car seats in rentals?

[senorak]

Thought I had a great rate for an 8 day rental from National (using EA, DC and coupon) of $152. Then, after reading somewhere that children under 5 must be in carseats (I have a 4yo going), I went back to the National site to "rebook" my rental....and was surprised to find, that not only do they charge for a child or booster seat---but that ordering that equipment will put my rental back to "counter service" rather than EA. As of now, I still have my original ressies, but will they allow me to take the car w/o the child seat? If I book with some sort of "special device"---my rate jumps to over $200!!!

Just wondering how those of you w/ small children handle the car seat dilemma when renting.

Thanks. DEB

[beattyfamily]

The law is actually 4 years and up need to be in at least a seatbelt and in the back seats. If you do a "law" search on this board, you'll find the Fl. Law on carseats.

We bring our own for our kids. If we don't need it on the plane, we check it with our luggage or gate check it.

If you rent one, yes, I think you need counter service, not sure, though. Yes, they will definitely let you drive away without one for your 4 year old.

We are not bringing one this year for our then 5 year old but are bringing one for our 2 year old, of course.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

you will need counter service for car seats. I don't know why, I would assume it is just one of the rules. Alamo keeps them in the rental area, so, I am thinking that perhaps National keeps them behind the counter. Hence, the necessity of counter.

[senorak]

Thanks for the info. Think I will just bring a seat along (checked at airport) so that I can keep my EA ressie and the lower rate.

DEB

[R4racing]

It is possible to rent on the aisle and get a car seat. Once you get out there and pick out a car, catch an employee and ask about car seats, some airports will have at least one near the gate where you leave. Or maybe if you catch an ever-so-kind employee they could scrounge one up for you. If a child legally is supposed to be in a safety seat and they see him/her not in one, they can either
A. require you to rent one or B. not rent you the vehicle until he/she is fastened in the vehicle properly.