V Australia

V Australia Child Restraint Guidelines

Child Restraint Systems (CRS)

Virgin Australia accept the carriage of selected child restraint systems (which include car seats and harness type restraints) onboard. Approved CRSs must be certified for carriage in an aircraft and meet the acceptance criteria described below.

Note: To be considered for travel, a CRS must meet one of the below labelling/marking requirements stipulating that it meets the below standards. Wording on labels will be consistent with wording outlined below.

Comply with United States FAA design standard FMVSS No. 213

• Have two markings: ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards” and in red lettering: ‘This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft’.

Be approved under United States FAA process TSO-C100b

• Be permanently and legibly marked ‘TSO-C100b’.

Be approved under United States FAA process 21.305(d)

• Be clearly marked showing FAA approval under 21.305(d) and bear the label ‘FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d)’.

Be approved under United Nations ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) Regulation No. 44

• Be clearly marked with a circle around the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval.
• Be clearly marked with the approval number showing version ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04.

Be clearly marked with a label showing the CRS has been certified to CMVSS 213 or 213.1

Note:

• Rear-facing restraint systems are certified to CMVSS 213.1.
• Forward-facing restraint systems are certified to CMVSS 213.
• Convertible restraint systems are certified to both CMVSS 213 and 213.1.

Car Seat Acceptance Criteria

In addition to the above, car seats must meet the following criteria prior to being considered for travel:

• Be designed so they can be secured with a fastened lap belt only
• Not exceed a width of 40.6cm (16 inches)
• Be designed to restrain the weight of a child using the device – which unless otherwise specified on the label is 9kg or less for rear facing restraints and 18kg or less for forward facing restraints
• Must be in good condition, showing no signs of damage
• Have a single release harness that secures your child’s lap belt, and torso and shoulder straps – it cannot be unreasonably easy for children to undo
• Be quick and easy to secure or remove your child
• Have a solid back and seat

If accepted for carriage, car seats must also be:

• Fitted to the aircraft seat by parent/guardian
• Must not impede guest access to aisle or exit routes (this includes protrusion over the seat cushion edging)
• Seat allocated according to airline seating rules

Important Information

Australian Design Standard As/NZS 1754

Seats that comply with Australian design standard AS/NZS 1754 are currently unsuitable for carriage on Virgin Australia aircraft, as they require a top tether in addition to the fastened lap belt to secure the three-point attachment.

Australia is one of a few countries with the requirement for a three point attachment and compulsory bolt/anchorage in vehicles to attach car seats. These bolts are not part of an aircraft configuration; therefore, without an approved modification Australian standard car seats currently cannot be secured to our aircraft seats.

For more information or if you have questions:

V Australia Contact Info

If you have any questions about travelling with an Aussie Kidz Travel Mate travel stroller, please contact us at any time.  Click here for our contact details.