Month: March 2013

CARES Harness on Air Pacific?

Tanya asked; Friday, 22 April 2011 8:30 PM

Hi Ben

I am looking at purchasing a CARES restraint system for use on Air Pacific and would like to confirm that it has attached to it one of the labels below. I know that it does comply with the below but am hoping that it actually has the labels attached too.

Thanks for your help

Air Pacific Header_Logo

 

The following is copied from Air Pacific website at Flying with Kids on Air Pacific;

“Approved Restraint systems

1. Seats that comply with Australian/New Zealand design standard AS/NZS 1745 for infant car seats which are secured in the aircraft in a manner consistent with the seat design criteria. As this standard requires a 3 point attachment, a top tether, in addition to the fastened lap belt, must be fitted.

2. Child restraint systems accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America with two labels attached to the child restraint system reading as follows:

    * “This Child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards”.
    * “This restraint system is certified for use in motor vehicles and Aircraft”.?c). FAA approved harness type child restraint system with a label attached to the restraint system reading as follows:
    * FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR 21.305(d), APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY

3. Child restraint system that meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213 or 213.1. A statement of compliance label must be affixed to the restraint system indicating compliance with CMVSS 213 or 213.1.

4. Seats accepted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom, guidance on CAR-TYPE SAFETY SEATS and AIRCRAFT-TYPE SAFETY SEATS acceptable for use in aircraft can be found in the CAA Air Navigation Order 2005, General Exemption, No. 598, dated 29 September 2006.

5. Seats meeting European Community requirements of ECE Regulation 44.”

Ben replied; Saturday, 23 April 2011 4:13 PM

Hello Tanya,

Thanks for visiting Little Gulliver and your CARES query.  The airlines can be quite bureaucratic so it’s always worthwhile asking!  Yes, CARES has received both USA FAA approval (the FAA approval code for CARES is 14 CFR 21.305 (d)) and local Australian CASA acceptance.  This satisfies Air Pacific’s requirements and so I’d expect you’d have no trouble.

The CARES unit has the FAA approval stitched onto it as shown in the diagram below:

FAA approval on CARES unit

 Hope this helps.  Have a great trip

Kind regards

Ben

Tanya replied; Tuesday, 26 April 2011 2:26 PM

Hi Ben

Sorry to be a pain but would you be able to confirm that the following text is actually contained on the label before I purchase the restraint? I have been talking to the airlines and they are extremely specific in what they require.

Two labels attached to the child restraint system reading as follows:

  1. “This Child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards”.
  2. “This restraint system is certified for use in motor vehicles and Aircraft”.?c).

Or FAA approved harness type child restraint system with a label attached to the restraint system reading as follows:

FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR 21.305(d), APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY

Many thanks again for your help,

Kind regards,

Tanya

Ben replied; Tuesday, 26 April 2011 5:43 PM

Hi Tanya, no problem at all.  I’ve taken a closer photo of the approval stamp on the CARES unit (see below).  I’ve also attached it if the email format is unclear.

CARES FAA approval

You will see in the middle of the approval sticker are the words complying with the second part of the Air Pacific paragraph – “FAA approved harness type child restraint system with a label attached to the restraint system reading as follows:   * FAA APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 14 CFR 21.305(d), APPROVED FOR AIRCRAFT USE ONLY”.

I’m a little confused by the Air Pacific policy paragraphs as they appear to have a formatting issue and mix up Car Seat labelling requirements with requirements for other child harnesses.   Points 1 and 2 of the Air Pacific policy are related to using Car seats (and therefore require the two labels) whereas point c) I expect should be a separate paragraph and is related to harness systems such as CARES (the only one to carry this technical approval).

I hope this provides more specific info for your discussions with Air Pacific customer service.  Happy to help with any further queries they may have.

Kind regards

Ben

A look at our gorgeous Little Luggage for Little People

Luggage for the little folk in your family is a lovely idea.  Not only is it a way to get them interested in the trip, it’s a practical and stylish way to cart their gear about!

With families heading interstate and overseas so regularly these days, a set of quality kids luggage is a useful addition.

Many high quality brands are now available and they offer plenty of inbuilt features such as wheels and handles.  A piece of luggage should be equally useful going camping at the local national park or a long haul trip to Paris!

Depending on your own needs and the age of the child, Little Gulliver has kids luggage and bags to suit everyone – from the popular Trunki to a roll along LittleLife wheelie duffle in favourite animal designs.

The main thing to consider is what your main use for the luggage will be:

  • is it carry-on or check in?
  • were you hoping to pack clothing or just activities and a change of clothes?
  • is your little one likely to be active or would they like to sit and draw?
  • if you’re flying will you be having a stopover?

Match this need with the age and size of you child and we should have just the right luggage for you.

GoVinci

It’s no secret the GoVinci is my favourite kids luggage. It’s a hard case, has very funky wheels and I love the fact kids can personalise it themselves – as it has a special pull out screen. Kids can put an A4 drawing, a map or brochure of where you’re going, a picture of their pet dog or maybe One Direction, Transformers or Elmo?

 

The manufacturer recommends them for age 3+, but I have seen some sites suggest 2+. For older kids, keep in mind the maximum height with handle extended is 65 cm.

