Travel Question

Marsupial1022

D's 1st birthday is right around the corner, and we've decided to fly back to California so we can celebrate it with DH's family and our friends. I'm not too concerned with what to pack for her for the trip, but I just don't know what to do with her car seat. She's in a convertible car seat now...do we take it with us and check it? DH suggested that we order one and have it sent to his parents' house for us to use when we go and visit so it would be one less thing to worry about. While that may work out when we visit family, what about when we go on vacation and have to fly? I'd rather know what to do with it now than find out the hard way later.

 Thanks, ladies! 

Bennett714

For the two plane trips I took with DS, I brought the Britax carseat he uses at home. I used the Britax cart the carseat attaches to with the latch. It was easy peasy. Just wheeled the carseat to the plane. The downside was that the carseat is wider than the plane aisle, but I managed with a bit of juggling. If you are flying your LO as a lap child, gate check the seat. Buy a cover so it doesn't get ripped or dirty(they are $15 on amazon) I wouldnt baggage check a carseat because I don't want it to be handled like luggage and dropped and bashed around, kwim? 

 Unless your LO will be making the trip often or has relatives that could use the seat, I wouldn't buy a different seat just to ship to California. Especially if there are two adults Travelling to carry/wheel stuff. Have a fun trip!!

dashtwins

I would strongly suggest buying your baby a seat bringing the carseat on with you. It's safer and so much more comfortable and manageable to fly when they have their own safe seat. Even if you don't purchase a seat, bring the car seat to the gate with you and gate check it. Many airlines will let you bring it on and give you a seat if the flight is not full. Just ask the gate agent (Southwest is especially good at this since they have no assigned seating)

aliska

I flew with DD last month and will fly again next month.  Last time we rented a seat from the car rental place.  This time we are staying longer, so I am shipping a $55 Cosco seat out there.  I don't want to risk damage to her seat being checked.

frlcb

Bennett714:

 I wouldnt baggage check a carseat because I don't want it to be handled like luggage and dropped and bashed around, kwim? 

Don't kid yourself, they aren't treated better as gate checked baggage! 

Marsupial1022

I found out that my MIL bought us a carseat to use when we go to visit, so that fixes that problem!

Thanks for the advice! I'll keep it in mind when we fly to see my family later on this year.