Car seat on plane or not?

[Melrosgirl]

We are not renting a car in Florida this year and a car seat is not allowed on the bus from what I understand. I was planning on taking the car seat anyway for ds to use on the plane (we bought him a seat on the plane). He's just under 2 years old and is 35 inches long, 30 pounds.

Southwest says they don't care either way. My question is will the Southwest lapbelt still restrain my ds ? thanks!

 

[DonaldDuckFan]

I would say it probably depends on your ds. When we went I brought a car seat for our ds who was just over 1, there was no way that he would have stayed still for the flight and I thought it would make him feel more comfortable. Which I believe it did, we tried to take him out at one point and he wiggled all over the place until we put him back in the car seat. We didn't bring a car seat for our 3 1/2 year, he was fine sitting in his seat looking out the window and watching the DVD player. So I think it depends on whether you think he would sit still and be comfortable in the airplane seat. Hope that helps, Amy

 

[pooh4evr]

Our DD was the same age when we went without a carseat on Southwest. We did fine, she colored, played and looked out the window. We did not have any problems with the seatbelt.

 

[MyZoeJane]

Personally, I always take the carseat. My DD (2) is familiar with it and knows to sit still (and that she can't get out, so she doesn't bother!) It makes the plane ride SOOOOOOOO much more bearable than I think it would be without it. My DD is fidgety and the plane trip for us is a 3 hour one.

So, I would say that for you, it depends on how fidgety your DS is and how long the trip is. If it's more than an hour or so, I'd bring the seat. Not to mention, it REALLY IS safer that way. We were on a flight once that had turbulence so bad that I was really glad DD was in her carseat.

 

[sara74]

We went in April with a DS the same age and weight as yours (but our chunky monkey is a few inches shorter!) We didn't take the carseat as we were entirely on property with Disney transportation as well. DS did great and even fell asleep in the seat on the flight with no probs. Depends on your kid. Our DS was thrilled to have a big boy seatbelt and cooperated well so it worked for us. Keep in mind that technically the kids are safest in a car seat until 40 lbs so I don't want to appear to dissuade you from the safest choice. So we were fine with our choice to not bring it and had no probs - good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[peas&carrots]

but I have always used a carseat for my DSs when flying. My thought is if it's not safe to ride with one at 35 mph, why is is safe at 35,000 feet?

If there is turbulence, it can be pretty rough and I'd be nervous about the restraint not being tight enough.

That being said, the point that carseats can't be used on WDW transportation is a good one. Kind of blows my thought above, huh?

Anyway, I suppose a lot does depend on your child. My two little monkeys don't sit still for long without assistance, so a car seat is a must.

Have a great trip!

 

[sassymom]

I plan on using our car seat for DS2 on the flight and then just store it on ME with the rest of the luggage. Toss it in a corner in the room and forget about it until the flight home. I agree with the PP's about it being safer, and also that my DS knows he can't get out of his car seat in the car, so I'm hoping for the same thing on the plane. The comfort factor is a biggie for me as well. He has never been on a plane but has been in his seat a million times, I'm hoping that will add a little comfort to his flight. I just think for my family it's the best choice, go with your gut, if you think he's ready go without it. Have a blast on your trip!

 

[belle&beast]

We used carseats for our 2 and 4 year olds. It is safer during a bumpy ride and they could see out the window without squirming or climbing. My DS2 would never sit that long without it, but in the carseat he knows that he has to stay seated and he even took a nap. I would not travel without one!

 

[all4fun]

My three yr old just hit 30lbs also, and on our last trip to DL we had his car seat along for the plane ride and the ride to and from the airport (towncar svc). On the flight back we hit some pretty rough turbulence and having him in his car set really did give me a little more secure feeling than if he were just in the seatbelt. Plus, at his age, I know he would want to play with the seatbelt buckle and having him in his car seat eliminated us having that battle with him on the plane. Just some food for thought.

 

[Hannathy]

I never brought mine for either of my kids and they did fine made the airplane seem a lot more special. If you do bring it please watch your child's feet because the seat puts them very close to the seat in front and they like to kick it. I spent a very miserable flight getting kicked in the back the whole way and the Mom would do nothing.

 

[Schmeck]

Also, you have to make sure the carseat is approved for airline use. There should be a decal on the seat, somewhere...

 

[eeyoregon]

I'm in favor of the carseat on the plane. When my DS's were young they connected the carseat with sitting safely and being buckled up in the car which carried over to the plane and we had very peaceful flights. It was familiar to them and it lifted them high enough to be able to see out the window!

 

[Melrosgirl]

thanks everyone

 

[ntburns22]

I plan on using our car seat for DS2 on the flight and then just store it on ME with the rest of the luggage. Toss it in a corner in the room and forget about it until the flight home. I agree with the PP's about it being safer, and also that my DS knows he can't get out of his car seat in the car, so I'm hoping for the same thing on the plane. The comfort factor is a biggie for me as well. He has never been on a plane but has been in his seat a million times, I'm hoping that will add a little comfort to his flight. I just think for my family it's the best choice, go with your gut, if you think he's ready go without it. Have a blast on your trip!

I couldn't of said it better myself. We have alwas used a carseat for DS no matter what a hassel it was. My sis is a flight attendant and she recommends that we put our DS in one.

 

[mrsltg]

If you think your ds can sit still (to a reasonable) extent, I would leave the seat. It is a hassle to get it through the airport. Bring lots of interesting stuff to entertain him and the flight should be fine!

 

[4lilpoohs]

We flew SW in December and my 2 year old used his carseat. I felt that it would be safer in case of turbulence. DME stored it with the luggage on the way to the resort. I stuck it in the closet at the resort.

 

[stacy6552]

Here's how you answer the question: How much seat depth does your child need to sit with his legs hanging at a 90 degree angle? Sit your child on a step and measure from the back of the step to the bend in his legs. Call SW and get the measurement of the seat depth (someone should be able to pull it up). Airline seats are usually more shallow that a car seat, which is why smaller kids can be out of a seat on the airline. If your child's legs can't hang straint down, with their butt all the way back, then they are likely to slide down in the seat and more likely to be injured in an emergency.

So if your child measures only 16 inches in the seated position and the seat id 20 inches deep, you should bring the carseat for the plane......

 

[all4fun]

Here's how you answer the question: How much seat depth does your child need to sit with his legs hanging at a 90 degree angle? Sit your child on a step and measure from the back of the step to the bend in his legs. Call SW and get the measurement of the seat depth (someone should be able to pull it up). Airline seats are usually more shallow that a car seat, which is why smaller kids can be out of a seat on the airline. If your child's legs can't hang straint down, with their butt all the way back, then they are likely to slide down in the seat and more likely to be injured in an emergency.

So if your child measures only 16 inches in the seated position and the seat id 20 inches deep, you should bring the carseat for the plane......

fyi: you could probably get this info off of www.seatguru.com

 

[Zoemakes5]

One of the best "weird" purchases we made was when DS1 was a baby we purchased one of those car seat covers/bags. It has a handy strap, if you want to carry it over your shoulder. It was something like $79 way back 11 years ago. Well, 11 years and three children and innumerable trips later its battered and scuffed but still GREAT! Without commenting on other people's choices, I personally think it's not safe for kids to travel on airplanes without car seats. So, we have and will bring one on the plane. What we do is put the seat in the carrier, toss in blankie and little pillow, and even the coats/jackets usually. We typically then put it on a rolling luggage rack.
I have never wanted to take the chance of having a child who either refused to sit with the seatbelt on or constantly opened and closed their belt, etc. I have one that would prob. have done fine, and two who would have caused us quite a bit of stress. Also, our car seats, and then our boosters all had 5 point harnesses. It is way too easy with even slight turbulance for a little one to be jarred around. With the 5 point I just feel they are more protected, even if the plane goes into a spin or flips over or violently on one side.
Finally, one time we visited WDW and DS got sick. The manager of the resort had a CM drive us over to a local urgent care and then to get meds! (Gotta love the pixie dust!) Anyway, I'd have really been in a bind if we didn't have the car seat. Another time we had to change planes in Salt Lake City for a trip and there was a problem with the plane and they put us up in hotels. Once again, had the car seat, so was able to transport DS okay. You just never know what could happen, I'd rather be safe than sorry.