Flying with a 2-year-old...carseat??

We always use the carseat up until 4. It is recommended by the airlines, but there is no enforcement by law. It is better all around, in my personal opinion.

We ALWAYS use a carseat (up through 4 years old) - it's much easier for the child to sit in (and fall asleep). The airplane seat is much too big for a 2 year old to be comfortable in.

Hi S.,
i just traveled with my 3 year old this Feb. for the first time and did not need a car seat on the plane. It was fine for him and he enjoyed the space. I did wipe down the seat, lap belt and tray with a wet-one wipe so i would feel more comfortable, but over all it was safe and much more easy. have a great ride.

My grandson flew from Kalamaoo to El Paso in his car seat when he was just about your son's age. It worked out fine and he could see everthing well or sleep in his seat and when we got there we had the car seat for him to travel around in. J. N

I have done it both ways. I also did the lap option when my sons were older. The careseat was a blessing to have my boys were not restricted by the airplane seat belt and wanted to get up and stand in the seat try and get out, etc. We took the car seats on the last trip and it was awesome to be so relaxed on the flight, we will do it this way next time for sure.

I hope this isn't too late for your trip this weekend...We have flown with carseats several times and it is definitely the way to go. I hope you have bought a ticket for the two year-old because that is the only way to guarantee that there will be a seat. If you haven't bought an extra ticket they may let you use an extra seat but there are no guarantees. It is so much safer in a carseat and then you don't have a wiggly kid on your lap the whole time - there is a lot more room to move around. My kids also fell asleep a lot better in their carseat than if we were holding them. Most carseats should be fine in airplanes - it should say somewhere in the instructions that came with the carseat (or maybe even on the carseat itself). You only need to take the carseat on the plane if it has it's own harness - the booster seats that use the car seatbelts don't do any good since the planes don't have shoulder belts. Have a great trip!

I remember doing it both ways. You have to install it like you would a lap belt. It's okay either way. Just your preference.

Just remeber to bring juice boxes (or a favorite snack)for ascention and descention for ear popping relief.

Have a happy and safe trip.

I think if you are traveling on your own, you will want as little to carry as possible! We let our 2 year old sit in the plane seat and just took and umbrella stroller for the airport.

Hi S.,

My husband and I flew with 2 15-month-olds a few years back. There was no way we could manage to lug the car seats along, because we also had 2 other young children with us so I bought a special belt that we could use to click them into the seatbelt on the airplane. Then we wound up not using them. The times I've flown since then I've seen quite a few families with small children and no car seats.

The point of the carseat is to protect the child in case of sudden impact/halt of the forward motion. Airplanes see more turbulence and an up and down motion, so the seatbelts on the plane may suffice.

That said, I think you need to do what you feel most comfortable doing. I have seen a few families bring the seat on the plane and if that's what you want to do then I say go for it.

Hope that helps!

I have taken my 3 year old son on the plane 3 times. I would defiantly suggest taking a car seat. I think my son is a lot more comfortable sitting in a familiar seat, and it is easier for him to take a nap. And, he isn't apt to try and get out of his seat if he is in his car seat. The only con is that they are bulky, and it is an extra item that you have to carry threw the airport, but I think it is worth it. Have a safe trip!

the fact that you're flying alone and it's really not necessary says to me it'd just be one more hassel for you to deal with. i just flew 2 wks. ago w/my 2 1/2 yr. old and he did fine in the seatbelt. We also brought movies and headphones fofr him to watch on the laptop. Bring lots of snacks too so that he's eating something during take off, etc. to help his ears. you could also buy water AFTER you pass security for him to drink that as well to help his ears. hope it goes well!

Hi,
I just got back from a trip to Disney World with my 3 year old. We also thought perhaps a carseat on the plane, but when I looked into it ... the airlines are a little hazy on whether or not to allow parents to do that ... some do some don't. We were on a bus and then rented a stroller at the park, so we didn't have to worry about that part. In the end we bought a harness system specifically for the airline seat itself. It worked fine, however it was a tad restrictive and I don't think he could really comfortably sleep with it on. The flight down was fine, he was so excited just to be on the plane, and everything was so new. On the flight back, we did change it up a bit and did what all the other parents on the flight did, buckle him with the normal seatbelt, and just let him rest on one of us. The biggest help I thought was we bought some going on an airplane books that described everything from packing, traveling to the airport, going through security and the noises on the plane itself. We read those to him for a week before we went, and then kept the book out so that everytime we did a step, we would see it in the book and look forward to the next step. That way there was no surprises. Cheers and good luck! Oh we also packed a couple suckers for the ear problem.

