Taking Car Seat on Plane??

[lkaanda]

We are planning a trip for Feb. and thinking of flying this time. My son is 2 1/2 and without a car seat would most likely be trying to climb all over, get into aisle etc.. Has anyone brought their car seat on the plane and how did it go? The last time we tried was in 2001 and the people at the gate seemed shocked we were bringing one with us for our then 2 year old son. I know we have to verify if it is approved by the FAA. Anyone out there take theirs? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[grimley1968]

We've flown with 2.5 year old kids a few times now, and never brought our car seat with us for those. Usually, they're in the larger types of car seats by then, which are a pain to lug around.

I know what you're saying about toddlers wanting to climb out, etc., but it's easier in the long run just to make sure they're buckled up with the lap belts, and bring along distration items for them to play with.

If the whole family is flying together, one thing you could try to do, if flying on Southwest, is have one parent sit with two children in one row, and then the other parent, with the 3rd child, sit in the seat directly in front of the child most likely to kick, push, etc. on the seat in front of him. That way, the toddler can kick, push, etc. and it won't bother anyone else on the flight, and you have one less thing to worry about. Then you can focus on keeping the toddler from being too loud.

 

[Mazz]

We have taken our car seat for our daughter in the past, but on our last trip we found an FAA approved harness made by I believe a group named something like Cares. We flew Jet Blue and their was information about it on their website. This device is only approved for planes and not cars so if you are renting a car it is not a good alternative.

 

[tjmw2727]

Its fine to bring your carseat on the airplane, we have many many times. In fact the TSA, FAA, most Airlines and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under 40lbs use a carseat in aircraft. As you mentioned it must have a sticker indicating it is approved for use in aircraft and be in the window seat.

Here is the info from SWA as an example:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html
"If you're traveling with an infant or small child, you should know that proper use of a child restraint device (CRD) enhances child safety on aircraft. For this reason, Southwest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommend that infants and small children who weigh under 40 pounds be secured in an appropriate CRD when traveling by air."

American, Delta and most others have simliar statements on their section regarding traveling with children.

I fly often and can't remember a recent flight where there wasn't a carseat!

TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

We have taken our car seat for our daughter in the past, but on our last trip we found an FAA approved harness made by I believe a group named something like Cares. We flew Jet Blue and their was information about it on their website. This device is only approved for planes and not cars so if you are renting a car it is not a good alternative.

This is a great alternative for toddlers (must be 22lbs and sit unassisted) esp if your using ME or have access to a carseat if you need one on the ground. More info can be found here:

http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

TJ

 

[lkaanda]

Thank you everyone for the help! We do need the car seat since we are renting a van, and I will feel better with him in it. I will look into the special harness, it looks interesting. Thanks again!

 

[n2mm]

We flew with our 2 1/2 year old grand daughter in August and we checked her carseat with our bags and she sat in the plane seat w/o the car seat. This worked much better for her and mom&dad. She had no problem with being buckled into the regular plane seat and all three loved the extra room w/o the carseat for coloring and using the lap tray. Of course she had to go potty at least twice, mostly out of curiousity (2 hour flight).

 

[Texasmomof3]

As a flight att. I am always happy to see carseats. Children are much safer in them and if your kids are like mine they are used to being in them and know they must stay belted. They are a pain to lug on and off the airplane but if you explain to the agent boarding the flight that you need time to install it they should let you preboard. Just remember they must go at a window seat if it's a one-aisle airplane so as not to restrict anyone's access to the aisle in an emergency. Also remember booster seats are not allowed if it does not have the shoulder harness's to buckle them into. Have a great trip!!!

 

[hthrbells]

How was the CARES strap?