Booster seats and travel

[phins_jazy]

Hey all! When we travel to WDW at christmas, we'll be able to bring the 2 year olds seat with us and use it on the plane. My dilemma is for my then 5 year old. She uses a booster seat and I know it can't be used on the plane. Do you do it as a carryon? gate checked? or simply put it in a suitcase as checked luggage? I'm so confused!!

 

[clc053103]

I would check the booster. However, I have a question- are you staying on property, and are you renting a car? If you are staying on property and not renting a car, then leave the booster at home, You can not use them on any disney transportation (or the car seat either- but I can understand if you want the car seat for the plane).

 

[lindsmom]

If it's the little booster (like just the seat part, no back) you can carryon and put under the seat in front or up above - that's what we did last trip. Larger boosters (with the back) you'd need to gate check.

But I also wanted to add that in FL you don't need a booster / car seat for a 5 year old so if you felt comfortable (if you have a rental), you technically don't need it at all. (tell DD that it's part of the Disney magic)

 

[liznboys]

I would check the booster. However, I have a question- are you staying on property, and are you renting a car? If you are staying on property and not renting a car, then leave the booster at home, You can not use them on any disney transportation (or the car seat either- but I can understand if you want the car seat for the plane).

I agree with that. Don't bother taking it unless you'll be using a regular vehicle there.

We've checked boosters several times with no problems. I put them in travel carseat/booster bags that I got at BabiesRUs.

 

[tanyaandallie]

If it's the little booster (like just the seat part, no back) you can carryon and put under the seat in front or up above - that's what we did last trip. Larger boosters (with the back) you'd need to gate check.

But I also wanted to add that in FL you don't need a booster / car seat for a 5 year old so if you felt comfortable (if you have a rental), you technically don't need it at all. (tell DD that it's part of the Disney magic)

The craptastic laws in Florida do not exempt you from the laws of physics. If a child needs a booster in their home state, then they need one in FL. FL has some of the absolute worst child passenger safety laws in the country. A 5 year old is not old enough or big enough to ride in a car without a booster seat.

I personally would gate check the booster seat. That way you know it will make it to your final destination.

 

[all4fun]

You can gate check or baggage check a booster, however it is better, imho, to gate check it for two reasons: 1) It will be loaded last, with the strollers and wheel chairs, and less likely to be damaged, and 2) it is less likely to be misrouted if you take it to the plane yourself. Also, most airlines exempt car seats, boosters, and strollers from the baggage limit. You need to check w/your specific airline to be sure though.

I also agree with Tanya. While Disney World is a magical place it is not exempt from the laws of physics. I have personally seen a few car accidents while there over numerous visits over the years. I wouldn't put my trust in my childs safety while in a car on pixie dust! As nice as that sounds!

 

[lindsmom]

The craptastic laws in Florida do not exempt you from the laws of physics. If a child needs a booster in their home state, then they need one in FL. FL has some of the absolute worst child passenger safety laws in the country. A 5 year old is not old enough or big enough to ride in a car without a booster seat.

I personally would gate check the booster seat. That way you know it will make it to your final destination.

I don't disagree - as I mentioned, we used DD's booster last year, and she was six. I used her booster this January and she was seven. I would like her to use her booster as long as she can fit in it. I was just trying to provide OP with as much information so she can make a decision herself.

I carry the booster on so I know where it is. I've seen some of the car seats tossed into the plane and don't choose to have ours handled that way.

 

[phins_jazy]

Thanks for the ideas guys! We will be renting a van and staying at a condo offsite. We will more than likely just carry it on and stow it overhead or gatecheck it. I'd prefer to bring it on myself so that I know it doesn't get thrown all over the place by the bag handlers. Thanks again!