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April 2007
Hi! We're about to take our fourth long-haul transatlantic
flights with our son in May and I would appreciate some
up-to-date advice about travel car seats (what's in the archives
is from a few years back). Are there any good travel safety seats
on the market (that work in both planes and automobiles), or are
we best off lugging our Britax along with us? We have the
Go-Go-Babyz wheels for it, but it is still quite a load to haul
through airports. He will be a large fifteen-monther around
thirty pounds and 33-34'' by the time we go. We will need to use
the seat on the plane, in a cab and a rental car. Thanks!
laurap
Safety first makes a travel seat that would work for your
child, i think. We plan on using it mid may for the first
time, but friends have highly recommended it.
http://www.safety1st.com/product.asp?productID=565
not lugging the big one
Feb 2007
We will be travelling to Cabo San Lucas this fall with our daughter who will be a little
over 2 years old at that time. We've decided not to use a carseat on the airplane, but
do want to bring one for the trip from the airport to the hotel and back (about 45
minutes travel each way). My preliminary research suggests we have 4 options:
1. Tote'n Go Travel Vest
2. Sit N Stroll Travel Carseat/Stroller
3. Purchase cheap/small carseat specifically for our trip and check with luggage
4. Bring our large/heavy Britax Decathalon and check with luggage
I'm sure someone out there has been in our position. Do you have any advice about
which option will be easiest but also safest for our daughter? Any advice about the
two specific travel products above? Any general advice about bringing a 2 year old
to Mexico? Any input would be appreciated!
Lia
I know this isn't a travel carseat, and it's only good in the
airplane, but there's a fantastic product out there called the
CARES harness. It was designed by a Berkeley grandma and is a
little pricey but is totally worth it for convenience and safety
- it's the only harness certified by the FAA - you can read more
about it at Kidsflysafe.com. If you went this route, you could
check your carseat but still have a ''seat'' on the airplane and
totally win on the safety side.
amy
We have traveled several times with our son. Bring your own
carseat. Airlines will give you a sturdy large plastic bag to
put it in if you check it. It's worth the peace of mind (and
safety). Cheap ones are uncomfortable, and you will never use it
anywhere else. So, ultimately, they are a waste of money. Have
fun in Cabo.
June 2006
I will be travelling alone with a five year old and a ten month
old on a very long trip (ten hours one transatlantic flight,
six hours the next, with an overnight hotel in transit). I
would like advice on whether to lug a big Britax car seat (
alas my baby has outgrown the smaller baby car seat/stroller
combo) on this long trip,so the baby will hopefully sleep in it
on the plane, or just check the car seat and have less gear and
hold the baby or find a way for her to sleep comfortably in her
own seat. I know they have little cots that pull down in the
bulkhead seats on transatlantic flights, but you cannot always
get such seats. Also, lugging the hefty car seat and the
stroller and the older child's things plus my things, all over
the planet in transit, and on hotel bus shuttles, might just
weigh out on the negative for the car seat. What do you think?
I have made this trip several times before with my husband and
the older child when she was younger, without a car seat and
she simply took turns sleeping on our laps, but now travelling
alone with the five year old and the baby too, I only have two
hands and one lap for both and it is more challenging
Advice or suggestions would be very helpful.
Thank you!
A hopefully not too weary travelling mother
I've traveled with our Britax car seat on many airplane flights through
two kids, alone and with a partner, with one kid and two. For me, it's
convenience and safety to have the carseat - my kids are much more
likely to sleep, I have my hands and lap free, and if there's bad
turbulence they can be safely strapped, as well as during takeoff and
landing.
When I'm the sole grownup I ask for help, everywhere. Flight attendants
will carry the carseat on and off for you and help with your hand
luggage. You can get help at airport security. You're going to need
help with the hotel transfers anyway - you can't manage all of your
luggage and two kids alone.
I've found several ways to cart the seat around airports - one option is
to lengthen the straps all the way and wear it like a backpack, while
you push kid one in the stroller. Kid two is old enough to wheel a
backpack or small suitcase with your toys, snacks, etc. for the flight.
Or I give my son a small backpack to wear that has all the inflight
entertainment, and put the rest of the diapers, snacks, etc. in my
backpack, and hang the carseat off the back of the umbrella stroller
(which won't tip if the baby's in it.) You can also use a small luggage
cart, strap the carseat and your carryon bag on it, and wheel the whole
thing along, if you have a stroller you can steer with one hand or the
baby in a backpack or sling.
Call the airlines ahead of time and ask about carseat and stroller
policies.
International airlines have different rules about when you can use
carseats and what kinds, and most won't gate check your stroller.
British Airways let us carry on an umbrella stroller and stashed it on
board for us. Otherwise you have to check your stroller all the way
through.
Think small and lightweight for keeping your kids entertained and that
will help reduce what you are carting around - crayons and paper,
paperback books or kids'
''magazines'' like Ladybug, foam puzzles, or those little Magnadoodles.
I recently got a wheeled backpack for use as a carryon for airplane
trips and its been a godsend.
Frequent Flyer
If you decide to go the carseat route then you will want to purchase a
car seat bag/backpack...we got one for our big britax carseat and have
loaned it to many travelling friends over the years...the carseat plops
into it, zip it up and throw it on your back...when installing it in the
plane just unzip and unwrap in the seat (still in the bottom of the bag)
and secure it in the seat...makes it all much easier....one caveat
though...if the baby is sleeping in the carseat after you land you've
gotta get 'em out in order to get off the plane...good luck!
mz
Hi Travelling Momma - we also take long long transatlantic flights with
two kids and having a car seat for my youngest (soon to be 2) is a big
YES. It gives me space, no kids crawling over me, and also provides him
with familiarity and helps him sleep more easily (as he's used to
sleeping in it during car rides).
It is a pain to haul around - buy a car seat bag if you haven't already
- it has a strap so you can hook it over the back of the stroller/across
your shoulders while walking around the airport. Still heavy and
uncomfortable but easier to manage.
You can also call the flight ahead of time to request the bulkhead seats
(at least with Virgin & BA you can) - 99% of the time you will get them
- call early! And call again and again - and then make sure once you
check in.
If you feel buried under all your luggage then ask for help - the flight
company will usually extend a friendly hand to struggling passengers eg.
over loaded moms, old people and disabled travelers. Call the customer
service line and ask what service they can provide for you.
I too will be traveling alone this summer with my 4 and 2 year old and I
will be taking the car seat, plus backpacks, suitcases etc. I will look
like an overloaded camel and I'm positive someone will feel sorry for me
and help us along the way!
Good luck!
not afraid to try
I say, check the carseat.
winging it too
I just wanted to say that as being a flight attendant and as a mother of
2 children (4yrs old and almost 2yrs old) I stop caring a carseat for my
older child. Britax does make a snap on wheels so you don't have to take
a stroller around.
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
It's hard to travel with two little ones but just in case your 5yrs old
falls asleep is your little one still fit into a baby bjorn? That's what
I did when I traveled to Japan when my youngest one was 9months old.
Amy
Do you have to take the trip? My partner and I could barely tolerate a 6
hour flight with one baby your child's age. If you have to do it, I
would go ahead and take the car seat. I've found that even having my
daughter in it for an hour can be a huge relief. I would buy one of
those things with wheels that snap onto the car seat. I think it's even
possible to push the baby in the car seat that way, with the wheels
attached. I don't remember the exact name -- something with ''go go'' in
it. One Step Ahead also has a complete carseat/stroller combo you can
buy. If you're going to take this horrendous trip, I would spend
whatever $ you can to make it easier. But most of all, I would really
question if you have to take this trip at this point in your life. If
you do, good luck!
anon
I have a 7 year old and 2 year old twins and, while I've never flown
with them on my own, we've done a number of trips with different
combinations of seating. When they were 8 months old we flew to London
with BA who reserved bulkhead seats for us and provided these fantastic
infant seats (look a bit like Kick and Play bouncers but without the
bounce) which attached to the fold down table. The babies slept for
almost all of the flight (people asked if we'd drugged them!! - we
hadn't) and we arrived feeling quite relaxed. Then we flew to Australia
in January and, due to the exhorbitant cost, booked a seat for one (in a
carseat) and lap for the other (United wouldn't give us bulkhead seats).
Fairly hideous trip playing musical chairs - wished we'd had them both
in carseats. A few weeks ago we went to the midwest and they were both
in carseats and it was fine.
Have you thought about getting a car seat carry bag (lots of results on
Google - Target.com has them)? Obviously you'll resemble a packhorse but
with that on your back, pushing a stroller with your hand luggage on the
handles and your 5 year old carrying a small backpack with his or her
own stuff it would be just about manageable. I think the pay off would
be great in terms of having your baby securely strapped in for the 16
hours of flying. You'd be able to eat, go to the loo etc for a start.
Also, don't be shy about asking for (actually, make that
demanding) assistance from the cabin crew. We've had mixed experiences
and it makes such a difference if they're sympathetic and helpful. Gate
check your stroller at the door of the plane, ask to pre-board so you
can get the car seat buckled in and disembark last.
Hope you have a great trip whatever you decide!
