Lisa Flom, a mother of two from Minneapolis, Minnesota, recently posted a TikTok video that went viral showing her using a common household fastener to secure her toddler onto an airplane seat. In the video, Flom appeared to use this method to prevent her child from wiggling around or getting up during the flight. The video gained over 25 million views and more than 5,500 comments, with users expressing mixed opinions about the safety and legitimacy of the “hack.”
While some users believed the video was just a joke, others voiced concerns about the safety of sticking adhesive to the seat and suggested simply watching the child instead. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website advises that the safest place for a child under the age of 2 is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in the parent’s lap. The website stresses the importance of purchasing a separate ticket for a child to ensure their safety during the flight.
Safety experts, including Michelle Pratt, a Florida-based nationally certified child passenger safety technician, caution against the use of unconventional methods like the one shown in the video. Pratt emphasized that the safest way for children under 2 to travel by air is to be properly secured in a car seat, both on airplanes and in cars. This method ensures the child’s safety and is recommended by safety guidelines to protect them during unexpected turbulence or accidents.
Some social media users found the video useful and humorous, with one jokingly suggesting putting children in a cage in the cargo hold for a safer and cheaper alternative. However, others raised concerns about the risks associated with using an adhesive to secure a child onto an airplane seat. The debate over the safety and effectiveness of this “hack” continues to divide opinions online, with some believing it to be a practical solution and others advising against it due to safety concerns.
Despite the humor and controversy surrounding the video, many users remain skeptical about the authenticity and legitimacy of the method shown. While some view it as a harmless joke, others question the safety implications of using household fasteners to secure a child onto an airplane seat. The FAA emphasizes the importance of following safety guidelines and purchasing a separate ticket for children under 2 to ensure their protection during air travel.
In conclusion, Lisa Flom’s viral TikTok video showcasing a creative “hack” for securing children on airplane seats has sparked a debate among social media users and safety experts. While some find the video humorous and useful, others express concerns about the safety of using household fasteners to keep children in place during flights. Safety guidelines advise against such unconventional methods, urging parents to use approved child restraint systems for the safety and protection of young children during air travel.
