D.C. Area Babies

Urgent-Flying with a 2yo

DH's grandmother passed away and we have to fly down south for the funeral on Thursday.

DS is 2 now so he'll need his own seat. Is he required to be in his car seat? If so, does the Britax Marathon fit in the airplane seat? Or should I try to get one of those harness things in the next 24 hours? Does anyone know where I can buy one locally?

Are there other options I am neglecting?

TIA. 

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Re: Urgent-Flying with a 2yo

  • Yes, 2 year olds need their own seats but my understanding is they do not have to be in a car seat.  We have our DS in a car seat on the plane b/c he does much better in it--he knows he can't get up.  We have a Britax Roundabout and it fits just fine.  I'm not sure about the Marathon but you could call the airline and ask. Worst case scenario--you try to use the car seat on the plane, it won't fit, and then they'll just gate check it.  I've seen lots of people check the car seat with their regular luggage and not use it on the plane (have their child just buckled into the regular seat belt).

    So sorry to hear about your DH's grandmother.  

     

    Kim

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  • Sorry to hear about your DH's grandmother. No, as far as I know, 2 year olds are not required to be in a car seat. As far as the harness, I don't think that's required either. Also, if you did get a harness, I think you would have to get one approved by the FAA to use it during take-off and landing. I've seen harnesses sold that are not approved by the FAA and if you buy one of those, you cannot use it during take-off or landing.
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  • Neither a car seat or a harness is required.

    It might be easiest to strap him in the carseat, though...

    If you decide not to use the carseat on the plane, they will gate check it.

  • We just flew yesterday- 2 yr olds need their own seat. On the way down we used the car seat (the flight attendant asked if it was FDA approved and I said yes) and on the way back I checked it at the curb. It was nice to have him in his seat because he stayed in place but it was just too much lugging that thing through the airport. (I flew alone with ds) I will say he did fine on the return so if I were going with ds and dh I would ditch the seat so he could sprawl out across us.
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  • we flew to california with dd when she was 20 months old and bought her an airplane seat because the flight would be way too long for her to sit on someone's lap.  she was not required to be in a carseat.  she enjoyed having her own seat.  it allowed her to sit in the seat or stand on the floor in front of the seat.  i was also able to hold her on my lap if she wanted me to.  i had a hard time getting her to stay in the seat for take off and landing though.  i think one time she sat still.  the other take-off and two landings she spent in my arms or in her grandfather's arms.
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