Becky
You might consider buying or borrowing a ''Sit'n'Stroll'' for your long
flights. (Available at target.com, among other places.) It works as a
car seat, stroller, and plane seat (tho' you'll probably have to explain
it to the flight attendants and/or point to the little pictures on the
side before they let you on the plane with it). It's not a great
stroller, so if you really need a good stroller at your destination, it
might not work for you -- but it was a wonderful thing to have when we
flew with a nearly-12-month old to India. He only sat in his seat about
1/3 of the time, but it was nice to be able to have someplace for him to
sit when we all were trying to eat, etc.; it also worked well for moving
luggage through the airports (while we carried him, of course!)
Also, keep in mind that those little bassinets may not work for a 10
month old. At least on Singapore Airlines, there are weight and length
limits (check your airline's website), and they're really shallow (so
your little one probably could climb
out). Plus, you can't always get them (as you mentioned).
Best of luck with your travels!
Have passport will travel
I would bring the car seat! I just did this with a 2 year old and a 5
year old and although my trip was much shorter than yours, I was so
happy to have the extra seat (and be able to strap the little one
down)... This helps especially when you have to go to the bathroom or
take the bigger kid to the bathroom!
There are special backpacks you can purchase just for car seats-- or
perhaps get a cheaper lighter carseat just for this trip.
Your arms will be so tired if you try to hold the baby the whole time,
even if the baby does sleep. Plus, you will have to help the 5 year old
in and out of the seatbelt, etc.
Airplane mama
For all the reasons already stated, I say bring the carseat! To lug it
through the airport, instead of using a carseat carrier or those
combination carseat-strollers, here's what I always did - use the
stroller to lug the carseat, diaper bag, etc., and carry the kid in a
sling (or whatever wearable carrier you prefer).
Then when you gate-check the stroller, your hands will still be free to
carry the car seat (although it's even easier if the flight attendent
helps!). Do be sure that the ORIGINAL FCC-approval sticker is still on
the carseat. I once had to check our carseat because it had fallen off,
and the flight attendent refused to allow it on board.
R.K.
I've done a few long-distance flights with transit (though no
hotel) alone with one child, both with and without car seat.
Own car seat is nice, but it does get very heavy when you carry it
around in transit - together with everything else! My suggestion would
be to find out if the airline can offer you a bassinet (wall-fitted; the
'on the floor' ones tend to just be oversized sportsbags). My daughter
slept in it until close to age 2, when she had to 'fold up her legs' to
fit, and would also sit in it and play for a little while when she was
awake.
If you have a choice between car seat and bassinet, I'd definitely ditch
the car seat.
antje
Glad to be Past the Grunties
June 2006
Hi, I am wondering what I should do when I travel with my 14mos
old in Asia. If I don't purchase a plane ticket, he will not
need the car seat. But what about when we arrive in China,
Thailand, Malyasia, or Singapore? WE won't be driving
ourselves.
thanks for your input
Hi,
I am not sure of other countries, but in Singapore, whether it's you driving
or someone else driving, a babysit is required.
However, if you are taking cab/taxi, then you don't need. Michael
I say, bring the carseat.
If you don't bring it then you will need it and if you do bring it then
you will be prepared.
Better to be prepared than not. Think about the safety of your child
--Would have been a great Girlscout
We traveled to China when my oldest son was 18 months old. We bought
him a plane ticket, but did not take his carseat. There is no
regulation stating that you have to put a child in a carseat if they
have a seat on the plane. The space is simply good for playing, laying
him down, spreading out, etc. We took cabs and had a car with a driver
for our stay in China and never did we need a carseat. There is just no
time to install a carseat when you're hailing a cab and they don't
require it there. Just hold on to your baby and you'll be fine. Though
it seems extremely dangerous, because their driving habits are quite
different from ours, I have never seen a single traffic accident during
our multiple visits to China.
Have a great trip!
Kelly
My experience with travelling in Asia (Thailand, Vietnam and
Cambodia) is that the cars are often older models and feel like they're
falling apart...I would not want to take a taxi there, for instance,
without having my son in a car seat. Also, public transportation can be
somewhat limited; we relied on taxis/hired drivers a lot for transport
to and from airports and for day trips. Regardless of the laws, I would
bring it Nina
You may think about purchasing a sit and stroll carseat/stroller. It is
a travelling carseat that has wheels to expand to a stroller. It isn't
the best stroller but it sounds perfect for your trip. I'm actually
selling one on craigslist.
check it out if interested. It's used, but does the job. good luck
I have traveled with a two year old and I personally think you are
better off without a car seat because asia gives preference and are kind
to parents with children. They let board first. You need your arms free
when you get on and off the plane. You need to be able to concentrate
fully on your child rather than how to get the overhead bags etc plus a
car seat. I say no on car seat. I am sure there are some studies that
suggest in a major crash those who have their children in car seats
would be better off but its essential you be able to make it on and off
the planes, with your luggage. Is not easy so forget that car seat
lighter the better
I have two young children and have spent extensive time in Thailand. I
am pretty uptight about safety and car-seats in particular. What I've
come to realize is that car-seats are pretty much impractical in
Thailand unless you have your own car or are hiring the same car w/ the
same driver every day. Taxis do not have seat belts, hotel shuttle vans
often don't have seat belts or have funky seat belts, even a car for
hire may have funky seat-belts. If you do decide to bring your car-seat,
make sure you know how to do a seat-belt install. Cars in Thailand do
not have Latch. (Well, actually the Toyota Wish car does, but I haven't
seen any others with it.) Also, must seat-belts are ELR only and your
car-seat must have built in lock offs or you must use a locking clip.
(Please read your manual and practice first - you don't want to be
fuddling with a car-seat in tropical heat and crazy traffic.) Honestly
though, I think you'll find that the car-seat stays in your hotel room.
Risking it in Bangkok
Not sure if this will work, but can you buy one of those really small
booster seats (seat only, no back) meant for older kids?
Perhaps using that with a seat-belt (when the car you are in has
belts) would be better than nothing, and wouldn't be much for you to
carry around. You could check it for your flights, and they might be
quick to throw down in a cab or car (throw it down, put your kid on it
and fasten the seat belt over your kid). Just a thought...
Anon
May 2004
Hi - we are flying back East next month with our 19 month old.
We purchased a seat for him, and had planned on installing his
car seat in it. I have just come across a few posts on this site
and others that mention in passing that the car seat must be
installed in the window seat - is this true? Our seats are in
the middle 3 seats, so the plan was to put him in between us -
is this acceptable to most flight attendants?
Also, I've seen a lot of discussion about the Britax Roundabout,
but not other car seats. We have a Graco ComfortSport (?) - does
anyone have experience flying with that, or other car seats that
have worked well for them?
Legally, the car seat MUST be in the window seat. There is no
negotiation whatsoever with the flight attendants, because they do not
have a choice in the matter.
Karen
The ''rule'' is that the car seat can not block anybody for take-
off and landing. If you have the 3 middle seats than putting the
car seat in the middle is fine. After take-off and before
landing you can put the car seat anywhere. Be aware that flight
attendants don't always know. Look on your carseat if there is
an indication that you can fly with it. It should be on there.
have a nice trip
We always purchase seats for our two daughters and it is true
that car seats must be in a window seat. This has been
frustrating at times because the situation splits up our family
if we are all flying together...and my husband likes to sit by
the window. ;) My suggestion is to go to the counter
immediately upon arrival at the airport so that they can
attempt to remedy the situation before you are actually on the
plane. The little ones generally like to look out the
window...so it's not always a bad scenario. I only know about
Roundabout car seats. Have a great flight!
Laura
I had read that before, so we've always put my 2.5 yr old's
seat by the window. But we just traveled earlier this month,
now with our 2nd as well (7 weeks and a lap baby), and we
really wanted the seat in the middle so we could both
interact. On the way out, no problem. But the flight
attendant on the way back made us move it, because she said my
husband had to be able to easily get out in case of an
emergency, and the carseat would be in the way.
Heather
Yes, the car seat has to be by the window. My husband and I
would take turns sitting in the middle and being ''on duty.''
Getting the third seat is definitely the way to go, though!
Don't know about your brand of car seat, but most any current
model should be fine. Check with the manufacturer (most have
websites) or store that sells your model to be sure it'll work
on the plane.
anon
hi there...its an faa rule that the seat has to be installed in
the window. i had the same expectations as you (the baby in
the middle so both of us could take turns interacting with him)
BUT was informed en route to takeoff (the plane was literally
moving) that he had to be at the window seat, so we had to
quickly move the seat. the reason is that in case of the need
to evacuate the plane no one has to struggle to get around a
carseat in the middle or aisle seat.
sorry to bum you out!
good luck on the plane!
Call the airline that you're flying with and ask them about
your particular car seat. We've always called ahead
because some flights (depending on the size of the plane)
won't let you use your car seat.
fly a lot family
I believe that the rule is that the carseat cannot block access
to the aisles, that's why they say window seat. I believe the
middle of the center section is fine, too, since both aisle are
accessible, but not all flight attendants will see it this
way. I suggest you call the airline and inquire; they may
prefer to move your seats. Since you purchased a ticket for
the baby (good for you!), they should ensure there is an
appropriate seat for the car seat.
R.K.
From my understanding the rule regarding carseats and airplanes
is that the carseat cannot obstruct another passenger's access
to the aisle. Therefore when you're on the sides of the plane
the carseat needs to be by the window. I believe when you're in
the middle three seats that the only place you can place the
seat is in the middle of the three seats. So it sounds like
you're fine!
