Safe Skies with Lia Tuso

Lia Tuso
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Welcome to Safe Skies with Lia Tuso, the podcast empowering you to fly safely and confidently with little jetsetters. Hosted by Lia Tuso, a child passenger safety technician (certified in US & Canada), travel influencer, and mom, this show is your trusted resource for navigating the skies with kids. Lia’s expertise in child passenger safety and her passion for travel come together to provide practical tips, expert insights, and relatable stories. From understanding airline car seat policies - to managing family travel logistics, Lia covers it all!

Episodes

  1. 04/11/2025

    The FAA CARES Harness

    🛫 In this episode of Safe Skies with Lia Tuso, we’re diving into one of the most commonly asked-about products in the world of family air travel: the CARES harness. ✨ The only FAA-approved child safety harness for use on airplanes, the CARES harness can be a game-changer for certain families—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. I’ll break down: ✅ Who the CARES harness is designed for ✈️ When and how to use it correctly 🚫 Common misconceptions about CARES vs. car seats 💡 How to decide if it’s the right fit for your next flight If you’ve been wondering whether to pack the CARES harness or your convertible car seat, this episode is for you. 🔗 Hit play, and let’s keep our littlest passengers safer in the skies.

    8 min

  2. 04/02/2025

    Checking a Car Seat: What you Need to Know

    ✈️ Whether you're gate-checking, curb-checking, or wrestling with a baggage tag at 5 AM, this episode is your ultimate guide to checking a car seat. I’m breaking down what the MACPS (Manufacturers Alliance for Child Passenger Safety) says about checked seats, how to assess for potential damage, and how to protect your seat like a pro. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✍️ What to look for when checking a car seat post-flight 💥 The risks involved with checking vs. carrying on 🧠 What MACPS guidance says 🎯 Best practice tips for wrapping & bagging 💼 How to advocate for your gear ✨ How to snag a free seat to bring your CRS onboard! Whether you're a frequent flyer or prepping for baby’s first big adventure, this episode will give you the knowledge (and confidence!) to travel smarter and safer. 🔗 Don’t forget to follow @lia_tuso for more car seat travel tips and resources or visit www.liatuso.com

    14 min

  3. 03/28/2025

    Accessible Travel: Supporting Your Child’s Unique Needs While Flying

    In this heartfelt and informative episode of Safe Skies, Lia sits down to talk about traveling with children who have disabilities or developmental differences. Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, or requires additional support while flying, this episode is here to help you feel more prepared, supported, and empowered. Lia shares expert tips for navigating TSA procedures, choosing the right seating and boarding options, communicating with airline staff, and creating a travel routine that meets your child’s unique needs. She also highlights helpful tools like the Sunflower Lanyard Program, TSA Cares, and airport sensory rooms, and provides guidance on preparing your child—and yourself—for a smoother journey. This episode is packed with empathy, experience, and practical advice to help families feel less overwhelmed and more excited about their travel adventures. ✈️ Resources Mentioned: TSA Cares Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program Airport-specific accessibility programs (check your airport’s website!) 💬 Whether it’s your first flight or your fiftieth, we see you—and we’re here to help you fly with confidence.

    12 min

  4. 03/21/2025

    The Risks of Rented Car Seats & How to Avoid Them

    In today’s episode, we’re diving into the hidden risks of rental car seats — the ones you get handed at the rental counter with little more than a shrug and a prayer. From unknown crash history and expired models to improper cleaning and missing manuals, there’s a lot more risk than most parents realize. I’ll walk you through the top reasons why using a rental car seat just isn’t worth it, what your safer alternatives are, and how to plan ahead so your child travels safely — without the stress. Whether you're a frequent flyer, road tripper, or just planning a quick weekend getaway, this is one episode you don’t want to skip.

    12 min

  5. 03/13/2025

    Navigating TSA with Children

    Flying with kids? The thought of getting through TSA security with little ones in tow can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, host Lia Tuso breaks down everything you need to know about navigating airport security smoothly with kids, strollers, car seats, and all the extra gear that comes with family travel. From what you can (and can’t) bring through security to tips on handling liquids, snacks, and special accommodations for young travelers, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you feel prepared and confident. Plus, Lia shares insider hacks for making the TSA experience easier—whether you’re traveling with an infant, toddler, or multiple kids. Tune in to learn:✅ How to prepare for TSA with kids before you even get to the airport✅ What to expect with car seats, strollers, and baby gear at security checkpoints✅ The truth about TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for families✅ Special accommodations for children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities✅ Pro tips for reducing stress and keeping kids calm during the process Whether you’re a first-time flying parent or a frequent traveler looking to streamline the experience, this episode will help you get through TSA like a pro!

    14 min

  6. 02/20/2025

    Baby Wearing on Airplanes

    Is baby wearing allowed on airplanes? The short answer: not when the seatbelt sign is on. In this episode, we break down the safety regulations behind why airlines don't permit baby wearing in-flight during these critical phases, and what the best practices are for using a carrier while traveling. From keeping your little one secure during turbulence to navigating airport security with ease, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your journey smoother. Looking for expert advice on babywearing techniques and safe practices? Be sure to follow Jordan on Instagram at @thebabywearing.ot for all things babywearing!

    9 min

  7. 02/13/2025

    Why Are In-Lap Infants Allowed?

    In this educational episode, we’re tackling one of the most debated topics in child passenger safety: Why are in-lap infants allowed on airplanes? If car seats are required in cars, why not in the air? We’ll break down the history, regulations, and reasoning behind the airline policies, as well as the safety concerns experts have raised over the years. Most importantly, this episode is about education. Every parent has the right to make the best decision for their family, and flying is still the safest mode of transportation. Whether you're team "bring the car seat" or considering holding your baby in-lap, this episode will give you the insights you need for a smoother and confident journey.

    9 min

  8. 02/06/2025

    Three Reasons Why We Should Use Car Seats on Airplanes

    Flying with kids can feel overwhelming, but making sure they’re safe in the air doesn’t have to be! In this episode of Safe Skies with Lia, we’re breaking down three key reasons why using a car seat on an airplane is a game-changer for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. While this episode discusses best practices for child passenger safety in the air, we recognize that every family’s needs are different. Caregivers have the right to make the choices that work best for their own children and travel circumstances.

    12 min

  9. 01/27/2025

    Who Should Use a Car Seat on an Airplane?

    When it comes to flying with kids, should they be in a car seat onboard? In this episode, I break down who should use a car seat on an airplane, what the professional aviation industry recommends across the U.S. (FAA), Canada (Transport Canada), Europe (EASA), and Australia (CAA), and what I personally advise caregivers. Whether you're a first-time flyer with a little one or a frequent traveler, this episode will help you understand the expert recommendations so you can make the most informed decision on what is best practice for your family and trip. 🎧 Tune in to learn something new and ensure your child flies as safely as possible! ✈️👶

    7 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to Safe Skies with Lia Tuso, the podcast empowering you to fly safely and confidently with little jetsetters. Hosted by Lia Tuso, a child passenger safety technician (certified in US & Canada), travel influencer, and mom, this show is your trusted resource for navigating the skies with kids. Lia’s expertise in child passenger safety and her passion for travel come together to provide practical tips, expert insights, and relatable stories. From understanding airline car seat policies - to managing family travel logistics, Lia covers it all!

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