USAir & AirTran - Booster Seat ??s

[Dani's First Time]

Hi all,

I've only flown once before with car seats or boosters. Southwest let us check the seats with our bags, provided a plastic bag for them, and there was no charge since bags are free.

This year we are flying USAir one way and AirTran home. My kids will be just 6 and just 4 so we thought we could get away with small, backless booster seats for both of them. Here are my questions:

- What are the policies with these airlines?
- Can I check the seats? Is there a baggage charge? Will they provide a bag?
- Is there another alternative?

I checked both websites and neither seems to address booster seats unless I am carrying them on and the kids are sitting in them (which isn't my favorite idea). If it makes a difference, we are Philadelphia to Orlando in terms of airports.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[ccgirl]

Hi all,

I've only flown once before with car seats or boosters. Southwest let us check the seats with our bags, provided a plastic bag for them, and there was no charge since bags are free.

This year we are flying USAir one way and AirTran home. My kids will be just 6 and just 4 so we thought we could get away with small, backless booster seats for both of them. Here are my questions:

- What are the policies with these airlines?
- Can I check the seats? Is there a baggage charge? Will they provide a bag?
- Is there another alternative?

I checked both websites and neither seems to address booster seats unless I am carrying them on and the kids are sitting in them (which isn't my favorite idea). If it makes a difference, we are Philadelphia to Orlando in terms of airports.

Thanks for the advice!

First, the children cannot sit on the backless boosters on the plane. FAA regulations, not airline. I have a 5 point harness booster (with back) for my DS4 that we will be using on the plane. It does have the FAA approved sticket on it.

As far as what to do with the backless booster, I carry it on and stow it in the overhead compartment. Much less chance of damage or loss that way. I did this with Airtran.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[gmeh1]

Hi all,

I've only flown once before with car seats or boosters. Southwest let us check the seats with our bags, provided a plastic bag for them, and there was no charge since bags are free.

This year we are flying USAir one way and AirTran home. My kids will be just 6 and just 4 so we thought we could get away with small, backless booster seats for both of them. Here are my questions:

- What are the policies with these airlines?
- Can I check the seats? Is there a baggage charge? Will they provide a bag?
- Is there another alternative?

I checked both websites and neither seems to address booster seats unless I am carrying them on and the kids are sitting in them (which isn't my favorite idea). If it makes a difference, we are Philadelphia to Orlando in terms of airports.

Thanks for the advice!

Give them a call, I believe they would be the best bet for accurate answers.

 

[Captain Blue Sky]

A child cannot sit in them for taxi, take-off, or landing. At cruise altitude its alright. They can be brought on the aircraft and are not counted as your 2 bag maximum as it is considered an assistive device.

Don't check them; just bring them into the cabin.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dani's First Time]

Thanks for the responses so far.

The kids have no interest in sitting in their boosters on the plane nor do I want them to. My questions were more about how they were treated as luggage:

- Can I carry them on and store them or does this count as a carryon?
- Can I check them? Will I get charged for a checked bag? $20 on AirTran and $25 on USAir.
- Do I have to purchase a storage bag if I check them or do the airlines have free throw aways that I could use (like Southwest did)?

Sometimes things are so clear in my head and they come out all jumbled. Sorry if I was confusing.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Regarding:

- Can I carry them on and store them or does this count as a carryon?

Yes:

As far as what to do with the backless booster, I carry it on and stow it in the overhead compartment. Much less chance of damage or loss that way.

Me too, on US Air. I'm not sure if they are counted against a carry-on quota. Don't forget the kids are entitled to carry-ons too. Were you actually thinking that (with a 4 ad 6 year old) you'd be able to have four roll-aboard size bags, plus 4 personal items? So I doubt the bag quota will be an issue.

 

[Captain Blue Sky]

ah, not counted as a carryon!

they won't give you bags for them. if you check them, bring your own unless you like dirt!

 

[Dani's First Time]

Thanks, everyone. Carryon it is!

The kids usually like to bring a backpack with plane entertainment and a character roll on suitcase. We'll have to bag the roll-ons. I hate feeling like a pack horse in the airport.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Hi all,

I've only flown once before with car seats or boosters. Southwest let us check the seats with our bags, provided a plastic bag for them, and there was no charge since bags are free.

This year we are flying USAir one way and AirTran home. My kids will be just 6 and just 4 so we thought we could get away with small, backless booster seats for both of them. Here are my questions:

- What are the policies with these airlines?
- Can I check the seats? Is there a baggage charge? Will they provide a bag?
- Is there another alternative?

I checked both websites and neither seems to address booster seats unless I am carrying them on and the kids are sitting in them (which isn't my favorite idea). If it makes a difference, we are Philadelphia to Orlando in terms of airports.

Thanks for the advice!

The info is right on their web sites. US Airways:

http://www.usairways.com/en-EU/travel_information/children/infants_children.html

http://www.usairways.com/EN-US/TRAVELTOOLS/BAGGAGE/BAGGAGEPOLICIES.HTML

AirTran:

http://www.airtran.com/policies/general_information.aspx#Carry-On Baggage

http://www.airtran.com/policies/general_information.aspx

All US airlines let you check car seats/boosters or strollers free on domestic flights and they don't count against your baggage allowance. They may or may not have bags available. It's best to bring your own. As stated, backless booster seats cannot be used on the plane.