child safety seat instead. During sudden turbulence, even the strongest adult physically cannot prevent a child from harm. Properly securing a young child in a certified safety seat gives them the best chance of staying safe if something unexpected happens midair.

At our firm, we work with families who have faced devastating injuries after car accidents — often because someone wasn’t buckled up correctly. We see firsthand how preventable many injuries are when proper restraints are used. The same safety principles apply when flying, especially with kids. Yet public awareness about aviation seat belt safety still isn’t as strong as it is for car travel.

It’s easy to think that because air travel is statistically safe, you can relax on short flights or during smooth cruising. But turbulence doesn’t always come with a warning. Emergencies happen quickly, and they don’t wait until you’re back in your seat with your belt fastened. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, taking a few seconds to properly secure yourself and your children can make all the difference.

As recent aviation incidents — and the busy summer travel season — remind us, small steps can save lives. Seat belts, child safety seats, and approved aviation restraints aren’t just regulations — they are vital, practical tools to keep families safe.

At Bruno & Associates, our San Diego car accident attorneys are passionate about injury prevention — not just helping after an accident happens. We encourage every client and every family to take simple but powerful steps toward safety, whether it’s during a summer road trip or a cross-country flight.

Travel safe this summer — and buckle up, every time. Contact Bruno & Associates today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation.