Questions about Air Travel w/ 5 Month Old

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Hello fellow DISers!

I have a couple of last minute questions - we leave for WDW on Friday! We're bringing our 5 Month Old DS with us - it will be our first time visiting as parents - so we have a ton of questions! LOL

We did not buy a seat for our DS (no flames please) but we are aware that there is a possibility that the airline will be able to have a seat for DS if the flight isn't fully booked. We're bringing his carseat (as we're renting a car)... So here's the question -- If the airline is not able to have a seat for DS, so we check the carseat with the rest of the luggage? Or do we check it at the gate with the stroller? Should be bring some sort of bag or cover for the carseat? (it's a Britax Decathlon, so it's quite large).

Also - I know that some airlines require proof of a child's age if they're flying free on a parent's lap. Do you think we'll still need to bring his birth certificate as he is very obviously less than two years of age? (We're flying AirTran if that makes a difference). If we do need to bring his birth certificate, do we need the original or would a copy be sufficient?

Okay - I think that's all the questions I have for now! LOL

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[brymolmom]

Hi Marsha from a fellow Rochesterian!!

My kids are 2 and 3 now so I haven't done the infant on a plane thing in a while. BUT, when we did do it - we did the same as you and did NOT buy a seat for our baby. We would ask at the desk when we checked our bags if the flight was full - if it is - we would just check the carseat all the way through (a lot easier IMO than trying to lug it around along with the carry-ons AND the baby). But, if you have a plane-change, there is a chance the 2nd leg of your trip might have available seat, so I would gate -check it then. By the way- I've heard the tip to buy a luggage carrier (the kind that is just wheels with a handle that you put bags without wheels onto) and use bungee cords to attach your car seat and presto - a travel stroller/carseat combo. I never tried it - but have always loved the idea.

Also - I never bring my kids originals - but always bring copies of their birth certificates - I'm not sure what the official ruling is for what you're supposed to do.

ENJOY!!
Karen

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Thanks, Karen!

How ironic that we're both Rochesterians! LOL (We're in West Irondequoit, by the way)

Our flight TO MCO is actually non-stop, but from MCO to ROC we have a layover in Atlanta, I think. So, we'll just wait and see what happens!

Thanks again for your help! (And, great tip about the stroller/carseat combo!)

 

[brymolmom]

We're in Chili.

I thought with the AirTran you'd probably get non-stop. I have gotten it in the past and it is such a huge benefit with little ones. For our upcoming Sept trip tho - I ended up on American Airlines and switching in, not the most convenient - Chicago (I know - out of the way) - but I found the deal for $153 R/T each. Since we had to buy 4 tickets, it was too huge a savings to pass up so we ended up adding a couple hours travel time each way. I'm sure I'll regret it in-flight, but for now I'm just loving the savings.

I'm so jealous you're going at the end of the week. I still have a lot of waiting to do and I'm already driving DH nuts with all my planning.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Karen

 

[all4fun]

By the way- I've heard the tip to buy a luggage carrier (the kind that is just wheels with a handle that you put bags without wheels onto) and use bungee cords to attach your car seat and presto - a travel stroller/carseat combo. I never tried it - but have always loved the idea.

I 2nd this idea. It works, and you can get a set of luggage wheels at Walmart for about $15. Another option is Samonsonite Micromover wheels. Some people here on the dis have recommended those in the past. A more expensive option is the gogo kidz cart (about $90) which is specially made for Britax seats. Or you can get a lighter seat for travel - I recommend the Cosco Scenera (~$40). Just a few suggestions! As far as gate checking the seat, bring along a couple of plastic bags to throw it in (and something to secure it closed as well) in case you do need to check it after all. You will also need a gate check tag for it, which you can get from the gate agent before boarding. You'll need one for your stroller to, if you're bringing one.

hth.

 

[idreamofdisney24/7]

We are flying on Jet Blue to Disney in June! Our little one will be 10 weeks when we go.. (we've taken our 2 year old at 3.5 months, but we drove!)
We plan on bringing her bucket car seat..it's the type that can also attach onto our double stroller. We did not buy a ticket for her either. We have 3 adults in our party and plan to pass her off if any of us get tired of holding her..(knowing me, I'll hold her the whole 3 hours!--baby hog!) We plan to check in the carseat when we arrive in the airport..she can lay in the double stroller with her 2 year old sisiter till we get to the gate and then plan to leave the stroller at the gate. We are bringing a carseat on the plane for our two year old though.
About the birth certificate. I still have to go to our city hall and get her birth certificate. I probably will bring the original..I plan to bring my 2 year old's also..just in case.
Please come back and tell us how your flight went with your baby!!! I would love to know how it went!