Episode 13: Air Travel Safety for Kids with Child Aviation Expert Lia Tuso: What Every Parent Should Know Before Boardin

In this episode, I sit down with Child Aviation Expert Lia Tuso to break down the safety decisions parents need to understand before boarding. We discuss turbulence, lap-held infants, car seats, seating positions, checking versus bringing car seats onboard, and the CARES harness.

Lia also shares helpful airport resources for families traveling with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities, including sensory rooms, TSA Cares, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard.

Whether you're preparing for your next family flight or simply want to feel more confident about flying with your kids, this episode offers practical guidance to help you travel safer and more prepared.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:35 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 02:56 – How Lia became a child passenger safety expert
• 05:43 – Why car seat safety in cars differs from air travel
• 07:05 – How to practice before your flight
• 10:59 – The risks of lap-held infants
• 14:05 – Choosing and using car seats on planes
• 19:51 – Why you should avoid checking car seats
• 24:39 – What to do if your car seat is missing
• 26:52 – Is the CARES harness a good option?
• 29:06 – Resources for kids with sensory needs
• 33:03 – The one thing every parent should know about flying
• 35:32 – Making informed choices for safer family travel

Mentioned Links:

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard – A discreet way for people with non-visible disabilities to indicate that they may need additional support, patience, or understanding while traveling.
• TSA Cares provides assistance and information for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special needs.

About Our Guest:

Lia Tuso is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and international child aviation safety expert who helps families navigate car seats, airline policies, and safer air travel with children. As a mom and frequent traveler, she combines professional expertise with practical, real-world guidance to help parents travel more safely and confidently.

About Our Guest:

Lia Tuso is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and international child aviation safety expert who helps families navigate car seats, airline policies, and safer air travel with children. As a mom and frequent traveler, she combines professional expertise with practical, real-world guidance to help parents travel more safely and confidently.

Connect with Lia:

• Web: https://liatuso.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/lia_tuso/?hl=en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia_Tuso
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liatuso/

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport