Car seats

[bobbiwoz]

Our family was going to bring the DC's car seats, but found out that they aren't approved for the plane, so now we're thinking of using the ones from the rental agency. We are renting an 8 passenger van. We will have 3 children under 4. Can anyone comment on the condition National Rental Cars car seats?? Do you think you would just take Magic Express? We are 4 adults and 3 children, and traveling together for the very first time.

Bobbi

PS. I'm sure people have strollers on ME, do they get put in the luggage compartment?

 

[PortieOwner]

f possible gate check your own car seats as well as the strollers at the gate. if they won't let you do that, then check the car seats as luggage. You might want to protect them with a plastic bag. They stick them in a plastic bin for the ride to the plane. Have done that a couple of times now.

Portie

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree. If you don't need the car seats for the plane, it doesn't matter if they are airline approved. Check them.

 

[tjmw2727]

Our family was going to bring the DC's car seats, but found out that they aren't approved for the plane, so now we're thinking of using the ones from the rental agency. We are renting an 8 passenger van. We will have 3 children under 4. Can anyone comment on the condition National Rental Cars car seats?? Do you think you would just take Magic Express? We are 4 adults and 3 children, and traveling together for the very first time.

Bobbi

PS. I'm sure people have strollers on ME, do they get put in the luggage compartment?

~ Having rented cars often I will not use the rental carseats they offer. We used one once - just long enough to get to the nearest wallmart to purchase one for my dd. The rental was old, cracked, and very very dirty.

~ I can't imagine a carseat appropriate for a child under 4 that isn't approved for use in aircraft. The only reason a seat isn't approved is if its a booster or more than 5 years old, neither is appropriate for a 3yo in a car. A child under 4 should be in a seat with a full harness and carseats have an expiration date - usually 3-5 years. Please don't take this a critisim but a plea to check your seats and be sure they are appropriate for the children. If you do decide to rent a car and bring your carseats but not use them on the aircraft you can check them though with your checked luggage.

~ Magical Express, I found it an excellent option. You can check your luggage at your home airport and it will be delivered straight to your room. Pack a carryon with anything you will need for the first day/night and then just relax. Head from the airplaine to the ME desk, then onto the airconditioned motor coach to your resort.

~ Strollers, just gate check the stroller at the door of the aircraft and it will be waiting when you arrive at MCO. Bring it to check in at the ME desk with your other carryons and yes they will be loaded onto the ME bus in the luggage compartment. So you will have access to your carryons and your stroller at the resort.

HTH
TJ