[Noj]

** adjust title to say seatbelt**

When my wife flew with our two small children from manchester to chicago, we were very suprised to see them running a 757 designed for short hall on 8 hour long hall route.

She was travelling with a 6 month old baby, and a three year old alone, we booked with BA to ensurwe a decent level of service and the amenities we believed a mother needs when travelling with two children under 3.

However we ended up with on an AA flight, without releasing till it it was too late. neadless to say the plane came without sky cots, crummy customer service, no entertainment, which im trying to complain about but expect no joy as the rules favour the airlines massively (even toilets are at there discression) .

However whe she asked for lap belt for our 6 month old who was on her lap she was just told 'no' by he flight attendent, who then walked off.

I am of the opnion that on this matter AA have failed in a legal saftey obligation to my 6 month old child and have left themselves open.

Is this the true? if so could anybody point me to the relevant legislation before I talk to them

[jimworcs]

This is a highly complex issue. In fact, the FAA has no specific regulation regarding the restraint of infants, but specifically bans the use of the loop seat belt. The loop seat belt is also banned in Germany. In the rest of Europe the loop seat belt is permitted, but not recommended. The best advice is to purchase a seat for your infant and put them in a child car seat. This is the least worst option, given the complete lack of research into outcomes in the event of a crash. However, the likelihood of a crash is extremely remote. The advantage of a loop belt over simply holding the child is in the event of turbulance, which is significantly more likely.

I do not think the AA flight attendant was breaking any rules. However, this issue is discussed at length here:

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/.../feature48143/

When travelling from the UK to the US, it is best to fly Virgin Atlantic or BA even if this means a change in London. AA, Continental, US Airways and United are hopeless.

[KianLee2010]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I have read the whole. So good.
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low cost airlines

[justme]

When my wife flew with our two small children from manchester to chicago, we were very suprised to see them running a 757 designed for short hall on 8 hour long hall route.

*Bold mine for emphasis.* I know that traditionally 757s are used for domestic routes, but there are versions that are used by lots of airlines that are certified for "long haul" "over the pond" routes. If the airplane you were on was actually designed for a short haul route, you would have never made it over the Atlantic.

I am of the opinion that on this matter AA have failed in a legal saftey obligation to my 6 month old child and have left themselves open.

I agree AA has a legal obligation to get you from A to B safely. I wonder if part of the reason they, and other airlines, don't offer infant seat belts is because of the fear that they could actually cause more harm than do good. In the sue crazy world we live in these days, they may be better off just not taking the chance. I think more research should be done as to the pros/cons of using infant restraints though.

When travelling from the UK to the US, it is best to fly Virgin Atlantic or BA even if this means a change in London. AA, Continental, US Airways and United are hopeless.

WOW WOW WOW I am astounded Delta did not make it on your ****e list for "hopeless" airlines across the pond. Is it possible you are going soft? Or did you just have a temporary lapse of concentration?

[The_Judge]

I had to chuckle at that last statement for a number of reasons.

[jimworcs]

I must be getting old.... but for the avoidance of doubt

DELTA SUCKS MOST OF ALL

[justme]

That's more what I was expecting from the Delta grouch... I must say though, all of my trips to Europe have been rather pleasant flying on my lovely Delta!

[cortney]

757's are designed for long hauls but mostly domestic long haul flights. some are made (757-300s) for long hauls. i fly (well work) on a 757-200 alot for work. they aren't the most comfortable plane to be on for 8 hours but it makes it there. did AA even have over head projectors/screens for movies...they must have had at least that? it sounds to me that even though you booked with BA (which i also love) it was a code-share with AA