Flying

lyndsihutson · September 2013

I am planning on a 2 hour flight in November and I'm wondering how a carseat works? Is that considered checked baggage? Do i need to put it in anything? Have you flown with a baby in your lap? Or should I try to get her a seat? (pricey) I'm flying southwest. Do i just show up with her and her Birth Certificate or do i need to calland talk to someone about the fact that she will be with me?

shaunnna · September 2013

We flew with DS from Phoenix to Erie, PA then back from Philly to Phoenix. We brought his birth certificate, and even a notarized signed note from FI giving permission to fly with DS. No one asked to see the birth certificate. They didn't even ask to see the formula even though I declared it at security.

We bought a seat for DS. We flew on 3 large (747?) planes, then a smaller one, and also a propeller plane. FFIL lugged DS's Diono Radian RXT through 6 airports and became a pro at installing it. We received no crap from anyone about rear-facing such a ginormous car seat. On the first plane, however, the flight attendants and FFIL had to take the seat apart to unbuckle the car seat...

I do not think I would have been able to fly with DS as a lap baby (not that I would want to either for obvious safety reasons). Mostly because he is not a cuddly baby at ALL. He preferred to sit in his seat and play or sleep. On the last flight, DS and FFIL were split up from FFIL's girlfiend and myself. DS stayed in his seat 100% of the flight buckled in. He entertained himself and slept.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do

CCM82909 · September 2013

We have always flown with our little ones as lap children. Our flight home for Christmas will be the first time that DS1 will have his own seat (bringing his carseat for that). You can always bring your carseat to the gate, and if there are empty seats, they allow you to bring it on for free. If the flight is full, they just gate check it. We bought little bags from BRU that the caresats went into, just because I was worried about all the germs. Carseats are not considered as part of your baggage count, so no worries if you decide to check it.

We've always brought birth certificates and have been asked to show them 4 out of 5 flights we have been on. If anything, you could just call Southwest and say you are adding a lap child. They will ask for a date of birth, and that should cover the "having a birth certificate" part.

There are some arguments between whether a car seat is considered damaged or not if checked (whether at the gate or with checked bags). I don't consider it damaged, and have had no issues. But there will probably be some who say that having a lap child is the worst thing you could do for safety reasons.

lyndsihutson · September 2013

CCM82909 said:

We have always flown with our little ones as lap children. Our flight home for Christmas will be the first time that DS1 will have his own seat (bringing his carseat for that). You can always bring your carseat to the gate, and if there are empty seats, they allow you to bring it on for free. If the flight is full, they just gate check it. We bought little bags from BRU that the caresats went into, just because I was worried about all the germs. Carseats are not considered as part of your baggage count, so no worries if you decide to check it.
We've always brought birth certificates and have been asked to show them 4 out of 5 flights we have been on. If anything, you could just call Southwest and say you are adding a lap child. They will ask for a date of birth, and that should cover the "having a birth certificate" part.
There are some arguments between whether a car seat is considered damaged or not if checked (whether at the gate or with checked bags). I don't consider it damaged, and have had no issues. But there will probably be some who say that having a lap child is the worst thing you could do for safety reasons.

DD hates her carseat for the most part anyway, so it would be better for everyone if I didn't force her in it for that reason. She will probably nap in my arms. My flight round trip is 236.00 and to add her a seat that would be like 170.00 ... Thats a lot!

CCM82909 · September 2013

Yeah, it's ridiculous! After this year we aren't able to go home for Christmas, since it will cost over 1k just for flights (4 tickets at that point). And that's the way I looked at it, I am able to get up and walk around with DS2 if needed and can hold him to soothe him during takeoff/landing. If he has his own seat, he is required to be buckled in. I understand why, but I like to nurse during that time to relieve ear pressure and can't do so if he's buckled in.

jg1011 · September 2013

I flew from NY to Fla with V in July when he was 8 months. I was flying with my mom who is in a wheelchair so I opted to have him fly as a lap child. I couldn't navigate wheelchair, stroller, carry-ons and carseat.

V did great as lap child. It helped me to be able to feed and comfort on take off and landing. That said, he wasn't crawling or pulling up and cruising then. I'm not sure how a lap child would work now at almost 11 months.

The other perk would be having your own car seat--one you are familiar with and comfortable installing. I had a terrible time with rented car seat. I think I would roll the dice with gate checking if I had to do it again.

As far as birth certificate, I had to call Jet Blue and declare my lap child so he could be added to my reservation. That was the only way I was told he would be allowed through security. They never once asked for his birth certificate.

Prepare yourself for security. That was the hardest for me to navigate, but then again I have a pacemaker so I have to be pat down every time. Was kind of challenging with V by myself.

FieryNutMeg · September 2013

I've flown Southwest 4 times with LO. Definitely go lap baby! The one time they gave us a seat (not a full flight), he didn't want to stay in his carseat anyway. They have ALWAYS asked for his birth certificate. You can check in for the flight ahead of time, but they have to reprint your boarding pass with info on LO as a lap baby anyway, so be ready for that when you get to the airport (and allow time for the line). You don't need any special bag or anything - as PP have said, they will check your carseat at the gate for you. Once you get to your terminal, go ahead and check in with the gate agent there. They will tag your carseat and/or stroller (I usually use the stroller that clicks with the carseat for easy maneuvering through the airport). Checking in at the terminal also puts you on their list for pre-boarding, I think. Southwest allows families w/ children under four to board between the A group and B group. (You CAN board earlier if you snag an "A" spot.)

Alexames · September 2013

Just flew from SF to HI and back. We checked in out car seat (FREE) and gate checked the stroller. My recommendation is to use your baby carrier when you are going through security. Just easier when you are hands free with all that you are bringing. I also used a backpack instead of a purse. Bring lots of snacks and few toys. LO was on our lap for both flights. (5hrs per flight). I was so anxious, but she did ok. Though we did have to walk her up and down the isle a few times.

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