S/O car seat safety: air travel?

COgirl29 · November 2013

So with all of the talk about RF and FF in cars today, I was thinking about an issue that I would love to see what you ladies think.

I travel usually 5-7 times a year by plane, and I would say 90% of the babies under two I see are lap babies. I never really thought about whether it was safe or not, since it's so common. I also can't imagine paying for 3 seats anytime DH and I travel with our LO.

However, after joining a FB group all about car seat safety - I've learned that it's really not safe to travel with a lap baby. Here is an article I found that summarizes many of the concerns: https://www.thecarseatlady.com/airplanes/airplanes.html

Do you think these concerns are overboard, or do you agree? Do you buy a seat for your LO, or plan on buying one for LO - or feel safe with a lap baby? Why/why not?

MarkandAbbi · November 2013

It also depends if you are flying domestic or international. For international the infant has to fly in an approved car seat with the purchase of a full price ticket (from my understanding of it all anyways)

ccip82 · November 2013

MarkandAbbi said:

It also depends if you are flying domestic or international. For international the infant has to fly in an approved car seat with the purchase of a full price ticket (from my understanding of it all anyways)

@MarkandAbbi

Not true, we fly internationally all the time since we are living overseas. DD has always been a lap baby. On Non-American airlines like KLM and Air France, DD has a seat belt that she wears attached to my seatbelt. That is the requirement per those airlines.

In regards to OP's question. In some ways I feel hypocritical, while I am a stickler on car seat safety, I view airline car seat safety in a different regard. Because air travel is so different than car travel, I think it is really hard to put these in the same category. For example, the likelihood of an air incident is significantly less than the likelihood of a car accident.

When DH and I fly, we are very cognizant throughout the duration of the flight in regards to DD's safety. We keep her belted (as well as ourselves) throughout the flight in case of unexpected turbulence, We are always awake during takeoffs and landings and take extra care during that time (Most airline incidents occur during takeoff and landing).

What I have bought for DD is the NTSB approved CARES harness that she will be able to wear now that she is over the age of two. For me, that is a lot easier than bringing the car seat on the airplane. Also with DS arriving soon, I fly solo with the kids a lot and I would not feel comfortable trying to handle two small children on takeoffs and landings. The CARES harness will keep DD securely and safely restrained while I have DS on my lap.

I feel parents frustration at air travel with small children. It can be so difficult. Should a parent buy an extra ticket for LO even though they are allowed to sit on parents' laps? Do you bring the car seat on the plane? (If you end up bringing the car seat on the airplane it has to be an airline approved car seat). Even checking the car seat presents problems too because you have no idea how roughly handled the car seat was during transit. Also, traveling through the airport with a car seat, luggage, diaper bag, and one or more kids logistically sucks. Especially if you have longer flights with multiple connections. Next time we fly back to the States, I will post of pic of how much shit we have to carry on the plane with us...It is crazy!

I would not judge a parent for having a lap baby, I do it. However, if the laws were to change I would have no issue buying a ticket for LO.

ETA: After I read the article, here are my feelings on it. I usually agree with a lot of what the car seat lady says. My issue with the article is the example that she brought up specifically this:

"While working as a flight attendant, Ms. Lohr survived a plane crash caused by an engine explosion that severed all the hydraulic lines on a flight from Denver to Chicago. She recounts what happened to 22-month old Evan, a lap-child who did not survive the impact, in a statement for the NTSB Advocacy Briefing on Child Restraints on Aircraft."

and this:"

If you think that a car seat won't protect your child in a crash, think again! Some crashes are survivable. In 2007, a 3-year old was the only survivor of a horrible plane crash - rescuers found her hanging upside down in her car seat in the rubble of the aircraft with only minor injuries."

I think these are two extreme examples. I am pretty sure I read a detailed article regarding the airline crash where the hydraulics were severed. That plane cartwheeled down the runway on impact and many other people unfortunately died in that accident.

peanutmuse · November 2013

ccip82 said:
In regards to OP's question. In some ways I feel hypocritical, while I am a stickler on car seat safety, I view airline car seat safety in a different regard. Because air travel is so different than car travel, I think it is really hard to put these in the same category. For example, the likelihood of an air incident is significantly less than the likelihood of a car accident.

