Car seat on plane for 3 year old

[don8life]

I have only flown on a plane once and that was years ago.
Do you think my 3 year old will need a car seat on the plane for safety reasons, such as turbulence? I will be travelling alone with 3 kids and would not like to carry the car seat through airports. But of course I want her to be safe. I was wondering are lap belts enough?

Irene

 

[Rippington'sFan]

I personally would go with the lap belt.

 

[gritzel4]

Is the child in a car seat or booster seat? I ask because booster seats are not FAA approved and the child would not be allowed to use the booster on the plane. Most car seats are FAA approved (usually have label on seat). Are you renting a car in FL? If so, you will need a seat for your child. We have 2 children (4 & 6) and always bring our own seats - cheaper than renting them from the car rental company. To guarantee that they don't get lost with luggage - we gate check them in a duffel bag.

Best wishes to you traveling with kids on your own --- lots of pixie dust to you

 

[bubbasmom99]

My son has always been more comfortable in his car seat, so we always brought it on the plane with us until he switched over to a booster. My daughter, on the other hand, HATES being in her carseat, so she's more comfortable using the lap belt and snuggling up next to me. The kids also like being able to use the tray tables to draw (can't put them down with carseats).

"Safe" is, of course, in a carseat. Sanity, when traveling with 3 kids, means compromise.

 

[beattyfamily]

If I were traveling with 3 kids alone and I had a 3 year old and didn't need the car seat for a rental car, then I'd absolutely leave it home!!!!

Just make sure your 3 year old will keep their seat belt on. I didn't have that problem with my older DD at all but my younger DD doesn't like that rule and wanted to play musical chairs. Of course, we didn't let her and that led to crying quite a bit. Luckily she's out grown that.

 

[DemoBri1]

My DD was 3 on our last trip down in December, and she used the lap belt. She was fine with it, although she is tall for her age.

You can't use a booster on an airplane, so if your child's car seat no longer has the five point harness in it, you will be relegated to using the lap belt.