Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses

This regulation establishes seat, safety belt, and shoulder harness requirements for Part 121 airline operations.

Every passenger age 2 and older must have their own approved seat and safety belt during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Children under 2 may be held by an adult or placed in an approved child restraint system if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated attendant. The child restraint must bear specific labels showing it meets Federal motor vehicle safety standards or FAA approval. Booster seats, vest-type, and harness-type restraints are generally not approved for aircraft use.

Airlines cannot prohibit parents from using properly labeled child restraint systems if the child has a purchased seat and all requirements are met. However, airlines may determine the best seat location for safety.

Seat backs must be upright for takeoff and landing unless specifically exempted. These requirements ensure all occupants are properly restrained during critical phases of flight when injury risk is highest.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*