****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
UPDATE: I have just returned from an overseas trip with my toddler, where I got the chance to use this harness on four different flights. I wanted to provide the promised update.I did my research (even called a United representative) to make sure this harness would be an acceptable alternative to a car seat for my just-under-two child, even though it's not CARES brand. I was told it would be fine and took it on our trip. On three of the four flights, I received no feedback or comment from the flight attendants at all. On the fourth flight, I was questioned by two attendants before takeoff as to whether it was actually CARES brand. I pointed to the FAA Approved patch, but they weren't satisfied and wanted to know the brand. I pointed to the line below that says "CRS" and said, "yeah, it says cares here." But that was a bit of a stretch, to be fair. They took my word for it but I didn't love the situation. I don't know why they in particular decided to be sticklers. And I really didn't want to get thrown off the plane for it. This may be a consideration for those deciding to purchase.As far as the actual use of the harness, it wasn't hard to install. If you pre-board, you'll have plenty of space to get in there and do it before there are people all around. Remember, the tray table on the back of the seat should be opened and the harness installed behind it, so that the person behind you will be able to use their tray table later on. My son was ok with the harness, though I will say that if you don't tighten the lap belt enough, the child may start to slip down and then the chest buckle may end up closer to their neck. Because of this, I would probably not recommend this harness for a child who isn't close to two years old already. Obviously, you want a firm/safe fit. Overall, this harness worked as described.Original review:I have admittedly not used this for air travel yet, but I ordered it because my sister-in-law got a similar one for my toddler nephew for their international flight and she was very happy with its performance. I understand that in the event of an actual plane crash, a harness or seatbelt will not do much. However, that is an extremely unlikely occurrence (thank goodness). This harness (from what I understand) is meant to prevent the child from jiggling around or falling from their seat in case of heavy turbulence or their own fidgeting. My husband mentioned that it may also be useful in keeping them seated instead of running around the plane.The instructions seem simple enough and the straps have some solid stitching from what I can tell. The straps are made of a similar material to seatbelts (though thinner), and the buckles seem like a hardy plastic. There is one metal piece on the harness, but just one.As another reviewer mentioned, I'm not sure where this harness will wrap around the back of the seat, and whether it may interfere with the screen in front of that passenger, assuming there is one. That could be an issue.Upon getting a chance to use this harness, I'll do my best to remember to come back and update this review. From what I can tell from a thorough examination, this item has no obvious issues or red flags.
