The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) last month to obligate air carriers to provide childcare givers better information about the width of aircraft cabin seats so they can determine which child restraint systems (CRS) will fit properly aboard different aircraft. Under provisions of Part 121, no certificate holder may prohibit a child from using an approved child restraint system when the caregiver purchases a ticket for the child.

In fact, the FAA strongly encourages–but does not require–the use of an FAA-approved CRS on aircraft. The agency has issued guidance to facilitate the use of a CRS on aircraft in situations in which a caregiver purchased a ticket for the child but the approved CRS that the caregiver wishes to use does not fit in a particular seat. Although the FAA has provided guidance to air carriers regarding how to accommodate a CRS, this proposed rule would provide caregivers with more information about whether an FAA-approved CRS will fit on the airplane on which they expect to travel.

Comments should be sent to the Office of Management and Budget by June 30.