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Frequently Asked Questions

Photograph of a Child strapped into CARES
Aaron uses CARES

Q. Can I buy CARES in retail stores?
Stores where You Can Buy CARES:
  • Citikids, San Francisco, CA
  • Galt Toys, Chicago, IL
  • KidProteq, Philadelphia, PA
  • My Precious Kid, Hillsboro, OR
  • Precious Travelers, Ottawa, Ontario, CA
  • Wee Travel Baby Equipment, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, CA
  • Tots On-the-Go, Richmond, VA
  • Citikids, San Francisco, CA
  • Galt Toys, Chicago, IL
  • Kid Proteq, Philadelphia, PA
  • KidsTown, Burlington, VT
  • Isis Maternity, Boston MA
  • Lullaby Lane,  San Bruno, CA
  • Magic Beans, MA
  • Segals for Children, Beaverton, OR
  • Albees, Amsterdam Ave, NYC
Q. Does CARES provide as much protection for my child as a car seat?
A. Yes. In rigorous dynamic tests conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), CARES, a totally new harness type child safety device, was certified as an ELOS – Equivalent Level of Safety –to a car seat, the only harness type safety device with this certification.
Q. At what age can a child use CARES?
A. Children must be at least 1 year old, weigh 22 pounds, and be able to sit “front facing” to use CARES.
Q. What is the upper age limit for children to use CARES?
A. Children who are 4 years old, weigh at least 44 pounds and are more than 40 inches tall are considered old enough and strong enough to travel without an airplane child safety belt.
Q. When flying with children do you have to buy a ticket to  use CARES?
A. A child must be in his/her own seat to use CARES. Airlines require all children age 2 and older to have their own tickets and to be in their own seats.
Q. Do I need permission from my airline to use CARES?
A. No. CARES is certified by the FAA for use on all U.S. registered airlines. Because CARES is a new product and is a unique harness type child safety restraint, some airline personnel may not yet  be familiar with it . Parents have the right to bring CARES on board for their children and  airline personnel may not prevent you from using CARES for your child. This is a Federal Aviation Administration – not an  individual airline -  decision and it applies to all U.S. airlines.
Q. Can CARES be used on foreign airlines?
A. Yes, CARES can be used on the airlines of the UK (England, Scotland, North Ireland Ireland and Wales), Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Canada, wherever they fly.
Q. Can CARES be used on overseas flights?
A. Yes, If the airline is part of the fleet of one of the countries listed above that has certified CARES, it may be used for both domestic and international flights.
Q. What should I do if  I am challenged when I try to use CARES for my child?
A. Show airline personnel the FAA certification label sewn inside the red CARES loop, and the following documents which can be downloaded from the “News and Links” page of this website:
Q. If my child is large enough to use CARES but is not yet 2 years old do I still need to buy him  a ticket in order to use CARES?
A. To insure that you will have a seat for your child, you must buy a ticket. If the plane is not crowded and your child is under 2, you may be able to use an empty seat.
Q. What if I need my car seat on the other end of the plane trip?
A. Just check your car seat through as luggage, pick it up on the other end of the journey, and enjoy your airport time and air travel hassle free with the CARES aviation child safety harness.
Q. Can CARES be used during take off and landing?
A. Yes. CARES is certified by the FAA for all phases of flight: taxiing, take off, turbulence and, landing. CARES joins the FAA in urging  all passengers  to remain “buckled in” whenever they are in their seats. This applies to children in the CARES aviation  harness as well.
Q. Can I use CARES in my car?
A. Absolutely NOT. CARES is NOT certified for use in automobiles and does not work with a three-point (shoulder) harness. NEVER TRY TO USE CARES IN YOUR CAR.
Q. Who manufactures CARES ?
A. CARES is manufactured by AmSafe Aviation, the foremost manufacturer of airplane seat belts and other aviation safety restraints. (Next time you’re in a plane, turn over the buckle on your own seat belt and chances are it was manufactured by AmSafe.) CARES uses the same industrial-strength materials and is designed to the same engineering standards as  all AmSafe Aviation safety equipment.
Q. How will I know how to use CARES?
A. CARES is very easy to use. An instructional DVD and card is included in the carrying case for CARES. It takes about one minute to learn how to install and use CARES. Our website features a photo tutorial on installing CARES and an installation label is sewn to the CARES itself.
Q. Can CARES be used on a private or corporate aircraft?
A. Yes, providing that the seat is front facing. CARES requires a belt across the lap.
Q. Does CARES affect the operation of the tray behind the child’s seat?
A. No. Ensuring that CARES did not adversely affect the functionality of the tray was an important FAA criteria for certifying CARES. The tray is lowered for only a minute while the red webbing loop is adjusted around the seat, and then is closed and locked in place, covering up the CARES loop. CARES does not affect the functioning or use of the tray.
In some older style seats found occasionally on small planes, the tray fits into a plastic cavity with recessed sides. In these the CARES red loop, when pulled taut, could prevent the tray from closing securely. In this case, the CARES loop should be installed around the seat and OVER the stowed tray for taxiing, turbulence, take off, and landing. (See FAA Advisory Circular 120-87A “Use of Child Restraints on Aircraft”, which can be found in the “In-flight Documents” section of this website.)
Q. Can my order be placed from outside the U.S., and can it be shipped to me outside of the U.S.?
A. “Yes” to both questions! CARES can be shipped outside the U.S. but your order must be placed with an operator so the correct shipping charge can be determined. If you cannot use the toll free number (1-800-299-6249) send an email to or a fax to 1-802-864-9846 including your name, phone number and address and a CARES customer representative will call you back at our expense to take your order.
Q. Can CARES be used in Business class and First class seats?
A. CARES fits on all Economy, Business, and First Class seats.