Have a great trip!
Airplane mom
I just flew with my twin boys to Minnesota and used car seats.
Specifically, the FAA reg states that the car seat can not
extend beyond the length of the regular seat. Since each plane
seat is a different size, there is no way to predict in advance
if your carseat will extend past the regular seat or not.
On our flight there, it did, so the boys sat at the windows. On
the return flight, it did just barely, but we put them in the
middle anyways. We used Century Car Seats.
You can pre-board with the carseat and see if it can fit in the
middle seat. The attendants should be aware of the SPECIFIC reg.
But it's not bad having baby at the window.
Happy Vacation!
Sue
In my experience (over 15 flights with kids and carseats), they
do make you put the carseat in a window seat only. Don't worry
if you are already assigned to a middle seat--they will
certainly move you when you check in if you tell them your
plans. When you are at the gate, let them know again. They have
a lot of flexibility to move your seats.Don't' stress about it--
it won't be a problem.
freq. flyer.
The FAA controls where a car seat can be placed on an
aircraft. If you are in a narrow body aircraft (two rows of
seats) then the car seat must be placed next to the window. If
you are sitting in a widebody , then (three rows of seats), and
are assigned to the center row of seats, then the seat must be
placed in the exact center of the aircraft. Also, car seats
can't be placed in exit rows or in the row immdeiately in front
of the exit row. Call the airline if you are not assigned
suitable seats and let them know that you are planning to use a
car seat. If they can't reassign you to your preferred (I am
assuming that you are in the middle of a wide-body from your
post) seats, ask a FA to help you when you get there. Keep in
mind, though that you may not get what you want. My husband
and I had middle seats on a recent flight across the aisle from
each other while traveling with a lap baby. No one in our row
wanted to give up an aisle or window seat (understandably), so
there was lots of handing the baby across the aisle when the
child wanted the other parent. Everyone was just fine with it
(its amazing how nice people will be when you are travelling
with a baby -- yes, I am serious).
30 flights with baby and counting
We have purchased many seats on airplanes for our
children, and yes, the car seat must be installed in the
window seat. It cannot be installed anywhere where it would
block someone ffrom getting through to the aisle. We had
middle of the plane seats once, and they had to re-arrange
several passengers to accomodate our carseat. You cannot
sit in the bulkhead seats either (those great rows with extra
legroom!) as they are exit aisles and whomever sits there
must be able to open the exit door there in case of
emergency. Good luck -- it still seemed to work well for us
and my husband and I took turms sitting by our daughter.
Trish
You do not need to put the carseat in the window seat unless it
is a small plane (and thus the space between seats is small, and
the car seat ''blocks'' the row if its not in the window seat).
We just flew two weeks ago and had our son's seat in the middle
seat on the flight from SF to Houston, but when we went from
Houston to Shreveport we were required to put the seat in the
window.
It was fun to fly!
June 2004
We are going to go on a trip to Europe with our then 2 1/4 year
old toddler and we wonder how to deal with the safety in the
airplane. There's a lot in the archives about this kind of
questions, but I still don't quite get it.
We'll take BART all the way to the airport.
We won't be using cars or cabs at the other end, but trains,
busses, underground, and we will be walking a lot.
So, all we would need the carseat for is the actual plane trip.
Adding a carseat to our regular luggage would be more than we
can carry during our trip through Europe. A combined carseat
stroller wouldn't work for the amount of walking unsmooth ground
we'll do and it's cumbersome in public transport (we'll go for a
backpack). Storing a carseat at the destination is not an option
either, as we'll be flying out from a different airport for the
way back to the US.
How do we secure our child in the airplane seat? Since over 2,
she'll have to have her own seat. Do the airlines provide seats
or rent them for a fee? I know that one simply cannot count on
being able to hold a child in a crash, because the forces
applying there may be too sudden and strong. I read that airlines
don't allow the use of this ''mini carseat'' (some sort of 5
point harness security system without an actualy seat). Does
this mean they'd rather have the child secured with an
unappropriate adult seat belt than using this one? What is
known about the safety of this ''mini carseat''? If it's not
FAA approved, but actually safe, I'd go for it, but if it cannot
compeed in safety, I'd not. Can I have by child attached to me
(and myself my seat) in a bundle up frontpack carrier? I'm a
slim person, but there may still not be enough room between my
an the seat in front of us to make this save in case of an
accident. I want my child to be safe in the airplane - any ideas
out there how to arrange that?
Julia
Commercial airliners are so much safer than cars that you do
not need to worry as much about having a car seat. Also, in
the unlikely event a big jet crashes, it is probably going to
be an accident where a car seat would not make a difference in
saving lives. Car seats are required for cars because
statistics show that they save children's lives in the type of
crashes you usually see on the road. They're not required in
airliners because there is no evidence that they help.
However, it is definitely NOT recommended that you hold your
child during any situation where there might be a crash. If
there is a minor impact or severe turbulence, your child will
be torn from your arms easily (there is plenty of evidence
showing this as well). The lap belt will hold your child
securely during turbulence or a minor impact. If you know you
are going to make a crash landing, you can have your child
assume a brace position by leaning forward and grasping their
ankles. This will keep their head from banging into the back
of the seat in front of them at the moment of impact. That's a
safer position than sitting upright in a car seat.
pilot and driver
Someone may know of the magic solution, but if not, maybe you
ship your car seat from your arrival city to the hotel that you
are staying at the night prior to departure so that you can
have it for the return trip. That way you don't have to lug it
around Europe and you can keep your child safe in the event of
bad turbulence on the flights.
looking for that magic bullet, too
We gave up bringing the carseat on airplanes for my now 33-month
old toddler when she was a little over two. It just seemed like
too much hassle. She sits in her own seat with the seatbelt
snug across her lap. This keeps her from bouncing around during
turbulence. I know that if she were in her carseat she would
be 'safer' during a crash, but, really, what are the chances of
any of us surviving a plane crash?
Why don't you place an add in UC parents Marketplace asking for a used
car
seat. Or find a friend, or anyone you know who would be willing to sell
their
seat for real cheap, or better yet, just give it away. I'm sure there
must be
someone in this area who's child is about to grow out of their Britex
Roundabout or something equivelant who would be more than happy to
donate
it to your situation. Then, when you get to your destination, you can
simply
give it away to someone else in need.
Laurey
While car seats (rated for airplane use) are better for the more
minor things that can happen on an airplane (rough turbulence,
bumpy landing), the lap belt is actually pretty good for a small
child. And of course for a serious problem (crash) it's firstly
highly unlikely to happen, and it rarely would matter at all what
kind of seat or seat belt was being used.
So if you have no use at all for your car seats for the entire
trip (no rental cars, driving with friends), then I'd deffinately
suggest not taking the car seats at all.
Mike
Be aware that European carriers usually don't allow you to take
a car seat with you onto the airplane, even if you have
purchased a seat for your child. We had a lively discussion on
this recently with several flight attendants from Alitalia, who
explained to us that it violates their safety regulations.
Similar regulations apply to Lufthansa. They will gate-check
your car seat, and the child has to sit in the regular plane
seat, with the regular lap belt, which worked out fine for our 3
year old. Apparently, US carriers are the only ones who allow
you to haul a car seat on board. And even if you have a ticket
issued on a US airline, you might end up on a code share flight
flown by the partner airline, and then their rules apply. So,
check with your carrier and consider leaving the car seat at
home. Regarding children under two, the regulations on European
carriers are stricter than in the US: Infants cannot fly
unrestrained in a parent's lap, but the airline gives you a
special belt for the baby that hooks into your own seat belt and
loops around the baby.
mommy of two frequent fliers
July 2003
Hi. We're going to Maui at the end of the summer. Our son
will be 3 months shy of his 3rd birthday. He's really
rambunctious, and is not the type of child to sit there and
play with toys for long and prefers to be moving. I'd like to
hear from others about the pros and cons of bringing a car
seat on the plane. We took a short trip this spring, and
brought a Cosco seat with us on board. While it was great to
have him strapped in, I found that I couldn't bring the tray
table down fully with the seat.
We have a Britax Roundabout --Does anyone know if that
car seat will allow the tray table to rest flat? Are we better off
checking the seat? It's a 5 hour flight and I don't want to
make the entire plane, including our family miserable.
Please send me your advice.
Mollie
Hi,
No, the tray table won't go down with the Britax car seat...
It is a real bummer, since it prevents them from being able to
use it for coloring or other crafts...
We leave for vacation later this week, and have decided to check
the carseat. We have discussed safety with our daughter and she
knows that she must wear the seatbelt. She is really excited to
sit on the big-girl seat and use the tray.
Here's hoping this works for us both,
michelle
We take a trip to Maui yearly, and we also have an active son.
I've done the trip both ways, and I have to recommend checking
the car seat. I don't recall if the tray goes all the way down
with the Britax seat (we have the same model), but I'm pretty
sure it doesn't. My son was the happiest without his seat as he
could stand in front of his seat and play, or he could sit in
his seat and use the tray table. I found that having the car
seat was a pain because it takes up too much space. There were
more options to keep him entertained without it. Good luck!
Kristin
In our experience, the tray table does not come all the way
down with the Roundabout, either. Sorry!
