Question re: Shuttles & Carseats

[nicolispicoli]

Hi All,

Last trip we used Super Shuttle from LGB airport to DLH. Back then, my DD was only 7 months, so I had her in her carrier carseat still and used that in the shuttle. Now, she has transitioned to a larger seat and I was wondering what other parents do about this? Do you rent a shuttle that provides carseats? Super Shuttle (who we usually use) does not and I would like to avoid lugging around my dd's carseat as it's a beast! Any ideas would be great! Sorry to start a new thread on this, but search was not an option. Thank you in advance!!

 

[skiingfast]

That is tricky since from LGB you don't have the Disneyland Resort Express option.

You can either call around to shuttles that have a carseat. Or lug yours on the plane. Or buy a lighter weight version to bring on the plane.

 

[nicolispicoli]

Thanks Skiing, I was thinking the lighter version might be what I end up doing.

Also, I should have mentioned for anyone reading. If you know of a reliable shuttle that has carseats, please let me know! Thanks!

 

[mrsmith9]

That is tricky since from LGB you don't have the Disneyland Resort Express option.

You can either call around to shuttles that have a carseat. Or lug yours on the plane. Or buy a lighter weight version to bring on the plane.

Why what does the Disneyland Resort Express option give you?

We have the same question but are flying into SNA which is serviced by Disneyland Resort Express.

I was under the impression that car seats were not required in CA if using licensed chauffeured transportation (i.e. taxi cab, town car service, limo service, city bus, or shuttle bus service).

 

[mrsmoore]

My daughter was 3.5 the first time we went and she was more comfortable flying in her car seat anyway (and they do suggest if she is in one in a car, she should be in one in a plane). So, we had it with us and used it in the shuttle. Just a word of caution, if they do rent one, make sure they aren't expired. Some rental car companies have been found to be using expired car seats.

 

[nicolispicoli]

Why what does the Disneyland Resort Express option give you?

We have the same question but are flying into SNA which is serviced by Disneyland Resort Express.

I was under the impression that car seats were not required in CA if using licensed chauffeured transportation (i.e. taxi cab, town car service, limo service, city bus, or shuttle bus service).

They are not required, for me it's just preference. If we were on the DLR Express bus, I would probably not use one, but the shuttles are just like any other vehicle to me.

 

[nicolispicoli]

My daughter was 3.5 the first time we went and she was more comfortable flying in her car seat anyway (and they do suggest if she is in one in a car, she should be in one in a plane). So, we had it with us and used it in the shuttle. Just a word of caution, if they do rent one, make sure they aren't expired. Some rental car companies have been found to be using expired car seats.

Thanks for the advice! She is a lap passenger, so they usually don't let you have the seat unless she has her own ticket or unless the plane has a lot of space. Plus, we only live in Sacramento, so it's a pretty quick flight for us. I think I may just give in and get a lighter one than I have. Or I have also seen those little racks they hook on to, that might be good too.

 

[Davids-Coco]

If you buy one, the cosco serena is a great lightweight seat that is pretty cheap and nice for traveling. If there is extra space, they will sometimes help you get reorganized to have it and use the carseat onboard. It all depends on the airline and attendants.

I will also second the rental concerns - often they are expired, missing pieces, or installed incorrectly (without manuals to correct it). Even if they are ok, they may also be very dirty.

 

[mrsmoore]

Why what does the Disneyland Resort Express option give you?

We have the same question but are flying into SNA which is serviced by Disneyland Resort Express.

I was under the impression that car seats were not required in CA if using licensed chauffeured transportation (i.e. taxi cab, town car service, limo service, city bus, or shuttle bus service).

After the way our shuttle driver drove, I am sure glad I had my carseat! And, a van to me is just like a car at home. The driver tried to tell me I didn't need it and I had to argue with him a bit and told him she would use it!

 

[Davids-Coco]

After the way our shuttle driver drove, I am sure glad I had my carseat! And, a van to me is just like a car at home. The driver tried to tell me I didn't need it and I had to argue with him a bit and told him she would use it!

Legally, it is required in CA... so the driver was wrong. You could have gotten a ticket if pulled over and so could have the driver. (Plus physics don't care about legalities) I'm glad you fought with him!

 

[nicolispicoli]

After the way our shuttle driver drove, I am sure glad I had my carseat! And, a van to me is just like a car at home. The driver tried to tell me I didn't need it and I had to argue with him a bit and told him she would use it!

Exactly! You never know what kind of driver you'll get. Plus on our last trip, she slept both ways, so it definitely came in handy!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I will second the Scenera. It's pretty lightweight and cheap so if you end up hating it, no biggie. (Assuming your daughter is of the right size to still fit in it...)