Just flew (alone) to San Fransisco in September with my two year old--bring the carseat! It's a bit of a pain to lug around the airport, but it was definitely worth having on the plane! I can't imagine the wrestling match we would have hd without it once he decided he was tired of sitting and wanted to run around.

Hi S.,
I have a 2 year old daughter and have traveled with her a number of times. In fact, we just returned from Georgia. I have never used the car seat with her and can't imagine lugging that thing around the airport and installing it- UGH! I brought a little pillow to put behind her so she fit in the seat better and the belt fit better. I also brought a portable DVD player. This is what you should not leave home without! My daughter sits still and watched her videos like a perfect angel! New toys are also good but they only keep the attention for so long. If you don't have one- borrow one from a friend!

-W.

I have flown with my almost 2 year old buckled in his carseat, and I think he was more comfortable (he fell asleep immediately and didn't slouch over too much) and I felt better about him being buckled in. BUT, you have to have a carseat that has been approved by the FAA, or they will make you check it. It should say that it has been approved somewhere on the labeling/instructions attached to the seat. Good Luck

I have flown regularly with my now 3 year old - I never used a carseat with him because I didn't want to deal with lugging it through the airport. However, my brother and his family always use a carseat with their kids and say it is easier for the kids to sleep since they are used to it in the car. I'd say if your son sleeps well in his carseat to go ahead and use it. I usually just have my son lay his head on my lap, or he curls up in his own seat to sleep; if his carseat were there we'd be limited on his moving around to get comfy, but depending on the child that could be a good thing ... so I guess my advice is use your own best judgment!

Does your two year old like his car seat while driving? If not, I wouldn't recommend using it on a plane. Also, if it's not approved by the FAA, there's really no point to using your carseat on the plane, it won't provide the stability your child needs. I've flown several times with my daughter (now 4), and have never used her carseat on the plane. Most airlines let you check the carseat with your luggage at no additional cost so you don't have to lug it through the airport, and you can gate check the stroller so you will have it right when you get off the plane. Since on a plane you'll be sitting right next to him, it's not like when in a car and your driving. If he'd rather not sit in it, I wouldn't make him. If however he feels safe in it, then go for it. As far as safety, I don't think it really matters. Another piece of advice about flying with a child, they will let you board first (or relatively first) and if you can avoid this, DO! It's easier to let everyone else board, and then get on. You don't have to worry about holding other people up, and it's less time your child will be made to sit in a seat, and if he's anything like my daughter at that age, she was great with flying, but not so great with having to sit in a seat for long periods of time, why make it longer!

Take the carseat. It's easier IMO. We flew to FL last month with our 10 yr old and our 17 month old twins. We took their carseats right onto the plane and buckled them into the plane seat. It was easier for us to have them in their car seats, it was something familiar to them and they fell asleep (just like they do in the car). It was easier to have them belted into their car seat so they couldn't squirm their way out of the regular seatbelt. It gave us time to get our things put away and gather them together as well at landing w/out worrying about them getting out and climbing all over the seats, etc. I would say it probably depends on your child and how wiggly they are, how well they adapt to new environments, how well they listen to you, etc.

You will have to put the car seat through the xray machine at the security check at the airport, so depending on the time you are leaving, you may want to allow some extra time for going through security.

