A Guide To Keeping Kids Safe During The Holidays

CARES Aviation System
(800) 299-6429
http://www.kidsflysafe.com

Those holiday get-togethers wouldn't be the same without children. But many parents aren't always sure how their children will handle traveling by air.

Often it can be a bit of a challenge flying with little ones. In fact, one of the most difficult aspects can be just keeping children in their seats.

Vic and Kelley Eugenio of Fort Worth are traveling to Mexico City for Thanksgiving, with their two children. The Federal Aviation Administration encourages parents use a child restraint system to enhance the safety of young children - but a car seat is not required on an airplane.

American Airlines is now endorsing the new Child Aviation Restraint System or CARES restraining device. The restraint is made by a company called AmSafe Aviation and the FAA has approved it for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.

Flight attendant Peter Zografos says installing the device is simple.

"Actually the first step is lowering the tray table," Zografos said.  "The next step is putting the harness around the chair and then tightening it and then also closing the tray table. That's pretty much it."

The CARES restraint is lighter and less bulky than a car seat and costs around $75.

"It's easy to pack up. You don't have to carry the heavy car seat and she seemed to be comfortable in it," mother Kelley Eugenio said.