New here and nervous about flying with my 4 children

[dreams4disney]

This will be our first family trip to Disney and the First time we have flown as a family. I have four children ages 2,5,7,&9. We are flying ATA and they only had side by side aisl seats in three different rows 32,33,and 34. I just read to take a car seat you need a window seat. Since seats are already assigned what would they do if I take it? And with four children and two adults two children will not have an adult beside them. I was wishing for two rows of three seats. I am sure it will be fine, I just worry about other passengers getting upset about something.
I love the treat bag ideas and the oldest two will have gameboys and head sets. I worry more about the 2 year old. He does great in long trips in the Van. (we have been on a few 10-11 hour car trips.) I am more worried about how he will be out of a car seat. DH doesn't want to lug it with all the other kid and bags. I just worry about how he will be on the plane out of a car seat. I am afraid he will like the freedom and try to get down.
Tiffany Town Car will Be picking us up and providing a seat once we are there.
Thanks so much for reading.
Bobbie Ann

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome to the DIS!

I would take your carseat and arrive at the airport extra early. The gate attendent will most likely be able to change your seats. All airlines are required to have many open seats (I think around 30%) for families such as your's. But it is first come, first serve!

If you cannot use the seat on the plane for some reason (some of them are to big and do not fit), you will be able to gate check it. This means, when you come out of the airplane, your seat will be waiting for you near the airplane door. You can also gate check your stroller.

Have a great trip!!

 

[dreams4disney]

Thanks for the info and advice. I know folks fly all the time with children so it should not be to bad. The flight is only to be about 2 1/2 hours. Thanks again!

 

[mrsmom]

I have flown ATA with my four kids alot and i have taken my car seat and the just reassigned seat so i could use my car seat, the only thing that the did do was put me by the baby and my dh with the other three, he was sitting up in front and the bay and i were in back But it worked out fine. as for the other passengers they don't say anything about kids in my experences.
Relax and have Fun!!!
Kim

 

[Chicago526]

Try to use the car seat if possible, only check it if it doesn't fit in the seat. The car seat is much safer for your little one on the slim chance of severe turbulance or an emergency landing.

 

[dreams4disney]

Just wanted to tell you all thanks for the replies. I will take the car seat and hope they will be able to rearrange our seats some. I may even call and ask them about it.
Thanks a bunch!
Bobbie Ann

 

[lovesdumbo]

You might want to try this Pac Back Its really comfortable as it stays against your back and has a waist belt. I was able to put a booster seat (for use in the rental car) and small cooler on the seat of the carseat and carry those too.

Have a great 1st trip to Disney!

 

[inkkognito]

On the way out, I recommend that you do online check in. It will allow you to choose new seats yourself, and you'll have the advantage of picking earlier than you would if you waited till you get to the airport.
Barb

 

[SalandJeff]

You might want to check the airlines website about the car seat...I thought I remembered reading something recently about the airlines starting to only allow FAA approved carseats, but I can't remember where I read this.

Pixie dust for your first family trip to WDW!!! Have a wonderful time

 

[dreams4disney]

Thanks For all the great advice!

Bobbie Ann