School-Aged Children
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XP: Anyone with experience using carseat on plane?
CD+AL
member
We are traveling by plane in May, and I think we'll use the kids'
carseats on the plane as opposed to gate checking them. This is a first
for us, but I'm thinking it won't be that bad...similar to strapping it
into the carseat with a lap belt. We have a Britax Boulevard and
Frontier (possibly two Frontiers by that point depending how fast DD
shoots up). Any experience? Am I underestimating how difficult they
will be to install on the plane?
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Re: XP: Anyone with experience using carseat on plane?
Maybe the solution based on this advice is to put the 5yo behind his sister (3yo) so if he kicks anyone's seat it's her seat.
Any additional thoughts in light of the additional info? I'm really not trying to be loony about this, but I do want to make sure that we are covered when we arrive. I'd rather try to replace everything in our luggage (except maybe prescription drugs) than try to replace our seats.
And the thought of shipping ahead crossed my mind too...perfect solution...For a mere $555. Yeah, that's crazy. I did probably over estimate the weight a bit, and it was just the online automated shipping estimator. However, that's insane. Probably not our solution, but I appreciate any and all ideas.
Really, it's too bad that you have to worry so much about how mistreated baggage gets (both by the airlines treating bags roughly and by losing so many items). On one of our last trips, we had a brand new soft-sided suitcase that actually fell off the little trailer that they use for hauling all the bags out to the planes. Something (presumably the trailer???) ran over it leaving tire tracks and then drug it underneath for who knows how long (we could actually see it under the trailer when it pulled up to the plane from our seats). It was raining so every thing inside was soaked when we arrived, and the whole thing was a filthy, tattered mess.
When we complained and asked that they compensate us for the bag as it was brand new before that flight (pics to prove it), they told us that was considered "normal wear and tear" and that they were not liable because the bag was still usable, so I don't have a lot of confidence in the airlines when it comes to baggage any more. The bag technically was usable (sort of) with a little cleaning, but by the time we used it on our return flight (same trip, same airline), we ended up having to toss it out. It was not a cheap, poorly made bag (but was soft sided), but it literally only survived one round trip with two flights each way. That's kind of pathetic, and concerns me when I think of checking our kids' carseats.
I think I'll research the BubbleBums. If anyone has any experience with them, I'd love to hear it. Thanks everyone!
Ha, this got a little out of control.
First, if you do plan on bringing both seats and you do 3 in one row, I'd call the airline to see if that is ok. Usually they want the car seat to be by the window so it doesn't impede other travelers if they need to exit in an emergency. Not sure if it would be a problem with two car seats or not. It also may depend on how wide the base is whether you could fit them side by side. I would think it would be difficult for our kids' car seats (a Graco Nautilus and Britax Marathon).
However, I actually think it's easier to have the kids together. Then you have one bag with all of their toys/movies/books/snacks and they usually sit and play together. Or watch a movie together. Our kids want to sit next to each other and will entertain each other which makes it easier on us.
I've flown a good deal and have NEVER seen someone who looks to be over the age of 3 in a car seat. As others have said I'm sure it happens but I'd guess it is extremely rare.
Lastly, if you do use a car seat ask for a seat belt extension. We didn't use one the first time we installed the Marathon on the plane. The buckle ended up right in the middle of the back of the car seat, and we couldn't unbuckle it without removing the back of the airplane seat. We had to wait until everyone was off the plane and then have the flight attendant help us. Total pain.
I think we've settled on a plan as long as the 4yo is big enough for a backless booster by then (fingers crossed as she'll barely be 4). Since we can't get away with carry-on only this trip anyway, hubby and I will each have a carry-on suitcase with enough clothes and supplies for all four of us for a few days in case something does happen to the checked bags. We'll check two bags with the rest of our necessities. All four of us will have backpacks...the kids will be stocked with activities, snacks, etc. for the plane, and their second personal item will be the backless boosters that will (God willing I find some that will fit) go under their seats. I think I've even figured out a way to bungee cord the boosters to hubby and my backpacks through the airports so the kids don't have to carry them and our hands are free. No checked carseats to stress over on the way down and if our checked bags don't arrive with us, and no gate checking to deal with either.
Over thinking it for as far off as our trip is, but I feel better having a plan. Thank you all for your input...That's how I finally got to a plan that I can live with.
We will be using a car at our destination, which is why I'm concerned about making sure we definitely have carseats once we're there. I wouldn't normally put either of my kids in backless boosters at all, but I'm hoping that it will be limited to this trip and that DH and I can work together to keep them awake, which will be the biggest concern with either of them in backless boosters. Well, sleeping and moving out of place and #2 gaining a bit more between now and then, but based on her growth in the past, I think she'll be ok by May. She's really tall, so she should be ok on height...maybe even now (haven't measured her recently).
This has kind of turned into one of those "no perfect solution" situations, but a backless booster is certainly better than no carseat at all, which is what we've been advised is the norm. I am so not ok with that idea at all.