Car Seats?

[BabyPotatoHead]

I just decided on a rental car, and wanted to know what everyone does about carseat. I have a 7 and 5 year old that could just use a backless booster seat. Can you bring these on the plane, or gate check? I am trying to save money and it really adds up at the car rental place. It would be cheaper to go to walmart and buy these, they are about $15 each and then just leave them? I also have a 2 year old and so I would probably have to rent one for her? I would love to hear your suggestions and tips on what you have done?

 

[stefanospops]

Whenever we fly I always put my kids when they are 3 or under in their car seat on the plane. That way I have it for the rental car anyways. It is just safer and they respond better to flying that way. As for the booster seats if you have the room pack them in your luggage. You won't be able to use them on the plane. If that doesn't work I would buy them at Wal Mart and leave them somewhere. Still cheaper than paying the car rental companies for theirs.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

In 07 we checked in our car seats (one booster and one 5 point) and they weren't counted as an extra piece of luggage at that time. We flew with Westjet, though , so maybe check your airline's luggage rules. They didn't count strollers or car seats.

 

[dzorn]

Either bring one from home for your two year old or buy a less expensive one to bring. I would not trust a car seat froma rental company. How clean would it be and you do not know if it was ever in an accident.

Denise in MI

 

[skiingfast]

It is still true you can bring them on the plane. If the seatbelt will fit around it and it is dot approved the child can sit in it or else it will be stowed. It either way isn't counted as a carry on. The only hassle is carrying it in the airports.

I would check if 7yo needs one in FL.

 

[n2mm]

We always check out carseats/boosters. We bought a bag from Walmart for $19 years ago and use it on all trips. Both fit in the bag. This is generally a free comp. service for checking this equipment. Only SW counts it as your 1 bag pp (but you are allowed 2 pp). All of the airlines I fly do not count this towards your baggage allowance (JB, United, AT). It's easier to check it vs carry it through the airport. If you do carry it through the airport, you can gate check it along with a stroller for free.

 

[1tufgt]

We always check out carseats/boosters. We bought a bag from Walmart for $19 years ago and use it on all trips. Both fit in the bag. This is generally a free comp. service for checking this equipment. Only SW counts it as your 1 bag pp (but you are allowed 2 pp). All of the airlines I fly do not count this towards your baggage allowance (JB, United, AT). It's easier to check it vs carry it through the airport. If you do carry it through the airport, you can gate check it along with a stroller for free.

Just for a correction with SW, it doesn't not count towards your 2 free bags.

Does an infant or child safety seat count as baggage?

* Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.
* The stroller and CRS or car seat allowance applies to any type of stroller (umbrella, full size, jogging stroller, etc.) and CRS or car seat.
* The Customer may check the stroller and CRS or car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
* Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, CRSs or car seats. Each should be tagged as conditionally accepted and placed in a plastic bag.

 

[n2mm]

Just for a correction with SW, it doesn't not count towards your 2 free bags.

Thanks, when we checked a few years ago it use to say that it did, so hadn't realized that has changed. This is good to know as the family may be using them again this fall.

 

[1tufgt]

Thanks, when we checked a few years ago it use to say that it did, so hadn't realized that has changed. This is good to know as the family may be using them again this fall.

Well if you buy a ticket for your child they will have 2 free bags also. The more bags the merrier. LOL

 

[n2mm]

Well if you buy a ticket for your child they will have 2 free bags also. The more bags the merrier. LOL

Yes, one of the best perk ever. Unfortunately for us, they recently did away with the non-stop flight from Dulles to Orlando, so now we have to drive to BWI which is 1.5 hours away. We only do this when the fare is too good to pass up.

 

[annekreel]

Anyone familiar with the Florida car seat laws? We may or may not rent a car but if we do, I do not want my kids to sit in a dirty, stained, disgusting booster seat from the car rental place. I have two 4-year-olds and 1 six year old. We are trying to avoid checking any luggage.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Anyone familiar with the Florida car seat laws? We may or may not rent a car but if we do, I do not want my kids to sit in a dirty, stained, disgusting booster seat from the car rental place. I have two 4-year-olds and 1 six year old. We are trying to avoid checking any luggage.

I just looked this one up ---

Florida law requires children under 5 years of age to be properly restrained no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier (child safety seat) or in a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children ages 4 - 5, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. If a safety belt does not fit the child correctly, a booster set should be used to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats (generally at about 40 pounds and 4 years old). Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and under 4'9" in height should ride in a booster seat.

So legally - only those under 5 have to be in them while it is recommended for those that are older. I quit taking them for my kids when they hit 5. I felt we were driving such short distances that they would be fine - and in my state they didn't have to be in them anymore. I didn't have any issues with them still using them at home since I told them Florida law was different from ours.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It is still true you can bring them on the plane. If the seatbelt will fit around it and it is dot approved the child can sit in it or else it will be stowed.

This is not correct. Booster seats may not be used on an airplane.