Children and Safety Issues on Aircraft
By Bob Hobbi, President & CEO of ServiceElements
As our customers continue to emerge and evolve, our passenger variables and characteristics are also changing. This has an effect on operations and the way we serve our passengers and customers. Children are ever more frequently a part of the PAX List. They represent a different dynamic for a few of the components in our service. One of those is safety. Child safety in a business and private aircraft cabin presents a variety of service and operating issues.
Some of the obvious “child in cabin” issues are seats, seat belts and the related emergency and safety briefings for passengers. How do we effectively and pleasantly communicate the safety issues and procedures with adult passengers? How do we address the children running loose in the cabin area? The obvious distraction and pitfalls aside, children, especially younger ones can be the cause for safety concerns. For one thing, they can be like any other projectile item we may secure or strap in. Or they may try to be playful in a small cabin space. They can cause distraction for the crew. They can become unmanageable with sudden noise or screaming. They can cause a multitude of safety issues which a typical and traditional PAX would not.
So, what to do? Start with recognizing the need for a different type of passenger safety debriefing. The accompanying adults should be informed of the limitations of the aircraft and the related child safety issues. It is ultimately the parents responsibility to take care of any children, but potential problems can be avoided and the trip can be much more enjoyable for all involved by a bit of preparation and planning ahead.
The FAA recommends (www.faa.gov) that a child under 20 pounds should be placed in a rear-facing CRS (child restraint system). The CRS should have a label reading, “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”. Some CRS are appropriate for cars but not for airplanes. A child that weighs from 20 – 40 pounds should use a forward-facing CRS.The CRS should be hard shell and installed and secured properly in a rear seat. It should not be near an entry door or emergency exit. If a front airplane seat must be used, make sure that the child seat cannot interfere with the airplane controls or limit pilot and crew access. If the child is over 40 pounds, he/she may safely use an aircraft seat belt.
Most parents will be aware of these seat requirements for their children. But do not assume!! Make the necessary calls ahead of the scheduled flight, to determine if the passengers will be needing a CRS and if they will be bringing it with them.
It is also very important to assess whether child passengers have a medical condition that may become an issue during the flight prior to departure.If you do not already have one, it may be prudent to have a checklist of questions regarding special wants or needs for traveling children aw well as the adult passengers.
When the passengers board, it would be advantageous to ensure that small children are seated close to a window rather than in the aisle. They enjoy reaching out and exploring, but if they are seated close to an aisle, they could get their arms bumped or squeezed, or they could pull a cup of hot coffee onto their lap.
Quite a few flight departments, charter management companies and fractionals maintain a treasure trove of toys, books and children’s entertainment items. This practice can be almost considered a necessity as a pre-occupied young passenger can be a great blessing. Make sure the toys are safe. Avoid toys that are sharp, heavy or that break easily. And of course, watch out for electronic games which may interfere with an aircraft’s navigational system. Any child games, videos or games can help the dynamics of the trip and its related safety issues. Something as simple as a watch or clock and asking the child to keep track of how long it takes to get to the destination can sometimes occupy much longer than expected. Some pre-printed coloring pages of the airplane or related traveling pictures may also help to keep little hands happy.
Remember, when junior is content and quiet, Mr. and Mrs. Customer are happy. Help make their trip memorable and enjoyable by planning ahead and anticipating concerns that may come up. This will ensure a happy, returning, loyal customer!
Copyright©ServiceElements International, Inc. 2008-2009
ServiceElements International, Inc., motivational training providers
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