Features

  • For Ages 3+
  • Large wheels for a smooth and comfortable journey
  • Retractable 27 cm handle for easy carry-on
  • The front frame displays the creations of your child
  • The flat surface forms a drawing table for quiet times
  • Easy to clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth
  • 39 cm high x 27 cm wide x 15 cm deep. Stands 65 cm tall with handle extended
  • Elasticised pocket on the inside lid. Plus, there is an elastic strap and clasp in the base to keep everything secure

Not sure if you prefer the GoVinci or Skip Hop luggage? There is great information and photos here Review and Compare – Skip Hop rolling luggage and GoVinci Trolley.

Goldbug 2 in 1 Trolley and Backpack

This cute monkey is a small trolley case. The wheels and handle comes off in one price and it can be used as a small backpack. Cute for a day trip, some carry on play things or a trip to day care or kinder. Its a soft feel velour fabric and perfect for monkey lovers everywhere.

Its also one of our most affordable luggage pieces.

Features

  • in the light coloured nose and mouth area, there is a zip pocket (large enough to hold a drink bottle or small snack etc
  • the back straps undo easily, so the wheel and handle piece can be removed to convert the unit to a backpack
  • cute banana zip pull

Trunki

The original and popular Trunki!  Who doesn’t love a Trunki?  Wherever they go, airports or hotels the Trunki turns heads and makes people smile.

Trunki is the suitcase kids can ride and be pulled along by mum and dad. They are considered to be carry on luggage and also have a carry strap so they can be carried over an adults shoudler (clip on one end to pull along, clip the strap on both ends to make a carry handle. It also has short handles so it can be carried at your side).

They can fit more in than you might think.  Clothing and activities for a weekend fit easily – well suited to plane travel, toys, snacks and a change of clothes.

Also 3+, just keep in mind that your child will want to ride it – so should be at an age where they can sit on and push safely.

For more information see Trunki Suitcase Review.

Also, Kids Travel 2 did this wonderful video showing how much you can fit in a Trunki (a surprising amount)!

Skip Hop

This is a brand everyone knows and loves. Look out for the really cute designs and choose one you both love.

Great for lugging around, with a side pocket for a drink bottle and the zip compartment on the front perfect for snacks or activities. Kids do really enjoy pulling their very own luggage along, so the cute designs only make this more enticing!

Features

  • Removable, adjustable parent handle (so parents can carry it over a shoulder)
  • For Ages 3+
  • Front zip pocket keeps favorite things in easy reach
  • Back loop keeps shoulder strap tucked away
  • Retractable 33cm handle for easy carry-on
  • Elastic mesh bottle pocket
  • Sturdy poly-canvas fabric, BPA and Phthalate Free
  • Fun matching zipper pulls
  • Dimensions with trolley: 45cm H x 31cm W x 15cm D

Baby Gizmo have done a video review of Skip Hop luggage here;

Not sure if you prefer the GoVinci or Skip Hop luggage? There is great information and photos here Review and Compare – Skip Hop rolling luggage and GoVinci Trolley.

Bobble Art

dinosaur-rolling-front

 

The Bobble Art cabin luggage is the latest in their range and beautifully designed.  I love the 4 wheels, making it really easy to manoeuvre for kids and parents.  This is the largest luggage in our range to fit the carry on size criteria of most airlines.

Size: 55cm tall x 35cm wide x 23cm deep (not including extendable handle). Total height with handle extended: 80cm

Features

  • Meets official aviation luggage dimensions.
  • Heavy duty & durable.
  • Sturdy, padded carry handle.
  • Extendable handle with push button to lock in position.
  • 3 handle positions (full extension, half extension, down), so handy for growing bodies
  • Front pocket with zip closure.
  • Generously sized fully lined main compartment with 3 internal mesh pockets.
  • Main compartment zip can be locked for extra security (suitcase padlock not included).
  • 4 swivel trolley wheels.
  • Outer cover is made from extra strength luggage canvas.

 Little Life

Little Life is here!  The latest in our luggage range, Little Life is back in Australia with a new distributor and a new friend in little Gulliver.  The handle tucks away and can be zipped up and there is a sturdy carry handle

The luggage is made with high-density nylon fabric, high quality zips and a telescopic handle.  Perfect for taking on a plane, the fun designs are also ideal for those overnight trips and are sure to be a hit with little adventurers everywhere. I like that the extendable handle can be zipped away and houses a sealed name and address section.

Features

  • Extending Handle
  • Soft Rubber Wheels
  • Easy-grip handle
  • Fun animal printsAnimal Wheelie Duffle - Turtle-open
  • ‘Stay Put’ lid offering easy access
  • Spacious 20 litre compartment
  • Internal accessory pocket
  • Complies with safety standard EN 13210-2004

Technical Specification

    • Weight: 1.4kg
    • Capacity: 20 Litres
    • Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 45 cm
    • Suitable for Age: 3+ years

This video review is great for a closer look at the Wheelie Duffel from Little Life;

 

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We’ll be continually updating our range. Please let us know about your experiences using your kids luggage – what do you like/dislike?  What do the kids think?  What would you recommend?

This post is a review of our rolling luggage range, we also have a selection of backpacks and overnight bags. Check out our full range of luggage at Little Gulliver Bags and Backpacks today!