Has anyone traveled with a car seat on a plane?

[Barb D]

We will be taking our 2 1/2 year old Grandaughter to Phoenix the beginging of May and then she and her baby brother (will be 5 months) to Disneyworld in August,

I already know about the sticker to say its ok for the car seat to be on a plane. I have a 5 point harness booster seat and it should be ok. Will the seat belt go on it like a car seat belt? We plan to take her stroller to the gate to check it so we can carry the car seat and all the stuff we need on a plane. Anything else I need to think of?

Then for our FLorida trip we wont be getting a seat for the baby as we will have 5 adults to hold him so we will need to check his car seat. HAs anyone done that? Is it ok to do or will I need to box it up somhow? (I woudl love to get him a seat but from Seattle its about $300 apiece to fly including the children. and Im paying for 5 adults and 1 toddler already)

I would appreaciat any advise anyone has for traveling on a plane with Toddlers and infants. Especially if youve been there anb have some expertise to pass my way.

Barb

[mitabelo]

I've actually done both. My dd just turned 2 the first time we went to Disney and I brought along her carseat on the plane!! What a godsend!! It made her comfortable because it was familiar and she slept the whole way up and back!!! :) Most carseats are set up to either work with the lap belt or the shoulder belt ... just become familiar with the lap belt method of installation before you get on the plane. With everyone scrambling for their seats and the aisle's being so busy and not that much space it will be a struggle if you're trying to figure it out for the first time. ALSO, I'm not sure what airline you going with but Southwest (for one) will not allow carseats on the aisle seats.

We went again when she was 4 and this time we checked it because she was big enough to sit without one. We actually just put it in a clear bag and labeled the car seat and the bag (incase it ripped). It went through o.k. In addition, we also took it with us on a trip to Portugal (they don't use carseats there much) and we just checked it in by itself (no bag) with a very secure and identifiable label with all our info and that worked out well too.

This year she hit the 6 year mark and doesn't need carseats anymore!! Sad and good at the same time!! :lol:

Maria

[BriarRose]

We used ours also when DD was under 3 several times. The FAA requires that all children in carseats be by the window. We were always allowed to board first so by the time the aisle got busy we were settled. I agre it worked great because she was so used to it.

She turned 8 this year and it is sad to remember the little baby girl.

[DrDolphin]

Be aware that if there is turbulence - you may not be able to hold onto the baby - just like in a car (you can't fight physics). The FAA lists this as the #1 cause of injury to children on planes. If you do decide not to take the car seat on the plane - you check it at the front check in desk with all other luggage. It may be placed in a large plastic bag to protect it - or it may not (depends on the airline and the individual airport you fly from).