does a 3 year old need a carseat on the plane?

[all4fun]

All of these ideas are great for carseats on the plane. I have three kids under the age of 4 and only two adults. This sounds as if the oldest at 4 would have to go without a seat so she can sit with a parent. If you have a child with out a seat can you request a rental car with built in carseats?

From what I have read, some of rental companies have cars with integrated child seats, but they are not guaranteed and some of them are phasing that out. It's safer, IMO to bring your own booster. You could gate-check it at the airport if you want. Also, Florida law does not require children under 3 to be in a child restraint device, not that I'm recommending that.

edit to correct: FL law actually states children through age three, not under three, must be restrained in a car seat. Sorry about that!

My dd3 is now in her booster w/back. What this means is that in order for it to be effective, she must have the shoulder strap in use...they don't have those on airplanes last I flew!! She will be sitting (like a big girl) directly in the plane's seat assigned to her. Since she is no longer in the baby car seats, there is really no point in lugging a seat around that is unuseable on an airplane.

Yes, this is true - if you're using a booster that requires the use of a shoulder belt, then you cannot use that on an airplane. As I previously mentioned, you can gate-check it at the airport if you still want to use it upon arrival.

hth,
Cheryl

 

[Sheaboys]

I have to say, I have flown with all 3 boys at various ages. The one and only time I paid for a seat for a child under 2, was our first born at 6 months and in the infant carrier. We paid for the seat, which he only was in it for about 45 min. of the 3 hour flight. After that all the boys sat with me, until they turned 2. Then they received thier own seat with lap belts. When going to Disney, since we are not renting and using their transportation, I will not be bringing any seats. Otherwise, when visiting my family in Florida/Tamps area, I check them in curbside with the luggage. But it is up to you and your preference.

 

[amylucinda]

Looks like 3 year olds have to be in a carseat, either separate or integrated.

(http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/HighwaySafetyGrantProgram/hsgp/HSGPAreas_OccupantFAQ.htm#Florida's%20Child.....but I'm not sure how to paste a URL!)


4. What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?

All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).

 

[Sheaboys]

That is for a car, not a plane. Also if you take transportation from a Livery Service (car or Mears or Disney bus), they don't have to restrained.

 

[all4fun]

AmyLucinda, thanks for correcting my earlier post.

Sorry I didn't mean to misinform anyone about the current FL carseat law.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I've been debating this myself. I know I'd like to get her a seat because I don't think she is gonna be pleased to sit on mommy or daddy's lap the whole trip. I think in her car seat she may fall asleep easier.

I know I'd be gate checking it still either way because we will need it while there.