Getting off the plane with car seat?

[suzydisney971]

My DH and I are thinking of taking our 6 mo old (he'll be 15 mo when we go) in August but we aren't sure about the car seat thing. The baby is a preemie so he'll be very small for his age. (He was born 3 mos too early so he'll be the size of a 1 yr old most likely and wonder if I should use the carrier like we do now.) How do you carry it off the plane? We would get the baby his own seat and place him in the car seat but then we would also have some carry ons to carry and we aren't sure how we would carry everything until we got to ME. How does everyone else do it? I saw a cover for it at Babies R Us the other day but I'm not sure if it had wheels. We would also have a stroller to push. (We would gate check that). We've never had to travel with a small child as you can tell. TIA!!

We have another family interested in going at the same time and their child would be almost 2 so I'm sure this would benefit them.

 

[tanyaandallie]

My prefered method - put baby in a baby carrier and strap the car seat to a luggage cart, stroller or something else with wheels. We have carseat bags with wheels. You could also consider something like the GoGo Kidz Travelmate. If I had known about this thing years ago I would have purchased one!

 

[MNFootballMommy]

Just a quick word of advice--make sure the car seat is FAA approved.

Good luck!

 

[jessica52877]

I take a stroller, pile everything onto the stroller and carry the child (or have them walk if old enough). I can push the stroller (umbrella) while holding carseat in and pulling along a carry on (2 if needed as they hook together).

 

[NotUrsula]

Two words: Hand Rule. We've used it for 11 years on three continents, and it is failsafe.

Count the working hands that the adults in the party have. If you have two able-bodied adults, you have 4 hands. Subtract one hand for holding the child, and one hand for pushing the stroller. (If it's a small baby who will ride in the stroller with the carseat on top, that counts for two hands.) Now you have two hands left.

Those two hands can pull two roller bags, or carry two bags, or wear a backpack and pull a bag, etc.: you get only as many bags as you have hands, because invariably you will need one free hand for something, and you won't have it fast enough if there is more than one bag occupying it.

The person pushing the stroller (with the carseat stacked on it, if you can still do that) can also wear a backpack diaper bag; that's a bonus bag. A separate handbag for Mommy is out -- either put your purse stuff in your diaper backpack, or wear a string wallet across your body.

If you have to bring a large toddler seat that won't stack on the stroller, then that in a satchel is a separate backpack; it counts for a hand.

PS: The hand rule applies only to children who are too young to be trusted to carry their own bags and stay with you without prompting. Older children should manage their own carryon bag and dealing with their shoes at Security. With multiple very young children, you pretty much have to restrict yourself to one carryon diaper/valuables bag, combined.

 

[teresajoy]

I take a stroller, pile everything onto the stroller and carry the child (or have them walk if old enough). I can push the stroller (umbrella) while holding carseat in and pulling along a carry on (2 if needed as they hook together).

This is what we do too. And, sometimes we can throw a carryon on top of the carseat that is in the stroller.

 

[laughinplace199]

We've always bought seats for our children on planes. We feel it's safer to have them strapped into their carseats on the plane. When our youngest was still in the carseat/carrier, we brought the travel system stroller so we could attach the car seat to the stroller. That made getting around the airport easier. I did take baby out of the carrier prior to getting on the plane. I carried baby and the diaper bag. DH carried the car seat and both of our carry-on bags. Our older two kids carried their own backpacks. Pack as lightly as you can, but make sure you bring enough diapers, wipes, food, etc for 24 hours in case of delays. Have fun!

 

[DjdBrit]

I have flown all internationally as well as to WDW with my 3 kids, youngest being 6months on a plane. Looking back I wish I had travelled with them when they were smaller as for my kids at least babies are a piece of cake its toddlers that are the trouble. We have done some long haul overnights which my kids have NEVER really slept on

My tips.... I have never carried a car seat on board. I have check them many times but always had kids as lap babies or in there own seats. I always use a stroller and check it at the gate. I use a back pack or shoulder bag as a must item and even use my small pocket book to put all important papers in but put that in my bigger bag

I always bring the essental item for the kids including PJ's and extra outfits in carry on. Snacks for at least 24 hours and sippy cups that can be thrown away.

Bring extra big ziplock bags for diapers incase you have to lug them and there is no trash. These also work well when you child poops though that outfit you really don't want to throw away.

