Flying and Renting a car seat???

MollyMae27

Flying to Texas in May... Do we rent a car seat for our LO threw the rental car place or lug our big stroller and car seat threw the airport and risk it getting damaged and dirty on the plane? Also does anyone have any advice for flying with a 4 month old?
Thanks

HisChamaoleGirl

I personally would bring my daughters car seat and have her ride in it for the plane ride and in the rental car. (https://abcnews.go.com/US/baby-flying-hurt-plane-hit-turbulence/story?id=22559274)  I don't trust using someone else's car seat bc you don't know its history. As for the stroller getting dirty when checked at the gate, I would purchase a bag to cover it. Many airlines will cover the cost of damage or replacement if the stroller is in a travel bag, but not without it.

ASmallWonder

Renting a car seat is a no go.  They don't guarantee they'll have the right seat for you (you could get a booster for a baby) and you have no idea if it's been in an accident, dropped, washed with chemicals (or not washed at all!) or if the straps have been submerged and are no longer safe.

Ideally your baby needs their own seat on a plane, using their car seat.  Checking a seat isn't recommended because, beyond the fact that they should be using it, the seat can be damaged in ways you can't even see.  If you absolutely must check your seat, you need to check it in the original box or another corrugated cardboard box.

73jewels

I know it's an unpopular answer, but I just flew with my 4 month old this past weekend and I had him on my lap the whole time.  We gate checked the stroller and car seat so we had them through the airport to use.  I actually purchased a snap and go stroller so it wasn't my big stroller, and the whole thing couldn't have been easier.  

As to advice, bring plenty of diapers and changes of clothes.  On the flight back, my son decided it was time to have 3 diaper blowouts  The other piece of advise is to feed him during take off and landing, they say that sucking helps their ears.  If he doesn't want to eat, have a pacifier ready for him to suck on.  

redhead610

Another vote for having your child in the carseat during the flight. It is the safest way to fly, and then you will have your own seat to use at your destination and not have to worry about finding another carseat.

Ninjamama86

We flew from CA to Utah last month with our 3month old and it wasn't as bad as I thought. If the plane isn't completely full they'll allow you to strap in your carseat without paying for the extra seat. On our trip, we we're able to use the carseat on the way there but a full flight on the way home had the car seat checked. The seat is nice to have but kind on a PITA because we had to have the base as well making it that much heavier and awkward to carry around the airport.

If I did it again, I'd just check the carseat since and bring my ergo (rookie mistake forgetting it last time). You don't need to buy a fancy car seat bag you can probably just out your car seat in a large trash bag to keep in clean.

And for flying, change diaper
Before getting on the plane, feed during take off (supposed to help with ear popping) and bring extra everything. There is a small changing table in the bathroom because babies somehow know the worst times to
Poop

ASmallWonder

Ninjamama86 said:

We flew from CA to Utah last month with our 3month old and it wasn't as bad as I thought. If the plane isn't completely full they'll allow you to strap in your carseat without paying for the extra seat. On our trip, we we're able to use the carseat on the way there but a full flight on the way home had the car seat checked. The seat is nice to have but kind on a PITA because we had to have the base as well making it that much heavier and awkward to carry around the airport. If I did it again, I'd just check the carseat since and bring my ergo (rookie mistake forgetting it last time). You don't need to buy a fancy car seat bag you can probably just out your car seat in a large trash bag to keep in clean. And for flying, change diaper Before getting on the plane, feed during take off (supposed to help with ear popping) and bring extra everything. There is a small changing table in the bathroom because babies somehow know the worst times to Poop

Ok a tip for next time - you never have to have your base.  Baseless installs are completely safe so save yourself that hassle  Also, your seat right now is potentially fatally unsafe. Once a seat is checked you have no idea how it was treated.  You can actually YouTube videos of seats being thrown down ramps or thrown from the hold onto the concrete below.  If damage was always visible it wouldn't be as concerning but it's not.  Microscopic cracks could cause your seat to literally crack apart in an accident and eject your child.