Renting Car Seats with Car rentals

[mrford]

I have just finalized my National reservation (again) and I need to rent two car seats since we are flying in. The cost of the seats raised the rental prices another $100 which I don't want to part with. Would it be easier for us to check with our baggage our own two car seats? What do you think would be the best way to handle that. Thanks for any help.

 

[PrincessasMommy]

I was considering the options myself, so I'll tell you what I have learned so far and hope it helps....

- Apparently car seats are not counted towards your luggage pieces and are free of charge to bring. (Double check with your carrier)

- The car rental companies will charge you but can not guarantee you a car seat so it could be refunded and you'd be left stranded. (That would make for a miserable start to your vacation)

- Heard the carseats in the rentals are gross.

I don't know how old you kids are, but won't you need carseats or hope to need them (if a seat opens for a lap baby for instance) on the plane anyhow?

Hope that helps!

 

[gw_lit]

Yes, definitely check your own seats. I know on American and Southwest they will take your car seat, tie it in a clear plastic bag and tag it just like all your other checked bags. I'm sure other airlines do this as well, those two are the only ones that I can personally vouch for. Or you can get a big duffel bag and place one, or both, seats in it and check that bag.

Its really incredibly simple, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We've always taken our car seats. Check the side of your car seat. Some of them are FAA approved and you can buckle them in on the plane.

My DD's always slept better with the car seat. They weren't all twisted up and slumped over. They are a pain to get on and off the plane especially with connections.

 

[goofyforlife]

We used a car seat "rental" from National in September.....

We added the car seat at the last minute because we didn't know we would have our 1yr old nephew with us. We only paid a one time rental fee that was around $10-15.

It was neither gross or dirty....Trust me I would have made my husband go buy one at Walmart if it was.....

 

[jtm1631]

I would also recommend taking your own car seats. In addition to knowing the quality and fit will be OK, you will be able to avoid the counter at National.

JT

 

[MichaelsMickey]

All airlines allow you to gate check your car seat and stroller even on international flights as I have done this many times. So if you have a unticketed infant and you bring the car seat to the gate and a seat in available you will be able to use it. Also much easier than trying to figure out a new car seat.

 

[javaj]

How did you get it for $10-$15? I called National and they said it was $8 per day, no maximum.

I have never had a problem with condition of rented car seats, they are dry cleaned and in plastic whenever we've rented them. But I don't want to pay $8/day.

We added the car seat at the last minute because we didn't know we would have our 1yr old nephew with us. We only paid a one time rental fee that was around $10-15.

 

[safetymom]

Learning how to use an unfamiliar car seat at the start of your vacation is not a good idea. Bring your own that you already know how to use. You also don't know if the rental car seat has ever been in an accident or how old the seat is.

 

[funcinderella]

Not sure how old your kids are but here's what I did.

We had 2 3 year-olds. I bought those portable five pt. harness carseats. They are basically just the back part of the car seat, and they fit in a suitcase (they are flat). They cost about $40.

However, when we got there, we rented a minivan and it had integrated car seats, which were great!! So we never even had to use the portable ones.

Why not bring your own with you, then if you get a car with the integrated seats, just keep yours in the trunk.

It is tough getting an unfamiliar car seat installed safely, and I don't think the rental ones still have the instructions attached...

 

[KerriMc]

We were just there in March and we originally booked a car seat ofr our youngest, but then I decided I didn't really want to pay $49 plus tax for a seat for the week. Plus she was 19 mos old and would sit much better in her car seat on the plane. It was so easy to put in the seat on the plane. Once you drop off the rest of your luggage all you have to carry is the car seat and carryons, so it isn't too bad to lug it through. Since my oldest is in a booster seat, I didn't want to rent a high back for her, as they are usually the combo car seat/booster kind and I find the straight booster is bigger for her comfort. But anyways, I bought one of the small ones that is just the seat at Walmart of $22 (Canadian) and packed it in a duffel bag. On our return home I didn't have it in a bag, so I checked it and they just wrapped it in plastic and it went on no problems.

After reading how little ones can become projectiles in bad turbulence, I decided that my little one would be safest in her own seat in a car seat.

Oh ... and I did rent a car seat for my oldest last year when we travelled and it was not dirty or disgusting. It was a nice Graco one and there were a ton to choose from. I just decided that I prefer our own and I know its background (ie. no accidents).

Good luck whatever you decide!
Kerri