Carseat for larger handicapped child on plane?

[Ahrizel]

Okay, I have a question for you. We may(hopefullly) be taking a young lady with us on our Disney trip in December. She's the size of a 9-10 yr old, spactic quad cp, can't sit by herselft, only her hold her a head up for a few seconds by herself, etc. We have a Columbia car seat that we use for her that works well, and it does have a faa approved sticker on it. Problem is, it's large, and I don't know if I can use it on the plane for her. She'd be uncomfortable, and possiblly unsafe with just the seatbelt on. She goes into extension also, so she'd be sliding down out of the seat to boot. Don't know what airline we're flying yet, but probably one of the big ones due to the airport. Will this be a problem? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Mary

 

[meeshi]

We flew down to Florida a couple of years ago when my dd was 9. We used her Columbia carseat. It was a little tough getting it in the seat, but dh managed. She also goes into extension, and I was concerned about that, but she did very well. Could you ask for a bulk head seat? Is that what they're called? Maybe call and tell them your situation. I've only flown twice so I'm not that familiar with flying and how all that works.

 

[SueM in MN]

She'd be uncomfortable, and possiblly unsafe with just the seatbelt on. She goes into extension also, so she'd be sliding down out of the seat to boot.

My youngest DD has CP, spastic quad and also goes into extension. We are lucky that even though in her wheelchair, she needs her feet strapped down with double foot straps, she does OK on the plane and pretty well in the car with just the regualr seatbelt. But for someone with more involvement and poor head control, the special car seat might be the only way to travel.

quote from meeshi:
Could you ask for a bulk head seat? Is that what they're called? Maybe call and tell them your situation. I've only flown twice so I'm not that familiar with flying and how all that works.

You are right, meeshi. The bulkhead would be a good choice becasue there is no seat ahead of it - just sort of a blank wall that separates first class from coach. That gives a little extra space to work with.
My suggestions are to contact the Columbia company that makes the car seat and see if they have any suggestions. Also, all the major airlines have some sort of Special Needs department. They may not call it that (and the reservation clerks might not really knnow about it), but they do all have someone that should be able to help you out.

 

[Ahrizel]

I'm a little leary of bulkhead seats due to their decreased width, which is not good with the carseat, or with me and dh who are of the pooh sized variety. Her not being able to kick the legs at the seats in front of here would nice. It's not really done to annoy people, she just thinks it's funny. She'll be beating on us enough, loves to hit people with here arms and knock over drinks and such. She's never flown before so I'm not 100% sure how she'll do, but I suspect she'll love it.I f we had to we could sit here between us with just the seatbelt, I'm just not of the safety and comfort for her. The carseat is going with us regardless, as we will be using it in the rental car. I will call the airline when we got our airfare for help. We will almost certainly be changing planes on the way down, as our local airport doesn't have any direct flights, that will be fun!!! As always, and ideas, suggestions, comments are most welcome.
Mary

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[SueM in MN]

One suggestion since you will be changing planes.
You can gate check her wheelchair (mention that one of your party has a wheelchair when you make the reservation and mention gate checking it when you first check in). That way, she can stay in her wheelchair until the door of the plane (you might be able to fit the wheelchair just inside the door). Then you can transfer her to an aisle chiar (a narrow wheelchair that cna roll donw the aisle of the plane), carry her in or whatever works for you. My DD will not have anything to do with any wheelchair but her own, so we usually hold her up and support her while she walks in. She can walk if held up, but not far and she needs to be totally supported (we also have legs and arms flying all over, so it's not a pretty sight). Have one of your party go ahead to install her car seat. Someone will also need to be the "wheelchair wrangler" and make sure all belts, etc are fastened so they don't catch on anything while it is in the luggage compartment. Ask for the wheelchair to be brought up to the gate for your connecting city. This will take a little extra time (and is the most nerve wracking part when we have had to transfer planes - will we make it in time or not???). Make sure that you have enough time between flights to get the wheelchair.