Carseat on a plane?

[Addicted2TheMouse]

I'm confused about this. What carseats can be used on a plane? Does anyone have a list? I know it has to be FAA approved but how do you know if it is? Between myself, ex-H, and DGM we have a Graco Comfortsport, an Evenflo Vision, and what I think is a Cosco Scenera. Can any of those be used? FYI, it's for my DS2.5 who is 28 lbs.

 

[tjmw2727]

All of those seats should be fine but to be sure just look at the back of the seat. It should have sticker indicating it is approved for use in aircraft.

HTH
TJ

 

[Addicted2TheMouse]

I've never seen a sticker like that. Is it possible that seats sold in Canada say something different?

 

[stacy6552]

FAA approved carseats have a tag on the seat itself. If it does not have a tag, you wont be allowed to use it. Seats that come with a 5 py harness than can be removed and used as a booster cannot be used without the harness.

I highly recommend that you get a carseat dufflebag. They make toting the seat through the sirport much easier...worth every penny.

 

[NotUrsula]

That wording is only for seats sold in the US; the label text is mandated by Federal law.

The wording for Canadian seats is a bit different: this chart explains what laws apply: http://www.otoh.org/opal/carseat.html

If you are unsure, call the carseat's mfr. and ask about the labeling; they may be able to send you a letter re: compliance with US standard, that you can show to the FA in lieu of the sticker.

 

[happymommy]

Really, what are your kids' ages? Do they really need a carseat on an airplane? I did it when NECESSARY (age one or less, and we travelled a lot, lived in Hawaii and only used when going to the mainland). The flight attendants are NEVER going to question whether your carseat is "approved". It is a pain to travel with them. I had never actually heard of such an "approval" until recently. I wouldn't worry - if you feel they need a carseat (toddler or infant, to be restrained) just bring what you have.

 

[TheDizMom]

I am a mom of 2 and have always used a car seat for my kids. It is not required and you have to buy a seat, or pray the flight is not full and you can get an unused seat. All U.S. car seats will have something on them saying they are FAA approved. Unfortunately booster seats are not approved because they need to have a shoulder harness to be used correctly and planes don't have that. If your child still uses the car seat harnesses then most seats I believe are now approved. I am a former flight attendant too and it is really the safest way to go if you can afford to buy the seat. No young child is really safe on an airplane without one. I also have found from experience that children who can be on the lap, are much happier in their car seat because they have their own seat and don't have to share space with mom or dad. If you can, do it. Oh and by the way any gate agent or flight attendant worth their grain in salt will check to make sure your car seat meets FAA's requirements.

 

[tjmw2727]

Really, what are your kids' ages? Do they really need a carseat on an airplane? I did it when NECESSARY (age one or less, and we travelled a lot, lived in Hawaii and only used when going to the mainland). The flight attendants are NEVER going to question whether your carseat is "approved". It is a pain to travel with them. I had never actually heard of such an "approval" until recently. I wouldn't worry - if you feel they need a carseat (toddler or infant, to be restrained) just bring what you have.

Her child is 2.5 and 28lbs, both the FAA and AAP recommend that children use a carseat on the aircraft until they reach 40lbs. Since he/she is over two the child will have their own seat anyway so using a carseat is a good idea, esp they you will need it for the car at your destination.

FWIW, the FA's will question your carseat esp if it dosen't look familiar to them. To be FAA approved it must have the internal harness system. I have been asked to show the sticker a few times esp when it was a seat that could be used both with and without a harness.

OP - sorry I didn't notice you were from Canada at first. Not Ursula's adivce is always great - give the airline a call and ask them what to look for as well as contacting the mft of the seat you want to use. I recommend the one that is the lightest and easiest to install!

TJ

 

[seetheworld]

Really, what are your kids' ages? Do they really need a carseat on an airplane? I did it when NECESSARY (age one or less, and we travelled a lot, lived in Hawaii and only used when going to the mainland). The flight attendants are NEVER going to question whether your carseat is "approved". It is a pain to travel with them. I had never actually heard of such an "approval" until recently. I wouldn't worry - if you feel they need a carseat (toddler or infant, to be restrained) just bring what you have.

Actually we are frequent flyers w/United Airlines and they ALWAYS check our car seat. As we are about to board the plane, they stop us before walking on and read the back. They have stopped us each and every time. Maybe it depends on carriers. HTH

 

[blizzard]

Car seats in Canada which have the Transport Canada sticker that shows they comply with CMVSS 213 or 213.1 are acceptable. (This covers all harnessed car seats in Canada)

As others have mentioned, booster seats are not allowed, so if you have a combination harness/booster seat (ie: 20-48 lbs harnessed and 40-80 lbs booster), it is only legal when used with the harness.

We have had the seat checked to ensure it complies with the above. Also, make sure you have the seat manual with you, as if there are any questions about the installation, you can ensure it is correct. The seat must be installed as per the instruction manual. (with the exception of a tether strap, which should be stored out of the way)

 

[DreaGirl]

I second the carseat duffle. The first time I flew with DD, I didn't have one and it was a big pain! The second time, I had a duffle that had two straps and you could put in on your back like a backpack. It was really nice. I just stuck all the extra stuff inside the duffle and away we went.

I got it at BabiesRUs and it was around $20.