For those who fly with toddlers - How do you sit?

[capecoddisneyfamily]

We always try to take a row across, that way once in the air we can pass them off. Also we keep them in the stroller until we board and then gate check the stroller. Don't forget lollipops so the ears will not pop.

 

[torquelover]

We always try to take a row across, that way once in the air we can pass them off. Also we keep them in the stroller until we board and then gate check the stroller. Don't forget lollipops so the ears will not pop.

I read on Airtran's website that you can bring a stroller or car seat to the gate (as in the area right before you board) and it will be checked in for you, at no charge, and waiting for you as you de-board. Is this true, and does it count as a checked bag?

 

[NotUrsula]

I have a pair of Britax Marathons and a pair of Graco Turbo Boosters. The kids fit fine in either one. Does anyone know if I will have an issue with using either one of these? I usually use the Britax for vehicles with just a lap belt, like the RV or my older project car, since it has a built-in 5-point harness. Is just a lap belt in the Graco Booster safe for kids 3 and 4 years old?

The Turbo boosters are not approved for aircraft use. The Marathons are approved ONLY if you have the 5-pt harnesses still in place and use them. The Marathons are a bit on the large side, however; so two of them in one row might not fit properly.

The FAA approval sticker that you have heard referenced does NOT actually mention the FAA. You will find it on the side of the seat shell (usually near the bottom), and the wording is mandated by Federal law. It will read: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Be aware that if you have two kids in carseats AND two adults in the party, the FA is likely to insist that you sit M-W in two rows. Even though it is technically legal to put two carseats in one row, most airlines set policy against it if there are as many adults as carseats in the party, because it is safer in an emergency situation to have each adult take responsibility for getting one child out of his carseat and off the plane. Policies like these probably will be applied to CAReS harnesses, too, because children are presumed to need help getting out of them.

Just FYI on seat assignments: carseats are not only forbidden in the exit rows, they are also not allowed in the rows directly in front of and behind the exit rows.

 

[torquelover]

The Turbo boosters are not approved for aircraft use. The Marathons are approved ONLY if you have the 5-pt harnesses still in place and use them. The Marathons are a bit on the large side, however; so two of them in one row might not fit properly.

The FAA approval sticker that you have heard referenced does NOT actually mention the FAA. You will find it on the side of the seat shell (usually near the bottom), and the wording is mandated by Federal law. It will read: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Be aware that if you have two kids in carseats AND two adults in the party, the FA is likely to insist that you sit M-W in two rows. Even though it is technically legal to put two carseats in one row, most airlines set policy against it if there are as many adults as carseats in the party, because it is safer in an emergency situation to have each adult take responsibility for getting one child out of his carseat and off the plane. Policies like these probably will be applied to CAReS harnesses, too, because children are presumed to need help getting out of them.

Just FYI on seat assignments: carseats are not only forbidden in the exit rows, they are also not allowed in the rows directly in front of and behind the exit rows.

Some good info there! I'm glad we reserved seats 3 rows after the exit rows on the trip there and 5 rows ahead of the exit rows on the trip home. Lucky guess, I suppose.

Our DDs are way too young to ride alone in their own row. We are riding 2+2 with the DDs at the window and DW and I in the aisle. This will be the DD's first plane trip. I imagine they'll either love the takeoff, or be completely terrified. Hopefully it's the former and not the latter!