We Flew Northwest -- they did NOT count the carseats as a carry on. There were six of us flying and we each had a carry-on, plus the 2 car seats and our double stroller. I bought an old-fashioned luggage cart and I strapped both carseats onto it (one on top of the other) with bungie cords in order to wheel them through the airport - and it worked fine. We have the Graco Comfort Sport convertible car seats and they fit the airline seats well. Some car seats are a little too wide to really fit well into the airline seat. I think I read somewhere that normally anything over 19" wide is a tough fit. You can check the forum boards at the Baby Bargains web site for info on flying with car seats and which models are better than others. http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/

Did you ask the airline if they have protocol to follow? They'd be the best to ask

Use the car seat! As the flight attendant said, it can get pretty rough up there. Most plane crashes are survivable. A 3 year old survived a plane crash a few months ago because she was in her car seat. Plus it's just easier. A friend of ours didn't use one for her 2 year old and woke up to find her 2 year old wandering the aisle. She slipped right out of the belt. It's safer, it keeps them in their seats, and trust me you do not want the airline checking your car seat! They are very, very rough with them. People have gotten off planes and been greeted with a trashed car seat. Some flight attendants aren't up to date on car seat regulations. As long as it's FAA approved (it will say so right on it) then you are allowed to use it. If they give you a hard time ask to see their policy. They sell something called a GoGo Kidz Travelmate. It's basically a luggage cart for your car seat. You can strap them in and use it as a stroller while you go through the airport. I know others have used a regular luggage cart as well. Someone also mentioned a CARES harness. Both are pricey but worth it if you plan on flying more than a few times. You can always resell it after you use it. Good luck!

We flew with my son when he was 8 months old and I insisted on getting him his own seat and taking his car seat. There was a lot of turbulance in the flight home and I was grateful that he was in his own seat securely fastened. I've thought often about how he could have been hurt if we hadn't given him his own seat and lugged his car seat along too. It's inconvenient, but I believe worth the trouble.

I have flown 100's of times with my kids and I have never used one. I flew when my daughter was six months, all the way until now, 4.5. She sits with a belt. Not to jinx you or think the worst but if something is going to happen in a plane the seat belt and or car seat is not going to help much. Plus, turbulence has never been that bad to actually jostle you out of the seat. It is up to you but that seems like more hassle for you than necessary. We are going on a plane tomorrow too and neither of our kids are in car seats.

The airline may check to see if the car seat is approved for aircraft use. Otherwise it's a great idea. Your son is already used to it and it will probably be more comfortable to sleep in.

TAKE THE CARSEAT!! We have flown numerous times with our son and we always see others with carseats. If you can take it, then do it!! It will be more familuar to him and he already knows that when hes sitting in his carseat, thats where he has to stay. With just sitting in the seat its VERY tempting to want to get up and wander around (other people ate doing it, why cant he!?) I HIGHLY recommend taking the carseat. Good luck! Remember to takes really great snacks and some new toys! We always go to the dollar store before flying to pick up cheap, new, fun things that he can play with on the plane. Then if you lose one you arent concerned and for $1 you can buy lots of fun stuff!! Have a great flight!

I have done both. It really all depends on how well your child will be able to stay in there seat. If they have the wiggles it migt be better to use the carseat. You just hook to the airplane seat like you would in the car. It may make life a little easier on you if they can't get up and down and move all around. Hope this helps

We have used a carseat with both of our children. My son used his carseat until he was 3 1/2 and my daughter still uses it on the plane (shes 2 1/2). I like it b/c it helps them relax and take naps in a seat that they are comfortable while on the plane.

I dont know if things have changed but 11 yrs ago. you couldnt use a empty seat unless you paid for it. or there were empty seats on the plane. I did the car seat thing twice. the first time we were flying from overseas and that was a 12+ hr trip. its a pain to travel with all that but its safter I think. and this way I didnt have to hold him this whole time.

i just took my 2yr old on aplane in jan. i took his car seat on board w/ me it was fine.if you don't how are you going to get around where ever you're going. if you already have one waiting don't take it, it's a pain.i did see this couple that had wheels for their car seat.i wish i'd of known about that.

I work for the airline and using the car seat is the safest thing that you can possibly do for your child. The car seat can not block access for someone not traveling with you to have access to the aisle way. Your best bet is to get a window seat for the car seat. That way this will not be an issue and you will not have to move it. If the seatbelt is too short to go thru the car seat you can request a seat belt extension. Dont forget things for your son to do, and have a drink ready for take off and landing to help with the ears. Good luck and have fun wherever you are going :)

I'm the mother of 3 girls, ages 5, 4, and 18 months. I think having them sit in their car seat is the best option at age 2. They're comfortable in it, and know how to behave when in it. My always napped on the plane better if they were in their car seat. And it was the easiest way to get the car seat to where you are going. Good Luck and remember to ask the flight attendents for help.