Christina
We took our roundabout with us on every flight until my daughter
was just shy of four. the first trip w/o the seat on the plane
was actually to hawaii, and it was much much better for her,
easier for her to relax in her plane seat, more room, less
constriction, and she could use the tray table (we also didn't
have to lug the seat through the airport to our connecting
flight!). with the car seat, if you do use it for safety, the
trays usually do go all the way down, but then your kid has
nowhere to put their legs except out to the sides of the tray!
not the best set up. the airlines have always been pretty lax
about child seats in my experience--they don't require one for
any kid, i don't think, so they won't bother you if you have a
seat or if you don't--good luck deciding!
anon
We recently took a trip to the east coast and took the Britex
Roudabout for our 17 month old. It was terrible! We had
purchased the extra seat for her and she refused to sit in it
screaming her head off the entire time. And no, the tray table
cannot be put down. And when the people in front of us reclined
their seats, they were practically on top of her and she would
kick their seat the whole time to make more space for herself.
So we took her out and she refused to get back into it. So we
were stuck with her on our laps using just two seats with the
Roundabout crowding us in the third seat.
Since we had a connection in Chicago, we checked it in there and
did much better without it on the second leg of our trip and
without it on the way back. We had a lot more room and she was
able to use the tray for coloring and playing. I also noticed
that no one on the flight (which was full of children) had
carseats aboard unless they had an infant.
Check it in!
I got back a week ago from Maui with my five y.o. and nineteen
month old. I took the Britax on the plane. Not sure I'd do it
again. I definitely wasn't even CLOSE to being about ot put the
tray table down. I mostly brought is so she could sleep in it on
the ride. She slept two hours out of it on the way over (there
was a whole empty row) and only about 45 mintutes in it on the
way back. It did allow her on the way back to stand up high and
see her dad and sister behind us, but it was cumbersome and a
pain in the butt really. If she had been three like you son, I
definitely would NOT have taken it.
Hilary
Regarding the Britax car seat on airplanes We took our then 15-
month old daughter to France at a very physical and active
stage. I found that the seat was very bulky for the average
economy seat and made us feel exceedingly cramped. Furthermore,
it was very difficult to retrieve the many items she dropped on
the floor. To your question regarding the tray table, we were
definitely unable to use it with the Britax in place. In a
subsequent trip to India, we flew without the car seat and were
much more comfortable. The lap belt was adequate and she was
able to use the tray table for play and eating. By the way, we
found the best form of distraction was a Sesame Street software
game that my husband installed on his laptop. If this is an
option for you, it may help you pass the time. Best of luck
traveling with your toddler and have a wonderful vacation!
Lopa
When our child was a baby, we traveled quite a bit and always
took our Britax car seat on the plane. The tray table worked
fine, as I recall. One thing that was problematic was getting
the car seat on and off the plane -- the main issue was with
some flight attendants, who often said things like, ''You don't
have to do that. You can just hold her in your lap.'' They seemed
to dislike us taking up a few minutes to get the car seat in
place. My standard line was to ask why, if it was unsafe to hold
a piece of carry-on luggage on my lap, it was safe to hold my
baby. Wasn't she just as likely to be flung about by turbulence
as a piece of luggage? My husband and I preferred the relatively
minor inconvenience of using a car seat on the plane to the
thought of our baby suffering injuries. We always kept her in
the car seat, even during longer flights. As a toddler, I
entertained my daughter by offering her a series of little
travel toys. Each was wrapped up so that unwrapping the ''gift''
was part of the fun. She squirmed and wanted out of the car seat
sometimes, but my husband and I took turns entertaining her. We
also tried to schedule flights for her naptime, so she'd sleep
for a while and give us a break.
Signed, Safety First
We've certainly found with our 2/3 year old in recent trips that
we and he are better off, comfort wise, checking the car seat
and allowing him the extra room to move around. Plus we don't
have to worry so much about keepign him from kicking the seat
ahead.
anon
We just took two long plane trips with our daughter in the Britax
Roundabout. I don't recall the specific plane models we were on, but on
no flight were we able to put the tray table down. Also, it was only on the
last flight, where we had United Plus seating (extra legroom) that her
legs couldn't reach the seat in front of her. She's only 16 months, so I
would imagine your 3 year old's legs could comfortably tap the person in
front of him the whole way to Maui! The car seat was great for her to
sleep in, so maybe consider bringing in on the plane if your flight is
during a time that he might sleep. Good luck!
Anna
No, a Britax does not, IME, allow the use of a tray table on a
plane. It's a pretty high seat. On Southwest, the tray table just
came down to rest, at an extreme angle, against my son's legs.
As for keeping your active 3 y.o. occupied the single best thing
I brought on our 2-leg trip to Orlando was our camcorder, on
which I had recorded some of my son's favorite videos (following
instructions on the UCB Parents website
http//parents.berkeley.edu/advice/going/long-flights.html and
scroll down). I also brought crayons & coloring books, but the
other real hit was an activity book w/stickers that I got at
Wal-Mart for 40 cents. And lots of snacks.
Good luck; it can be tough.
Jennie
We just returned from Hawaii traveling with our toddler in a
Britax seat and NO you can not lower the tray table! This was
on a 757, so it might be different on different planes, but I
doubt it. I did notice that we were the only ones using a car
seat on our nearly full plane that was at least 25% kids, and
that might be due to the all the hassle with transporting the
seat and how crammed the kid feels while in it. I think the
safety is worth the hassle, but that's just my 2 cents!
Aloha!
Hi,
We fly several times a year with our kids (now 3 and 9 months),
and if I were you, I'd check the car seat and let your son sit
in the seat without it. I've asked at the airport, and they
are supposed to be quite safe with the regular seatbelt after
2. The week after our (also rambunctious) son turned 2 (last
year) we took the first trip with him where we checked the car
seat (a Britax Roundabout) instead of using it on board, and it
was GREAT. Much better than the trips before for all
concerned. The tray table won't rest flat (or even close
enough) with the Britax, and the seat took up so much space
there wasn't room for him to move around - except on top of us,
in the aisles, and in the bathroom (where we were reduced to
hanging out and emptying the cupholder at one point). On that
first trip sans-Britax we talked a LOT about the seat belt
light, and what it meant, and turned it into a bit of a game -
light on means seatbelt on. As long as he has the window seat,
he does overall very well - mcuh better than he would with a
carseat.
The other advantage (as long as you are ok with him taking the
seatbelt off for short portions of the flight, which we are) -
he'll have more room to play, read, etc if he has his own
seat. Our son uses the tray a lot in flight, and has also
kneeled on the floor and used his seat as a table for his
various trucks, stuffed animals, etc. He's much less tempted
to climb over the seat and visit the neighbors when he has his
own space.
Another idea, if you have a laptop with a DVD player, is to
bring it and let him watch a DVD. I've seen parents do this on
flights many times, and we actually tried it for the first time
last month. It worked like a charm - kept him still for almost
2 hours. Which NEVER happens at home. (I think he was tired
from all the excitement - make sure you let him run around a
LOT before you get on the plane.)
Good luck!
Heather
When we traveled we took a Cosco Travel Vest (now called the Tote n'
Go). This worked well for our 3 1/2 year old in a car. It is a small
padded board with a slot in the back to thread a seatbelt through, and
then a 5-point system attached to the board.
I don't know if it is intended for airplane safety or not. You would have to
look at the instructions on one to see. You can buy one online; you type
it into Yahoo and a whole bunch of places will come up that sell them.
There have been some less-satisfied reviews of it (for a nice
comprehensive one that seems unbiased, see
http//www.carseatdata.org/TNG.html) but we found it to work relatively
well; though it was fiddly to install, it was really convenient to travel with.
The only problem most people have is that it is rather small, so I
recommend trying one on before you plonk down the money.
Hope that helps.
Heather
After a transoceanic flight during which our then 20 mo. old
sat in his Britax Roundabout and kicked the seat in front of
him repeatedly, we swore never to bring the seat again aboard
any flight. The carseat just took up too much room. He's now 2
and travelled to China and Australia without the seat and
everyone has been happier we can lower the tray table to eat,
for drawing and car play, and still strap him in when
necessary. The only drawback is sleeping- we usually raise the
seat bar and hope he'll stretch across us.
Bon voyage-
christina
The tray table will not fold down with a Britax (at least, not
on any plane I've been on so far... and we've done quite a bit
of traveling). My daughter is a little bit shy of 2 1/2 years,
and we have found it much better for everyone -- but especially
her -- if we check the car seat. That way, she can use the tray
table and, if we get lucky, she can stretch out with her head in
my or my husband's lap for a nap. (Impossible with a car seat
in the way!). Don't worry about him being small in the seat --
our daughter is petite, but it doesn't bother her. In fact, I
think having the room to squirm and wiggle in her seat helps to
burn off some energy. Another (obvious) bonus is that you don't
have to carry that carseat around the airport!
Sarah
After traveling across the country 10+ times with the Britex
here is my 2 cents... Pros 1. Your child is strapped in and
unable to slither under the airplane seats and out to the
aisle. 2. If your child falls asleep they have the comfort of
the carseat to support them. Cons 1. YOu cannot use the
tray. 2. Your child can EASILY kick the seat infront of him
(and may have very little space between his legs and the seat
infront of him, depending on the airline) 3. The carseat must
be placed by the window, so there is no opportunity for 2
parents to tag team entertain.
to solve the tray problem, you can purchase a lap table with a
storage bin to hold crayons and paper to use during flight.
