The wise and wonderful Betsy Wade, a long-time New York Times editor and travel writer, takes on the issue of unbelted babies in a blog post today. It is, indeed, one of those parent conundrums: Do we pay for yet another plane ticket so we have a seat in which to strap the baby? Or do we take our chances holding the babe in our arms? The FAA has said it won't require parents to buy tickets for kids under 2 because it might force more parents to drive rather than a fly, a statistically more dangerous place for kids to be.
But Betsy has the whole story, including news about a product that could help. Read her thoughts and let us know what you think.
As for me, I didn't fly with my kids until they were 4 and 6, so I never had to decide whether to risk not buying them their own seat.
However, years ago I interviewed a guy who investigates plane crashes and asked him what advice he would offer flyers based on his experience. Always stay seated and wear your seatbelt, he said. There are more people injured by turbulence--they are thrown around the cabin and end up with broken arms, necks and backs. Since then, I barely even drink the free Coke for fear I'll be the person standing in line for the potty when the plane hits that pocket of bad air.
I can't even imagine how far an infant would fly in those circumstances.