Check-in
On check in at Wellington Airport, I
mentioned that we were trialing the CARES harness. The check-in
staff were very interested to read the accompanying certification letter!
Boarding and installing
The air crew were very friendly and
curious to see the harness once installed on our three year old boy,
Sam. Installation was very quick and easy especially as we were among
the first to board. I did find the back strap a little difficult
to tighten at first. We had been allocated two rows of three seats
for our family, therefore we didn’t have to ask any other passengers
to lower their tray for installation. On our return flight I did have to
ask the passengers behind us to lower their tray table for installation
and they were more than happy to oblige.
Take-off
Sam was more than happy to wear the
harness for take off.
During the flight
During the flight we made sure he
was restrained when the seatbelt sign was on, but the CARES was quite
restricting for watching the movie so we took him out of it while he
watched. If the child wants to eat independently, it was also quite
restricting, however if the child is younger and spoon fed, it acts as a
good high chair.
At one point, Sam actually got out
of the restraint himself which surprised us!
Landing and un-installing
The harness was easy to un-install
after landing. We were the last to leave the aircraft, so I could
lower the tray table and un-install the harness without disturbing any
other passengers.
By Phil Plimmer, Wellington August
2008
