WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt today encouraged travelers to take an active role in aviation safety when they fly this holiday season.

"We operate the safest transportation system in the world but we can all take some simple steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones even safer this holiday season," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

"I'm asking every passenger to take just a few minutes to follow our safety tips and, most importantly, pay attention to your flight and cabin crew," said Administrator Babbitt.

Travelers can make their flight even safer by following these guidelines:

• Pay attention to the flight attendant safety briefing at the beginning of your flight and read the safety briefing card.
• Buckle up. Keep yourself and your family safe by wearing a seat belt at all times while seated.
• Use an approved child safety seat or device if your child weighs less than 40 pounds.
• Prevent in-flight injuries by following your airline's carry-on bag restrictions.
• When it's time, turn off your personal electronic device (PED).

Passengers can find child safety information and the latest on airport status and delays at www.faa.gov/passengers. The site also contains videos on how to properly install a child safety seat or device on an airplane.

In December 2010, a group of aviation stakeholders, known as the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC), delivered 23 recommendations to Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt on workforce development, competition and viability, financing of aviation systems, environmental concerns, and safety. Based on some of those recommendations, the FAA is stepping up efforts to educate parents about the importance of using a child restraint for air travel.

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