Babies may need airplane ticket

Last year, an overbooked Montana flight crashed, killing all 14 people aboard. Several of the children from the plane were found far away from the plane, suggesting that they weren’t properly restrained when the plane was taking off. This particular crash is being used by the National Transportation Safety Board as evidence that all children need to have their own seat on an airplane – including those who are under the age of 2, and are recommending that airlines make it a mandatory rule.

What does that mean? If the Federal Aviation Administration agrees, no longer will babies be able to fly free in their parents’ laps, and the cost of travel will go up significantly for those flying to their destinations. I’m guessing that a lot of families will be making different arrangements and staying closer to home rather than paying an additional $300 or more for an airplane ticket for their baby. Of course, we can all admit that a baby flying in their own seat is a lot safer than riding restrained only by their mother’s arms. But this sudden change is not only financially devastating to vacationing families on a budget, but also to the airlines who will more than likely see a decrease in ticket sales should a law be passed that babies can no longer fly for free.

What are your thoughts? Should there be a law requiring a seat for everyone, including babies? Or should babies be able to fly for free in the comfort of their parents' arms?