This is exactly what came to my mind while reading all of this.

salsamommy · November 2013

peanutmuse said:

ccip82 said:
In regards to OP's question. In some ways I feel hypocritical, while I am a stickler on car seat safety, I view airline car seat safety in a different regard. Because air travel is so different than car travel, I think it is really hard to put these in the same category. For example, the likelihood of an air incident is significantly less than the likelihood of a car accident.

This is exactly what came to my mind while reading all of this.

This!!!!!! You can can't compare the 2 really.

I traveled with DS a lot and always in my lap on the plane! But when I also had the car seat with me for car travel.

If you are taking a car seat for the plane, be prepared to pay between 90-100% of the fare & taxes, because they will be taking up a seat!!

It was so much easier when DS was an infant!! I BF him and landing and take off, and most of the time he fell asleep!!!

BuckeyeANG · November 2013

We bought a seat for DS1 when we flew last month (he was 18 months). This was partially for safety but mostly because I knew there was no way in hell he would actually sit on our laps for the duration of the flight. Having his familiar carseat made it a lot easier because he knew he couldn't get out, just like in the car.

I have no intention of ever flying with very small children again though. It was a PITA even though he was well behaved. Hauling all the gear through the airport while trying to keep him entertained was challenging, and the carseat didn't fit through the TSA scanner so we had to wait for someone to inspect it. Also our stroller got damaged because the airline was so rough with it when we checked it.

Hats off to those of you who fly frequently with little ones...it is not for me!

moosebaby2011 · November 2013

We took a cross country flight when DS was about 15 months old, and we bought him his own seat. It was in part for safety reasons, but mostly because he was not (and still isn't) a big fan of being held on someone's lap for any length of time. DH and I didn't feel like wrestling with him for an hours-long flight, and since DS does very well on long car trips we thought that all of us would be more comfortable if he was riding in his own car seat. Getting through the airport with the seat and all the gear plus a toddler was fine because both DH and I were there to deal with things. Plus, we got a little strap that attached the car seat to our wheeled carry on bag which made hauling the seat around much easier. If I were flying on my own or when we're dealing with both kids I may change my tune about buying a separate seat for a child under 2.

forevergraceful · November 2013

As a flight attendant, we will definitely be traveling a lot with our LO and we do not plan to buy an extra seat. Most incidents and injuries on airplanes are because of turbulence, not crashes. If you are holding your LO and you are buckled in, your LO will be safe. Never buckle your LO in the seatbelt with you, because if something does happen, your body will crush theirs. Honestly, I am more concerned about having to check the car seat, and if the airline is careful with it, then I am about holding LO on my lap.

shortstuff15 · November 2013

ccip82 said:

