infant seat on plane

[justhat]

We have a Graco Snug Ride infant car seat and are planning to use it for our daughter when we fly to WDW in May and June (she'll be 2-3 months old). I read on the seat that it's approved for aircraft use, but does anyone know if that means with or without the base or if that matters? I'd really rather not bring the base once we get it installed in our car, also I may have to fly by myself with the baby in one direction so lugging around the base in addition to all the other gear isn't my first preference. If it has to be used that way then I'll do that, but otherwise I'd like to leave it home and just bring the seat. Has anyone used one of these or know if the base is necessary for airplanes?

 

[jel0511]

I believe it doesn't matter, I've always checked my base and carried on the carrier. I've just strapped the seat belt around the carrier, and gotten it VERY tight. I've never had a problem, and you can use it in the car like that also. I've never done it, since it's easier with the base, but it's also approved for use like that.

 

[NotUrsula]

The FAA rules specify only that the seat should be installed rear-facing if the child weighs under 20 lbs.

I'm thinking that with most coach seats, the base won't fit, anyway, and even if it did, it might not latch down with the buckle sticking up in the center. (Remember that on a plane, the seat belt buckles in the middle, not at the side.)

Check your instructions, there should be a diagram of how to install the seat without the base. US mfrs. are required to build seats so that they can safely be installed using a lap-belt only.