Renting Car Seats from National

[zulaya]

OK, my friend is travelling with her kids the same time I am. Her kids are still young enough to need car seats. 2 kids for 5 days at $8 per seat per day is $80 from National. That seems like a heck of a lot.

I asked her if she wants to bring her car seats on the plane and she doesn't want to haul them. Thinks it's too much of a hassle.

Anyone have comments? Any ideas?

She is Emerald Club and because she wanted the car seats it changed her rental from EA to Counter. I assume that she has to pick up the car seats at the counter?

Help!

 

[tjmw2727]

In my experience its worth it for us to bring our own. Many companies won't actually "guarantee the seat" and they may not have one available when you arrive. If they do have one its not always the appropriate seat for the childs age/weight.

The last time we rented a CRS for my dd we used it for about 20 minutes, the time it took to get from the car rental to a Wallmart. We purchased a new seat and it was well worth the time and $$, we used it in dh and mil's car at home. The seat the rental car gave us was very worn, very dirty and an older model. Not only was dd very uncomfortable I didn't feel it was safe. This was over a year ago so things may have changed.

For the prices they charge and the chances you take with it IMHO its not worth the $ and the worry.

Depending on the ages of the kids the CRS can be used on the aircraft. FAA and AAP recommend using them until 40'lbs.

Otherwise for less than the cost of renting 2 seats you can get a carseat bag at BRS to use to transport the seats. Most are backpack style and my sil has one with rolling wheels or a backpack option. Just pack the carseats and check them through.

I have two children as well and honestly its not that much of a hassle.

HTH
TJ