 

[nicolispicoli]

Thanks all! I had heard great things about the Costco Scenera and actually it has really good ratings, so I think that should be it. I needed a back up anyway, so this will probably work out Thanks!

 

[mrswh]

Another option is the Evenflo Maestro. Inexpensive and lightweight. I assume your DD is still rear facing; if not, make sure you are getting a minivan cab or some other car service that has somewhere to tether the seat. I would not take the Super Shuttle - those are the worst type of vehicle safety-wise and also not easy to install a car seat in.

I will throw in my two cents that having a separate seat for your DD on the plane is not only more convenient, it is also much safer for everyone. (Plus then you can get your car seat to your destination without fear of it being mangled.)

 

[NiceOneSimba]

And, in case you don't want to use whatever seat you end up bringing on the plane, most airlines will let you check a car seat at the ticket counter for free!

Our last couple of trips, we've used the CARES straps/harness thingy for our 3-year old DD while we're on the plane, and checked the car seat. She's restrained on the plane, which makes everyone happy and keeps her safe, and we don't have to lug the car seat through the airport. Best of both worlds, if you ask me!

 

[lwilkison]

They are not required, for me it's just preference. If we were on the DLR Express bus, I would probably not use one, but the shuttles are just like any other vehicle to me.

As far as I know, California law states you need to use a proper seat for all children...even on shuttles. Limo's etc I am not sure about though. I called and they (being shuttle bus company) said we MUST provide our own.

Never mind the fact that as a "nervous-nelly" mom I would not feel comfortable placing my child in a vehicle driving on those highways and going that fast without proper safety precautions!

Any updated information on this...PLEASE SHARE!

 

[seagodess]

As far as I know, California law states you need to use a proper seat for all children...even on shuttles. Limo's etc I am not sure about though. I called and they (being shuttle bus company) said we MUST provide our own.

Never mind the fact that as a "nervous-nelly" mom I would not feel comfortable placing my child in a vehicle driving on those highways and going that fast without proper safety precautions!

Any updated information on this...PLEASE SHARE!

We are going next month so I have also been looking into this. From what I've found it is a law/requirement in CA for kids under a certain age/weight/hight (cant remember what they are at the moment) have a car/booster seat, including in shuttles and taxi's.
DS is 5, 42inch and about 45lbs. He is in a high back booster. However for the trip I will probably just get a no back booster. I found a light weight one at walmart today for $15.

 

[nicolispicoli]

I was wrong about it not being the law, but it is as of this year I guess. Before that, they didn't need car seats on shuttles, which makes no sense to me, but I won't start that debate for those who disagree.

About the feedback with the car seat on the plane. Although I would prefer to use it and will try, Jet Blue doesn't always let you bring it in the cabin if your child is not a ticketed passenger. Mine is not and won't be. If there is an empty seat, they will let me, if not, I will have to check it with them when I board. Last time we were full on the way there, so no luck, but on the way back, I was able to.

I also saw these contraption straps on Amazon that hook the seat safely to your carry on using the latch hooks. Not sure if anyone on here has used them, but they seem pretty handy. I am not bringing a stroller this time, I have decided renting one at the park or through city stroller is easier, so that's one less thing to lug on.

Thanks everyone for the ideas!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

we use the pacback, which I bought at one step ahead http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=363756
lasted about 32 flights so far, and now that dd is 8, I don't bring her carseat on the plane anymore, but still use the pacback to get it to the gate... she is 48 lbs and 48 inches tall, so it will be awhile before we can travel without a seat. This thing is a lifesaver... I have even used it with our heavy 5 pt harness britax.

**well, I just noticed that one step ahead isn't carrying it anymore, and it looks like amazon is out of stock... anyhow... if you can find one, it is well worth the purchase!

 

[nicolispicoli]

we use the pacback, which I bought at one step ahead http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=363756
lasted about 32 flights so far, and now that dd is 8, I don't bring her carseat on the plane anymore, but still use the pacback to get it to the gate... she is 48 lbs and 48 inches tall, so it will be awhile before we can travel without a seat. This thing is a lifesaver... I have even used it with our heavy 5 pt harness britax.

**well, I just noticed that one step ahead isn't carrying it anymore, and it looks like amazon is out of stock... anyhow... if you can find one, it is well worth the purchase!

Thank you!

This is the one I saw, basically just a harness that hooks the latches to the carry on:

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Seat-Travel-Accessory/dp/B000JHN3AS/ref=pd_cp_ba_0