How difficult is it to install car seat on plane?

[JJ&JSMOM]

Never flown before w/kids. Is it difficult to install car seat on the plane? Do they give people w/kids extra time to install so we're not feeling rushed and stressed? We have to catch a connecting flight - hopefully we can get to our gate in time to board early - we only have a 45 minute layover and I think they start boarding 30 minutes prior. We are flying US Airways. TIA

 

[MPeter]

USAirways should give you preboarding. Most of the time they still do it, unless the flight is almost all families with young ones, then they just skip it. Seems to be up to the gate crew to determine that.

Usually isn't too difficult to get the car seat in place. Only tip I can think of is to recline the seat all the way back before putting the seat in. After you get the seat belt in place and tight, bring the seat back up to it's upright position. It usually makes the "fit" a little tighter.

 

[NotUrsula]

Two other things: have the smallest adult install the seat; it is easier in the confined space. Also be sure to let the seatbelt out to its fullest extension, twist the buckle end a half-turn before latching it, and then pull the end to tighten it up, as it will slide beneath the seat. Twisting the buckle puts the opening hinge against the seat rather than against the carseat shell; this makes it much easier to unlatch.

PS: In case you didn't realize, there are restrictions on where the seat can go. It must be in a window seat, and cannot be in the row directly in front of or behind the emergency exit row. Often carseats will not fit in the bulkhead row, because the armrests in that row do not lift.

 

[seashoreCM]

It doesn't have to be all that tight.

Since the child seat has to go all the way in (next to the wall/window, or dead center in dual aisle rows) you are usually not blocking the aisle when installing it. Since you will be sitting next to it, at most one other person has to wait before sitting in that row and he can certainly wait behind some other seat.

I don't quite understand why or whether it is better to face the child seat forward or backward (maybe someone could explain better) and all I could think of is put it in the way it seems to fit better.

Do the airline a courtesy by asking to preboard if you think you will need time. But don't sweat it if the airline says no and it takes more time than you expected. The airline decides whom to allow to preboard but the actual time to get settled, unlike right of way at an intersection, is taken or allowed to elapse as opposed to given or proffered.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[NotUrsula]

The FAA regulation says that the carseat should face the way the mfr. states that it should for the child's weight -- same as in a car.

Problems arise because FA's don't want them facing backward, even though the FAA recommends it for small guys. This is b/c backward-facing seats stop the seat in front from reclining, and passengers complain, often very loudly.