Flight travel with carseats

[rdrjj5]

I have a question about carseats on the airplanes. I know the carseats must go next to the windows but can I place 2 carseats next to each other and me on the end? We would be 2 adults and 3 kids, dd4, ds2, dd2 and all would require carseats because my 4 year old is not 40 pounds yet. I would not want a child to be seated alone in front or behind me. We would be going southwest where the rows have only 3 seats. Any info you can give me would be appreciated. thanks

 

[Smcgibeau]

Two car seats with you on the end and car seat in the middle and next to the window.

On the four year old and 40 pounds. Its not an FAA regulation that she be in a car seat. Its a rule she be in her own seat. Certainly as a parent if that's your guideline ITA with it, just wanted to throw that out there. The 4 year old could go in the middle seat without her carseat and just her seatbelt.

Also, make sure your car seat clearly says its FAA approved or they won't let you use it.

 

[mryder]

Originally posted by Smcgibeau
Two car seats with you on the end and car seat in the middle and next to the window.

On the four year old and 40 pounds. Its not an FAA regulation that she be in a car seat. Its a rule she be in her own seat. Certainly as a parent if that's your guideline ITA with it, just wanted to throw that out there. The 4 year old could go in the middle seat without her carseat and just her seatbelt.

Also, make sure your car seat clearly says its FAA approved or they won't let you use it.

My 4 year old is 34 pounds. Does he need to be in a car seat. We have a booster seat that has its own harness system. From my understanding this is allowed on an airplane. It does have a tag saying it is FAA approved.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mryder
My 4 year old is 34 pounds. Does he need to be in a car seat. We have a booster seat that has its own harness system. From my understanding this is allowed on an airplane. It does have a tag saying it is FAA approved.

I don't know what airline you are flying, but, Southwest has this on their site regarding booster seats. The main point is what they say regarding the FAA's rule on booster seats.
I know that Delta also follows this policy. Best to call you airline and check.

From the SWA site.

Some child restraints may do a good job of protecting children in automobiles or in other situations, but are not appropriate for aviation use. Recent testing and research have led the FAA to ban the use on aircraft of certain types of child restraints that may be harmful to a child in the event of an aviation emergency. These include booster seats, safety belt extensions (commonly referred to as "belly belts"), and vest or harness devices that attach to an adult or to the seatbelt of the child's own seat. Although some were manufactured before the FAA's ban may carry an insignia and/or language indicating they are approved for aircraft use, please understand that they are no longer permitted.

They also go on to say (most airlines follow this guideline) :
Children over 40 pounds should use the standard seatbelt that is attached to all aircraft seats. It is important never to place a child in a CRD designed for a smaller child. Be sure that the shoulder straps come out of the CRD seat back above the child's shoulders.

 

[tjmw2727]

"Booster Seats" ~ this term has become very confusing lately so I am going to take a stab to try and clarify. Especially for those of us who's kids are older and out of such seats (ok my 7yo is still in a booster!).

What many people refer to as "booster seats" are really CSRs that can be used as a typical car seat meaning 20-40lbs with an integrated harness system or as a booster seat using the car's lap/shoulder belt When used as a typical car seat with the harness most are FAA approved with the sticker on the back and fine to be used in the aircraft. Where the confusion comes in is that after 40lbs you can remove the harness and use the seat as a booster seat. When used this way they are not (never) FAA approved. Also by the time a child exceeds the 40lbs and is using a seat as a booster seat they won't need a carseat or booster on the aircraft. I think that by referring to these seats as booster seats some, including those at the airlines are getting confused. Perhaps the mfg's can come up with another name since they are not just boosters but true CSR's as well.

My dd's carseat has the FAA sticker that clearly says when used with the harness it IS FAA approved but when used without it is not. So, for the person that is wondering about the booster. If you are using the integrated harness and it has the sticker you can use it on the aircraft. FWIW my Century Breverra is such a seat and fit very well on the aircraft.

For the OP - after 3ish, depending on the size and temperment of the child, we found it better to check the carseat esp with more than one child, MHO only!. So I don't know if you can have two carseats in a row - that is something that may be worth a call to the airline.

TJ