Booster seat on airplane

[tjkraz]

Our DS will be 4 years old when we go to WDW in May. It will be his first time flying since he was >2yo. Right now he's about 42" tall and uses a booster seat when riding in the car. Two questions:

1. I'm assuming he will not need a booster or any other special seating on the plane, correct? I believe the airline FAQ even went so far as to say that boosters were not permitted, but just wanted to confirm that my instinct is right.

2. Will the airline let us check the booster with our luggage so that we have it for a rental car on the trip?

TIA.

 

[cepmom]

If his booster does not have the internal 5 point harness (which I'm assuming it does not)then he can not use it on the plane. Only boosters with 5 point harness can be used on the plane because the plane seatbelts are lap only belts.
Is it a high back booster or a backless booster? My DD used a backless booster last time we flew and I was able to put it in a duffle bag with some other things and just check it with our other luggage. I'm not sure if you can check the seat if it is not in a bag. I think you can, but I guess you run the risk of it getting dirty or damaged if it isn't in a bag of some kind. I think there are bags available for this purpose. Perhaps Babies R Us or Target?

 

[Princess Tink]

Yes, you can check it in with your luggage. They will place a tag on it, just as they do luggage. We did this exact thing when our DS was 4. He is very easy an no need to worry. BTW....we used it on the plane on the way going, but DS would not sit in it once we unbuckled him once, he sat in my seat and I ended up sitting my bottom in his. So, on the back back we checked it in, no bag or anything. We picked it up in the same condition we left it in.

 

[tjkraz]

Thanks for both of the replies.

The only question I have left is whether or not he NEEDS to be in any restraint other than the standard seatbelt while on the plane. I'm guessing that he does not, but just want to be certain.

 

[thepianoman]

Thanks for both of the replies.

The only question I have left is whether or not he NEEDS to be in any restraint other than the standard seatbelt while on the plane. I'm guessing that he does not, but just want to be certain.

He does not need to be in any restraint other than the standard seatbelt. The FAA has stopped short of mandating carseat usage on aircraft, so most carriers simply recommend that carseats be used for younger children.

 

[NotUrsula]

Though your child is probably plenty large enough, just FYI, the FAA's test of "big enough" is one of weight only. The recommendation is that children who weigh less than 40# travel in a carseat. Children who weigh 40# and up are just as good with the lap-only belt as adults are.