Question about taking a car seat on the plane

[*Susan*]

This might be dumb but....do you bring the car seat 'base' on the plane? (DD will be 6.5 months old when we go to WDW and will still be in her Graco infant seat). If we don't use the base, how do we strap the seat in? I know one of the attendants will probably help us, but if anyone out there knows I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[NotUrsula]

Don't bring the base. W/ some models of infant carseat, the center-fastening of the buckle on the aircraft belt will prevent the seat from snapping into it. If the seat was purchased in the US, you will be able to fasten it securely using just the lap belt.

For liability reasons, FA's are *NOT* allowed to help you to install your carseat. Look at the owner's manual for your seat; it will show how to fasten it with a lap belt. If you no longer have the manual, call the mfr., they will send a new manual.

 

[JennsBabySky]

No, you don't use the base for the Snugride. I would make sure you have the manual for the Snugride and then practice installing it in your car without the base (basically the belt will strap across the top of the seat over the baby's legs). Please don't count on the flight attendants for help. They will not be familiar with installing your carseat. If you're still unsure, please ask a carseat technician for help before you leave, it is in your best interest to be able to install your carseat. Also, you can install it without the base in any rental cars that you will be traveling in, it might make it easier to travel without one more thing to lug around.

 

[CinderellasMama]

Are you sure she will still be in the carrier? Babies can only be in those until 20lbs then into a regular car seat. I know my daughter was to long and to heavy for a carrier around 6 months.

Brenda

 

[akrake]

don't bring the base. if you need it for your rental car, check it or just use it w/o the base in the car (that's what we did) while on vacation. if your baby does get bigger than the max weight (22lbs on snugride), bring her next seat...my 2 daughters didn't out grown their infant seats until they were way over a year old but my son out grew his at 5 months. each child is different. if your infant seat snaps into a stroller, bring that & gate check it. it will be worth it. if you have to bring a big seat, get a carseat carry bag (graco or 1 step ahead) for toting it thru the airport & into the plane.
amie

 

[G00fyDad]

Uh, one thing... are you renting a car when you get to WDW? If so, then DO bring the base. You can just keep it in the floor in front of the plane seat for the infant. Youre going to want that base in the rental car.

 

[*Susan*]

Thanks for all of the replies! I'm glad I asked, especially about the FA's part, it makes perfect sense that they would not be able to help for liability reasons.

She will likely be right around the length limit for the infant seat when we go so depending on that we might just bring her new car seat.

Thanks again for all of the help!