This interview is with Lia Tuso, Child Passenger Safety Technician at Lia Tuso.

Lia Tuso, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Lia Tuso

Lia, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in the travel industry?

I am a travel influencer and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who specializes in aviation, with a strong focus on educating parents on the importance of car-seat use on airplanes. I bridge the gap between professional safety recommendations and real-world, practical advice for parents traveling with young children.

What first sparked your passion for travel, and how did that lead you to where you are today?

I have been passionate about travel since I participated in a high-school study-abroad program. But like most parents, I was unaware of the logistical complications of flying with children until I was faced with this challenge. Although I was already a Child Passenger Safety Technician and frequent flyer, I did not combine the two passions until my son was flying with us, and I had to navigate TSA with baby food, family boarding, and gate-checking strollers.

Many of our readers are avid travelers. What is the most valuable travel tip you've learned throughout your journeys that you would share with them?

The most valuable travel tip I have learned is to expect the unexpected. This is especially true when we're traveling with children, as this can mean anything from preparing for an extra diaper blowout to navigating last-minute hotel reservations if our flight is canceled.

Speaking of valuable tips, have you ever encountered a challenging travel situation, and if so, how did you overcome it?

As a Child Passenger Safety Technician, one of the most challenging travel situations to navigate is when a flight attendant, cabin crew, or other airline employee gives pushback on our right to use a car seat after we (as parents) have ensured that we're adhering to all of the FAA regulations and airline policies and have made the effort to lug the car seat all the way through the airport.

It's critical to address these situations with kindness and in a calm manner. Flight attendants do want to keep their child passengers safe as much as any parent does. It's important to understand there is a need for continuing education on CRS use for airline employees, as these issues occur every day.

Airlines and Aviation is dedicated to providing insights into the airline industry. From your perspective, what are some recent changes or trends in air travel that have caught your attention?

There is a definite increased trend in air travel with car seats. Most recently, the FAA has confirmed that they encourage extended rear-facing on aircraft in alignment with the car seat manufacturers. As long as all regulations and policies are adhered to, flight attendants may see 3- or 4-year-olds rear-facing in their CRS onboard. There is no regulation that prohibits this.

With the rise of budget airlines, how do you think travelers can still prioritize comfort and convenience without breaking the bank?

It is critical to research the airline before you book to understand their policies, especially their family-seating policies, where some parents may be stuck paying an additional fee to sit next to their children. Researching airlines ahead of time will allow people to choose the one that best prioritizes their comfort and convenience.

Sustainability is a growing concern in the travel industry. What are some eco-friendly travel practices that you've adopted or recommend?

I started small by bringing a refillable water bottle with me during my travels and opting for a digital boarding pass over a printed one. I also try to prioritize booking on an airline that has a sustainability action plan or that uses sustainable aviation fuel.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the future of travel, particularly within the airline industry?

I am very excited to see where the future of child-passenger safety on aircraft trends, too. We already have research that concludes children are best protected by a CRS until approximately age 7 and 49 inches tall, which is a big difference compared to the current language used by the FAA that suggests the airline lap belt starts to fit children around 40 lbs.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring travel enthusiasts or those considering a career in the aviation field?

My advice to aspiring travel enthusiasts is to book the hotel or your accommodation first because this is a very good way to trick your mind into actually following through. Most often, you will not need to pay upfront for the hotel accommodation, but you will be adding it to your calendar. Once it's in your calendar, the flights will naturally follow.

If you're considering a career in the aviation field, there is no better time to start. Take advantage of the resources that are available, and collaborate with other industry professionals to further your education.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Flying with a car seat may seem like a daunting challenge, but there are professional Child Passenger Safety Technicians who are available and happy to walk you through your trip itinerary to determine what is best practice for your family and also convenient for your trip. And if you're a professional in the aviation industry who would like to learn more about CRS use onboard, reach out with questions because child safety should always be a top priority—even at 35,000 ft.