Special Child Seat for Flying??

[KatiebugsMom]

Well next trip is coming and need some info about how to fly with a toddler in her own seat. DD will be almost 3 so we will now need to buy her own ticket (yeah more luggage allowance).

On our last trips, DD just sat on our laps, now with her own seat is there a special booster or car seat (FAA approved) that we will need to bring along with us for her to sit in or does she just sit in the regular seat buckled in like an adult.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[jagafen]

Our son was 2 1/2 the last time we flew with him. At that time, he was still in his 5 point harness carseat. That is the type (I believe, but not an expert) that is allowed to fly on planes..look for the sticker on your carseat...the plane seatbelt holds the seat in place, and the harness system secures the child. What is not allowed are booster seats, where the child sits on it and then the lapbelt goes over the child and the seat, holding "everything" in place. There is also some sort of strapping system available (I think it's called the CARES system, but not sure, check www.passporter.com a review of the product is on the main page, right side). That runs about $75 I think. I think there are a few carseat techs that float around. Maybe one of them will post. You can also call the airline directly for clarification.

 

[tjmw2727]

A carseat is not required but the airlines, FAA, TSA and AAP all recommend using a carseat on the aircraft until at least 4 and 40lbs just like in the car. A 3yo should still be using a harness seat in the car so most likely you can use the one you have. Just check the back if it has a sticker indicating it is approved for use in aircraft then you can use it onboard.

The carseat has to be in the window seat and for ease in installing recline the airline seat, turn the buckle of the belt 1/2 way (backward) and install the carseat. Then pull the airline seat back upright and you should have a snug fit and having the buckle backwards keeps it from getting caught in the carseat when you take it off.

A pp mentioned the CARES harness which has been getting good reviews. You can find more details here:
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
However at $75.00 it may not be worth the extra convenice vs just bringing your carseat esp if your renting a car.

TJ

 

[all4fun]

The FAA recommends children under 40lbs use an airline approved car seat on the plane. Having said that, if you think she'll sit nicely and you won't have to constantly remind her to keep her seatbelt buckled (we've been on many flights when the seatbelt light was lit for the majority of the flight) AND you won't be renting a car while at WDW then you might want to leave the car seat at home. If you do need the car seat while you're on your trip then using it on the plane is preferable to checking it because there's much less risk of it being damaged that way, plus its just safer for small kids to be in a 5pt harness on the airplane. Your car seat should have a sticker on it that is white w/red and black lettering and includes the wording "approved for use in vehicles and aircraft". Here's a link to the FAA site which also includes a pic of the new CARES harness the prev poster mentioned:

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

hth!

 

[brymolmom]

I have used the regular lap belts in the airplane for my kids by the time they're that age (unless, of course your dc is very small or something). Since you've sat him on your lap in the past - this is likely an option for you. You don't have to worry about dragging a car seat all over the airport!

 

[lyzziesmom]

I just buckle my DD into the seat like an adult. I've been doing that even when she was under 2 and we didn't purchase a seat for her, if the plane was not full and there was an empty seat next to her, I would ask if we could put her in the seat and it was always fine. She is 3 now and gets a little squirmy sometimes but would never dream of unbuckling her belt -- and would not be physically able to even if she wanted to.

This was not really asked in the OP, but I've got a few more tips on flying with a toddler:

If you are bringing a stroller, gate-check it. That way you will still have it to use in both airports. Just take it to the gate (you will have to fold it up to xray it on the belt) and ask to gate-check it, and they will put it on the plane when you board. When you deplane, it will be there waiting for you. So convenient!

One thing that helps us TREMENDOUSLY on flights is a portable DVD player. You can pick them up quite cheap these days - my dad got one for about $50 on sale - and I have to say mine is the very best $80 I've ever spent. It keeps both kids (3 and 8) quiet on the entire flight. I bring a couple of Disney-related DVDs, the planning video, and sometimes will bring along a movie from Blockbuster Online - no due date - so they have something new to watch. DD3 holds the player on her lap for almost the entire flight. Stickers also keep her entertained for quite a while, and small Color Wonder books with a few CW markers or fingerpaints are great because there's no mess. Just remember to only bring as many markers as you are willing to hunt for under the seat when they get dropped!

Many airlines have activity books for kids, all you have to do is ask the flight attendant once you are in the air. Sometimes they also have playing cards too, my DD8 likes to play War and DD3 likes to just sort the cards and read the numbers and count the dots. There are so many easy ways to keep kids busy on a plane without packing the whole playroom, especially if they don't fly all the time and it's a new and exciting experience. DD3 loves to "read" the safety instruction booklet, she calls it "the airplane book" and just loves the cartoon-like pictures. DD8 is fascinated by the SkyMall catalog.


It's really up to you whether or not you want to bring a carseat. I personally would not, unless you are renting a car and will need it anyway. It's just one more big thing to lug around and with a toddler, who needs that?

Have fun!