Up until recently I have travelled with as little luggage as possible as my hubby and I can only carry so much. Now the kids are a little bigger they get there own bags which they can put whatever into but let it be known they HAVE to carry them at all cost.

Usually when we go to England for 2 weeks I bring 2 casesa nd 2 carry on bags.... for 5 people

Good luck planning your trip.

 

[all4fun]

Add us to those who always took a car seat on the plane for our ds when he was little. Our first trip to WDW was when he was 13mos/10adjusted age (also a preemie).

I like the installation tips on this site:

Installation Tips

1) Use the seat the same way you'd use it in the car (if you use it rear-facing, rear-face on the plane, etc.).

2) Take advantage of pre-boarding. Take that extra time to get the seat installed tightly.

3) Recline the airplane seat back when installing the seat, then bring it upright to get the seat even tighter.

4) For some forward-facing seats, twist the latchplate around once (so that it's "backwards") to make it easier to unbuckle at the end of the trip. Not twisting it may make it nearly impossible to unbuckle the belt. This will also help keep the belt from slipping loose.

5) Put up at least one armrest. This will give the seat more room for installation, and keep it more stable (since resting against an armrest may cause it to tip to one side).

Remember, it's always a good idea to buy your child, no matter what their age, their own seat on the plane so you can use your child safety seat - especially since airplane seats are relatively inexpensive and children tend to be relatively fragile.

Also, if you're using a convertible car seat by then (one that goes rear facing and fwd facing), I always found the best way to get the seat on and off the plane was by carrying it upside down (base up) down the airplane aisle.

Another thing we always did was to board the plane seperately. Since I am sort of the car seat "expert" in our house, I always boarded first with the car seat and carry-on (backpack). DH would wait with ds and board about 5-10mins later. This way, I could get the car seat installed with out our whole family blocking the airplane aisle while that was being done. Using the above tips, I found it to be fairly easy using the airplane lap belt.

We have used several methods to get our stuff from the curb to the airplane and back. With the infant seat "travel system" it should be a snap. We always traveled w/a convertible seat since we had already switched to using that in the car by our first family trip. One trip, I was able to bungie the car seat back to back with the stroller (this was a Cosco Touriva/Scenera seat) by flipping the fwd facing "foot" down and hooking it on top of the stroller basket, and then running a bungie cord thru the fwd facing seatbelt path on the back of the car seat and hooking each end to the sides of the stroller. I then used the bungie cord to secure the stroller closed before boarding the plane. Warning: this may make the stroller tip over backwards. We did not have this problem w/our car seat/stroller combination as the car seat was on the lighter side.

You could also use the baby carrier or sling to carry your LO through the airport. Keep in mind that the baby will probably have to come out of the carrier when you go through airport security. Also, your stroller and car seat will have to go through the scanner as well. Some scanners are too small and if that's the case, they will hand check the stroller and or car seat. I've never had a car seat that didn't fit through the xray machine though (usually, putting it upside down the belt helps if it's a bigger seat).

Really, all this probably sounds a lot more complicated that it really is. If you come prepared, it will make the whole process a lot easier for you.

hth!

 

[Lstar311]

We went in June with DS who was 15 months. We used the big carseat. DH carried it on his back. I pushed baby in stroller up to the plane where we gate checked stroller. I had a backpack carryon and DH had a duffle. It was difficult but we did it.

 

[*Toadstool*]

The add was actually relevant to this... not sure I'd use it with a 15 month old though.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/?gclid=CMT7xeP67ZYCFQgRFQodzGzmrw
I guess if you use something like that you can check your car seat with the luggage.

 

[Disneychix]

I also used the 'latch' strap on my carseat as a handle for the seat and wore it on my back like a purse. (DH would have but he hurt his back!) It's not really heavy, just a little bulky. I put DS in the stroller and pushed that while DH took the carryons. It took us a bit longer to walk to/from the gate but we got there!

BTW- DS was a preemie too and I'd say there's no way you'll still be able to use the carrier type carseat at 18 months. Have fun with your little preemie!

 

[mdurette]

This is what we always do and it works fine:
2 adults - 1 infant now toddler - still the same.

At drop off at the airport.
Car seat goes "into" the stroller (when she was in the bucket it would lock in, now that she is in a regular seat we wedge it in). She goes into her seat that is on the stroller.

