Airplane seat for toddler

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Beca
Yes, you are absolutely right. I was referring to "mechanical failure" or "pilot error". In those cases, 95% of all accidents occur during takeoff or landing. Really, the ONLY case I remember (except for terrorist attacks) where there was a mechanical failure during flight was the Aloha airlines incident in the 80's where the plane became a "convertible" during flight. That was ruled to have as a result of one tiny crack around a screw that had been caused by dry salty air (the planes had done a lot of "island hops"). Even in most cases of hydraulic failure (one of the other issues that frightened me), a plane can be landed safely. It REALLY is takeoffs and landings that are so dangerous. And yes, turbulence CAN be dangerous, and certainly most accidents occur as a result of turbulence....but, unless we're talking about an overhead bin opening during flight and an item hitting someone on the head (which actually occurs most often during deplaning...the number one reason car seats cannot be placed in aisle seats), turbulence accidents are preventable!!! I never once had nightmares about turbulence (even after cracking my head open...we hit clear air turbulence, and there was NO warning. I actually felt very lucky. A flight attendant whose plane had taken the same approach minutes earlier had suffered a broken neck!!), but I often had nightmares about mechanical failure.


And, yes...you are right again!! The "harnesses" are often allowed on British Airways, or Virgin, or many international carriers...they are not governed by the FAA. Any "American" owned carrier cannot allow them during takeoff and landing.

I, agree that everyone has to make their own decisions about how they raise their family. I certainly do MANY things that would make others furious!! I am just posting this info because I have had experiences that many others have not (in this area). I am grateful to hear emergency room workers speak of the dangers of not having your seatbelt on...they see the results everyday!! I have seen similar "results" regarding airplanes. The most interesting stories (and scary) come from survivors. Sometimes, it is just "dumb luck" on who survives and who does not, but I sure want to try to increase my odds (and the odds of my children) any way that I can.





Beca

Beca,
WHAT A WONDERFUL POST!!!! Thank you.
Please, copy and paste this to MS word so you will have it handy..... again, and again and again.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by robinb
Beca:

I'm glad that you have added your experience to this thread! I am also glad that this thread has not (yet) degraded into name calling or insinuations about parents who do (did, in my case) not choose to buy an extra seat for their under 2 year old.

I have a tip for parents who bring a car seat to the gate for their children. Bungie the darn thing on a standard cheap-o collapeable luggage cart. Luggage carts cost about $20 and it's so worth it to drag your car seat behind you instead of carrying it! You can even buy one at the airport if you change your mind . I cannot tell you how glad I am that my DD is in a booster seat now that travels in the luggage compartment. The car seat bag holds a multitude of sins (pool noodles, jackets, etc)!

I sincerely hope I was no one of them. If so, I apologise. I just get very very upset when I see this and know what can happen.

 

[DMRick]

I cannot tell you how glad I am that my DD is in a booster seat now that travels in the luggage compartment.

I'm sorry..I can't resist.

Boy, I bet you don't have to worry about keeping her happy during the flight, with her in that booster seat in the luggage compartment (LOL).

 

[piglet33]

I purchased a seat for my 11 month old DD when we went to Disney last year. I am so glad that I did. We were all so much more comfortable. She slept during most of the flight since she was in her own familiar carseat, which we also used in the rental car. There were other children that were on their parent's laps that were squirming around and crying since they wanted to get down. Not only is the carseat safer, but it also lets the children know that they can't get up when they're in their seat.

It's funny, because when we were getting off the plane, people kept commenting on how quiet and well behaved DD was on the plane.

BTW - her seat only cost me $99. We flew Continental.

Reneé

 

[akghutton]

Great thread! I didn't know about the infant fare. It has me thinking about my famiy's upcoming trip. My DSs will be 4years old and 14 months old when we travel this Oct. We bought an airvest for the 14 month old, but not a seat. I am curious, if I get him a seat, do I have to bring his car seat for the planeride, or will the seat belt suffice? I have no qualms paying for a seat; I just figured that he would stay put better on my lap (he is my "velcro baby, is usually only content when mommy is holding him)

Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[BethR]

Originally posted by akghutton
I am curious, if I get him a seat, do I have to bring his car seat for the planeride, or will the seat belt suffice?

You know, this has gotten me thinking about our first couple of trips when our youngest was 3 and then 5. Of course she did not qualify to ride as a lap baby at those times and she has her own seat. Each time, we brought a "booster" car seat to take on the plane. I seem to recall that at least one time, we were told by the flight attendant that the seat did not meet some kind of standard, had to be hand checked, and our DD rode only with the seat belt. I am almost positive that the seat had a label that said that it was approved for air flight, but for some reason it was not permitted to be used. But I can't recall why they would not let us use it.

