Air travel with a 2 year old

julymommy12

Now that we have to buy a ticket for our kids to fly are we required to bring the car seat for the flight as well???? I have flown with him in his car seat before but this time planning on doing it alone, so having to chase after him and lug a car seat doesn't seem doable. Can we fly with them just sitting in the airplane seat? What about just bringing a little booster seat?

Barefoot84

The car seat is not only safer, it allows you to restrain him easier. If he's anything like Tumaini, he'll remove the seat belt in two seconds, and you'll spend take-off and landing trying to get him to stay seated if you don't have the car seat. Also, it's more likely he'll sleep in his car seat since he's used to it, and you don't have to worry so much about him spilling something on it.

I recommend putting the car seat in the stroller, and having him walk beside you (you can use a harness if he won't follow) or in a carrier if his weight allows you to do so. Or you can always try to make eye contact with people travelling by themselves with empty hands and try to look desperate. Someone will help.

julymommy12

Thank you for the responses. I wasn't sure if legally they had to be strapped in a car seat. Id prefer to bring the car seat but for this trip I just don't think it will be manageable.

lilahbean13

There's no way I would be able to haul a toddler and carry on distractions AND a car seat. No way! Renting a cart would help but I don't think I would bring the car seat