We frequently travel with all four of our kids and have never used a car seat (nor would I want to try to lug one). There is enough to keep track of when traveling, why add to your work load. I do highly recommend the stroller (any stroller...), just gate check it and it will be ready and waiting for you as soon as you step off the plane.
Try fruit snacks, suckers or licorice to help with the ears, just hand them to him slowly and make him chew and chew. We always take snacks - a sippy cup (for sure), crackers, dry cereal, whatever to keep them chewing and occupied. More often than not the kids sleep most of the flight anyway. Just enjoy your adventure with your son - you'll both be fine.

Hi S.,
I researched this question on-line before traveling with my daughter who was about a year at the time. I took our carseat and checked it at the plane gate and sometimes, when there was an empty seat, I could install it on the plane. It was great and I would do the same thing again. Of course, it's safer, but it's also nice to have the carseat handled less than going underneath the plane. I watched them loading carseats and they were very rough with them and if you pull one strap on my brand of carseat it causes real problems, so I liked having it nearby. Also, if for any reason your luggage gets lost or delayed, you at least have your carseat there if you want to leave the airport when you land.
You need to ask for a belt extender to install most and the air line employees have that right there on the plane. There are usually installation instructions in your guide book for the carseat if you still have that.
Happy traveling,
A.

We flew a couple times when my son was 2 1/2 and 3. We did not bring the carseat- but did bring the stroller and had it gate checked. He was fine in the seat belt on the plane. We did rent a car-seat to use in the limo to the resort though.

You don't need a carseat during the flight the lapbelt is all you need or a booster seat, but if you can still bring it and check it at the gate when your boarding the plane so your baby will have a seat for the car once you arrive at your destination.I also have a 3 yr old and I have been flying with her since she was 6 months and we recently flew to Florida and the lapbelt worked out just fine.

I've never had the opportunity to try it myself, but a friend swears by having her kids sit in their carseats. She says that her kids don't ask to get out of their carseat because they are used to being "stuck" in them while in the car, so it doesn't seem to occur to them that they would be able to get out of them until they have landed and everyone else is getting up.

The FAA does recommend that you fly with them in the car seat, as long as it is a 5 point harness. The "booster seats" types are LESS safe then just the seat belts on a plane. My best friend is a flight attendant with Northwest and this is what they are taught. Plus, it helps most kids feel more comfortable when they are in their own seats. The airlines don't recommend that they be in their own seats from birth to sell more seats, it is a safety issue.

Good luck on your trip, goodness knows that I have taken more then my fair share of trips with the kids myself (parents live in Florida!) and it isn't easy. Remember that the TSA people WON'T help you with your stuff going through security. Just take your time and forget all the people behind you...they should have allowed more time :-)
J.

Hi S.,
From my own past experience, the airlines require an FAA approved carseat, or they won't let you use it. Most newer carseats are, and will have a sticker on the back or a note in the carseat manual. Bring the manual to show at the gate.

If yours isn't approved, don't worry, your son might be more comfortable cuddled in the seat in blankets anyway.

It has worked for me - just be patient. The frame may take some time to put on/off but it's worth it to have the carseat at your destination. A flight attendant can help on the plane if you need it.

Hi S.,
I'm a flight attendant and know first hand that it's much safer for the child and easier on the parent if you use a car seat. You have to have purchased a seat for the child (which I assume you did since he is 2 yrs old). Typical 2 yr olds don't sit well in a seatbelt. Number 1 they are not used to it and want to get out and number 2 it doesn't fit them very snuggly (safely). In a sudden stop on the ground, or emergency landing, they could slide right out from under it.
Hope that helps and have a safe trip.

D.