Once my son was 2.5 I stopped using the Britex and asked a
flight attendent to explain to him that when the seatbelt light
was on he MUST be in his seat with his seat belt fastened. And
that he had to ask permission to get up and go to the potty.
Having a third party explain the ''rules'' seemed to enforce them
even more, and every time the flight attendent passed him and he
was well behaved he was acknowledged by the flight attendents.
We let him sleep on the floor with the help of many blankets,
and as long as the flight was smooth it gave us some ''down time''
to relax.
Have a great trip!!
courtney
We just flew back east with our 2 year old and took the Britax
Roundabout on the plane with us. On the pro side, having the
car seat on the plane made it much easier to keep our son
contained and it gave him a comfortable place to sleep. But the
tray does not clear the seat, and my son at 36'' tall was able
to kick and push on the seat in front of him (luckily we had
kind people sitting there). The bulkhead would be a better
option, but it wasn't available for us.
Sally
A cousin of mine recently graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he
studied analysis of flight disasters (or something like
that) in order to work with the National Transportation Safety
Board. After hearing me complain about the inconvenience and
discomfort of a carseat, he described in graphic detail the
hazards for a child who is unrestrained or insufficiently
restrained (such as those who are too small to use an adult lap
belt effectively). The tales he had to tell of infants who were
injured, even from routine turbulence, were sufficiently
horrifying that I chose to deal with the inconvenience and always
bring the carseat. The choice is yours, but it seems that safety
should be the guiding principle, above all else. Don't let those
snippy flight attendants and passengers intimidate you.
Lauren
[related page:
May 2003
I am trying to decide whether to fly to Midwest this summer
with my now 10 month old twin boys. I have read many
postings in the archives but few if any have been posted for
air travel since 9/11 and SARS, and none regarding the new
Marathon car seats from Britax. I will not be attempting this
alone. I will most likely be with my patient, kind hearted
brother. Has anyone used the Britax Marathon on a plane?
What are my alternatives. I would love to find a pair of stroll
and sit carseat contraptions to rent or borrow but I have
heard from a local kid store that they aren't that great a
product as a carseat. Advice would be welcome.
anon
I have traveled with a Britax Marathon and it was bulky, but worth
it for us because we needed a seat at our destination and didn't
want to rely on something we'd rent from a rental car company. I'm
not familiar with the contraption you mention, but travelling with
twins adds a twist I thought you'd want to know about. When we
were using the Britax, the airline would only allow us to put the
seat in the window position, not the middle. Once you're in the
airplane you'll see the problem--the seat completely blocks the
foot space, so you'd never be able to use the middle seat for a
baby without blocking the exit for the window seat. So with twins,
you'd likely not be able to seat them next to each other because
you wouldn't be able to reach the baby in the window seat. They'd
make you seat them in different rows, both in window seats. With
your brother helping, this might not be a problem, but it sure
doesn't sound very appealing to me. I'd recommend calling the
airline and asking how they recommend flying with twins. They must
deal with this question, but I suspect their solution involves
holding a baby on your lap. Good luck.
Lori
If you want the boys in car seats I think you have to travel
with another adult because the car seats have to be in the
window seats. I've done it w/ Britax car seats (don't know
which model) and twins and a toddler. Its awful getting the
seats and kids on to the plane. I think I had one in a back
pack, carried the other and my husband carried the car seats.
We definitely needed the double stoller up to the gate -- to
carry the kids, car seats and carry ons and to change planes.
We had a great time after we got there...
Elizabeth
I don't know if you have already figured out the seat
configuration yet--if not, you should know the carseats can only
be placed at a window seat. This means you are best off booking
two pairs of window and middle seats directly infront/behind
each other. If the flight is empty enough you can end up with
two whole rows--in which case it is best to be across the aisle
from each other. I found it very helpful to call ahead to know
how full the flight was. The best seats to get are the bulkhead
seats. There is enough space in front of them to sit on the
floor and play with the babies and even let them crawl a tiny
bit. However, most airlines have a policy of not booking those
ahead of time; so you have to be there 2 hours early to have a
hope of getting them, and even then premier or disabled
customers usually have priority for them.
We flew with our twins when they were 9 1/2 months old, and even
though they had grown out of the bucket carseats at 5 months, we
used them for the plane ride. They were easier to juggle in the
airport, and since we had not purchased seats for our boys, we
didn't want to risk checking our Britax carseats in the event
there were no extra seats on the plane (which was the case on
the return flight). My sister had bigger carseats we could
borrow once we arrived, so the infant ones were for the plane
only.
That being said, if the bucket seats are not an option for you,
I had some thoughts about how to jugggle the two big carseats,
carry-ons, stroller and twins through the airport. I have seen
people use the childrens' seatbelts as straps to carry the
carseats like backpacks. Each adult can take a seat that way and
have hands free either for the stroller or the carry-ons.
Another option is if you have a side-by-side with handles (like
the Mclarens) you can hang the carseats off the back of the
stroller-- a little awkward, but it works. The tricky part is
getting onto and off of the plane after the stroller is gate-
checked. If you are not able to carry all the stuff and the
kids, my suggestion is to have one adult board with both
carseats and install them while the other remains at the end of
the gateway (where you gate check the stroller) with the
children and the luggage until the other adult can come back and
help. We managed to all board together using Baby Bjorns (which
they were technically to big for, but were o.k. for the short
walk) to get the kids from the jetway to their seats.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Julie
Like many posters, I was under the impression that the car seat
can only be placed in the window position, but the more
important issue is not blocking anyone's exit from the plane.
So, if you are flying on a larger plane that has 2/3/2 seating,
i.e 2 seats on each side and three in the middle, you could have
2 car seats next to each other in the middle set of seats. One
adult could then sit across the aisle and still help with the
child. I did this on a recent flight back to sfo from chicago.
Happy Travels
Gretchen
I just wanted to mention to all those moms who responded. I worked
as a flight attendant for the last fourteen years and car seats
DO NOT have to be at the window seat. Infant car seat must be at
the window seat at all time only on a narrow body aircraft
because aft facing infant carseats will block one's access to
the aisle. Britax car seats are fine at any seat location except
forward or aft of emergency window exit rows and yes, you can
have two carseats side by side or an adult can sit in between
two car seats. Most airlines do try to accommodate all
passengers especially with those with children but nothing is
guaranteed especially during summer peak season.
Booster Seat for trip to Europe?
Dec 1999
We will be traveling to Europe this spring with our daughter who will
then be 5 y/o. For some reason I had been thinking that we could take this
trip without schlepping a car seat but I am now anxiously rethinking that
assumption. She is currently 43 1/2 " tall and 42 lbs. and we recently
began using the car seat/shoulder belt with her high-back booster seat but
the idea of lugging it with us is really oppressive. I have seen the backless
boosters and they seem infitnitely more portable. Does anyone have any
experience with them. Are they AS safe? What to do about the shoulder
belt?
What is to stop the booster from sliding out from under the child in
the event of an accident or sudden stop? Any recommendations for
brands/purchasing locales?? Any advice on how to deal with the issue of
car safety with a young child in this 'in- between size' while traveling??
Thanks in advance for all replies!
We were in a car accident with a seat-only (no back) booster seat. IT
was the kind with an arm that folded over the lap. The shoulder belt then
held the seat and arm in place, and gave some shoulder protection. My
child was 4 at the time. HIs younger sister was in a regular car
seat. The driver (not me!) fell asleep, and the car rolled over at freeway
speeds. My daughter was completely uninjured as was her car seat. My
son had a large bump on his head, where his head hit the window. The
booster seat was completely twisted out of shape, and unusable afterwards.
I'm sure the booster seat saved my son's life, but we put him back in a
large standard car seat until he totally outgrew it at 5 (and he went
willingly). When our younger son was ready for a booster seat, we got
the one that has a back, too. Fortunately, we never crash tested that one!
I've traveled about 6 times with my son to Texas and Minnesota - these
trips last about 3.5 hours since I always book the non-stop direct
flights because my son is sometimes very active and squirmy (always has been).
Most recently I traveled alone with him. I took my fanny pack (with
valuables), a backpack for diapers, toys, etc, a lightweight stroller
that I checked at the plane door and his booster style Century One-Step
carseat (I sling it over my shoulder by one of the straps - it's not elegant,
but it works just fine). My son (who is an active 2 year old) stayed in the
carseat for about 3 hours and toward the very end he got restless and I
let him stand up in it for awhile and crawl in my lap - but soon we were
descending and I strapped him in again. I was relieved that he didn't
put up a fuss about being in the carseat.
However, when my husband has traveled with us, he sits in the middle
seat instead of the window seat and seems to get more restless about the
carseat. I think the window seat was more secure and had more plane
noise to lull him to sleep.
Also, now that he can understand my request that he stay in his carseat,
it's easier. And finally, I had to fight my own urge to let him out in
order to hold him. It was best for my son not to let him out of the
carseat so he got used to it.
Good luck and have a great trip!
