Welcome
Safe Seats for Every Air Traveler (SSEAT) is an air safety advocacy initiative. We are charging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to end the practice of lap children in commercial aviation by mandating children under the age of two be properly restrained in an FAA approved child-safety restraint seat or system.
In the News
March 11, 2016
United Flight 232
“I love you, hurry home. I love you.” On July 19, 1989, a DC-10 headed for O’Hare with 296 aboard is paralyzed mid-air. For 44 minutes, the aircraft descended towards an emergency landing and crashed at Sioux City Gateway airport. To the astonishment of all who witnessed the event, 184 of 296 passengers and crew survived. Drawing on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, this brand new play, United Flight 232, is a reflection on how to comprehend tragedy and celebrate human ingenuity in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Drawing on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, the play is a reflection of our inherent sense of responsibility and compassion towards one another.
United 232 was performed at the House Theatre of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois and at various sites across the United States.
SSEATS was honored to be present at the first public performance of United 232. We were overwhelmed at the thoughtfulness and loving spirit put in by the creator, Vanessa Staling and Brenda Barrie, who portrayed Jan in the play, with the amazing talent put forth by the other actors, crew, and individuals who brought this story to life. In the midst of heartache and loss for the 112 families and loved ones left behind, to the courage of survivors who strive to live life to the fullest, this play underscores resilience and hope of the human spirit.
“I love you, hurry home. I love you.” On July 19, 1989, a DC-10 headed for O’Hare with 296 aboard is paralyzed mid-air. For 44 minutes, the aircraft descended towards an emergency landing and crashed at Sioux City Gateway airport. To the astonishment of all who witnessed the event, 184 of 296 passengers and crew survived. Drawing on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, this brand new play, United Flight 232, is a reflection on how to comprehend tragedy and celebrate human ingenuity in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Drawing on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, the play is a reflection of our inherent sense of responsibility and compassion towards one another.
United 232 was performed at the House Theatre of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois and at various sites across the United States.
SSEATS was honored to be present at the first public performance of United 232. We were overwhelmed at the thoughtfulness and loving spirit put in by the creator, Vanessa Staling and Brenda Barrie, who portrayed Jan in the play, with the amazing talent put forth by the other actors, crew, and individuals who brought this story to life. In the midst of heartache and loss for the 112 families and loved ones left behind, to the courage of survivors who strive to live life to the fullest, this play underscores resilience and hope of the human spirit.
April 21, 2014
SSEAT founder and child seat advocate Jan Brown joined outgoing NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman at the National Press Club breakfast in Washington, DC. Chairman Hersman discussed her support of ending the practice of lap children in aviation and highlighted Jan's story in memory of Evan. You may view her speech here and read USA Today's summary of the event.
We at SSEAT thank Ms. Hersman for her 10 years of service at the NTSB and wish her the best of luck at the National Safety Council.
We at SSEAT thank Ms. Hersman for her 10 years of service at the NTSB and wish her the best of luck at the National Safety Council.
On February 17, 2014, a baby flew out of their parents arms during a turbulent event on United Flight 1676. We at SSEAT want to know:
What is the FAA going to do to end this practice?
What will it take to MANDATE equality for all souls on board, regardless of age?
When will ALL passengers be required to have the same safety requirements?
How many events or deaths will it take to end the current practice and require child restraints for children under the age of two?
What is the FAA going to do to end this practice?
What will it take to MANDATE equality for all souls on board, regardless of age?
When will ALL passengers be required to have the same safety requirements?
How many events or deaths will it take to end the current practice and require child restraints for children under the age of two?
As the FAA makes clear on its website, there is no debate over this topic: Under no circumstance is a “lap child” as safe or safer than an infant or toddler properly secured in an approved restraint system.
Since 1953 all airline passengers over the age of 2 are required to be restrained, but the loophole for the most vulnerable passengers has never been closed.
The reasoning behind the FAA’s refusal to heed the NTSB’s advice and ban lap kids is complex, but this policy leaves a gaping hole in the safety net.
Thousands of parents and caregivers are unaware of the dangers of not purchasing a separate seat for a child restraint, and educational efforts by the FAA and the airlines have not done enough. If you’re in doubt, go ask a physicist: No mortal can fight g-forces well enough to properly restrain an infant during a crisis in a commercial aircraft. Whatever the cost, an infant seat is the only safe solution.
William J. McGee, author
"Attention All Passengers: The Airlines’ Dangerous Descent—and How to Reclaim Our Skies" (HarperCollins 2012).