Does DD5 need a carseat/booster seat?

[Minnie824]

I have never flown w/kids before, so now that we're thinking of flying, I'm wondering how much stuff I need to bring! Currently, DD4.5 is not in a booster seat (not yet 40 lbs). I would think by the time she turns 5, and we go to Disney, she will be. But, do I need to bring it? I'm sure she'll be fine on the airplane, then if we take Magical Express is it needed? What about in a cab? DD2.5 will have her carseat to help her sit still on the plane...do we buy a bag to lug it thru the airport? Then on Magical Express, is it needed, or just keep it in the bag? Or in a taxi? Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[hipmaman]

I have never flown w/kids before, so now that we're thinking of flying, I'm wondering how much stuff I need to bring! Currently, DD4.5 is not in a booster seat (not yet 40 lbs). I would think by the time she turns 5, and we go to Disney, she will be. But, do I need to bring it? I'm sure she'll be fine on the airplane, then if we take Magical Express is it needed? What about in a cab? DD2.5 will have her carseat to help her sit still on the plane...do we buy a bag to lug it thru the airport? Then on Magical Express, is it needed, or just keep it in the bag? Or in a taxi? Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

Hi,

The Magical Express is a bus without any seatbelts, so there is no way to install a carseat or booster. However, crash dynamics on buses are different than cars, therefore it's alright to ride a big bus without the seatbelts.

If you are travelling by rental car/van or taxi service, and if your 5 yrs old is not yet 40 lbs, there is no safe way to be in a car/taxi/van without some sort of restraints such as booster or carseat. A seatbelt is designed for large-body male, so a child that little cannot be properly restrained w/o a booster.

I'm in the same situation w/ my almost 5 yrs old. He is only 36-37 lbs. We are most likely to travel by the Magical Express, so it probably will work out fine for us. But I'm told that I should put a low-back booster seat like the Graco Turbo booster for emergency cases or should we need to use a vehicle for any reason.

As for the carseat for your 2.5 yrs old, you can use a luggage cart to wheel the carseat around in the airport. Alternatively, if you will have a single stroller, you can prop the carseat on the stroller and wheel both through the airport. Gate-check the stroller.

 

[SarahKate]

For your 4.5 year old, you will be fine to bring along the no back booster. You can check it with the rest of your luggage. You could put it in a duffle bag or even just a clear garbage bag (just be sure to put a tag on it or write your name on the bottom w/ permanent marker).

As for the younger kid, be careful that the carseat says that it is approved for air travel. There should be a sticker that says this somewhere on the seat (possibly under the cover). Also, not all carseats fit in the airplane seats.

We traveled Southwest, and their website has some good information on that.