To booster carseat in Europe. I used the backless kind this summer with
my daughter who is as tall but skinnier than your child. I felt she was
much safer than with a regular seatbelt, but less safe than a regular
carseat. The seat does slip out into weird positions, In fact once it kind
of lay down and she slept lying down in the car but still strapped in...not
sure about the safety implications of that!! As to taxis-in Europe many taxis
dont have any working seatbelts at all so you just need to hold the kid
in your lap and hope for the best. (The seatbelts are there but still
tucked inside and by the time you even begin to pull it out you have reached
your destination.) We usually rent a car from Hertz with our triple A
discount before we leave and get excellent rates (rates once in europe are
outrageous), we take her car seat (or you can reserve one but don't
count on it being there) and that way she is always strapped in. (Parking and
driving in the cities can be a nightmare though-London parking rates are
outrageous for example-much better to only get the car when you will be
going out into the country/towns). Also, a booster seat isn't that
expensive, you could just use the portable/ backless till you get there
(from the airport) and pick up the booster at any big store there to use
during your trip. (What's 30 bucks or so to feel safe?).
Carseat for the Airplane? Trip to Hawaii
In January, my husband & I are taking our 9 month old daughter on her
first plane trip to Hawaii. Since we've purchased a seat for her, we'll
be bringing a carseat but she is too big for her infant carseat and I'm
not relishing the thought of dragging her Britax Roundabout through the
airport. I am thinking of buying or borrowing a smaller lighter used
carseat for the trip. Can anyone recommend specific carseats that they've
brought on planes? I checked the website for past recommendations but
no one mentioned what carseats they used. Thanks!
Joan
Until our daughter hit the 20 pound mark, we used our Evenflo carseat with
the handle for air travel, and the Snap 'n Go stroller, which can be stashed
in the overhead. We now use a large, collapsible stroller which we gate
check, and the Britax car seat. If you loosen the straps, it can be worn
fairly comfortably like a backpack (seat side against your back). I've
flown quite a bit on my own without much difficulty with the baby, stroller,
car seat and carry on bag.
Kristina
Some advice on what NOT to buy for air travel: you need to make sure that
any car seat you choose for air travel does not have the seat belt running
directly under the back padding of the seat. This is fine for most cars,
because the seat belt buckle is at the side, but on most aircraft, the seat
belt buckle is at the center and would make a big lump under the baby's
back. We had this problem on a night flight home from Hawaii with our 1 yr
old and it was very difficult. The problem could probably be resolved by
bringing a seatbelt locking clip with you to fold up one side of the
aircraft belt and bring the buckle to one side. But, why not use a
childseat provided by the airline? You should make sure to call ahead and
reserve it.
Kathy
Dec 1999
There seems to be difference of opinion on whether or not it is
worthwhile to bring a car seat on a plane for a young child.
I will be traveling to Europe 3 separate times this Spring with my now
VERY ACTIVE 16 month old son. I have purchased him a ticket, and had planned
to take his Brytex Roundabout car seat with us -- although I was not sure
how I would single-handedly manage him, his stroller, his diaper bag, my
carry-on AND the car-seat. However, this evening i read a post from a parent
who just returned from Brussels who noted that only certain car seats fit on
the plane!
Does anyone have any first hand experience specifically with the Brytex?
Is it really worth the hassle? it does seem that it would be a bit easier
to NOT bring it (in terms of hauling stuff through several airports by
myself). also, in that i am connecting to Geneva on a commuter flight -- it
seems likely that my car seat will not fit on that flight. will i have to
check the car seat upon arriving in europe?
any comments/advice are very much appreciated. thanks!
Unfortunately, I can't answer most of your questions, but I can assure
you that I have flown 3 times with a britax roundabout and never had a
problem with it fitting on the airplane seats. I've been told that you can
only put the seat next to a window since it sticks out past the end of the
plane seat (some arcane FAA regulation), but you'd problaby want your
toddler next to the window anyway. FWIW, I've had good luck taking a
backpack instead of a stoller. Best of luck planning this big undertaking!
We traveled to and from Seattle (a short flight -- just 2 hours each
way) with our very active 16-mo-old daughter. We brought our carseat with us.
It, too, was a Britax Roundabout, and it fit just fine. Southwest
Airlines (which we flew) has one of the narrowest seat bases, so if we could
fit on SW, you should be fine. One of the huge advantages for us was that we
had not bought our daughter her own ticket. If the flight had been totally
full, we would have had to check the carseat at the gate. But there was
1 empty seat, and we got permission from the flight attendants to put
Sasha and her carseat in it. Without the carseat, there's no way we could
have cadged an extra seat. During the flight, the seat was of mixed value.
She slept for about an hour each way, and then it was great to have the
carseat, so we could do what we wanted. But once she woke up, she
insisted on standing on our laps or on the tiny slice of floorspace
available. We're flying with her to Hawaii -- 6 hours -- in a few weeks,
and I'm sure we'll spend lots of time following her up and down the aisles.
I don't think there's a way to keep bouncy toddlers from walking on a long
flight. Finally, you're right about the amount of carry-on you need with a
baby. We were ridiculously overloaded. One suggestion: we used the baby
backpack rather than the stroller to get our daughter to and from the gate.
It left us our hands free in the airport and plane. (If you have a kid on your
back, you can throw the diaper bag into the carseat and carry it with
two hands pretty easily.) Good luck!
I've traveled about 6 times with my son to Texas and Minnesota - these
trips last about 3.5 hours since I always book the non-stop direct
flights because my son is sometimes very active and squirmy (always has been).
Most recently I traveled alone with him. I took my fanny pack (with
valuables), a backpack for diapers, toys, etc, a lightweight stroller
that I checked at the plane door and his booster style Century One-Step
carseat (I sling it over my shoulder by one of the straps - it's not elegant,
but it works just fine). My son (who is an active 2 year old) stayed in the
carseat for about 3 hours and toward the very end he got restless and I
let him stand up in it for awhile and crawl in my lap - but soon we were
descending and I strapped him in again. I was relieved that he didn't
put up a fuss about being in the carseat.
However, when my husband has traveled with us, he sits in the middle
seat instead of the window seat and seems to get more restless about the
carseat. I think the window seat was more secure and had more plane
noise to lull him to sleep.
Also, now that he can understand my request that he stay in his carseat,
it's easier. And finally, I had to fight my own urge to let him out in
order to hold him. It was best for my son not to let him out of the
carseat so he got used to it.
Good luck and have a great trip!
The Britax Roundabout does fit standard airplane seats. Whether or not
it is worth it is another issue. It is difficult lugging it around,
especially with all the other paraphanalia and if you're travelling alone
with your toddler. I personally think it's worth it. Just make sure you
ask the airline staff for help and definitely board first and wait to get
off last. Good luck.
My Britex carseat fit with no problem on the airplanes I've taken it on
(sorry, don't know the types, but I flew coach and I don't think the
seats get any smaller than that). Except it did take me a while to realize
not to use it rear-facing the way I would in the car (as if I really thought
that the carseat would protect the baby in the event of a plane crash...
duh...) I would recommend taking it because I don't see how else you would
get the baby to sleep on the flight, plus it is MUCH safer for them in case
of turbulence. As for managing all that stuff singlehandedly, see if you
can make a strap for it to sling it around your shoulder. That way you'll
only have three things on your shoulder. Gatecheck the stroller, for sure.
Hopefully kind strangers will help you. The flight attendant will also
hold the baby while you get settled. (They aren't permitted to touch dirty
diapers but they can and will hold babies.)
We do not have a Britex Roundabout, so I can't speak to that issue.
However, we have travelled a fair amount (domestic and international) with
our now 2yr 8 month son, so I have some experiences to share about car seats
in general.
Our son behaves much better (I'm sure this varies by child) when he has
his carseat on the flight. Particularly when it comes to sleeping on the plane
for long flights. We have one car seat (I think it is Century) that is FAA
approved for use on flights that we take along. Before he was two (when we
didn't have to buy him a seperate seat) the airline would allow us to
check in the seat at the gate--if there were no extra seats available on the
flight. I never bothered to put on a cover or anything on the seat, though I
have seen people do so. You can do the same when you switch to a commuter
flight. Our experience has been that European Airlines (we've flown Air
France, British Air and SAS) are much friendlier and nicer to deal
with.
About lugging everything along. When my son still used the stroller
(and I was travelling alone) I had him in the stroller, used a diaper
back-pack (and put my stuff in it too) and held on the car seat. It's
difficult, you often have to ask for help and it takes you twice the time
to do anything. When we travel as a family it's easier, but now my
son refuses to use a stroller!!
The bigger hassle (in our experience) is once you're out of the airport.
We were recently in England, and it was a major PAIN to lug the seat around
on the subway, the trains, buses etc.etc. If someone is picking you up from
the airport, and you have some way of finding/renting a car seat once you
arrive this may not be a problem.
Hope this helps.
I have a Britex seat, and have taken on planes many times. It does fit,
and fits well. As to whether you should bring it--I swore by it when my
son was smaller, as he slept in it, and it was a great way to keep him
confined while trying to spoon feed him, get him to sleep, etc. NOw
that my son is walking and climbing (22mos) I don't travel with it on the
plane anymore. I find that it is better to have the empty seat for him to
play on (standing on the floor) or lie down on (with his head in my lap) I
have also gotten him to sleep by spreading a blanket on the floor and lying
him down there under my feet. Believe it or not, it really works. So, as
to what to do, if your child sleeps well in the carseat, and you think it
will increase your chance of naps on the plane, I would say bring it. If
not, Id say check it. (I haven't mentioned the safety issue--it is, of
course, safer to have the child in the car seat for takeoffs and landings
especially. But I knew my toddler would scream if forced to sit in it,
so I took that risk)
I have traveled between the East/ West coasts several times with the
Britax Roundabout. The times I traveled without my husband were when my
daughter was 11 months and then again when she was 22 months. It is a
challenge but doable to accomplish this with a stroller and a single
carry on bag (actually once I did with a laptop too!)
