Brazilian airline TAM is part of an industry push for lap fees. Source: Supplied
BRAZILIAN Airlines are considering scrapping the no fee for babies policy in a move that is sure to ignite fierce debate around a decade old issue.
Currently airlines allow children under the age of two to fly for free or charge them a small percentage of a full fare. But Brazil’s aviation industry wants to waive this cap, which currently sits at 10 per cent, allowing them to charge a higher fee for non-seated travellers.
Until now, Brazil has been known as one of the most flyer friendly countries thanks to its
consumer-protection rules that bans surcharges, including baggage fees and weight restrictions on luggage, unlike most other airlines worldwide.
Should you pay for your child sitting on your lap? Brazilian airlines think so. Source: Getty Images
But the move to introduce baby fares is being included in a proposal by the government’s aviation agency, Anac, in the upcoming revision of airline regulations.
The draft, “in virtue of tariff liberty”, has been compiled after meeting with airline and consumer protection groups and is to be submitted for public opinion with approval set for the end of 2016.
The Brazilian airline association told Bloomberg that it was about being able to provide the best service.
“It’s up to the companies to decide their strategy,” said Guilherme Freire, director of institutional relations at Abear in Sao Paulo. “This is about deregulation. Airlines want to be able to offer the best service, and those wanting better service should pay more.”
Airlines provide bassinets free of charge for now. Source: Getty Images
So what does this mean for Australian airlines?
Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar told news.com.au that they had no plans to introduce such a fee.
“We have no current plans to review our flying with infants policy,” said a Virgin spokesperson.
On both Virgin and Qantas, all children under two years old fly free of charge on domestic flights if sitting on laps. On short haul and international flights they charge 10 per cent of the full fare excluding taxes and surcharges.
Jetstar also waives any fee on domestic routes and charges a flat rate of $40 for international flights.
The debate over “lap babies” has been a long and ongoing one with aviation groups highlighting the lack of safety with children not having their own seat.
According to Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), research shows that children on their parent’s laps face an increased risk of injury or death in a crash compared to adults because loop belt restraints (the current safety restraint for lap babies) offers less protection than adult restraints.
TAM is one of the four Brazilian airlines wanting to challenge government regulations. Source: News Corp Australia
The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) in the US says that the safest place for your child on an aeroplane is in a government-approved child safety restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap and urges parents to buy a plane seat for their child.
One mum told news.com.au that the plans for charging were ridiculous.
“They don’t take up any space and they don’t require any airline food. We bring everything they need on the flight for them,” she said.
Another said that if they are taking up a seat then yes but not if they’re on your lap.
“If they are at the age where they are eating airline food, using entertainment facilities they should be paying. The rest of the passengers shouldn’t have to bear the burden of other people’s kids. If they are on your lap however they should be free as they sit on your knee and you bring their food and drink.”
It is believed that the “lap fees” are a move against the Brazilian governments strong consumer protection rules with domestic fares plummeting since the industry was deregulated in 2001. It is unclear how much Brazilian airlines are wanting to charge.
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