Travelling with a backless booster seat

[proud_canadian]

Hi there,

I know you can check a car seat for a child, but what about a backless booster? Is there a chance it might get damaged as it is smaller? What about bringing it on the plane? Can DD use it on the plane, or at least can we store it in the overhead bins where it might have less chance of being damaged?

Thanks.

 

[Hannathy]

Always a chance anything can get damaged.
No, no and no.
sorry,. Not sure exactly how much could get damaged on a backless booster?

 

[kaytieeldr]

To clarify, in case Hannathy's "noes" aren't completely clear Yes, you can check a backless booster seat. If it is not IN a suitcase, it will count as a separate piece of luggage; it's advisable to know your specific airline's luggage fees.
There's a chance, as stated, that anything can get damaged. Again, if it's IN a suitcase, the chance drops astronomically.
You CANNOT use it on the plane. Period. It's pointless. A booster seat raises the child in a motor vehicle to a safe height in relation to the three-point seat belt. Since there is no safety need for this on a plane, and since the seat belts are different from car seat belts, using a booster seat on a plane makes no sense.
If the booster seat is smaller than the airline's carry-on dimensions, you can stow it overhead; it will count as your carry-on item.

 

[christi2705]

I would pack it in your luggage or carry it on and store it overhead.

 

[Hannathy]

I guess you could put it in a bag and try but in my experience if they know it is a booster they will ask you to gate check it, I was thinking of just carrying it on as is, then they will gate check it. There is just so little room overhead I can't imagine taking it up with a booster. If you gate check it it wont count against your carry on allotment. I guess you are renting a car because if you are using Disney transportation you won't need it. Also in Florida kids over 3 don't need one legally- Not giving an opinion just stating facts.

sorry about the no's I was watching Big Bang Theory and Sheldon rubbed off on me!!!

 

[proud_canadian]

Yeah the backless booster would be for my 6 year old (who I just recently moved out of a 5 pt harness). My almost 4 year old will still be in a full 5-pt harness car seat. At home our 6 year old is still in a backed booster, but DH thinks it will be easier to travel with a backless one. We definitly want her in something though!

 

[robinb]

When my DD used a backless booster we bought a rolling duffel bag so we could check it easily. We would put the booster in first and then fit a bunch of stuff around it. The duffel bag was handy for other things and big enough for extras like jackets (in the winter) and pool noodles.

 

[marius97]

A booster seat counts as luggage!? I'm not questioning people knowledge of the rule, just the rule itself. If a car seat doesn't count as luggage, why should a booster? It is the same thing.

 

[robinb]

A booster seat counts as luggage!? I'm not questioning people knowledge of the rule, just the rule itself. If a car seat doesn't count as luggage, why should a booster? It is the same thing.

Car seats are often counted as luggage. It depends on the airline, I guess.

 

[kaytieeldr]

And a booster seat can't ever be used in conjunction with an airplane seat; an FAA-approved carseat can be. Since the booster seat can't be used in flight, why SHOULDN'T it count as luggage?

 

[sympatico]

Our booster seat / carseat was counted as part of the luggage but we didn't have to pay for it. We checked a double stroller and carseat for free with United and Continental and Air Canada.

 

[Manda]

We just put ours in the overhead bins.

 

[loveswdw]

We normally gate check ours along with the stroller. Then we have both readily available when we deplane.

 

[NotUrsula]

I've never had an airline object to my taking it on as a carry-on piece, as long as it is stowed. We never take our limit, so it isn't a problem.

I've found that a Graco Turbo backless will normally fit fine under the seat in front of you if you lower the armrests to the lowest position possible.

 

[MDKLHunter]

Northwest, US Airways, and Airtran allow carseat to be checked for free. I'd put it in a duffle and check it, then you don't have to mess with it.

 

[Pembo]

We've brought our backless booster in a duffel bag the last 3 trips. It's nice to have an extra bag for extras.

 

[jodifla]

My son's suitcase now is a big duffle. The booster goes in it, along with all of his clothes and some of mine and DH's.

 

[brenda1966]

I check DD's booster when I check in the luggage. Sometimes they put it in a plastic bag to protect it, other time not. I've had it come back in fine shape every time. The same can't be said for my luggage or my stroller, which was gate checked and broken.

My understanding is that car seats are "free" luggage. Most airlines do not charge you to check them as a piece of luggage, though they do tag them the same as luggage.

 

[CherylA]

Thanks for asking this! I had the same question. We're on Delta, we usually fly SW so no fees for bags but this time we're paying for checked bags. I am trying to keep our luggage down to 1 bag for my family plus our carry ons. I think I will ask when I check my 1 bag if the booster can be checked for free at that time since it will save us carrying it in the airport, but if not we'll try to have it gate checked or as a last resort carry it on. I wouldn't have thought to ask if we could check it for free if it hadn't been for you guys, thanks!

 

[encinc]

I'd suggest carrying on (or gate checking) a booster seat if there is any way you can. Lost luggage is one thing. A lost booster seat would be another. I can't imagine the hassle of finding somewhere to buy a booster for my child while my DH waited with him in the airport.