Car Seat on Airplane or not????

[katnevsmom]

We will be traveling with our two year old DS on Delta airlines. I don't know if we should bring a car seat for use on the plane or not. Delta says it is up to us to decide. Anyone have any opinions on this? Thanks!

 

[freckles and boo]

I would use the same safety seat you use in the car on the plane. Your child is already used to it and it will certainly provide more protection than a standard lap belt for a small child. Depending on the carseat, they can be a pain to drag onto the plane and to install, but it is definitely worth it!

 

[maciec]

It's the only way that I can contain my son on the plane! He would be an aisle runner if he wasn't in a car seat. I definitely recommend it, expecially if you have a long flight.

 

[tjmw2727]

We will be traveling with our two year old DS on Delta airlines. I don't know if we should bring a car seat for use on the plane or not. Delta says it is up to us to decide. Anyone have any opinions on this? Thanks!

The airlines don't require it so its your decision.

The FAA and the AAP recommend that children use a carseat on aircraft until 40lbs just as in the car:

Here are some links if you would like to research your decision:
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/airplanetravel.aspx

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/5/1218

From Delta website:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reser...s_for_children/infant_child_seating/index.jsp

If you decide to use the carseat make sure it has the sticker on the back indicating it is approved for use in aircraft. Most seats we are using now will have this sticker.

Have a great trip
TJ

 

[Littlemotherhaywood]

I wish we had brought our carseat on the plane. I think it gives the little one the idea that they have no choice but to sit still. Our son was everywhere and it was a very stressful two hour flight....for us.....and the other passengers.

 

[freckles and boo]

The airlines don't require it so its your decision.

The FAA and the AAP recommend that children use a carseat on aircraft until 40lbs just as in the car:

Here are some links if you would like to research your decision:
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/airplanetravel.aspx

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/5/1218

From Delta website:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reser...s_for_children/infant_child_seating/index.jsp

If you decide to use the carseat make sure it has the sticker on the back indicating it is approved for use in aircraft. Most seats we are using now will have this sticker.

Have a great trip
TJ

Thank you. There is a thread on the family board about lap-riding infants that could use these links as well.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

We used ours. At one point, DD fell asleep like she does in the car.

We'll probably put her in it again this time because she just feels more comfortable; however, I'm sitting in FRONT of her, and DH is going to sit next to her because I flew back from San Antonio on a horrid flight being kicked to death by a two-year-old. I figure if I sit in front of her, DD can't annoy anyone but me!

 

[tjmw2727]

We used ours. At one point, DD fell asleep like she does in the car.

We'll probably put her in it again this time because she just feels more comfortable; however, I'm sitting in FRONT of her, and DH is going to sit next to her because I flew back from San Antonio on a horrid flight being kicked to death by a two-year-old. I figure if I sit in front of her, DD can't annoy anyone but me!

I always do this and always recommend it although many don't agree with me!!

I have two dd's and when they were carseat age dh or I would always sit in the seat in front of the CRS on the airplane. Older dd and dh usually sat in front of younger dd and I. Also if you take the childs shoes off for the flight that helps the impact as well. Some teaching and lots of distraction helps of course but the CRS puts them so close that sometimes even regular moving hits the seat.

TJ

 

[engineergirl2001]

But we did not have a car seat on the plane for our 2 and half year old [about 30 lbs] on our trip last week and it was the best. [We rented one with the rent a car] but for the plane not having one worked out best at least for us. she had lots of extra room to stretch and for her babies. she could kick all she wanted and wasn't even close to the person in front. We had a very smooth flight so when the seat belt light went off she had a enough room in front of the seat to stand stretch. and as bonus it was so nice not lugging the seat around the airport.

as a side not we did see most people on the plane with them.

 

[beattyfamily]

For ages 2 and up, I base my decision on bringing a carseat or not on whether I've rented a car or not.

If I've rented a car, then I'll use the carseat on the plane till about age 3, then at age 3 and up, I'll just check it with my luggage.

If I didn't rent a car, then it stays home.

My girls did behave better with their carseats on the plane between ages 1 and 2 1/2; they felt like they were in the car and took naps. But by about age 3, the carseat raises them to a level of where their feet are constandly kicking the seat in front of them and they can't use the pull down tray and they are getting old enough to be more well behaved so I leave it home (if not renting a car) or check it with luggage (if renting a car).

 

[katnevsmom]

Thank you all so much! It sounds like it would be better to take the car seat with us. DS is very small for his age(21lbs) and active, so it may be easier to have him strapped in. Thanks again!

 

[Claudia1]

Be sure that your carseat has the FAA approval sticker on it. Many airlines are checking for it and won't let you use it if the sticker is not on it. If the FAA approval is based on the use of the 5-point harness, you may need to explain what a 5-point harness it to an uninformed Flight Attendent.

 

[ilovepooh]

Thanks for the info. I was trying to decide as well for DS.