Has anyone else run into a problem like this?

 

[momsully]

You can not use a booster seat on the plane. The FAA has not approved those for air travel. You can use a car seat with a five point type harness. There is usually a sticker on the carseat that indicates if it is approved for use on the plane.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by DMRick
Boy, I bet you don't have to worry about keeping her happy during the flight, with her in that booster seat in the luggage compartment (LOL).

Since this is the Budget Board ... I also have to tell you it really saves on airfare ! A juice box, a couple packs of goldfish and she's all set. Of course, we have to pack tighter because the booster seat bag takes up one of our checked luggage allowance .

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm of the mind "to each his/her own" on this subject unless of course you are trying to pass of a 2 or 3 year old as 'under 2'.

But I have always bought my DD seats under age 2 and have always gotten the 50% off rate online. If you don't want to call for it, you can book and get the 50% off via Expedia.com. I've gotten the 50% off with Delta and AA.

It made for a much better flight cause my DDs thought it was like being in the car and they had no choice but to sit! It's also safer. I did not bring a car seat when my DD was 2 and we went to Paris (absolutely no need for the carseat once in Paris so we made a judgement call not to bring it) and that flight was horrible. She kept taking her seat belt off and wanting to switch seat and play musical chairs. Next flight to Disney she was back in her car seat!!!

Do what you think is best but I recommend getting them a seat and using a car seat.

 

[akghutton]

I spoke to a rep at Airtran, and they don't have an infant rate for seats. She asked how old my son would be and when I told her 14 months, she said on Airtran, they don't have infant rates, for infants sit on their parents' laps. So much for a discount on a seat for our little one.

Anyone with experience using the airvest for their infant/toddler? How did it go?

 

[frannn]

The price is the same if you are purchasing a seat for a 3 month old or a 30 year old. We bought seats for DD1 and DD11, as well as DH and myself. Unfortunately, the seats are only 3 accross, so we can't all sit together. DH insists I sit with the kids for some reason....I hope he finds a good enough excuse, otherwise he gets one next to him!

 

[NotUrsula]

That "harness" that is given out to hold a lap baby on UK carriers is what the FAA calls a "belly belt." They are not permitted on US common carrier aircraft. Babies strapped in on a parent's lap can become human airbags in the event of the adult being thrown forward into the seat in the next row. Not a pretty thing.

I have heard lately that some US airlines are now requiring that all under-2's who have their own purchased seats must sit in a carseat, at least on some routes. The airlines most often mentioned are Delta and United. Can't confirm it, though. If you have a purchased seat for an infant, I'd call and check.

 

[Beca]

Here's the scoop on booster seats. Any backless seat is a no-no. You do not necessarily have to have a "5 pt harness", a 3 pt harness is also acceptable. However, the big clue is this. Any device that does NOT have its own "locking seatbelt" (i.e...any device where the airplane seatbelt is the ONLY way to lock a child into the device is NOT allowed. Now, I know with infant rear-facing carseats, you run the airplane seatbelt through the carseat if you do not have the base with you...that is okay because there is another locking seatbelt to hold the baby in.

Also, do not be confused about the stickers on the seats. Not all stickers have the same language. What you are specifically looking for is a RED section thats says something like:

This restraint device is authorized for use in all aircraft and motor vehicles.

Some booster seat types actually have language saying that it is allowed "during flight" of aircraft, and that is true. Some airlines will allow you to use those during flight, other will not for insurance reasons.



Beca

 

[akghutton]

Thanks for all of the replies.

Beca,
I noticed that you are going to the BWV for your first trip home this year. As a BWV owner, let me say that you are going to love them!!!! We went for our first trip "home" in 2002 and can't wait to go back. They are awesome, and the location can't be beat.
Thanks again and best of luck to all!

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by akghutton
Thanks for all of the replies.

Beca,
I noticed that you are going to the BWV for your first trip home this year. As a BWV owner, let me say that you are going to love them!!!! We went for our first trip "home" in 2002 and can't wait to go back. They are awesome, and the location can't be beat.
Thanks again and best of luck to all!

Wow, thanks for your reply!!! I actually need to edit my counter to reflect that we are also going to VWL as well in Dec (just a couple of nights...we really want to see those decorations, as well as get a feel for the place. We want to do a DVC add on, we just don't know where!!).

