How do you know if you can use your carseat on the plane?

[jenseib]

I have read that some people weren't allowed to use a carseat on the plane because it didn't meet regulations or something like that. How do you know? I don't want to bring our bulky one, and MIL has a lighter one ,but it is about 10 years old. How do you know if it can be used on the plane or not?

 

[codimouse]

Here's info sent to me by southwest:

If child is under 20 pounds, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that the car seat face the rear, as you would secure it in a car. If your child weighs between 20 and 40 pounds, the seat should face forward. These weight guidelines are for your child's safety and comfort. Once child reaches more than 40 pounds, he can use the airplane seat's regular safety belt.

Before you bring a car seat on board an airplane, make sure it's FAA-approved for that use. The label should read, "This restraint certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." To fit into a typical coach seat, the car seat should be no wider than 16 inches.

 

[tjmw2727]

If the carseat is approved for use in aircraft it will have a sticker on the back indicating so.

From the American Airlines website:
"Acceptable restraints manufactured in the United States will bear one or both of the following labels:
"This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards"
Additionally, the restraint may carry a second label with red lettering which states the following:
"This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

In addition most carseats expire after 6 years. I would check that carseat as it may be to old to properly protect your child in the car.

Perhaps its time to consider a new lightweight seat for use in relatives cars and during travel. I know there are a few in the $40-60 price range that may do nicely for you.

TJ

 

[jenseib]

We don't let MIL drive with her. And my mom has one that she uses for all the grand kids. But since MIL has this one, I thought it would be lighter to carron and off. Or if I check it, it will be not be missed if lost. I know this carseat has never been in accidents. I just thought it would easier than using the heavier one. Do car seats have dates on them? How do you know how old one is if they don't?

 

[tjmw2727]

Yes all carseats will have dates. Somewhere on the back or the bottom of the seat will be a mfg sticker. It should have the model number, serial number, company and the mfg date etc.

I am pretty sure that no carseat is meant to be used after 5-6 years but a quick google will give you the informaiton. You would need to look at the stickers on the seat to see when it was made, and if it is FAA approved.

There are some carseat "techies" on the families board that have great information on carseats.

TJ

 

[safetymom]

You also shouldn't be using a car seat that is 10 years old. The recommendation is to replace a car seat after 5 years. The plastic starts to deteriorate and may not protect as well as a new seat.

 

[Alexander]

Yes all carseats will have dates. Somewhere on the back or the bottom of the seat will be a mfg sticker. It should have the model number, serial number, company and the mfg date etc.TJ

Some even have an expiration date on them. We have a Graco Infant seat that says "Do Not Use This Car Seat After 00/00/0000" (I can't remember the date).

 

[jenseib]

You also shouldn't be using a car seat that is 10 years old. The recommendation is to replace a car seat after 5 years. The plastic starts to deteriorate and may not protect as well as a new seat.

Thanks, but I didn't ask to be judged or opinions on that. I love these boards, but I find that people like to do that alot and it really bugs me.
I doubt anything is wrong with the carseat, and it would only be used for a short time, but it sounds like I can't use it on the plane, so I don't think we will bring it. I'm just trying to make it so I don't have to bring my good one. But I might just have to.

 

[codimouse]

Dont think anyone is judging you just answering your questions and trying to help you keep you family safe.

Sometimes more detail is needed to get a point across.

There is a reason your "better" one qualifies. It is newer and probably meets the FAA standards. Not our standards personally.

 

[safetymom]

I was not judging. If you look at my name I used to deal with car seat safety. I was just offering some information.

 

[tjmw2727]

I don't seen any judging, really, just sharing of information. I wouldn't have expected your MIL to know that her carseat is probably expired. However once I read that she is using one that is expired I felt like I should tell you.

In addition someone else may read this thread in the future and realize someone they know may be using an outdated carseat or that you need the FAA sticker to fly.

The simple fact is that a 10 year old carseat shouldn't be used any more. If you choose to use it then that is clearly your decision and it will "probably" be fine. Which btw is why they expire as the mfgs can't guarentee their usefull ness after a certain amount of time, wear and tear and exposure to the elements.

Either way I doubt it has the FAA sticker on the back so you may have to bring yours. FWIW - my sil has a neat carseat bag with wheels that she got at Toys R Us, it fits the carseat and makes transport very easy.

TJ

 

[jenseib]

I wouldn't have expected your MIL to know that her carseat is probably expired. However once I read that she is using one that is expired I felt like I should tell you.

TJ

She DOESN'T use it. She just still has it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You also shouldn't be using a car seat that is 10 years old. The recommendation is to replace a car seat after 5 years. The plastic starts to deteriorate and may not protect as well as a new seat.

Thanks, but I didn't ask to be judged or opinions on that. I love these boards, but I find that people like to do that alot and it really bugs me.

Oh. I didn't see any judgementalism or even opinion in what safetymom stated - just information. That happens on a public forum like this one. People with knowledge/experience on a particular issue will share that knowledge with others. Remember, MANY MANY people read these threads but don't post - so far, eleven people have posted on this thread... but almost FIVE DOZEN people have read it. Responses such as the one provided by safetymom are therefore shared with lots of people other than just the original poster.

 

[tjmw2727]

She DOESN'T use it. She just still has it.

Ok fine, I give up, I was honestly trying to answer your questions.

You said you were going to borrow your MIL's 10 year old carseat. How in the world would we know she dosen't use it?

TJ

 

[NotUrsula]

Either way I doubt it has the FAA sticker on the back so you may have to bring yours.

Actually it *is* likely to have the aircraft approval sticker. It has been worded exactly that way since 1985.

(I'm staying out of the whole carseat expiration debate.)