Do children need to sit in a car seat on an airplane? I have a two year old and will be flying alone with her. I am wondering how I carry her and her carseat through the airport.
2006-07-27 16:52:46 · 10 answers · asked by Paula G 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Well, there are a couple of options.
People view the car seat as good, since it's "safer". I, personally, don't find it necessary.
We paid for our kids seats and just sat them beside us. We bought a TON of toys and activities and didn't give them to our kids or let them even see them until on the plane. Half we gave on the first trip, half we gave on the way back.
If you choose to do the carseat, you're going to have to figure out how to carry her and the carseat. Most airlines will allow you to bring an umbrella stroller right to the front door. They'll store it for you in a closet by the cockpit until after the flight, and give it back once you exit the plane. I'd imagine that would free up your arms for anything you need to do.
Just be prepared to be the last on/last off. Relax too, it's not easy, but it can be done... my husband and I did it with both our kids. They're 10.5 months apart and have been on 3 plane rides cross country. People were delighted at how well behaved they were. Honestly... it was the toys!
Good luck!
2006-07-27 17:03:03 · answer #1 · answered by Madame Gato 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Children under the age of 2 do not need to be in a car seat on an airplane because they can be seated in your lap. However, most if not all states require that children under the age of 4 be in a car seat while in a vehicle. Unless you are going to have the use of a car seat where you are going, I would take it with you. If you choose that option, you will be charged the cost of another seat. Because you are paying for 2 seats, you are allowed 2 carry-on bags. The diaper bag could be one of them.
I took my toddler on an airplane and did take her car seat. Checking into the airport was a little tricky, I left her in the car seat, and carried her that way. Once you are ready to board the plan, the employees are more than willing to help you out if you need it. Also, you will be allowed to board the plane first so you don't have to worry about people trying to get past you in the aisle.
2006-07-27 17:05:38 · answer #2 · answered by barb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most airlines do not require your child age 2 and under to have a car seat (because you then have to pay for that seat). However, the thought of trying to hold a child on my lap for the entire flight is more exhausting than merely carrying a carseat through the airport. Try to make arrangements to have one of those golf-cart type cars pick you up at the start and finish of your flights and then you won't have to carry either the child or the car seat.
2006-07-27 17:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children 2 and under can be lap held, though not recommended, If they purchased a seat they should have a car seat. Carry your child in one of those little back packs so your hands are free to carry the car seat or get a stroller car seat combo. They work pretty well.
Or you can put a tag on the baby and car seat and check it.
Then relax with a nice rum and coke on the plane....no worries. :-)
2006-07-27 17:01:23 · answer #4 · answered by flying_grapes 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi. i have flown several times with all 3 of my children and the best thing to do is as follow...you are going to have to pay for a ticket for the 2 yr old anyway, so you mine as well take the car seat...your going to need it on the plane and in the car or cab when you travel...i would have my child in the stroller at the airport...it is the safeiest way to not lose track of the child...you can take your car seat with you and walk all the way to the gate..at the gate go to the attendant and tell them you want to have your stroller with you if you have a lay over and they will have it ready for you at your next stop...then when you get to in the plane buckle your child in the seat just as you would in the car, with the seat belt going through the car seat..if you need help ask the flight attendant...when you get to your next plane, check the stroller back in with the attendant and they will have it ready for you at your final destination...take the car seat with you and strap it over your shoulder or wear it as a back pack...you will have your child back in the stroller and ready for the car ride in no time...make sure you take coloring books, books to read things like that to keep the child happy... also make sure you take bottled water for the both of you and snacks for the little one...we have found that if you have a portable DVD player take that and a favorite movie, it keeps them happy and is familiar to them...make sure that a few minutes before landing and taking off that you have your child drinking something, this helps with the ear popping...or a piece of gum will do the trick...good luck and have a wonderful time exploring the skies with your toddler..
2006-07-27 17:05:39 · answer #5 · answered by tiffani h 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not totally sure if a 2 year old must be in a car seat. We took our 6 month old and they can be on your lap. CHeck the website of your carrier, they have a lot of good info.
We checked the car seat. Good luck, it is a pain to travel with a little one and all of their stuff.
2006-07-27 16:58:46 · answer #6 · answered by AZ Ian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can check your car seat. The children just sit on your lap or in a regular seat with the regular lap belt.
2006-07-27 16:56:37 · answer #7 · answered by eva diane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can, bring her stroller and gate check her stroller and car seat. That way you can put her in the stroller or the car seat and it will free up a hand. You don't have to have her in a car seat if you don't want.
2006-07-27 16:57:52 · answer #8 · answered by Danielle P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my son was 1 they would not allow me to take his car sear on the plane. You will have to sit her in the seat next to you if there is one available, but they probably will not allow you to buckle her in. I know that sounds crazy, but that is what happened to me. During take off and landing I had to hold my son.
2006-07-27 18:41:39 · answer #9 · answered by brandi_n_tren 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the airline you are flying and ask.
2006-07-27 16:57:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