I have always taken my seat with me. I take my stroller with the seat in it right up to the gate and have them load the stroller at the gate. They have always made me put the car seat by the window so if there was a crash people would not have to crawl over the seat to get out. I used to fly a lot when the boys were little

You can use your carseat with no problems - I have done it with my kids. They will just make you put the carseat in the window seat (so evacuation can be done easily if necessary). But it works great, and you and your child will be much more comfortable since you will each have your own space! Good luck!

Hi S., My Children are a little older now but I did use a car seat when my son was about 3, the airline actually prefers it. They usually are pretty good about helping out with getting it adjusted in the seat for you. Have a great time on your trip.

B.

I do not think a car seat is necessary on a plane. A car seat is mainly to prevent a child from being injured in a car accident because the force in a car accident is much different than on a plane. You would not have a head on crash with another plane or have to slam on the breaks of a plane causing normal seat belt injuries. The only reason you would need to take a car seat with you on this trip is to put it in the rental car once you get to your destination.

We took our son's carseat on the plane and I will never do it again. He is a great sitter and will just sit in a seat so there was no need to put him in it to restrain him. The reason I willl not bring it again is because it pushed him forward allowing him to kick the persons seat in front of him. I had to constatnly watch his feet. On the way home we took the red eye and he slept the whole time on our laps and the carseat took up a whole seat on its own. What a waste and pain to carry it through the airport, Those are my thoughts.
T.

Hi S.,

Up until the last year, my in-laws lived out of state and we would fly to visit them about twice a year. We have 3 children (8, 5 & 22 months) and we always brought our car seats on the plane until they were about 4 or 5 years old. It keeps them more contained and I think they are more comfortable - especially if they fall asleep. (Also, I always felt better knowing that they were really secure.) You need to put the carseat next to the window. If you can get a bulkhead seat, it gives a little more room and doesn't keep the person in front of you from reclining their seat. It's one more thing to carry through the airport, but you can bring a small or umbrella stroller with you and they will check it at the gate. They you can load all of your stuff on it to get to the gate and it is unloaded right there for when you get off the plane. I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

S.,

I just flew with my son over Thanksgiving past and we did use a carseat, however, he was 7 months at the time. At two I would probably still use the carseat especially if it is a long flight. That way he can be strapped in even when he is sleeping. The carseat was cumbersome and has to be in a window seat due to FAA rules, but I think it is worth the peace of mind.

M. P

If you need a carseat at your final destination, you can gate check the seat (and stroller if you have that too). I just flew w/ DD (who's 3) for the first time. She just sat in the seat. We're flying again in July and we'll need the car seat for the rental car. We will gate check the seat.

I used our carseat to fly to California when my daughter was
two. It worked out great. And we had a carseat available
to put in our rented car.

S.:

Hi! A couple years ago my husband and I went on vacation to Mexico with our twin daughters, who at that time were 2 years old.

We saw a type of a car seat that converted into a quickie stroller in a magazine. We ended up buying them. I have to say they were awesome in getting through the airports quickly. I can't tell you the number of parents that stopped to ask about the seats.

The only down side to the particular ones we bought was that they were tough getting down the center aisle on some planes.

In general, I liked the carseat for our girls. I don't think they were physically ready to sit in the regular plane seat at that time. They were a little on the smaller side.

Hope this helps! Good luck!
-M.

Yes, bring the carseat. Everyone I know with a 2 year-old has used a carseat during air travel. He'll be more comfortable in "his" seat and if you have the stroller frame it'll be handy for carting him around the terminal.

Last time I flew I saw the people that brought carseats checking them planeside, because I think I counts as your carry on or something. With all the issues at the airport, I would put him in the seatbelt, or your lap and call it good.

Hi S. - I fly quite a bit and there are some 'pros' to using a car seat. My 2-year old feels comfortable in her car seat because it is something that is familiar with her. I think they are more willing to settle down and take a nap or play with a toy because it is more like being in the car versus trying to get them to sit still in a big seat that they've never experienced before. Another pro is that you don't have to worry about your car seat being ruined if you were to check it through to your destination. Con of course is that you have to lug around a carseat in the airport...hope that helps!

