Flying with young kids, need advice

[Pooh667]

Hi,

We are going to be flying to Disney in 12 days. We have never flown with the kids before, they will be 3 1/2. I just read a post here that said that if you bring their carseats on the plane you can not put the tray down making it difficult for them to eat, color etc. My question is this, if we don't bring the car seats will they be able to reach the tray to do those things anyway? If they are not in the carseats, they will have to be belted the whole time. Of course I want them to be safe. I hope this makes sense. I would appreciate any experience anyone has had.

Thank you.
Susan

 

[momuv2poohs]

When my son was 3 we flew to Disney World. He sat in the seat and was able to reach the tray very easily. Also, once they are up in the air, they can get up and move around if they want to. I personally, would not use a car seat on the plane.

 

[Pooh667]

Hi Momuv2poohs,

Thanks for your reply.

Susan

 

[holycow]

I would bring the car seats but check it as baggage...We have a 21/2 year old and the car seat on the plane is too restrictive...She was able to stretch out and lay on us when she fell asleep or put the tray down when she wanted to play. I might get flamed for saying this but if you had an infant I would say use the car seat but when the child is older and gets antsy...why limit your room...especially if you have 2 kids....JMO
Also if you rent a car they charge you for the car seat so I just like using my own.
Have a great time!
Holycow

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

First you need to check to see if your car seat is even allowed on the airline. They do have restrictions. We are flying soon, and have chosen to bring the car seat on the plane. Once a while back someone posted a similar question. Some of the responses that swayed me toward bringing a car seat included, primarily keeping the child safe. The airplane seats are not designed for little ones. If you hit turbulence it would be much safer to keep the child in a restraint designed for the little ones. As to letting the kids have more room to stretch out etc., well you wouldn't do that in a car, why do it in an airplane that is flying through the sky at faster speeds? My husband and I do keep our seatbelts on during the flight as well. It is a good example to set for the kids to let them know that safety comes first. Antsy? Yes, I do anticipate my 3 1/2 year old to get antsy, but I will not give the option of coming out of her seat. I have bought several distractions that don't necessarily need a tray, but with her car seat, it shouldn't be a problem. The tray will work. This is just my opinion. I never ever want to say, I wish I would have...

 

[Cameo]

We flew with our 3-year-old DD last October. She is quite big and there is no way her and a car seat would have fit on the airplane. We chose not to use and were glad we didn't. I did see someone put their older child in one of the small booster seats though. I personally would not take one, but maybe the booster seat thing is an option for you. They would be a lot easier to tote around also.

 

[Pooh667]

Hi,

Thanks for all of your replies. I appreciate everyone's opinions and advice. I would never compromise my children's safety for the sake of comfort that is why I was asking if it was safe for them to fly without a carseat.

Thanks,
Susan

 

[Betsyfun]

I realize that safety is the number one prioroty, but i suggest you check out the FAA flight guidelines for carseats/boosterseats! We have 4 kids and fly at minimum of 3 hours everytime we go to WDW and never use a carseat. It was IMPOSSIBLE to find a seat that has a FAA approved sticker on it and that is what they check for! You are NOT allowed to place it in the seat without that sticker!

Also, if you are staying onsite and doing a shuttle service they will be able to bring you a carseat when transporting to and from the airport! My children always stay buckled and yes being wiggly is part of the "fun" for a child. Good Luck!

 

[HenryMom]

I would just say do a search for more info on this board as well as other boards. I was leaning towards not taking along the car seat for my (almost 3 yr old) DS, and then I read some excellent points about the whole safety issue. I think, on this thread, Princess Vija said it very well.

I also would suggest calling the airline directly and asking them about what they will and will not accept. We have flown with a car seat several times that does not have a yellow FAA sticker.

~HenryMom
May 2001 -- FQ

 

[staylor]

Hi! I am a flight attendant. I don't know what airline you are flying on. But, the FAA does mandate which car seats are legal for the airplane. Check your seat, make sure it has the sticker with the red lettering stating that it is okay for air travel. Also, keep in mind that your child is so much more safe in a car seat than in the airplane seat. Well, if your child is small that is. You shouldn't have a problem reaching the tray or anything. The car seat will need to go next to the window, therefore not blocking anyone's exit out of the aircraft in case of an emergency. I usually bring a bag of goodies for my two boys (5 and 16 mos). New colors, coloring books, window stickers, a new toy (that doesn't make noise). My 5 year old likes to bring his Game Boy. I make him either wear head phones or turn the volume off. Also, pack snacks and extra juice/water. You never know when the plane will be late or if you'll have to wait on the taxi way waiting your turn to take off. I NEVER travel without children's Tylenol, motrin, pediacare, or another children's decongestant like Tylenol cold. Did I say NEVER? If either of the boys have any sign of a runny nose, teething, being irritable, etc. I give them a decongestant. The decongestant will clear out their sinus passages helping their ears not to block. My DH has to take Sudafed every time he flies. Sudafed is safe. Pilots, flight attendants, fire fighters, etc can all take this while working because it doesn't cause drowsy ness.

Back to the car seat, another nice thing about having it on the airplane, I find that children like being in their own seat. It is familiar to them in an unfamiliar environment. Feel free to email me with any questions.
Staci

 

[Pooh667]

Hi,

Again I want to say thanks for all the information and advice. We have decided to take the carseats. I have checked with the airline and our carseats are ok.

Thanks,
Susan