@MarkandAbbi
Not true, we fly internationally all the time since we are living overseas. DD has always been a lap baby. On Non-American airlines like KLM and Air France, DD has a seat belt that she wears attached to my seatbelt. That is the requirement per those airlines.
In regards to OP's question. In some ways I feel hypocritical, while I am a stickler on car seat safety, I view airline car seat safety in a different regard. Because air travel is so different than car travel, I think it is really hard to put these in the same category. For example, the likelihood of an air incident is significantly less than the likelihood of a car accident.
When DH and I fly, we are very cognizant throughout the duration of the flight in regards to DD's safety. We keep her belted (as well as ourselves) throughout the flight in case of unexpected turbulence, We are always awake during takeoffs and landings and take extra care during that time (Most airline incidents occur during takeoff and landing).
What I have bought for DD is the NTSB approved CARES harness that she will be able to wear now that she is over the age of two. For me, that is a lot easier than bringing the car seat on the airplane. Also with DS arriving soon, I fly solo with the kids a lot and I would not feel comfortable trying to handle two small children on takeoffs and landings. The CARES harness will keep DD securely and safely restrained while I have DS on my lap.
I feel parents frustration at air travel with small children. It can be so difficult. Should a parent buy an extra ticket for LO even though they are allowed to sit on parents' laps? Do you bring the car seat on the plane? (If you end up bringing the car seat on the airplane it has to be an airline approved car seat). Even checking the car seat presents problems too because you have no idea how roughly handled the car seat was during transit. Also, traveling through the airport with a car seat, luggage, diaper bag, and one or more kids logistically sucks. Especially if you have longer flights with multiple connections. Next time we fly back to the States, I will post of pic of how much shit we have to carry on the plane with us...It is crazy!
I would not judge a parent for having a lap baby, I do it. However, if the laws were to change I would have no issue buying a ticket for LO.
ETA: After I read the article, here are my feelings on it. I usually agree with a lot of what the car seat lady says. My issue with the article is the example that she brought up specifically this:
"While working as a flight attendant, Ms. Lohr survived a plane crash caused by an engine explosion that severed all the hydraulic lines on a flight from Denver to Chicago. She recounts what happened to 22-month old Evan, a lap-child who did not survive the impact, in a statement for the NTSB Advocacy Briefing on Child Restraints on Aircraft."
and this:"
If you think that a car seat won't protect your child in a crash, think again! Some crashes are survivable. In 2007, a 3-year old was the only survivor of a horrible plane crash - rescuers found her hanging upside down in her car seat in the rubble of the aircraft with only minor injuries."
I think these are two extreme examples. I am pretty sure I read a detailed article regarding the airline crash where the hydraulics were severed. That plane cartwheeled down the runway on impact and many other people unfortunately died in that accident.

All of the above. I will also say, in regards to the 3 year old who survived in the plane crash, that she was flying in a small, 4 seater plane. My brother happens to be a pilot of small planes such as those. Turbulence and accidents are much more common in planes like those due to the nature of size. That 3 year old was also flying with only the pilot and co-pilot, so therefore she had no choice but to be secured in her carseat because there was no other way for her to be restrained properly. My brother, as a pilot himself, secured his own son in a carseat when he flew with him as a young child, but also held him as a lap baby on a commercial airline.

We have only flown with our oldest when she was 4 months & 13 months old. Both times I held her as a lap baby. I would do it again if we fly with a baby under 2 years old.

vstevens · November 2013

We've flown both ways, but I do tend to agree with @ccip82 - I view the risks very differently compared to car accidents.

Before 18 months, a car seat seems completely unnecessary to me. I belted myself into the seat and then put DS1 in the Ergo on the 3-4 trips we took during that time, and it worked perfectly.

But after 18 months, lap infant is a pain. We had him on our lap when we visited my family in Australia around that point, and all three of us were just sick of touching each other at the end of that trip. We used the carseat on a trip to Vancouver from NYC when he was around 20 months and it was actually great because it was a redeye and DS1 slept the WHOLE way.

So long story short, for this LO: lap infant until 18 months, car seat after that.

Deblondie1 · November 2013

I think that they could be valid concerns. And if you can purchase a third seat for LO more power to you. We have flown cross country with DD several, several times in the last 2.5 years. We couldn't afford the third seat but really wanted to see our families. I actually had someone tell me that if we couldn't afford the third seat for her carseat, we shouldn't be flying.

When we fly with this LO, she will also be a lap baby and I still will not bring E's car seat onto the plan. She is big enough for the seat belt and I just don't want to deal with lugging and all of our other crap plus an infant.

vstevens · November 2013

Deblondie1 said:

I think that they could be valid concerns. And if you can purchase a third seat for LO more power to you. We have flown cross country with DD several, several times in the last 2.5 years. We couldn't afford the third seat but really wanted to see our families. I actually had someone tell me that if we couldn't afford the third seat for her carseat, we shouldn't be flying.

Oh FFS, come on.

