Car seat for plane for 5 year old?

[tinaw]

We will not be renting a car and we taking a limo (they will supply a car seat) to and from the hotel so the question is....Do I take a car seat just for the airplane?

My daughter is 5 years old and uses a booster seat in the car. The regular booster is not FAA approved but I do have a booster with the 5 point harness that is acceptable.

So, do I lug it with us or will she be fine in the plane without it?

 

[toystorymom]

The FAA says that children under 40 pounds should be in a car seat on the plane. Anything over that and they are ok with the regular seat and seatbelt. At 5 years old, you should be able to get away with not having to lug the carseat with you. Have a great trip!

 

[Kimberle]

We have never taken a car seat on a plane for our dd (now 4.5). Most seats are not approved for airplane use. (Because most seats need the shoulder harness & planes only have lap belts.)

I am a very big car seat fanatic. I do not think a car seat would "help" in the event of a crash. They would help secure your child during turbelence. For our dd, her lab belt is fine. She is small too, 30#'s.

Only you can decide what is best for your child.

 

[twinmom1292]

Forget the car seat. I always use one with my 5.5 year old son in the car. The last time I took one on a plane for him he was so big that his legs & feet were cramped on the seat in front of him. Also some car seats will not fit in airline seats.

Beth