Child's age to stop using the car seat on the plane?

[javaj]

We've always used a car seat on the plane for DS, but he'll be almost 3 1/2 when we go to WDW in May. Should we still use the car seat on the plane or just check it in to use for the rental car? He's getting taller of course, and the space in front of the seats is so cramped.

Thanks!

 

[beattyfamily]

We stopped at age 3. We have a carseat bag and check it with the luggage and use it for our rental.

It depends on how you think your child will do keeping the seatbelt on during the whole flight. Some toddlers do better in a carseat and some do just fine without one.

I much prefer checking it if possible.

 

[NotUrsula]

The recommendation isn't by age; it is weight, and it is 40 lbs. However, in coach on most US airlines, a child who is over 4 ft. tall is going to have some difficulty in terms of leg room, so you should consider that factor with older, skinnier kids.

 

[bubba's mom]

We stopped at 3 1/2 cuz of the leg room. DS is tall for his age, and he enjoyed the "freedom" (more room) he had in a regular seat belt. (The airlines I've traveled have said he still needs to be next to the window tho)

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

This is great news. My son will be 3 1/2 on our next trip and I wanted to buy the Britax Husky. He's already at 40 lbs. Now I can because I won't need it for the plane. yeah. Our flight is only any hour and a half.

I'm assuming the Magical Express bus won't even have seatbelts for a car seat. Anyone know?

Lori

 

[crazywig]

we stopped at 2yrs 9m. ds is 40lbs. this was in january. our previous trip last june he was a nightmare in the carseat. this time without the seat he was not as bad, but honestly still not good. it was very stressful

 

[zippehsmom]

On our last trip DD was 18months & there was very little room between her kicking feet and the persons chair in front of her. It was nerve wrecking the entire flight trying to keep her from kicking the seat in front of her.

This year she will be 2 1/2, so we will be checking the carseat.

zippehsmom

 

[tjmw2727]

We stopped using the CSR in the air when the girls were about 3. By this time the benefits of the CSR decrease substantially. (I am talking air travel not car, just ftr) Three's are usually old enough to understand they need to sit and leave the lap belt on. By 3ish they are usualy uncomfortable in the CSR on the plane vs the car and as others have mentioned, too close to the seat in front. Mine loved to color (try color wonder!) so having the tray in front was a lifesaver - most CSR's will prevent the child from using the tray.

For those with 2's and small 3's that want to use the CSR, make sure it is approved for airline use, is not to wide for the seat, usually 17-18 inches and has an integrated harness. Booster seats without the harness are never allowed.

For seat kickers have one parent sit in front of the "kicking" child. My dh and older dd would sit in the row in front of us so dd was in back of dh. We then switched for the return trip. This way if you have a kicker they are kicking mom or dad and not ruining someone elses day. We also removed shoes to lessen the blow!

If you do decide not to use the CSR in flight BRU has several styles of great bags to use when checking the CSR. My sil has one that can be used as a backpack or even rolled via handle, I wish they had one when my dd's were younger!

TJ

 

[bubba's mom]

I'm assuming the Magical Express bus won't even have seatbelts for a car seat. Anyone know?

Lori

I would assume the bus doesn't have seat belts...which, I still think is dumb!!! What is a parent with an infant going to do???

 

[dudspizza]

Our dd used her car seat at 1 month short of her 3rd bday. We wished we had checked it.

3 1/2 is old enough to go without the car seat.

Duds

 

[nygrl]

This is great news. My son will be 3 1/2 on our next trip and I wanted to buy the Britax Husky. He's already at 40 lbs. Now I can because I won't need it for the plane. yeah. Our flight is only any hour and a half.

I'm assuming the Magical Express bus won't even have seatbelts for a car seat. Anyone know?

Lori

none of the disney transportation has seat belts everyone just holds there kids on there laps or if they are older in the seat.i know it would be crazy to have everyone trying to strap there car seats in but on the other hand it really is dangerous if there was an accident!