OK to use flight vest during take-off and landing on Cathay Pacific?

[qcj]

Just saw an ad for the Baby B'air flight safety vest, and thought it looked useful. Before taking the plunge and buying yet another "must have, but not really", would like to know if anyone has used a flight vest during take off and landing for a child under 2 on a Cathay Pacific flight?

Little one is 1.5 years old and looking for an alternative to using the safety strap Cathay provides if you are lap holding your child. My little one hates the huge buckle and just tries to take it off constantly.

Thanks!

[carang]

i bought one and HATED it... the baby must face away from you when wearing it and my then 6 month old was NOT at all comfortable.

[Portia]

I don't think the vest is approved for take off and landing, just to protect from turbulence during the flight if I recall correctly. I think you could wear it during take off and landing, but would have to use the infant seat belt that CX provides in any event. My LO is 1.5 years too and I am dreading the thought of entertaining him on the plane for 12 hours each way this summer!

[starbucks2]

Agree with Portia. If they are under 2 then they need to be on your lap with the child seat belt for take off and landing. You can use the vest in the seat (if there is a spare one or if you buy one) between times.

[jvn]

Depends on the airline, CX won't let you not put the child seat belt on, Thai and some of the US airlines won't give you one as there's also some research that the lap belt they provide you with on planes is actually less safe than holding on to your baby. You need to do your own research and make your decision and stick to your guns as the reality is there hasn't been enough research on any of it and they just don't know what the best solution is. There isn't even a coherent policy between all countries and airlines as to what car/plane seats are safe and allowed if you decide to buy them a seat and take one.

I use the baby b'air for take off and landing because he can wriggle out of it less than a lap belt, the belt usually ends up somewhere round his armpits and the last flight we did he could undo it anyway which he can't with the vest.... but CX won't let you use it and will make you use the lap belt they give you.

[TNT]

jvn is right, Cathay are very strict about their lap belt unlike Thai and some other airlines so if you are definitely flying with them, don't bother. From personal experience when our eldest was 18 months we took a booster seat with harness to use if we were lucky enough to get a spare seat on flight from Australia to UK. We did get a spare seat but she absolutely hated sitting with the harness on (even though she wore it quite happily in cafes and at home) so bear that in mind also.....

[erina320]

I have the Baby B'air flight vest and love it. Though FAA approved for taxi, take off and landing Cathay will make you use their lap belts. That being said NEVER underestimate the danger of turbulence. Lap children are especially vulnerable as they are not secured during flight in any way.

Unlike Cara, I find the vest very flexible with child positioning, child can lay sideways across your lap for napping. It's a bit more restrictive, but I am ok with a little inconvenience for my child's safety during the duration of the flight. I was a flight attendant in a past life and know first hand how scary and dangerous turbulence can be and lap children are at risk of becoming projectiles in severe cases.

If you're child is larger and will be in their own seat look into the CARES flight vest. Cathay's website says they allow it's use for taxi, take off and landing (as well as in flight) but the parent must provide it.

[Portia]

Though FAA approved for taxi, take off and landing Cathay will make you use their lap belts.

Just wanted to clarify that the Baby B'air vest is not approved by the FAA for take off and landing, please see this link to their website: http://babybair.com/faq.html.