AFA, FAA Partner on Airline Safety Practices as Travel Season Begins

At a news conference at CWA headquarters, AFA President Veda Shook and FAA Administrator Randall Babbitt display an FAA-approved child restraint seat. Shook says it is safer for parents to put babies in the seats rather than hold children 2 and younger on their laps.

AFA-CWA and the Federal Aviation Administration kicked off the summer travel season with a media event at CWA headquarters to educate airline passengers about making air travel as safe as possible.

With major TV networks on hand, AFA-CWA President Veda Shook and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt drew on their years of experience to help passengers stay safe.

Shook, an Alaskan Air Flight Attendant, discussed the proper use of cell phones and explained how they can interfere with aircraft instruments and distract passengers. She also urged travelers to limit the number of carry-on bags, which cause thousands of injuries every year to passengers and cabin crews.

Babbitt and Shook stressed the importance of parents using FAA-approved child safety seats for children 2 years of age and younger. Although holding babies on laps is common practice, the experts said it's unsafe and has led to deaths and injuries in crashes and even in turbulence.

Babbitt, a former pilot, urged passengers "to listen to their Flight Attendants' safety briefing prior to takeoff," saying the safety message is critical even for veteran travelers. Shook summarized safe airline travel with three simple steps: "Turn it off, buckle up, and listen up."