S., seems CRAZY they won't let you bring a car seat on the plane, It has been a long time but "Leaps and Bounds" and a couple of other Childrens Co.s offer a safety strap for the plane. Look on line for "Childrens catalogs" The Otherwise. take an infant neck pillow and a small pillow in case he falls asleep. Also, if he is at all congested make sure he takes a decongestant a couple of days before and the day of, less ear trouble. For the plane, (even though you hate to) bring a small sucker, and play the funny face game, pull on your ears, open your mouth wide, anything that will get him to do the same, keep those ears open. Take a small bag of new mini toys to keep him busy, if he is a music lover, a small, portable cd player, all in his own new back pack, so he can carry them, less for you to handle. Be prepared hon and it will work. Have fun! K.

I just got back from FL and didn't use the carseat on the way down but used it on the way back. It was much to hard to keep him contained and not disturbing other passengers and keep him safe with just the airplane seat beat. He was used to the carseat and did much better with it.

We just flew with our 2 year old and did not take the car seat. Also, someone said that they can sit on your lap and that is not true. At 2 you have to buy a ticket for them. I didn't want the car seat to take up all of our space and I wanted my daughter to be able to move around. When we got to our destination and rented the car we got the carseat with it. Good luck.

I know you got tons of responses, but just wanted to add, if you don't take it on the plane (I don't), but still need it at your destination, then you can send it through just like checked luggage. It will count towards your luggage allowance.

You might want to check with airline on what they allow. I have been flying southwest. They only allow a certain type of carseat, which is not the one I have of course. My daughter is 2 1/2. I just check her carseat with the luggage and she uses just the seatbelt. I have not had any problems.

Hi S.!

We've traveled on planes with and without the carseat.

We traveled with our daughter to Europe and took her carseat on the plane. We figured, if she's comfortable sleeping in it in the car, she'll be comfortable sleeping in it on the plane, and we were right! She slept great and wasn't swallowed up by the big seat, as she was when we were on a different trip without it...and we had to bring the carseat along both times anyway b/c we needed to use it for transportation purposes at our destination.

A side note, on the way home from our European trip, a flight attendant thanked us for using the car seat and told us it is much safer in case something should happen...

I've seen a product called the Baby B'Air for use on a plane without a carseat...but I don't know much about it.

Ok, have a great trip!

I've never flown with my children, and have heard of and seen it done both ways. I guess the question that I would ask myself is how well does your son sit still for a long period of time? I look at my youngest daughter, who turns 3 in April and I would put her in a car seat (even though she's in a booster now) for a plane ride. She struggles with sitting still and knows how to unbuckle. The lap belts are just to easy for those little bodies to squirm out of. If you think he can handle sitting still long enough - or at least still enough not to disturb you and the passenger next to you, then go without the carseat. Otherwise, use it, if only to save your sanity during a time that could be crazy enough.

Hello, Ive been on a plane a few times, the carseat can't go on the plane you will be holding your child, plus then you don't pay for a extra seat, if you check on-line (internet) it will tell you about carseats not being on a Airplane. I hope this helps & you have a wonderful trip.

If you check most airline websites, they will say the FAA 'recommends' use of a car seat, however, it is not mandated... yet. I have flown with my daughter, however, she is approaching 7 months. So, we have just held her on our laps as that is allowed up to the age of 2 on most airlines.

The use of the car seat on a plane is to protect the child, as stated in the other response. In addition, you have to think about how well does your child tolerate the car seat, how long is the flight, will you allow the child out of the seat, etc... I have seen many children fly without a car seat. I have not made up my mind yet regarding how we will do it in the future because it is one more thing to lug through the airport. In addition, most airlines do not count carseats in the checked luggage allowance. So, it isn't like you are giving up a piece of checked luggage to check the carseat. It's a freebie.

I think you have to decide what you feel most comfortable with and what you think your child will tolerate.

I would base my decision on how long the flight is. If it's a long flight I would take the car seat so that he could fall asleep in something familiar and so you could belt him in. However, lugging the carseat is a huge hassle esp through security and then installing in the plane. If it's a short flight I'd leave the carseat and bring snacks and movies to entertain him on the plane. Good luck!

The 2 year old can go either way with the car seat on the plane - it is up to you. I traveled last year with my 2 year old and did not take one. She actually curled up (since she was small) and I put the arm rest up adn slept the whole flight - both ways. I am glad we didn't have a car seat becuase I she couldn't have curled up.

