Flying with Carseats...Help!

[Hokie4lyf]

We are flying down in May and can't get a straight answer on whether we need carseats or not on the plane. We are travelling with our two daughters, ages 2 1/2 and 3 1/2. According to the airport website our oldest doesn't need a carseat and youngest does. However, the fact that she still uses one in the car makes me think that she should have it on the plane. I also had a local police officer tell me that the FAA requires any child under 40 lbs to use it on the plane. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks for any help in advice.

 

[tjmw2727]

Carseats are not required for airplaines - just check the website for your airline to see what their recommendations are. If you do choose to use one they have to have the sticker that indicates they are aproved for airline travel.

If you need them when you arrive for a rental car I would probably use one for the 2yo and gate check one for the 3yo.

We stopped using ours at about 3 as the girls were old enough to understand to stay buckled and sit still. With the carseat they were more likely to kick the seat in front of them and unable to use the tray table.

If you don't need a seat for car travel but want more than the lap belt then the CARES harness is a great alternative - you can purchase or rent via ebay. If you do a search there are lots of recommendations here and on the families board.

 

[rwdavis2]

there is no requirement for car seats on planes. The policeman and airport website were wrong. Just think, children under 2 are not even required to even have a seat . They can sit on an adult's lap.

 

[jrw118]

I traveled in august with a 4 yr old and he did not use a carseat. The year before he was 3 and he didn't use one either. I only fly about one or twice a year mostly to Disney and rarely even see anyone using a car seat on flights with many children. I am quite sure neither of your girls "need" car seats though you are free to bring them. One word of caution, you will need to lug the carseats through the airport. MCO is HUGE to be carrying them, carry on luggage, personal items, and minding children.

 

[SamSam]

Dh and I will be flying with our 2 year old twin grandsons this May and plan to use their car seats in the plane. Our thinking is that they're used to being in a car seat and so it may be easier to keep them in their seats. Also we plan to use these http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Tod...59&sr=8-1&keywords=Car+seat+strap+for+luggage to hook their carseats to our carryon's for going through the airports.

Fingers crossed, hoping it works like we plan.

 

[CarrieR]

One additional thing to consider is that even if you don't need the seat on the plane, if you are taking it, it will be checked and subject to damage that way. Much safer for your ground travel to have it in control on the plane, and although hauling it onto the plane is a hassle, it will keep your kiddos safely confined and in their spaces. Plane belts generally don't fit well until around 40lb.

If you do opt to take them on, take a few minutes to find your carseat's FAA approval sticker - I believe it is red, and it notes, "this restraint is approved for use in motor vehicle and on aircraft," or something to that effect. The flight attendants may ask to see it.

 

[*Seanaci*]

As others have stated, carseats are NOT required on air planes. They are always suggested (especially around these boards) thought.

I would suggest a car seat on the plane if your children will travel better that way. I know if we hadn't needed my DS's carseat back in December for our shuttle ride, we still would have taken it because he knows that when he's in his carseat he's safe and can't wiggle all over us.

 

[dudspizza]

I will say that we brought our car seat for our DD who was 1 month from 3. We wish we hadn't. We chose not to use it on the flight home.....

 

[Beth D]

Many airlines also require it to go in the window seat. So no putting the kiddo in between mom & dad.

We usually counter-check ours in a giant double thick trash bag, and have never had problems.

 

[OKW Lover]

Many airlines also require it to go in the window seat. So no putting the kiddo in between mom & dad.

This is so a person won't be "trapped" against the window by the carseat.