Deblondie1 · November 2013

@vstevens I know right?!? I blew them off. We are a military family who haven't lived near family in 10 years. And we miss them and want our kids to at least know who their grandparents are! Suck it, haters!

salsamommy · November 2013

Deblondie1 said:

I think that they could be valid concerns. And if you can purchase a third seat for LO more power to you. We have flown cross country with DD several, several times in the last 2.5 years. We couldn't afford the third seat but really wanted to see our families. I actually had someone tell me that if we couldn't afford the third seat for her carseat, we shouldn't be flying.

This would piss me off SO much! I think everything should have the opportunity to travel. Besides, why waste say $1000 on a seat, when you get the same baggage and carry on allowance PLUS more because you are travelling with an infant????
I would have told them to go to hell right then and there!

vstevens · November 2013

Deblondie1 said:

@vstevens I know right?!? I blew them off. We are a military family who haven't lived near family in 10 years. And we miss them and want our kids to at least know who their grandparents are! Suck it, haters!

Suck it indeed!

I mean, my child's safety is a top priority. But unless you want to plastic wrap your child and keep them locked in a padded room in the basement, you're going to be taking risks with them every time you leave the house. Some risks are major (i.e. car accidents), so you become a car seat safety nazi. But some risks are negligble (i.e. a commercial airline accident), so you make an assessment as a parent that you're willing to take that risk in exchange for the benefit of a long and happy relationship with your extended family.

ccip82 · November 2013

vstevens said:

Deblondie1 said:

@vstevens I know right?!? I blew them off. We are a military family who haven't lived near family in 10 years. And we miss them and want our kids to at least know who their grandparents are! Suck it, haters!

Suck it indeed!
I mean, my child's safety is a top priority. But unless you want to plastic wrap your child and keep them locked in a padded room in the basement, you're going to be taking risks with them every time you leave the house. Some risks are major (i.e. car accidents), so you become a car seat safety nazi. But some risks are negligble (i.e. a commercial airline accident), so you make an assessment as a parent that you're willing to take that risk in exchange for the benefit of a long and happy relationship with your extended family.

Very well stated @vstevens !

If I remember correctly you have a greater chance of being struck by lightning than dying in a plane crash.

sugarland726 · November 2013

I wholeheartedly agree with @ccip82. I will be flying with the new baby while on maternity leave (so less than 10 weeks old). I plan on wearing the baby and not buying a seat. And we all know what a freak I am about car seat safety.

Also, what @vstevens posted is extremely well written and I agree with that too.

COgirl29 · November 2013

I think these are all great arguments! It sounds like one of the main risks though is during turbulence - and not only on take-off or landing. Let's say at any time though there is violent turbulence. I have been on a flight where we were literally being bounced in the air off of our seats. If I was holding a baby, I'm not confident that I could have held onto her/him. I know a PP referenced it, but it's my understanding that it's really not safe to buckle the baby in with you...so I guess my question is, what do you do in that situation? Turbulence can be quite common.

PS - I fully understand driving in a car and flying in a plane are on two different levels as far as risk. I also don't have the money to buy 3 seats on every trip we take next year with LO, but the people on the car seat for the littles FB group are VERY convinced it's the only safe way to fly, and quite persuasive

ccip82 · November 2013

COgirl29 said:

I think these are all great arguments! It sounds like one of the main risks though is during turbulence - and not only on take-off or landing. Let's say at any time though there is violent turbulence. I have been on a flight where we were literally being bounced in the air off of our seats. If I was holding a baby, I'm not confident that I could have held onto her/him. I know a PP referenced it, but it's my understanding that it's really not safe to buckle the baby in with you...so I guess my question is, what do you do in that situation? Turbulence can be quite common. PS - I fully understand driving in a car and flying in a plane are on two different levels as far as risk. I also don't have the money to buy 3 seats on every trip we take next year with LO, but the people on the car seat for the littles FB group are VERY convinced it's the only safe way to fly, and quite persuasive

Just to clarify on European airlines there is a separate infant seatbelt that connects to the regular seatbelt so you are not connected to the same one. DD and I have separate restraints.

You can decide to do whatever you feel most comfortable with. In all my flying with and without DD, I have never experienced such severe turbulence that myself or any other passengers with lap babies could not hold onto their babies (Not saying this could not happen!).

