2-year-old on an Airplane?

[akghutton]

This will be our first trip taking our son on an airplane. We will have to by him a seat, for he will be 2. We are curious about whether or not we should bring his car seat for the plane ride. I have one friend who swears it is the safest way to go, yet everyone else looks at me like I am insane when I mention it. What are your experiences with travelling with a toddler via plane? We won't need the car seat for other transportation, for the car service will provide one. Any and all thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Beverly Lynn]

personally I wouldn't bring it but I know some people out there that feel they have to have it. last week when we flew to mco there was one guy who brought his onto the plane and bonked everyone with it as he went down the aisle to the rear of the aircraft and then he couldn't get the seat to fit into the airplane seat. so he couldn't use it. (the base of it was wide) and yes it was an FAA approved seat too.

 

[beattyfamily]

I think it depends on the child's age and what kind of child they are.

We did not bring on for our 2 years and 3 month old in 1998 and she was fine although she did cry a little when we told her she couldn't take her seatbelt off.

Then when we went this past December with our now 5 year old and 14 month old, we brought one for the 14 month old. She can't talk and she would have wanted to run around. This way she felt like it was driving in the car.

Now we're going again in December and she'll be 2 and 2 month, and I really haven't decided yet. She still can't talk well and has a terrible temper so I'm leaning on the side of bringing it. I don't want to fight with her to keep her seatbelt on.

Good luck in what you decide.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

Thankfully my DD was great at flying. she still is. when she was 18 mths and we flew to disney I bought her her own seat and she sat in it like a "big girl" and I had no problems with her. she kept her belt on and I just made sure that I had enough for her to do in her backpack. crayola has this little carry case with a built in write on wipe off board and markers that she loves to use and I brought a pooh colorforms with us for her to play with and of course the old coloring book and crayons. once during the flight I did walk her back to the bathroom area to go to the potty and she was happy with that.

make sure that you have enough to keep you child busy during the flight and I think that you will have no problem keeping the child in the seat. bring some snacks too for them. and I would also suggest a sippy cup of some sort with a lid because they always seem to spill their drinks on the plane.....(I forgot mine last time)

 

[DJT]

When we flew in September last year, with my DS and DDIL, they brought their carseat for my grandson who was 2 years, 7 months at the time. It was great because he fell asleep shortly after the plane took off, and slept until we were ready to land (about an hour and a half). He did the very same thing on the return flight. I imagine to him it was like the drive from their home to my home which is about an hour and a half. It was just perfect for us.

 

[Mamatipo]

I am definitely bringing a car seat for my 2-year-old for this sept's trip. I will need it anyway because we're renting a car, but I would bring it even if we didn't rent a car. My son loves to get up and go. He opens any clip or latch that he is able to open, so an airplane seatbelt isn't going to do anything for him. It is a pain to lug around when not in use, but for us, it is a must.

I think it depends on what type of child you have. If your son is very antsy, then bring it. If he is calm and can sleep in a regular seat, then don't.

Good luck!

 

[akghutton]

Thanks for all of the great advice. My son started walking at 10 months and has been a "man on the move" ever since. However, he usually will sleep in his car seat, so I think we will opt for bringing it along to give him that sense that he is riding in the car. Who knows, maybe he would actually nap!!! Keep your fingers crossed

Otherwise, we have a year to prepare for his first flight, so any additional advice or stories that you can share concerning tricks to have a pleasant flight will be more than welcome. Thanks again!!

 

[ducklite]

Bring snacks and juice boxes! Not all flights serve a meal, and when they do it's not usually suitable for a kid (or a grown up either, but that's another story!!)

If possible, book the seats for your family so your son is sitting behind your husband, that way when he kicks the seat back in front of you on the entire trip, it'll be your husband he's annoying. Less stress on you!!

Anne