I push the stroller and take the carry on - DH deals with the luggage and we head to the counter. (if needed, I can also deal with one piece of luggage).

We get through security and she gets back in her "ride" all the way to the gate.

We board the plane - stroller gets checked, DH deals with seat and I take DD.

When we arrive - everything in reverse.

Works out beautifully.

My suggestion - don't bring more than one carry on.

 

[katied]

I've traveled on my own with DS since he was about 6 mo old, including trips to Europe. Car seat would be best on plane for baby that age/size, incl. buying baby his own seat.

What I do is use an attachement to my car seat to make it a stroller - link attached

http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

I then check my stroller when I check my luggage - one less thing to deal with.

For a carryon - a backpack is best, and then I separate everything within the backpack with gallon size ziplocks.

This way, I can get on/off the plane without feeling overwhelmed. More than one carryon, or trying to manager stroller and car seat, is just too much for me. If you will have help, then you can maybe gate-check the stroller and bring an extra carryon.

 

[eyor44]

We always took the car seat on the plane for DD. We would need it at our destination and I didn't want to worry that it wouldn't make it. Car seats are supposed to be installed in the window seat, but one time DD wanted to sit in the middle. When the airline attendent saw this she tried to make us move. Would have if she would have said something while I was putting it in, but she waited until I was done (she watched me the whole time ) and had DD strapped in. She finally said, "we want to make sure you can get out in an emergency." I was like, "oh trust me. I can be up and over this thing in a heart beat if there is an emergency."
We would just each use a backpack for carry ons and use the straps on the laptop case over the shoulder. Then one would carry the car seat and the other DD.

 

[clownchk]

you've gotten some great advice for getting on the plane, as for getting off, be patient and wait until most of have already deplaned.

Since you will be waiting for a gate checked stroller anyway, it makes no sense to rush off only to block the jetway.

This way you can take your time gathering al your stuff/ unlatching the car seat and not feel rushed by being stared down by those behind you.

Make sure you have all your stroller parts before you leave that doorway, too. It is much easier to send someone to look for a tray/ shade/ whatever while still standing there then to try to located later!

From a mom of a 34.5 weeker, a 29 weeker, and a full termer enjoy your trip!

 

[NotUrsula]

Make sure you have all your stroller parts before you leave that doorway, too. It is much easier to send someone to look for a tray/ shade/ whatever while still standing there then to try to located later!

No, no, no. Take the accessories, including the hood, OFF the stroller before you check it (actually before you leave home) and put them in your checked baggage if you have to have them. These things just don't fall off, they get snapped off and broken 9 out of 10 times. If you want them to stay functional, remove them yourself.

The stroller should go to the airport with nothing extra on it or in the basket, and stay that way until your reach your destination, other than wedging a carseat on top if you need to. It has to be folded to go through security, so you don't want to waste time taking things out of baskets and cubbies.

Also, fold and secure the stroller yourself at the end of the jetway. Do NOT expect the airline to do it, because often they won't bother, and will just toss it in without folding it, or cram it down any way they can force it. Again, to avoid breakage, do it yourself, and it's a good idea to wrap a bungee around it to be sure that it doesn't open by accident while in transit.

 

[soontobewed07]

We had DS as a lap child (9 months at the time) last time and I will NEVER do that again he was awsome but I think it is just too much. This time we are spending the xtra money to buy a seat it also gives you another bag to check and not deal with. I packed a large LLbean tote for him and I and DH carried his own bag. I suggest carrying a favorite blanket 3 bottles ( we used advent with liners) and enough formula for for your trip plus 2 more bottles. If you BF this is not needed Also a favorite toy which happens to be my IPOD video w/ MM clubhouse on it. Snacks are always a good idea yogurt melts they WONT melt in the heat!

If you have any questions feel free to PM me

 

[eyor44]

you've gotten some great advice for getting on the plane, as for getting off, be patient and wait until most of have already deplaned.

This way you can take your time gathering al your stuff/ unlatching the car seat and not feel rushed by being stared down by those behind you.

sorry, I forgot the question when I answered. This is the best advice. Just wait and be the last ones off. We always wait until the end and I think other passengers appreciate that. Plus you don't have as long of a wait at the baggage caroseul.