Booster seats in rental cars?

[gbaz44]

Travelling next year with a 4 and a 5 year old and am wondering about booster seats. I've seen some of the prices quoted by rental companies

My take on it is that you are not required by law to have a booster seat but rather that the seat belt should fit/be positioned correctly. So will I be able to get away from rental company without them saying I have to have one - I'm sure they will imply that anyway.

I was thinking of either buying a couple of booster seats while out there - my kids are not tall enough to get away without one in my car so am assuming the same over there.

Can you use seat belt adjusters to change positioning of belt?

I've read some people that took theirs with them but would not trust them to arrive in one piece if outside luggage and am loath to give up space inside luggage as I would need them back.

My third thought was to buy a couple of cheap ones here, take in luggage and them leave them in car or in a bin at the airport. Our luggage will not be full on the way out but may be on the way back...

My last bit is has anyone taken/used Trunki Boostapak. Booster seat and backpak combined that could be used for games/food for plane and then obviously as a seat in rental. £30 - £40 depending on where you look.

Any thoughts or comments please.

 

[jockey]

I have the inflatable Bubblebum booster seat they are excellent, my 6 & nearly 4 year old will be using them next trip, you can also adjust the seatbelt with them it comes with a strap at the back to facilitate this. They are approx 20 pounds

 

[dixonsontour]

I wouldn't hire - take your own.

I just take a backless booster in the suitcase for DD and on the way back just wrap it in a bin bag (need the luggage space in the case)

The car seatbelt adjusted in the last hire car we had.

I know halfords sell those adjusters if you want those.

A lot of people seem to recommend the trunki/bubble bum.

 

[Mr Stoat]

National wanted 57 quid for a booster seat for 2 weeks. We bought a lightweight one new on ebay for 8 punds inc postage and will just leave it at the airport on the way back.

 

[alibeau]

We have used the bubblegum inflatable booster seats for a couple of years. One of ours developed a leak towards the end of our last trip but luckily our eldest is now tall enough not to need one.....

One thing to bear in mind with these seats is that they do not give as much of a 'boost' as a standard booster, they are not quite as tall/substantial but have still served us well over the years

We did also take two standard booster seats one year in a sports bag but it was just one piece of luggage too much for us (I just can't seem to master packing light ).....

HTH.

Ali

 

[orangetiggs]

Im taking our car seats in 15 days, the rental is stupid money

 

[gbaz44]

Thanks for answers - I think I'm leaning towards the trunki or inflatable.

I know to buy cheap booster seats they're not expensive but hate paying for something that I know I'm going to throw away.

 

[northeast_minnie]

we are taking our DS6 for his first trip to Disney in less than two weeks - when we asked about booster seats we were told that it is not law as in the UK to have a child in a seat. We would not be happy with DS6 travelling with just a seat belt although he is quite tall for his age - I wouldn;t take him in a car here without a booster seat so definitely would not take him on holiday without one.

We are taking his booster seat in a suitcase going - but coming back we will carry it as a separate piece of luggage - you are allowed to carry one per child free according to Virgin.

Happy holidays