Car seat, booster, nothing?? plane trip with 2 yr old? help?

Jenn - posted on 11/18/2008

Just went on a trip with my son, who is under one. Check with the airlines for sure! Another thing to be aware of is what the city your traveling to recommends for transporting your child. I actually called Seattle to ask if I needed to bring a car seat for cabs and they said no. Only to find out that once I got there that was incorrect. You did not need a car seat for buses or trains, but you did for cabs. Luckily you could call and request a cab with a car seat, but every city/state is different. Good luck! Jenn

MaryJo - posted on 11/18/2008

They will not let you use a booster on the plane. If you don't need a booster at your destination, leave it home and lighten your load. You do want to bring a stroller even if your child normally doesn't sit in one. Get a tag at your gate and you will leave it outside the door when you board. Very helpful if your child is asleep upon arrival or for all your carry ons.

Dana - posted on 11/18/2008

I don't think you even need to bring a car seat for a 2 year old. I would just call the airlines and ask what their regulations are.

Lori - posted on 11/18/2008

Thank you all so much for the help! Since I don't need a car seat once we get there I am going to travel as light as I can. I am not bringing the big car seat. She will ride like a big girl & I am sure she will be comfortable & safe. It is a non-stop, short trip so I hope she will be on her best behavior too. Thanks again!

Michele - posted on 11/18/2008

No need for any boosters. I've been away a bunch of times w/my 2 girls & once I was paying for a seat for them I made sure they actually sat in it. We went to Italy this summer, my girls are 3 & 5..they sat/slept the entire way with no probs. Don't bring things you really don't need.

Devon - posted on 11/18/2008

I flew with my kids when they were two and i had to bring my own car seats with wich were a pain in the butt. it was nice because i got to be the first one on the plane. i would suggest calling your airport and telling them your situation and asking if you need to bring a booster or car seat or if she can just sit in the seat. i know alot of airports want kids in car seats at that age and the car seats have to have the sticker on it that says its able to be on a plane. hopefully this helps you out and good luck

Sheila - posted on 11/18/2008

I know yo have gotten a lot of feed back but here is one more...if your 2 year old can sit still for the flight. Meaning you feel that she is patient enough and won't want to get down and run or crawl all over you then don't bring a seat. My 2 yr old will never stay put (boy) so we always fly with his seat because I have this thought that when kids are in their car seat they instinctively know that the have to stay put and can not be in and out. there for he sleeps in there much better(for longer flights) and he does not make a single complaint. Just something to think about.....what is her personality like and her understanding of what you expect from her on the plane. You know her best.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Jeanne - posted on 11/17/2008

It is very hard to get the big car seat on the plane. Up and down the isle is a pain. I thought it would be better, but I was wrong. I would just check the car seat that way you have it once you get there for travel. On the plane itself I think they are just with with the belt. Enjoy the trip.

Elizabeth - posted on 11/17/2008

most airlines don't allow boosters. if your child sleeps better in a car seat I would bringing one or renting one. We have flown to Germany a few times and it saved us as our boys are used to sleeping in their car seats and did not fight it. Since they are too big to be a lap child, I have never flown without a car seat. The rule on lap children is 2 and under. Good luck!

Anna - posted on 11/17/2008

If you don't want to buy the CARES harness like Paula mentioned (which I highly recommend by the way, great product), just put her in the airline seat belt. She should be fine. If she was smaller I would say the harness is necessary. Definitely contact them though and ask their suggestion.

Paula - posted on 11/17/2008

I bought the cares child harness at (kidsflysafe.com)!! It was worth every penny!! I flew to Vegas and home Tucson, Arizona 4 times by myself with my sons 2 & 4. We had carseats there and I didnt want to deal with them on and off the plane!! The harness was great, easy to pack in your purse and easy to install!! The second he was snapped in he gave up the fight, because he knew he couldnt get loose!! Also some airlines will not allow boosters, you need to goto their websites and see what they recommend. I didnt have any problems, some of the flight attendants wanted to see me use it, they wanted to buy it for their kids, or grandchildren!!

Michele - posted on 11/17/2008

I have never brought a car seat for my son on a flight, I have him sit in the seat and secure the seatbelt around him. He was also 30 lbs and 39" at two years old. He still is a big boy and people cannot believe he is only 3. We fly several times a year and he never gives me a problem because he is not confined to the car seat. Check with the airline and see if you are required to bring a safety seat, I have flown on Jetblue I am not sure about AA.

Jessica - posted on 11/17/2008

I was told you can just hold them!!!???

Jaye - posted on 11/17/2008

Does AA provide anything? If there is an Avis or Hertz in the departing and arriving terminals you may be able to rent one when you leave and return it when you land. I know they provide car seats when you rent the vehicle, wouldn't hurt to call and ask.