Do I have to use an approved car/booster seat on Alaska Airlines?

Question

I am booked on a flight on Alaska Airlines next year with my 1.5 year old. He is flying on a full fare adult ticket not a discounted infant fare (usually 1/2 price). Both our tickets are points tickets (Perth through to Vancouver on Qantas then Alaska AL). Qantas does not require a booster seat for children in their own seat, even if they are under 2 (ie. infants) so I was not planning on bringing a car seat as I am travelling alone and will have enough to carry as it is. I read on the Alaska AL website that "children travelling on 50% infant ticket seats must use a booster/car seat approved for car and air travel". I'm wondering, given that my son will be travelling on a full fare adult ticket whether he needs the booster seat? What will they do if I don't have one, not let us on the flight? Or, shall I just lie and say he's 2 - or just board the flight with him in his own seat w/out booster and they will assume is is two and not longer an infant and therefore no booster required.

Answer 1

My 6-year-old has now flown on 242 flights and my 2-year-old on 40 flights. Mostly on Alaska Airlines so I have a bit of experience with this.

As a lap baby (unpaid), you definitely don't need a car seat. Some airlines like Northwest are real pricks about not allowing you to use one even on a flight with lots of empty seats. Whereas Alaska is one of the most baby-friendly airlines we've used and will let you use an empty seat for a car seat even though you paid nothing. I'll reserve a window-aisle combo (leaving an empty middle seat) towards the back of the plane to increase the chance of getting a free empty seat. IF someone does buy the seat between, they ALWAYS want to get out from between mother-child or mother-father passing a baby back and forth.

Without a carseat, you will need to have them in your lap for take-off and landing. They might want you to pick them up during possible turbulance as well. What you propose is no different than the unpaid lap baby who has an empty seat next to them. I can't imagine the flight attendents caring except during take-off and landing and then, (despite the physics involved), Mom's arms suffice. (or a car seat)

But I would reconsider your plan. Again, I've done this A LOT, and we try hard to BRING the car seat, not leave it or check it. Of course the car seat is safest in a crash, but Quantas has never had a crash and Alaska only loses planes about once every 20 years. More importantly, a child can sleep in a car seat much easier because it is sloped and their head is suported on both sides. And your arms will get TIRED of holding him for 18 hours of flight time. And if he gets into a total screaming, kicking fit about being overtired, jet-lagged, etc, you can strap him and pop in a pacificer. For some kids, being secured down helps at times. Sure, it is one more thing to schlepp through the airport, but you could always use a rental cart for $3 or call for one of those electric carts the old folks use. At 1.5 years old, I'd bring a Baby Bjorn front carrier so you can have him on your chest and leave your two hands free. One for the car seat and one to present tickets, passports, etc.

For your carry-on, use a backpack/rucksack. Baby in front, backpack behind, car seat on one arm, one hand free. I've gone through many airports and countries that way. So has my wife. Yeah, it is easier with two adults, but doable as one.

Try hard to save nursing or a bottle for climb-out and, less so, descent. The swallowing helps clear his ear pressure.

Theoretically, they can ask to see a US FAA approval sticker for airplane use on the carseat (they all have it), but any nation's approval ought to fly. And Alaska doesn't check all that often.

You'll need a car seat to drive with him in Alaska until he is 4 years or 40 pounds. And while airplanes rarely hit moose, cars and taxis do.

Answer 2

Alaska Airlines Infant

Answer 3

If your son is big enough to sit comfortably in a passenger seat with the seatbelts fastened around him, I don't think there would be much of an issue, however, if he looks like he is drowning in the seat and the seatbelt is too big that it wouldn't secure him in his seat in an emergency landing, then I imagine it would be. However, if you decide to take a car/booster seat onboard for his personal use and safety, make sure it is FAA approved (there should be a sticker somewhere on the child seat itself that will let you know whether or not it is), because otherwise, you wont be able to use it, and will therefore be a waste of effort on your part. Please be reminded that these regulations are implemented for your own safety, so please make a wise decision on this matter.

Answer 4

I went to the website and read the same thing. However, I work for the airline at the airport and haven't ever had an issue with this. We fly little ones all the time with no seat and some with a seat. If you don't want to take your carseat with you, don't take it. You'll probably be asked to hold your little one during take off and landing. I believe that's the usual protocol.

Answer 5

It incredibly relies upon on your waist length better than the rest. i'm a greater dude besides - at present 5'11" and a somewhat sturdy 235-240lbs, with a 38 inch waist. I fly financial equipment type each and all of the time on numerous airlines - not continuously somewhat very actual, yet i will in effective condition into one seat. even though my maximum weight grew to become into 315lbs, with a 40 4 or 40 six inch waist (i think of); or perhaps with the undeniable fact that it grew to become into continuously uncomfortable, I in no way had any themes installation in an financial equipment type seat. you is generally ok, even with the undeniable fact that not delicate - you would be greater delicate with 2 seats or upgrading to corporation type nevertheless. of course you're additionally 4 inches taller than me so legroom could be significant besides.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Yes, they seriously can keep you off the flight, if they feel that it would be a safety hazard to the child (in fact, I don't think they'd even hesitate).

But, their rule contemplated an actual infant, and I think your child would be considered a toddler. You should be ok.

Answer 8

Call them and ask.