National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy is urging parents to prioritize the safety of their babies during air travel, following a recent midair incident on an Alaska Airlines flight. The call for action emphasizes the importance of securing infants with FAA-approved carriers and individual seats.
The incident involved a Boeing 737 from Alaska Airlines, carrying 171 passengers and six crew members. At 16,000 feet, a door plug ripped off, causing a rapid decompression that opened the cabin to the night sky. Despite the dramatic circumstances, all passengers and crew survived. The incident raised concerns over the safety of unsecured babies during flights.
Homendy stressed the potential dangers, noting that even minor bumps during a flight could lead to injuries for unsecured infants. To mitigate risks, she urged parents to purchase seats and FAA-approved carriers for their babies, emphasizing that the investment is worthwhile for the peace of mind and safety of both parents and their little ones.
The incident highlighted the vulnerability of babies held in laps during flights. While babies under the age of 2 can fly for free and do not require a separate plane ticket in the US, the common practice is for them to be held in the lap of a parent or guardian. However, this mode of travel leaves infants reliant on the adult’s arms for restraint.
During the Alaska Airlines incident, three babies were being held in the laps of caregivers, according to reports. Experts have underscored the potential risks, explaining that if a passenger had been holding a child near the affected area, the explosive force could have torn the child away from the parent’s grasp, leading to a potentially disastrous outcome.
The FAA-approved carriers and secured seats are designed to provide a safer and more controlled environment for infants during flights. Homendy’s plea aims to raise awareness among parents about the potential risks associated with unsecured infants on airplanes and the need for proactive safety measures.
While airlines may charge for infant seats, Homendy contends that the cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of parents and, more importantly, the safety of their young children. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and taking precautions to protect vulnerable passengers, particularly infants, during air travel.