Flying with Toddler

jenn&Dave2005

We're planning a big  trip next year and just wondering about logistics!  Once you're buying your LO their own seat will you check the car seat or put the carseat in the airplane seat?

What's recommended?

 

kimberlyk921

I just flew with DS and he sat on my lap, we lucked out on both flights and had an empty seat next to me (I guess nobody wants to sit next to a toddler on a 2 hour flight lol). Since we didn't know we would have the seat until it was too late he didn't have his car seat. But once we have to pay for his seat then I will bring the car seat on the flight. 

saturdaynightdoubletree

For me, it's easier to have DD strapped in to a car seat. She knows she's in there and can't get up. In an airplane seat alone she just wants to walk around and crawl all over the place. It's a pain to carry the seat through the airport, but totally worth it, Also, FAA strongly encourages using a child restraint on flights... just make sure it's approve for aircraft and that you know how to install it ahead of time! Some flight crew staff are very helpful, while others are just plain rude about it. GL!

 https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

jenn&Dave2005

saturdaynightdoubletree:

, Also, FAA strongly encourages using a child restraint on flights... just make sure it's approve for aircraft and that you know how to install it ahead of time! Some flight crew staff are very helpful, while others are just plain rude about it. GL!

 https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

 That's what I thought but couldn't remember ;P  Now dare I ask RR or FF :P  tehheh 

saturdaynightdoubletree

jenn&Dave2005:

saturdaynightdoubletree:

, Also, FAA strongly encourages using a child restraint on flights... just make sure it's approve for aircraft and that you know how to install it ahead of time! Some flight crew staff are very helpful, while others are just plain rude about it. GL!

 https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

 That's what I thought but couldn't remember ;P  Now dare I ask RR or FF :P  tehheh 

I'm pretty sure seats are installed FF unless it is an infant carrier... the installation process is much different on a plane than in a car, so look at your manual! (It will tell you if you can RF on the plane too)

jenn&Dave2005

I was half kidding   But I'll check the manual!!

pharmernicole

It's recommended to buy a seat for the kiddo and take the carseat onto the plane with you. Plus, this cuts down on the risk that something will happen to your seat when you gate check it  

My friend Jess and I just blogged all of our toddler air travel tips last week (check out the blog, if you're interested!!) www.babyfoodscoops.com

amwadas

jenn&Dave2005:

saturdaynightdoubletree:

, Also, FAA strongly encourages using a child restraint on flights... just make sure it's approve for aircraft and that you know how to install it ahead of time! Some flight crew staff are very helpful, while others are just plain rude about it. GL!

 https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

 That's what I thought but couldn't remember ;P  Now dare I ask RR or FF :P  tehheh 

LOL, we just flew a couple of weeks ago with her carseat. She still sits RF in the car, but I figured it would be too tight on a plane to do it so I just put it FF and all worked out fine. It was so much easier having her in her carseat than being held.

dinnerfor2

Definitely bring the car seat. DD knows that she can't get out when she is in her seat. Otherwise, she insists on roaming the aisles. 

Mrs.0428

The FAA recommends your little one be in a child restraint system: https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

I recently flew across country with DS and having his carseat on the plane was awesome! He was so much more well behaved then when we flew with him as a lap baby.  Also, by taking the carseat on the plane with you, you eliminate the risk of the baggage handlers damaging the carseat.

You can install the seat RF or FF per the owners manual of the seat.  Doing research I found that a number of people had problems with the flight attendants telling them it had to be FF.  If you want to do RF I would print out the regulation saying it can be RF with you in case you need it.  If you do RF the person in front of LO won't be able to recline their seat.  FF your LO is at the perfect height to kick the set.  You can give the person the choice if they want to recline or be kicked :-) I had DS FF and left his shoes off so if he did kick it wasn't as hard.

dbsk8dance+

We bought the CARES system.  We fly regularly and, especially when I'm by myself with DS, hauling a carseat is too much. It's doable, but it sucks.