Little Kids and flying commercial

[Sprint100]

I gotta ask this question because I am not trying to make the next episode of Airliner as a frustrated traveler.
Do the airlines require FAA-approved car seats anymore? Some say no, some say yes, but I think I should just call the airlines. But then again, we know how informative or un-informitaive the reps can be sometimes.

 

[MQAAord]

If a child has not yet reached his/her second birthday, they may ride as a lap child on the lap of a ticketed adult.

If the child is TWO YEARS of age or older, they are NOT allowed to ride as a lap child, and must have their own seat. However, car seats are not required for those children sitting in airplane seats.

As a side note, if a car seat is to be used, it must have a sticker on it saying "approved for use in motor vehicles and aircraft". This sticker is usually found on the side, back or bottom of the seat. Most seats made after 1983 do have this sticker, however, be careful because NOT ALL seats are aircraft approved. The Britax Husky, for example, is not approved for use in aircraft because of it's size.

Here's where I go into my soapbox tanget of saying that I think all children 5 and under ought to be in approved child restraints in ANY moving vehicle. Lap children are projectiles, and I think my kids' lives are worth the extra money to buy a ticket.