Leaving tommorow Kids Booster seat?

[Dano1182]

We are leaving tommorow and i need to know now.
Are there booster seats in rental mini vans.?
I'm talking about built in ones for a 6 yo
not child seat.
I know some vans have them
We are using National
I can't get in touch with someone at airport and the 800 number had no clue what i was talking about.

 

[DFSquare]

Dano,

Sorry I can't be more help. Most of the vans now include them but no guarantees.

Dawn

 

[Dano1182]

Any ideas on which brands offer them??

 

[DFSquare]

The lady there said some have them but they do not guarantee you will receive a van with a built-in booster seat.

You can rent a full size carseat from them, but they do not offer the boosters.

Hope that helps you.

Dawn

 

[ariannasstuff]

Dano,
I am planning a trip with three kids in boosters. I also am using National and getting a minivan. the cost to rent car seats is $ 8 per day per child, so I went out and bought three booster seats(without the backs) for LESS than the cost of the car rental boosters and I can always leave them there if I don't want to bring them back. They are light weight and small...as far as I am concerned, they may not be the MOST comfortable like are booster seats at home, but at least I know I will be assured them and they will be clean. I agree with the other posts that you cannot be guaranteed anything with car rentals(however, having said that, if you really want to have one waiting, you may want to get in DIRECT touch with the local manager of National at the airport you will be renting) That has always worked for me!
good luck

 

[trstno1]

I had the same question, so I just called National in Orlando. I was told that 99% of minivans in Orlando have built in booster seats. Because you get to choose the van you want, you are pretty certain of getting a van with a built-in booster seat. He stopped short of giving me a 100% guarantee, though.

I'm going to post a thread in the transportation board to see if folks there think it's likely that a National minivan will have a built-in booster seat.

 

[R4racing]

Just wanted to clarify for people. The seats that are built in to the mini-vans are NOT boosters. These are carseats, meant to be used only up to 40lbs. I do not know the height limit off-hand, but do not think most kids over 4 will fit in them. (I know there are exceptions) As far as the booster seats in rentals go, it would depend on what FL law is. If the law requires the use of booster seats the car rentals are supposed to have them. The additional cost for National is $8 per day per booster (same as toddler or infant seats) I am not sure what FL law is as far as booster seats, I know some states require them up to 8 (or certain weight), while others are pretty lax on their child safety requirements.

 

[trstno1]

Thanks for that clarification. I had not thought about the difference.

 

[shelly3girls]

If we decide to rent a minivan from National, how can I tell if there is a built in carseat? I have never seen one so I do not know what they look like. Also, are they easy to use?

 

[derekw]

We have a minivan reservation with National also in two weeks. Anyone find a contact (phone or email) to confirm that "99%" of their vans in Orlando have built in child seats? We bought 2 portable boosters ($20 @ Target a piece) but rather not bring them on the plane. TIA.

 

[dijid]

Originally posted by derekw
We bought 2 portable boosters ($20 @ Target a piece) but rather not bring them on the plane. TIA.

Just an FYI (although you probably already know this) - Booster seats can not be used on the plane. You'll have to check them as baggage (or put them in your luggage if they'll fit!) If you want to use a carseat on the plane, you'll have to have one that has a sticker that says "FAA Approved". Every time I've flown in the past year I've been asked to show that sticker before being allowed to bring the carseat in.

 

[R4racing]

Having experience with the Chevy Ventures, to find the built-in child seat, it is usually in the seat behind the front passenger (at least on the van's I've been in) If I recall correctly, you pull up the headrest and can pull down the seat part. Keep in mind, this is basically just the strap portion of a carseat attached to the regular seat and there is a small seat cushion that flips down. My DD at 2 1/2 did not like riding in this seat and was much happier once she was able to ride in her regular carseat. It didn't seem to me that it would be very comfy if your little one tends to fall asleep in the car, as it doesn't have the sides like a regular carseat. The child also sits lower than if they were in a regular carseat since the cushion is only approx 2" think I think. Also, keep in mind this seat is only for kids who are old enough and weigh enough to be forward facing. The seats basically work just like a regular 5 pt harness carseat.

Off on another note, for those of you planning on using the backless boosters, please make sure your child is in the weight range for them. I know my DD's TurboBooster can be used for 30lbs on up with the back, but without the back it is 40lbs and up. So, a child who would be able to use it backless would weigh too much to use the built-in seats. (I think some of the backless ones may have 30lb min, but not sure)

 

[derekw]

*bump*
Anyone recently used National and gotten a minivan with integrated child-seats? Can you tell us about your experience and the minivan selection they have available? Thanks!

 

[Shelly Pierce]

If you need a booster (over 40 pounds and 4 years old), buy a cheap, backless one and pack it! Then your child is safe and you won't be frustrated when you get there.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by Shelly Pierce
If you need a booster (over 40 pounds and 4 years old), buy a cheap, backless one and pack it! Then your child is safe and you won't be frustrated when you get there.

Just an FYI, if your child's head does not go above the top of the actual seat in the car, the child should still be in a high back booster.

 

[derekw]

*last bump* Anyone know if National's minivan selections offer built-in child-seats?

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by derekw
*last bump* Anyone know if National's minivan selections offer built-in child-seats?

Why not call them directly and ask?

 

[Dad on a mission]

What are the laws in FL ? We are renting a car seat fro our two year old from car rental company. Not sure what to do for our 6 yeasr old. Do we have to have a booster seat?