If you are renting a car or are goign to be drive in a at your destination you will need a car seat anyway so why not use it on the plane also. If you are going somewhere like we did (a cruise) and no car was used it would have just taken up space.

Have a nice trip.

I recommend using a carseat. It will definitely keep your child safer if anything does happen. It will also make him feel more secure since he's used to his carseat. And if it's a long enough ride that he may take a nap it will be more comfortable for him, especially if he sleeps in it in the car. We travelled with our 16-month old triplets (ACROSS COUNTRY!!!) and thank God we brought the carseats. You'll also need your carseat when you get to your destination, too, I assume.

Good Luck
Dana

i have seen carseats on planes, it's great for 2 yr.olds that won't still still during flight. but beware it's alot to lug around

We just made a 3 1/2 hour plane trip with our very active 2 1/2 year old. Car seat is the way to go for all the other reasons stated on here. I would make sure your seat is rated for plane use beforehand, as for the first time ever, a gate agent inspected our seat ahead of time to make sure it was OK for use on a plane. Also, I assume you will be riding in a car wherever you land - you can pay to rent a car seat daily and get something random, or you can be secure with your own.

I just took my almost 2 year old on a flight from detroit to LA and the carseat was the best idea ever!!! It was just like riding in the car, easy as pie. Take a portable DVD player and some movies too if you have one. Have a great time!!!

you should definitely use the car seat. It's the same as using it in the car. We did lots of travelling with 3 kids and I used it all the time. There are several advantages

1. Your child will have a familiar thing on the plane.
2. It's a safety issue. Those seats are designed for adults not 2 yr old.
3. Your kid can fall asleep and won't flop over and be more comfortable.

S.,
I just flew alone with my 20 month old this past month. I did use my carseat and was glad to have it. I witnessed other kids of a similar age on our plane that did not have car seats and they were much crazier than my daughter. I think that the carseat also offered her some sort of comfort because it was a familiar item in a strange setting. Plus, it kept her more secure and less prone to wiggling around than the seatbelt alone would have done. The only downfall was getting it onto the plane. I suggest boarding early and asking a flight attendent to help you get to your seat (I've found they don't always offer help without being asked - so don't be afraid to be forthcoming with your request!). I had the flight attendant carry the carseat to our seats while I carried my daughter and our carry-on bag. I had a backpack/bag that the carseat fit into so that is how I got it through the airport and onto the plane. It looked very bulky but wasn't too heavy.

Another option: I have a friend with a son who is also 20 months and she's used the FAA-approved CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) belt for her son. It is a harness that works with the airplane's own lap belt so that your younger child has a harness that goes over his or her shoulders in addition to the lap belt. You can find it at www.kidsflysafe.com. It's a little on the pricey side (I think around $90) but if you don't want to deal with the hassle of transporting the car seat and if you can afford it, it's a great alternative. And if you plan on flying multiple times with your child before they reach 44 pounds (it is approved for kids between 22 and 44 pounds), it may be a good investment.

Best of luck!
J. (married, working mother of one)

Take the carseat! If you can carry it comfortably, and you can do it with the stroller if needed (my husband uses the back tether and clips it to something else on the carseat to carry it on his shoulder like a backpack). The best part about the carseat on the plane is that when you put your child in it in the airplane, they won't assume they can get out- to them it's just like being in a car. Just make sure on the bottom of the carseat it says in red that it is approved for FAA flights, and again, just make sure you can get your child, the carseat and the stroller comfortably by yourself! Good luck

I have flown with my son and done it both ways. He lap sat at 9 months, and I took the carseat at 20 months. The reason I took the carseat: It raised him up so he could see out the window, and it was a 5 point harness seat, so it kept him a little more restained. He was more relaxed because he was used to his carseat and it helped the unfamiliar be a little more familiar for him. Plus, when he dozed off, it gave him some head-support. I was also very fortunate. My carseat was narrow enough to fit on my umbrella stroller. So I used a "hand strap" to strap the carseat to the stroller, stuck him in it and got through the airport that way - then I had an umbrella stroller for the trip too!