[Philip76]

I received a reply from Virgin Blue, stating that their aircraft do not have approved mounting points for the top tether straps of child restraints and consequently CASA does not allow child restraints to be used on board. I will ask next if the airline has plans to install mounting points and have their planes approved for the use of child restraints. If Qantas and Jetstar can do it, I don't expect it is impossibly expensive.

I read the CASA rules on child restraints and they do not require the child restraint to be in a window seat, but it is only allowed to block access to the seats of the child's parents or carers - not other passengers' seats.

It certainly seems that CASA encourages the use of child restraints in all aircraft in Australia, and even goes to the extent of allowing the use of American-approved seats. ATSB research also supports the use of child restraints. I doubt that Virgin Blue could go much longer without improving its safety offering for young children and infants. I'll certainly have to stick with the other two airlines in future if Virgin Blue doesn't lift its game.