Flying with carseat

[la79al]

I just realized this morning that since we are renting a car for one day, we will need to bring DDs carseat. How does this work exactly? She is going to be a lap child but I can check at the desk before we leave to see if it is a full flight and if not use her carseat on the plane? If we decide to not go that route, do we use it as a piece of checked luggage or can we gate check it (we will be gate checking the stroller)? Sometimes I am amazed that I have made it almost 2 years, never once forgetting the child while still managing all the gear...

 

[Hannathy]

You can do either. I would check it because it is then one less thing to lug around the airport as far as I'm concerned.

Which ever way you do check it make sure you bring a bag of some sort to put it in so it doesn't get wet or dirty. Plastic works fine.

 

[KelnRon]

If you didn't buy a seat for her then I doubt they will let you use it on the plane. Not sure though. We just came back w/ a lap child and we just checked the car seat at the gate w/ her stroller. It was ready for us when we got off the plane.

If you just need it for one day I probably would just look into renting a car seat when you are getting the car.

 

[sumertime]

I would not check it at the counter after seeing what our luggage has looked like after getting off the belt. I would worry that it could be damaged. Even a small crack in the plastic could make the seat less safe.

 

[Eeyorerocks!]

If you are renting a car seat for only one day, and don't intend to use the ca rseat on the plane, I would consider getting it from the rental company. Yes, they charge for it, but should not be a big deal if only one day. It is annoying to have to schelp the car seat around.

That said, even when our son was young enough to sit on my lap, we purchased a seat for him so that we could use his car seat. I would definitely recommend doing this! He napped in the car seat during the flight. Safer and more comfortable than keeping him in my lap. In May, my 2 year-old will be traveling to WDW for the third time, and we will use his car seat on the flight and in the rental car.

Good luck