Toddler - Plane - Seat ???

[mkwdrs]

We are flying to Orlando with a child almost 4 years old, 42+ inches tall and weighs 50 pounds. His normal car/booster seat has back to it and we use the normal car seat belt as he is too big to use the belts that are attached to the seat.

What should we done for the plane ride? Let him sit in his normal car/booster seat? Let him just sit in the plane seat? Or by one of those booster things that do not have a back? Any help appreciated.

 

[BevS97]

at 4, I would just have him sit on the seat with the seatbelt, and check the carseat for when you get there

 

[CEDmom]

Airlines don't allow booster seats that just use a seatbelt and not the 5-pt harness. He'll need to sit in the airplane seat so you can just check his booster seat if you'll be getting a rental car.

 

[Carrieberry]

will they allow the booster (high back) with a 5 point harness? I thought they did not allow boosters at all. This is good news for me if it is true, my son is autistic and deaf, and if I could put him in a booster with a 5 point harbess during the flight then that would make my life a ton easier! Anyone know for sure??

 

[dijid]

Carrieberry - You'll need to find out if your seat is FAA approved. Most carseats have a sticker on them, or it is written in your instructions that let you know whether it is approved. If you can't find that info, call the manufacturer.

And to the OP - We've been letting our DD ride without a carseat in the plane since we moved her to the booster. We haven't had any problems other than her falling asleep and sweating/drooling on me!

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by Carrieberry
will they allow the booster (high back) with a 5 point harness? I thought they did not allow boosters at all. This is good news for me if it is true, my son is autistic and deaf, and if I could put him in a booster with a 5 point harbess during the flight then that would make my life a ton easier! Anyone know for sure??

MOST, and I quote MOST booster seats when used WITH the 5 point harness are FAA approved for use on an airplane. Check with your users manual, it will tell you in there.

 

[safetymom]

The Flight attendant has the last word on using car seats whether they are FAA approved or not. Not all of them are up to date on the requirements. It would be helpful to print out the information on the FAA website concerning car seats.

 

[chico]

Is there an FAA regulation regarding booster seats and kids?

We're flying down in Dec with a five year old - last time we just had him in the airplane seat. Is this not a good idea?

Also what are the FL laws regarding booster seats in rental cars? Should we be checking his so we have it while we are there?

Thanks,

 

[stacy6552]

Booster seats are not approved by the FAA. If you have one that converts from the five point to the booster it will say that its not approved without the harness.

Hes plenty big enough to fly without the seat.

 

[lurontravel]

FL law DOES require carseats in all vehicles in FL (even rental cars), except for commercial vehicles (hired cars that come with a driver, bus, taxi's and the like).
Always bring your own car seat when you travel if at all possible (Toys/Babies r us sell car seat bags for travel that will hold any car seat). I have travelled with out my own carseats on one occassion (and we travel at least every other month), and will never do it again. You are depending on the rental company to provide you with a safe, well maintained seat that fits your child, the car you are installing it in, and one that you will have to depend on your own knowledge to install correctly. Sometimes they are gross, and you have to request another one, and end up settling for the safest and most sanitary one...

 

[JVL1018]

My daughter will be 1 month shy of four when we go..and rides in the car in a booster/car seat(has a 5 point harness, but later on can be used without that).
For the flight I am checking her carseat and she will sit in the regular plane seat.