A mother of twins has issued a warning to other parents about a little-known airline safety rule that forced her and her husband to separate their babies during a recent flight. Savannah Gavigan, a mother of twins, shared her experience on TikTok after being told that her two infants could not sit in the same row on the plane.
According to Savannah, the rule came as a complete surprise. She explained in her TikTok video: "Friendly reminder to all twin parents: two in-lap infants can't sit in the same row." The video showed her twins playing with each other despite being seated on separate rows. She jokingly added in the caption: "But they still find a way to spend time together."
Why the Rule Exists
The primary reason behind this policy is airline safety regulations. Most aircraft have only enough oxygen masks in each row for the main passengers plus one additional. Therefore, if two lap infants are seated in the same row, there would not be enough oxygen masks in the event of an emergency. This rule applies to the majority of airlines, as they adhere to similar safety measures.
Workarounds for Families
There are ways to circumvent this rule. Many airlines allow parents to purchase an additional seat for one of the babies. If one infant is placed in their own seat, typically in an approved car seat or with a harness, the whole family can sit together in the same row. Some airlines also offer seats with bassinets where babies can lie comfortably during the flight.
If both infants are lap babies, the closest seating arrangement available is across the aisle or directly in the row immediately in front or behind. This is because oxygen masks are provided for four passengers every three rows.
It is also worth noting that certain airlines require an additional accompanying adult when one adult is travelling with two infants, and at least one of the babies may need to be secured in a safety-approved car seat.
Public Reaction
Savannah's video quickly garnered attention, with many parents expressing surprise at the rule. One commenter wrote: "This should be in the disclaimer when you book a flight. How random I would've never known!" Another added: "Will be travelling with the family in October and the grandbabies will be six months so this is a good thing to know now!"
Several cabin crew members confirmed the information in the comments. One flight attendant stated: "Hey flight attendant here! Thanks for bringing this up! It has to do with oxygen masks! Should they deploy we want everyone to have one in reach and easily accessible, reaching may take extra time that could be detrimental!"
Another former cabin crew member added: "You can though BUT - it depends on the aircraft type and where the bassinets are located. 2 bassinets on D & G on B777, A380 etc on many airlines."
