Hello Everyone! I am coming to you all again for some wonderful advice. I am going to be traveling later this week with my kids alone. I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old. I was wondering, I have to bring my 2 year old's car seat anyways- should i or shouldn't I use it on the plane? Has anyone had an experience with this? Just wondering if it would help keep my 2 year old still and maybe go to sleep or if I should let her be in the seat like her older sister? I just want as little conflict as possiblet hat day. I have 2 flights and each are about an hour 1/2 to 2 hours. Thank you!
Bring the carseat and use it!! That is the only way that my 2 year old will stay in his seat (and fall asleep). Good luck on the flight! I have flown with my two kids by myself and it can be trying. Bring lots of snacks and stuff to keep them busy!
I think it's a great idea. We flew with 2-year old twins and had them in their car seats. While it was a little cumbersome to get the seat on/off the plane, it was totally worth it. I felt the kids were safe, they felt secure (because they were used to the seat) and they even took a nap! (We also brought a bag of travel toys/books/activities which helped keep them entertained.) My vote is to go for it! Have a great trip...
Great idea, but only if you have bought a separate ticket for your child. I took my son often on airplanes and always took his car seat. I took an umbrella stroller which will help you in lugging it around the airports. Another plus...once you get to your destination, you already have his car seat for the car trip from the airport. There was some talk at one time of airlines making it mandatory for children under a certain age and/or weight to be seated in a car seat while on board. It never became a requirement but is a great idea. The only problem is that the airlines allow you to hold your child in your lap to avoid having to buy another ticket. Unfortunately, this often makes it extremely uncomfortable for other passengers sitting in close proximity. Although it can be quite expensive with several youngsters, I vote for buying the extra ticket and taking the car seat on board.
Be sure to take some snacks, books and toys for your child to use on the plane. While taking off and landing be sure your child has something to suck on to help with the air pressure in their ears.
it is a little bit of a pain getting your transfers carrying it BUT I would take it. I traveled with an 11 month old on lap and swore never again...lol. and I haven't. We travel 3-4 times a year. This summer we flew to Korea with my 2.5 year old. I had to really stick to my guns with the Korean airline that Delta contracted to make them let me use the car seat. They don't use car seats in Korea...(whole other issue) but after being there for almost 3 weeks when we got on the plane to come home my daughter squealed MY SEAT! and was so excited to have something that was hers there. it was a comfort thing for her and oh so much more convenient for us as parents. We always take a travel bag that is just hers as well for a carryon so that her stuff is easily accessible and at this age she can help you know what she would like for the trip. You didn't ask about this but it worked so great I am going to share it too, we bought her a little doll that was about 4 inches tall, she picked it out and we put it in her travel bag and said she could have it on the airplane it helped her get ready for the trip and get excited about it and on the plane when she started to struggle we got out the doll, it really helped to pacify her during the beginning part till she was getting settled in. We flew to San Fransico, then to Korea. 2 days later another flight in Korea, there for 3 days another flight then 2 weeks later flew home , 2 flights again. We didn't have any crying fits, a few grumblings sure but we really went prepared for the trip and one of the BEST things we did was take the car seat.
The last time we traveled by plane with our daughter, she still qualified to be a lap-child. Here is a link to a good article on this subject though:
http://www.travelwithyourkids.com/on-the-plane/should-you...
Personally, I would think it would be a safety issue, and you would want to have the car seat on the plane. You would probably want to call the airlines and make sure the type you have is approved. I would imagine you would be allowed to pre-board to get yourselves situated. Good luck!
I think it is a great idea. You have to check it in at the gate or with luggage anyway, so it would get knocked around and who knows what. Since you have to purchase a seat for a 2 year old anyway I suggest you take it along. It will keep him safer not to mention it will help keep him still. You can explain the 2 year old when she is five then she can sit in a seat. Doesn't your 5 year old have a booster you will be taking? If so have her sit in that. It is alot safer if there is turbulene too to have the seat belts on the plane fit on them correctly.
Bring it!!! If your 2 year old is anything like mine were, having them restrained on a plane is never a bad idea. If it is manageable to lug on the plane it is worth it. Last time I flew my son was a lap baby and it was soooo much work. A car seat also really helps them to settle down and sleep if it's that time of day. Have a great trip!
A.
Since you have to buy a seat anyway, I've found it's easier when I'm by myself. I just jimmy-rig it to hang over the handle of a carryon with swivel wheels. Then it pulls really easy and I'm not worn out from lugging everything along. Our 5yo loves flying and is never a problem. I just let him sit by the window so he can see out and watch everything. Pre-boarding is standard unless it's a very small plane. Have fun!