When DS is an infant I plan to wear him on the plane in my Ergo too. I did this with DD and she was quite content and secure in there.

COgirl29 · November 2013

ccip82 said:

COgirl29 said:

I think these are all great arguments! It sounds like one of the main risks though is during turbulence - and not only on take-off or landing. Let's say at any time though there is violent turbulence. I have been on a flight where we were literally being bounced in the air off of our seats. If I was holding a baby, I'm not confident that I could have held onto her/him. I know a PP referenced it, but it's my understanding that it's really not safe to buckle the baby in with you...so I guess my question is, what do you do in that situation? Turbulence can be quite common.

PS - I fully understand driving in a car and flying in a plane are on two different levels as far as risk. I also don't have the money to buy 3 seats on every trip we take next year with LO, but the people on the car seat for the littles FB group are VERY convinced it's the only safe way to fly, and quite persuasive

Just to clarify on European airlines there is a separate infant seatbelt that connects to the regular seatbelt so you are not connected to the same one. DD and I have separate restraints.

You can decide to do whatever you feel most comfortable with. In all my flying with and without DD, I have never experienced such severe turbulence that myself or any other passengers with lap babies could not hold onto their babies (Not saying this could not happen!).

When DS is an infant I plan to wear him on the plane in my Ergo too. I did this with DD and she was quite content and
secure in there.

That's pretty cool about the infant seatbelt! They def don't have those on airlines in the US that I have ever seen.

Using the ergo is a good idea, because then it seems like she would be securely attached....

vstevens · November 2013

COgirl29 said:

That's pretty cool about the infant seatbelt! They def don't have those on airlines in the US that I have ever seen. Using the ergo is a good idea, because then it seems like she would be securely attached....

Depends on the carrier and the length of the flight. I think Delta gave me one for a short haul once, but I've been given them by United and American for 3+ hour flights before, and have received one on all international flights originating in the U.S. I've had since DS1 was born. If you use the Ergo, just head's up that they will not let you keep baby in it for take off and landing (which makes NO sense to me, but whatever).

On the extreme turbulence risk - it's there, but it's LOW. I've flown all over the world and racked up thousands of frequent flier miles, and only once on a flight to Hong Kong did I have turbulence I'd describe as "severe". Again, it's just a matter of deciding what risks you're willing to take and what risks you're not - because I classify this risk as low, so I do what I can within reason to mitigate any potential negative effects, without going overboard.

forevergraceful · November 2013

ccip82 said:

Just to clarify on European airlines there is a separate infant seatbelt that connects to the regular seatbelt so you are not connected to the same one. DD and I have separate restraints.

Ugh, can't get out of box. These are not permitted in the U.S., or on a U.S. carrier, for take off and landing. Lap children can only be held by the parent. You could use them after takeoff. As far as severe turbulence, yes it could get so bad that it would be difficult to hold the baby, but if you were strapped in and had your arms around baby, a tight grip should do.

sdlaura · November 2013

I'm lurking from Feb 2014 since I'm due at the beginning of the month...but wanted to weigh in since we have flown frequently with our daughter (14 months).

We always buy a seat and bring the carseat on, for a variety of reasons, one of which is safety. Every airline recommends having children under 2 fly in a child safety seat.

I also find that it is much more convenient to have the extra space. DD sleeps really well in her carseat and because we do a lot of 5-6 hour flights (either cross country or to Hawaii once), it is nice to have my hands/lap free for part of that time while she is asleep. An additional reason is that we then have the carseat at our destination and don't have to worry about it being damaged while checked or having to rent a carseat that could not be in the best shape.

sarahlm619 · November 2013

Just wanted to say thank you for the open discussion on this. I had a discussion about this that wasn't so open and just kinda bowed out because it was clear that everyone had an opinion that was not the same as mine....

I'm hoping to travel in April and wondered about whether or not it was "worth" buying a seat (my theory is, if a plane crashes, I'm dead...that the little lap seat belt isn't going to do crap) I DO get the turbulence thing...it's certainly something that I like hearing both sides of the argument!