I think the carseat is well worth it since my daughter was used to
sleeping in her carseat and it made it much more comfortable for me. As
far as carrying it all-- I loosened the carseat straps all the way and
then carried it like a backpack over one shoulder. The other carry on
went on the other shoulder- leaving both hands free for getting hte
child and the stroller down the jetway. If you can have the party who's
meeting you bring a stroller- it's actually much more convenient!
Good luck!
I have taken a Britax Roundabout on a number of flights (local and
international) and did not regret it even for a moment. This was when my
son was 11-14 months old. It is bulky to carry between check in and boarding
but I found that if you loosen the belts you can 'wear' the carseat as you
would a backpack - not ideal but it does free your hands. I never had a
problem fitting it into a plane seat.
We have taken our Britax Roundabout on Southwest airlines many times,
and we also flew to Hawaii with it on another airline. We believe it is
safer for her to be in the carseat than a regular seatbelt, and our daughter
goes to sleep comfortably in her carseat. Facing forward the Britax seat
fits fine, although the armrest can not be moved once the seat is installed.
Even when she was facing rearward in the car, we had her face forward on
the airplane. I think there was not room for the seat to face rearward.
You should be careful when getting seats and checking in. The carseat has to
go by a window on most planes so it won't block the aisle. Also, Southwest
often just assumes my daughter is a lap child, so we have to make sure
we get a boarding pass for her too.
It is a pain to carry all the stuff through the airports. We often get
those little carts to put everything on, and they usually have a seat
for a child too. Also, I have found the when I am alone with my daughter and
all the stuff, other kind people (often parents of slightly older kids)
offer to help get on the plane.
My other advice for longer plane trips is to bring some new small toys,
books, etc. and wrap them up so the child spends time unwrapping them.
My daughter (at about 16 months) spent about 10 minutes putting the paper
back over her toy and then pulling the toy off.
Car seats that are labled for FAA approval should fit in any standard
airplane seat. But if you are still concerned... as I was, you can call the
airline in advance to get the measurements of their seat. It took a little
while because the customer service person had to call the tech people to
get the "specs" for the particular plane type used for that flight, but
that way I was sure that the seat would fit.
Someone else responded about FAA requiring that you put the seat by the
window. The information that I received was that the car seat could not be
in a position where it blocked another passenger's access to the aisle.
However, when I flew with my baby, I was also with my mom. We were seated
in a row that had 3 seats together next to the window. My mom wanted the
window seat so we put the car seat between the two of us. One passenger
tried to make a stink about it, but the flight attendant said that it was
ok, as long as the passenger who was "trapped" was a relative and had
consented.
I would highly recommend taking a carseat! The first reason is for your
child's safety, both in the air and on the ground. If there is
turbulance, you can not hold your child, he will fly right out of your arms.
You can also put him down when he is asleep or you need a break! Do several
things- first check to see if your carseat is flight approved. The manual
should say, as well as a sticker on the carseat itsself. Second, bag the
stroller and rent or buy one at your final destination. (It is more trouble
than it's worth to carry with you). Third, combine the diaper bag with your
carry-on. That leaves only your child, the carseat, and one bag to worry
about. I hhave a 5yr old girl who has been flying with me since she was 6
weeks old for a total of about 25 trips all over the place. I have always
gotten her her own seat and have taken the carseat. It is a lifesaver!!!!
Just returned from a trip with air and taxi travel with a 15 month
old. Checked a car seat as baggage and used it in taxis (once had to refuse
an offer of a taxi because the seat belts didn't work, but just took the
next taxi). It is a cheap seat that is easy to get in and out. One day
carried it with us, mostly by putting in in the stroller seat (sort of a
hassle, but not bad really). For air travel we got a window seat which
worked out really well, lots for baby to see. Did the lap child thing
which worked just fine. Next time I'll bring backpack as well or instead
of stroller for the airport since our child likes the backpack most of the
time, but doesn't like the stroller a lot of the time. For walking around
a big city a backpack is a great idea too...maybe a stroller for pushing
the carseat in???
July 2001
We will be traveling in Greece for 2 weeks this summer. Although we
don't anticipate spending much time in cars I think we need to bring a
car seat for our 20 month old daughter. She weighs approx. 28 lbs. We
are desperately trying to pack lightly so any ideas/alternatives are
welcome.
Phyllis
We travel with our 2 year old at least once a month and we have since she
was 6 weeks old. I recommend getting the Sit N Stroll
Car Seat Stroller ... (see the full review on the Sit N Stroll page).
We own a Sit N Stroll ... It is easy to strap into cars and
the airplane ...
(see the full review on the Sit N Stroll page).
We recently returned from three weeks in Greece with our 27-mo-old.
We brought her Century car seat to use on the airplane and in various
cars (friends' and rental). We also took several taxis, none of
which even had seat belts in the back seat, so I wouldn't recommend
dragging around a car seat if that is the only form of auto transport
you'll be using. The rental agency we used on the island of Santorini
had car seats available but I don't know if that's common. We saw many
kids being held on laps in cars, and we almost always received strange
looks when we insisted in going through the car seat ritual.
Janet
Also see recommendations for
Stroller/Backpack combinations
Sept 2002
I'm looking for advice on carrying a baby/toddler car seat at
the airport. Up until now, my son has been in an infant car
seat, which conveniently locks into a ''snap and go.'' We've used
this combo for our air travel to date and it's worked well. But
my son is tall and is getting ready for his next car seat, the
Britex Roundabout, which goes up to 30 lbs. We will be
traveling to the east coast and are hoping to find a ''snap and
go'' type system that works with this larger car seat. We will
be bringing the car seat onto the plane for him (he won't be a
lap child) and would like to click it into a set a wheels so we
can wheel him in his car seat throughout the airports and roll
him around during our layover. We would then gate-check the
wheels. We'd rather not have to carry him and his car seat
separately through the airport. Also, I sometimes travel alone
with him, and it would be much too difficult for me to carry a
diaper bag, purse, and car seat all separately, while managing
him as well. I can't check the car seat, as I will be using it
on the plane. He's only 6-1/2 months old, so he's a long way
from walking. Is there a ''snap and go'' equivalent for the
larger car seats? Does anyone have a creative solution that
would work? Any advice is welcomed! Thanks!!
Linda
When I traveled alone with the baby and the Britax... I put the
baby in our Baby Bjorn front carrier and for the walk down the
jetway-- loosened the Britax straps all the way and slung it
over my shoulder like a backpack-- not exactly graceful but it
got us into the plane. Depending on whether the people at the
other end had an umbrella stroller or not-- I'd take one of
those as well. For the time in the airport I used one of the
airport carts and was able to use it to carry the Britax.
Lisa
We have a big heavy Britax. We hung it by the shoulder straps
on the back of our umbrella stroller handles. This only works
if the baby is riding in the stroller, and is heavy enough so it
doesn't tip over backwards! It is a little awkward - you have to
concentrate on not hitting your knees as you push the stroller,
but better than carrying it. Try it facing backwards and forwards
to see which way it works better. Remember when you take the baby
out the stroller will fall over backwards! Also I highly
recommend using the baggage carts as much as you can. Grab one
as soon as you get to the airport. Put stroller, carseat and
bags on there and put the baby in the sitting part or carry her
in a backpack. It is totally worth the 2 bucks for the cart.
Confession: it was so inconvenient lugging around the carseat
that on our last trip we checked it on the way back and put him
in the seatbelt. I think the airlines want them to be at least
two -- He was only 17 months but big - 35" and 35 pounds. It was
infinitly better not using the carseat on the plane once he was
big enough for the lapbelt.
Travlmom
I have never seen wheels that your convertible seat can snap
into but I have seen some other options.
1) There is a travelling car seat you could purchase that has
wheels that pop out of it and a handle that slides up. If you
travel a lot this may be a consideration although I don't know
how much they are.
2) I have seen backpacks that you can put your car seat in.
Then, you could stroll your child in an umbrella stroller
while ''carrying'' the carseat.
3) Finally, the cheapest alternative... I used to travel with
my daughter a lot when she was still in a car seat and would
just hang the straps of the carseat over the handle of the
umbrella stroller. It wasn't the most convinient method but it
worked.
Gabrielle
The easiest way to travel without schlepping a car
seat/wheels/strollers/etc, it The Sit 'N' Stroll. It's a car
seat for infants to 40lbs with retractable wheels. It's FAA
approved. You just stroll your child into the airplane, retract
the wheels, place it onto the airline seat and strap it in.
Your child is attached to the seat with a 5 point harness, and
the airplane seat belt clicks right across the seat. I hope
this makes sense. We used ours from when our daughter was 4
months (and too long for the infant seat) until she was 4 yrs
old. We've taken it to France/Bora Bora/Hawaii/Ireland/Canada
and it's held up really well. Just do a search for Sit n Stroll
by Safeline, and I'm sure you'll find one. Happy travels!
