A mother of twin babies has issued a warning to other parents about a little-known airline rule that prevents two lap infants from sitting in the same row. Savannah Gavigan, a twin mum, was left baffled when she and her husband boarded a flight and were forced to split up their twins because of safety regulations concerning oxygen masks.
What Happened on the Flight
Savannah Gavigan shared her experience on TikTok, explaining that she had no idea such a rule existed. In the video, she wrote: "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: "But they still find a way to spend time together."
Why the Rule Exists
The reason behind this rule is safety. On airplanes, each row typically has enough oxygen masks for the main passengers plus one extra. If multiple infants under the age of two are seated on adults' laps in the same row, there would not be enough oxygen masks for everyone in case of an emergency. According to airline safety protocols, only one lap infant is allowed per row of two or three seats.
This rule is common across most airlines, as they follow similar safety precautions. However, there are ways to work around it. Parents can purchase an extra seat for one of the infants, allowing them to use an approved car seat or harness, which means all family members can sit together. Some airlines also offer seats with bassinets for babies to lie in during the flight.
Alternative Seating Arrangements
If both infants are lap babies, the closest they can sit to each other is across the aisle or directly in front or behind, as every three rows have four oxygen masks. Additionally, some airlines require an extra accompanying adult if one adult is traveling with two infants, and at least one baby may need to be secured in a safety-approved car seat.
Public Reaction
Many parents expressed shock in the comments, saying they had never heard of this rule. One person wrote: "This should be in the disclaimer when you book a flight. How random I would’ve never known!" Another said: "Will be traveling with the family in October and the grandbabies will be six months so this is a good thing to know now!"
Flight attendants also verified the rule. One commented: "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 noted: "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."