Thanks for the encouraging words on BWV, we HOPE we like it, we bought "sight unseen", so we are a tiny bit nervous. But, we feel pretty lucky to call Disney "home" at any resort.!!

Thanks again!!!



Beca

 

[BethR]

Thanks for the information on the booster seats. We don't have to worry about them anymore (our youngest is now 11 ), but this thread got me wondering about them...

 

[hellooothere]

Hi
We are flying with our 4 children via Continental. We have 6 purchased seats. My twin DD are 3. I am planning on bringing their booster seats (they have backs and there own belt system (Graco). The expense of renting 2 car seats from the rental car company is huge and I figure if I bring the booster seats it will be easier. Does anyone know if I will get a hastle from ALAMO about using my own car seats. I would rather use my own anyway as I can guarantee they haven't been in an accident and with a rental car seat who knows??? They were purchased in Canada and have all the appropriate labels for travel in motor and airlines.
Thanks

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

Buy your child's seat.

We just got back from Disney and it was much easier to fly with our son strapped in his own carseat. Little ones tend to be much better behaved when they are strapped in, as they are familiar with your expectations for being in a car seat.

I can't imagine the two hour flight if he had been sitting on my lap. He's such a wiggleworm! Also, we ran in to a little turbulance on the way home (thanks to Hurricane Ivan), so I was very happy to have him safely buckled.

Mrs. PB

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Originally posted by hellooothere
Hi
We are flying with our 4 children via Continental. We have 6 purchased seats. My twin DD are 3. I am planning on bringing their booster seats (they have backs and there own belt system (Graco). The expense of renting 2 car seats from the rental car company is huge and I figure if I bring the booster seats it will be easier. Does anyone know if I will get a hastle from ALAMO about using my own car seats. I would rather use my own anyway as I can guarantee they haven't been in an accident and with a rental car seat who knows??? They were purchased in Canada and have all the appropriate labels for travel in motor and airlines.
Thanks

You shouldn't have any trouble. My friend used her UK car seat in an American rental car. Car Rental companies offer the seats as a convenience--but you must make sure it is properly listed on your ressie so that it is a 100% sure you have it at your destination. When we rented a car in the UK, we had to put in a request with the specific agency. And only when they called back to confirm a seat did we know we had one. We rented a car for only 3 out of 14 days overseas so we didn't bring the car seats. Car seats aren't necessary for over 3's on aircraft even if they still use them in the car. (I posted the FAA information once before). So our DD who was nearly 4 used the lap belt as a regular passenger. DD1 was a belly belt/cot baby. The baby's do have to be removed from the cot in turbulence.

Some thoughts on bringing your own car seat: Will you need it on the plane (under 3's will, overs don't), will you need it in a rental car, will the rental car be used for most of your vacation (in other words, is it worth the expense to just rent it out for a few days), on your non rental car days where would you store the car seat, on a cruise it will take up room, in the hotels who could take away floor space. If your child requires it in flight, or you will have too many rental days to justify renting a seat, then bring your seat. If they don't need it on the flight and if you can get by renting one for a couple days--then it is better to leave them in your vehicle at home. Why hassle with the extra baggage.

If you can't afford a ticket for the under 2, then don't worry about it. We have taken advantage of half-price airfare before--I know they do not do this on overseas flights. But other times we haven't utilized it. It is a tough call--if you can afford it,then by all means there shouldn't be a question of child's safety versus saving a buck, and if you can't it is your perogative to take advantage of the lesser airfare cost so that a trip can be taken if you so see fit.

My biggest concern over the child injury/death possibility was misguided by the notion that we had to place our children on the floor in an emergency. I saw it on one of those info shows that looked into a plane crash. I know that doesn't happen any more--but I think that must be when they started looking into these safety issues--terrible thing for an accident to have only children as the victims.

DD will be a lap baby on our trip to Hawaii--but the first leg out and back are virtually empty flights and I will have her strapped in and the other flights I will have to make do without. It is a trip of necessity (even if it is Hawaii) and I had to make do with only enough money to purchase 1 ticket. Do I wish I could have her in a ticketed seat--YES, but am I kicking myself for not having a seat for her..not really..sometimes you do what you gotta do.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Originally posted by NotUrsula
I have heard lately that some US airlines are now requiring that all under-2's who have their own purchased seats must sit in a carseat, at least on some routes. The airlines most often mentioned are Delta and United. Can't confirm it, though. If you have a purchased seat for an infant, I'd call and check.

I think that is an FAA requirement--but the seat has to be certified for take-off/landing/cruising. I posted this elsewhere once before--so I am certain it is what it says.