Brook
I also have the Britax car seat, and a 16 month old son. I've
never found a ''snap and go'' for the larger carseat, unfortunately.
I just got back from a plane trip with my son, just the two of us,
and this is how I did it. I have a regular stroller, and I set
the car seat in the stroller, and put the handle of the diaper bag
around the handle of the stroller (so it hangs down in front of
me) -- and my purse in the car seat. I also have a baby sling,
and my son likes to sit on my hip with the sling around his back
and bottom (he's done that since he was about 6 or 7 months and
could sit up well). So I wore him in the baby sling, which left
my hands free to push the stroller, which was carrying all my
stuff. I gate-checked the stroller, and asked one of the flight
attendants for assistance carrying the car seat (and put the
diaper bag and purse over my shoulder while boarding). It's a bit
of work at the security gate, but the security staff are usually
quite helpful.
Karen
The carseat has been a problem with our family as well. We have a big
one now, 30-80 pounds, and what we have found useful is bringing a
stroller along as well. The car seat fits in the stroller and the child fits in
the car seat. You can gate check the stoller. Another idea we have
been known to do if the stroller is not coming with us is get the rolling
luggage carriers and put your luggage on it and the car seat and strap it
in with the seat belt that is on the cart, then strap the child in. Our child
exclaims ''weeeeee'' when we are running though the terminal trying to
make a connecting flight and we aren't having to carry fifty million things.
Good luck.
Kristi
If you don't find a snap 'n go-type stroller that fits Britax
(I've never seen one, but that doesn't mean they don't exist),
here's what I do when trekking through airports with the heavy
Britax seat:
- wear the Britax seat on your back. Loop each strap over your arm
like a backpack strap so the cushioned seat side is snug against
your back.
- pay $1 for a luggage cart and toss it in there. Often the carts
have a seat for the kid (like a grocery cart) and you just push
the kid through the airport on that.
Happy travels.
Danielle
I don't have any advice for you about carrying your Britax, but
if you travel a lot you may want to consider buying another
product. It is called a ''sit-n-stroll'' and it is a combination
car seat and stroller. Basically, it is a car seat with
retractable wheels and a retractable handle. It is FAA
certified so you can use it on the airplane. So you wheel your
child through the airport, then retract the wheels and handle
and carry it onto the plane (most aisles are too narrow to roll
it down). Once you get to your destination, you have both a car
seat and stroller. It is not the best stroller, but definitely
functional. And it is easy to use -- I used to live in New York
City and I used mine when I had to take cabs as well as for
airplane trips. You can find the sit-n-stroll on a number of
websites (like babycenter.com). I used it from the time my
daughter outgrew her infant car seat (which I used with a snap-n-
go) until she was 3. Please feel free to email me if you want
more information.
Stephanie
As far as I know, there is no equivalent to the Snap-n-Go for
convertible carseats, but there is the Sit-n-Stroll carseat.
You could buy one of those and leave the Roundabout at home.
But if I were you, I'd forget the stroller and carry the baby
around the airport in a sling. (Or a front carrier or a
backpack.) Use an airport baggage cart for your diaper bag,
other carryons and the carseat. If you must have a stroller,
you can use a cheap umbrella stroller that folds up small enough
to carry on (JC Penney has a pretty good one for $15), or go the
backpack route and get one of those baby backpacks with wheels
that can also be used as a stroller.
Holly
We have a Britex Roundabout and what we discovered on our last
trip is that it ''fit'' on our Maclaren Quest stroller. We had
the little leg extensions out also. On the trip back east, it
was me, my husband and our daughter. When we arrived she was
sound asleep in her car seat. My husband carried her off of the
plane in her car seat and I retrieved the stroller at the gate.
We just set the carseat and the stroller and were very careful
pushing it. She managed to sleep through the airport while we
fetched luggage. She even managed to sleep on the shuttle to
the car rental place and then we even put the car seat in the
rental car.
On the way back it was me traveling alone with my daughter. The
stroller held the car seat while I wore the diaper back pack and
my daughter pushed the stroller with my help. When she was an
infant we took a Baby Bjorn and put her in that. On another
trip, I wore the backpack, had her in the Bjorn and pushed the
stroller (which can hold the car seat).
Amy
The britax is very awkward for air travel. We found a huge
backpack at rockridge kids designed to carry it while you
travel. It is surprisingly light once on your back although you
are a very awkward in a crowded airport. I have not traveled
alone with it. I don't know of any snap on system for the
britax. We do find that we can squeeze the kolcraft umbrella
stroller and a diaper bag into the back pack. Were I to travel
alone I'd probably wear the snuggly and tote the back pack on a
luggage cart to the plane. At some airports this would mean two
rentals b/c often you can't take the cart through security. one
step ahead sells a carseat stroller in one, but I have resisted
b/c my daughter is quite tall and I was afraid it would do all
it's jobs poorly and would prefer a really safe car seat.
Jessica
I have travelled many times via plane in the past with just my
daughter (now 15 months old). The key is to get a stroller
wide enough to hold the Britax. We have the Britax and a
McClaren Mistral stroller.
I park the car and then set up the stroller. I then take the
Britax out of the car (with kid still strapped in Britax) and
the car seat then fits nearly perfectly in the stroller. I
then carry my bag on my shoulders and her bag (a big back pack)
fits perfectly and balances nicely on the handles of the
stroller.
I take everything on the plane when I preboard and then take
the Britax out of the stroller and strap the Britax into her
plane seat. It has always worked.
pvgdad
It sounds from your post that you plan on bringing a stroller
and your carseat with you. What has worked for us is to use our
regular stroller like a luggage cart and put the carseat on top,
seat side down. (Sometimes we wrap the tether of our Roundabout
over the handle of the stroller to secure it.) Of course,you
won't be able to use of the stroller for carrying Baby this
way. However, we've found that our carry-on luggage ends up
weighing a lot more than our son -- even now that he's a big
almost 2-year-old. We've always brought a sling and/or a Baby
Bjorn along to the airport to make carrying our son easier.
Hope this helps!
Grace
This is what I do, when I travel alone with my toddler (22mo)
daughter:
We have a Combi Savvy stroller. She sits in the stroller while
we are in the airport. My carry-on/purse is a backpack. Hers
is her diaper bag, hung over the handle of the stroller. I can
carry the carseat (an Evenflo, non-infant) by one of the straps,
sometimes looping it over my wrist, while I push the stroller.
I ask for help whenever I need it, especially at security
checkpoints, and in boarding. Gate-check the stroller, use the
carseat (we buy a ticket for everyone--if you don't do separate
tickets, but want to try for a vacant seat, you can always gate-
check the carseat if that doesn't work out). We have made many
trips to SoCal from here, just my daughter and me, and it's
worked fine.
Good Luck!
Donna
If you can bear one more note on this topic--I never slung my
Britax over the handle of my stroller; it wouldn't work, as my
stroller has one continuous handle.
Instead, I brought along a bungee cord and strapped the carseat
(through the seatbelt restraints) to the back of the stroller. I
usually just put the bungee cord in the basket at the gate &
collapse the stroller; it's always there when we deplane.
Good luck. (the stroller also tends to flip with this setup when
the child gets out, so no help there.
Jennie
For the mom looking for a stroller/car seat combo for
her 6 month old baby, I recommend the Sit n Stroll,
available online and also at Right Start. It is a
carseat with wheels and handles that retract when used
on the plane and in the car. I just bought one and used
it this weekend. It works very well, however it is a bit
too wide to roll down the aisle once you get to coach,
so I had to ask for assistance from the flight attendant
to carry it to my seat. It is a little awkward strapping
into the car, rear facing, however it is much easier
than lugging a britax and stroller thru the airport.
heather
We got one of those car seat / strollers and it's worked out
really well for us for travelling. The wheels tuck up beneath
the seat and the handle slides down into the back of the seat.
You push the kid in the stroller through the airport, right onto
the plane and down the aisle to the seat. Then slide the handle
down and pop the wheels in, place it in the airplane seat and
fasten it in. Voila! (O.K., it can be a tad trickier than that -
like if the aisle of the plane curves, the stroller will get
stuck. We had to fold it up a few rows before we reached our
seats. Also, it takes up enough room in the seat that the
passenger in front won't be able to recline their seat... but I
think that's the case with all child seats on planes.) The other
thing is, it costs about $180, and we found it not a great
alternative to a permanent toddler car seat. You have to strap
this one in with the seat belt each time you take the kid in and
out of the car. So we use this one for travel and shorter trips
in my husband's car, and keep the permanently installed toddler
seat in my car, since I take her to daycare most days.
Good luck.
I also travel a lot with my daughter and sometimes alone. At the
airport I pile everything on the stroller (the Britax carseat,
diaper bag, soft cooler of bottles...) and when she was younger
I would then put her in the baby bjorn. Now she's 12 months old
so I would still pile everything on,push the stroller and carry
her (it is alot!!!). But I just purchased a car seat carrier at
Babies R US for about $20. It's a carrier to protect the car
seat in case you do check it as luggage but it has straps so
that you can carry it like a back pack. So now I can put her in
the stroller and put the car seat on my back!! (I must look
pathetic but it's the easiest way to get around). My friend
raves about the portable car seat that turns into a stroller-I
forget the name (snap and go?) Good luck
Christine
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