CARSEAT on plane~ final Have to or no?

[jenlovesdisney]

I think I have read conflicting things. Do I have to bring a car seat for my three year old on the plane? I have requested one with my reservation for the towncar and then I was trying to remember if she had to have one. I imagine she will be in my lap the majority of the time. But I just wanted to check. It sure would make my load easier!

 

[mobetsy]

You are not required to have one on the plane. However, she will be much, much safer in the event of turbulence, and --presuming she is used to always being in one in the car--she may well be happier in it for much of the flight; the familiarity of a car seat can be a good thing when a young child is surrounded by lots that's unfamiliar. I have two sons, so I know the hassle of carting around the carseat, but for me it was always safety over convenience.

 

[NotUrsula]

No, you are not required to use a carseat for her, but I agree that it is much safer to do so, provided that she still weighs less than 40 lbs.

You should know that she will not be allowed to sit on your lap when the fasten-seatbelt sign is on; the FA will insist that you buckle her into her own seat and keep her there, for her safety.

 

[confal1]

If you do bring your own, which I agree that you should, make sure it has the 5 point harness. They will not allow a booster seat. I always give my kids benadryl ( ages 5 and 14 months)right before boarding and they both fall fast asleep for most of the flight. If she is in her own carseat your flight there and back will be more relaxing. Good Luck.

 

[KarenP99]

We did not bring the car seat on the plane for our 3yo in September. She thought it was great that she did not have to have a car seat, that she could sit and use a seatbelt like the big people. I was surprised about how good (and adamant) she was about sitting with the belt on!

We checked one car seat, but brought one on for our 15mo old.

Karen