COgirl29 · November 2013

vstevens said:

COgirl29 said:

ccip82 said:

That's pretty cool about the infant seatbelt! They def don't have those on airlines in the US that I have ever seen.

Using the ergo is a good idea, because then it seems like she would be securely attached....

Depends on the carrier and the length of the flight. I think Delta gave me one for a short haul once, but I've been given them by United and American for 3+ hour flights before, and have received one on all international flights originating in the U.S. I've had since DS1 was born. If you use the Ergo, just head's up that they will not let you keep baby in it for take off and landing (which makes NO sense to me, but whatever).

On the extreme turbulence risk - it's there, but it's LOW. I've flown all over the world and racked up thousands of frequent flier miles, and only once on a flight to Hong Kong did I have turbulence I'd describe as "severe". Again, it's just a matter of deciding what risks you're willing to take and what risks you're not - because I classify this risk as low, so I do what I can within reason to mitigate any potential negative effects, without going overboard.

Good to know.

And what?! They make you take baby out during take off and landing?? I would love to hear the logic behind that!

ccip82 · November 2013

COgirl29 said:

COgirl29 said:

That's pretty cool about the infant seatbelt! They def don't have those on airlines in the US that I have ever seen. Using the ergo is a good idea, because then it seems like she would be securely attached....

Depends on the carrier and the length of the flight. I think Delta gave me one for a short haul once, but I've been given them by United and American for 3+ hour flights before, and have received one on all international flights originating in the U.S. I've had since DS1 was born. If you use the Ergo, just head's up that they will not let you keep baby in it for take off and landing (which makes NO sense to me, but whatever).
On the extreme turbulence risk - it's there, but it's LOW. I've flown all over the world and racked up thousands of frequent flier miles, and only once on a flight to Hong Kong did I have turbulence I'd describe as "severe". Again, it's just a matter of deciding what risks you're willing to take and what risks you're not - because I classify this risk as low, so I do what I can within reason to mitigate any potential negative effects, without going overboard.
Good to know. And what?! They make you take baby out during take off and landing?? I would love to hear the logic behind that!

Yes, for every airline I've flown I had to take DD out of the Ergo during takeoff and landing. I think it basically comes down to certain regulations that the airlines have to follow to a T to cover themselves.

Taking her out of the Ergo never was a huge deal because I always would nurse for takeoffs and landings anyway.

forevergraceful · November 2013

vstevens said:

COgirl29 said:

That's pretty cool about the infant seatbelt! They def don't have those on airlines in the US that I have ever seen. Using the ergo is a good idea, because then it seems like she would be securely attached....

Depends on the carrier and the length of the flight. I think Delta gave me one for a short haul once, but I've been given them by United and American for 3+ hour flights before, and have received one on all international flights originating in the U.S. I've had since DS1 was born. If you use the Ergo, just head's up that they will not let you keep baby in it for take off and landing (which makes NO sense to me, but whatever).
On the extreme turbulence risk - it's there, but it's LOW. I've flown all over the world and racked up thousands of frequent flier miles, and only once on a flight to Hong Kong did I have turbulence I'd describe as "severe". Again, it's just a matter of deciding what risks you're willing to take and what risks you're not - because I classify this risk as low, so I do what I can within reason to mitigate any potential negative effects, without going overboard.

@vstevens, I am not sure what the airline gave you, but they definitely are not allowed in the U.S. If they are giving you a seatbelt extension and calling it an "infant seatbelt", the airline is seriously in the wrong.

Here's a link the FAA rules regarding infant lap children and child restraints. https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/media/child-safety-tips.pdf

forevergraceful · November 2013

sarahlm619 said:

Just wanted to say thank you for the open discussion on this. I had a discussion about this that wasn't so open and just kinda bowed out because it was clear that everyone had an opinion that was not the same as mine....

I'm hoping to travel in April and wondered about whether or not it was "worth" buying a seat (my theory is, if a plane crashes, I'm dead...that the little lap seat belt isn't going to do crap) I DO get the turbulence thing...it's certainly something that I like hearing both sides of the argument!

