Does DD 2 needs a car seat in the plane?

[Fantasia_]

My DD who will be 2yr-7mo old by the end of Sept, does she need a car seat? What is the regulation on this one? If this is not required, then I don't want to drag her car seat along if I don't have to. Thanks!

 

[susy]

I would, for her own safety. I don't fly, but I would take all precautions (especially with my child). What if there is bad turbulence?

 

[TravelSheryl]

No, it is not required.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

no it is not required by law. but if you do use one make sure it is approved by the FAA.

 

[Kermit]

It's not required, but it is recommended. That lap belt will not hold a small child if you hit turbulance. Also, your child will be a lot more comfortable in the seat that she's used to.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Our DD was just 1 month younger, than yours.

We took her booster type car seat, with the 5 point harness.(boosters without the 5 point are not allowed).
We bought it before our trip, because it was much lighter than our other car seats, and we were ready for a new one anyway.

It was a bit of a pain to lug around, but it was worth it. My DD did not ask to get up once. I don't think I would have been so lucky, without it. She is a wiggler.

On our way back, we hit turbulance during our decent. The flight attendants were even commenting how bad it was. A couple in front of us was trying to hold there son, and it was very difficult. He bumped his chin a couple of times, and was crying through all of it. My kid slept through it. That convinced me that I had done the right thing.


Have a great trip

 

[Gillian]

I know it will be hard to carry it with just the three of you, but it would be a good idea. It is such a pain travelling with children! next time you can leave them at home with DH!

Maybe you can find some kind of a rolling duffel bag to help you get through the airport. best of luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

Another thing to think about is that the airline seat belts are easily opened up by a toddler. All it takes is a slight upward pull on the latch and it's undone. I have sat near a lot of toddlers who found this great new game. We would hear the click of the seat belt, then the toddler giggling, then the adult saying "no-no, leave the seat belt on" over and over during the flight.

 

[robinb]

I bought a car seat bag (about $25) and a folding luggage cart (about $20) to carry our car seat. You really don't need the bag, but the cart comes in handy. We just bungie the seat to the cart and away we go!

I went to WDW alone with my (then) 11 month old DD last July. I was (barely) able to push my DD in her stroller and drag the cart behind me with my backpack luggage on my back and my backpack diaper bag on the stoller. I made it but it was quite a sight!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

For the love of God, take the seat!
My son was just turned 2 last year. We were renting a van with built-in seats so we didn't take ours. BIG mistake!
Like a previous poster said, he kept unbuckling the belt, or standing in his seat and letting it fall. (BTW, was that guy on a Detroit-Charlotte-Orlando flight last June?)
You will be a lot better off with it than without it, trust my painful experience.
Robin M.