Not true, actually there is about a 95% chance you will survive. https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=94023&page=1

ETA: Here is a link to the full NTSB report for those who are nerds.https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/safetystudies/SR0101.pdf

vstevens · November 2013

BalletLover said:

vstevens said:

COgirl29 said:

That's pretty cool about the infant seatbelt! They def don't have those on airlines in the US that I have ever seen. Using the ergo is a good idea, because then it seems like she would be securely attached....

Depends on the carrier and the length of the flight. I think Delta gave me one for a short haul once, but I've been given them by United and American for 3+ hour flights before, and have received one on all international flights originating in the U.S. I've had since DS1 was born. If you use the Ergo, just head's up that they will not let you keep baby in it for take off and landing (which makes NO sense to me, but whatever).
On the extreme turbulence risk - it's there, but it's LOW. I've flown all over the world and racked up thousands of frequent flier miles, and only once on a flight to Hong Kong did I have turbulence I'd describe as "severe". Again, it's just a matter of deciding what risks you're willing to take and what risks you're not - because I classify this risk as low, so I do what I can within reason to mitigate any potential negative effects, without going overboard.

@vstevens, I am not sure what the airline gave you, but they definitely are not allowed in the U.S. If they are giving you a seatbelt extension and calling it an "infant seatbelt", the airline is seriously in the wrong.

Here's a link the FAA rules regarding infant lap children and child restraints. https://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/media/child-safety-tips.pdf

@BalletLover Well now I'm completely confused...maybe we were on codeshare flights and I wasn't paying attention? But I swear I thought I remembered a Delta flight attendant giving me this buckle thing when we flew to Jacksonville...though admittedly DS1 was only 3 months old at the time and I was allll kinds of new mom crazy.

forevergraceful · November 2013

@BalletLover Well now I'm completely confused...maybe we were on codeshare flights and I wasn't paying attention? But I swear I thought I remembered a Delta flight attendant giving me this buckle thing when we flew to Jacksonville...though admittedly DS1 was only 3 months old at the time and I was allll kinds of new mom crazy.

Lol, the only thing I can think of is that she gave you a seatbelt extension? Which is an oopsies, because that is definitely not safe.

HereWeGo2 · November 2013

The FAA is the reason babies have to be out of the carriers for takeoff and landing, NOT the airline. The airline can face huge fines if they let the babie stay in the ergo etc and the FAA finds out (and yes, the FAA sometimes flies unannounced to 'verify' the rules are followed.) I agree it doesn't make much sense to take them out, but the only non carseat that is approved is the CARES system a prior poster mentioned. It fits over a seat for the kid though, not yours, so to use it you would still have to buy a seat. Another option I didn't see mentioned is asking if the flight is full and if not most airlines will let you use an empty seat for the carseat at no charge once you get to the gate. It isn't a sure thing though since if it is a full flight the babyseat would be gate checked. We fly space available since my huaband works for an airline and typically LO has had her own seat (more comfortable for all involved) but from a safety standpoint i'd not be concerned holding her as a lap child on an airline.

nbbride06 · November 2013

I don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said, but wanted to let you know that we always flew with DD as a lap baby. While the extra seat itself may have been nice when she was 21 months to have more space, I can't imagine her sitting in her carseat for a 5+ hour flight. We have always traveled with the carseat, but we've checked it. We bought an inexpensive, well rated by Consumer Reports, carseat that we only use for travel (and in grandma's car, etc). It's lightweight, easy to install, and our professionally installed carseats do not have to be removed from our cars for travel. And if it gets ruined, we're only $50 in the hole. I also always nursed on takeoff and landing while she was an infant, so she wouldn't have been in the carseat at that point anyway.

HereWeGo2 · November 2013

nbbride06 said:
We bought an inexpensive, well rated by Consumer Reports, carseat that we only use for travel (and in grandma's car, etc). It's lightweight, easy to install, and our professionally installed carseats do not have to be removed from our cars for travel. And if it gets ruined, we're only $50 in the hole.

Exactly what we do too!

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