We are traveling with the kids for the first time this week....the little one is still in the infant carrier...we will be holding her on the plane. What should we put her Graco Snug Ride Car seat in to keep it from getting dirty as it is light pink? Also we have a new stroller a Joovy Caboose....is it going to get all dirty when we gate check it?
We travel a lot and the airlines do not take care of your things! If you don't want it to get dirty, try to get a cover for your items. We always gate check as well. I also use a backpack...it's so much easier and you'll have both of your hands free for the kids :) Good luck and hope it's a good experience. Oh: slip on shoes for all! Security is the hardest part if you're not use to traveling.
I have this Graco Travel Bag and Love it. I Have used it so many times I can't even count. Amazon has it but you may be able to get it at babies r us.
http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Car-Seat-Travel-Bag/dp/B000HC...
We gate checked our Caboose on our recent flight and it came back no worse for the wear. Didn't put it in anything. I'm not even sure what you could put it in - it's awfully heavy.
If you gate check the carseat (recommended - we always gate check carseats and strollers) you can probably just bring a plastic bag or ask at the counter where you check luggage for one (they've bagged our larger carseat before in clear plastic) and it should be fine.
I have traveled a few times with my babies/toddlers and was glad I had a carrier cover for the carseat. During one flight, another passenger's bottle of perfume must have broken as the cover was wet and smelly. Thankfully it was easy to wash and more importantly, the seat was unharmed. We have not used anything with the strollers, but we always just checked them at the gate and had them upon arrival.
HI C.,
Like the others said,,,when you get to the gate, ask gate employee, about 1/2 before flight if there is possibility there will be an empty seat so that you can bring your infant seat on the flight....I've seen airlines rearrange many passengers to accomdate this...they don't like lapbabies due to safety concerns....see link below...and you and your little one will be much more content for the flight if you aren't holding her (and sooo much safer). I try and use my judgement as to which person seems the most likely to help...watch how they deal with other passengers....sometimes bringing the baby up to the counter can help too....some people are more helpful with a cute baby nearby...if you are out of luck...just ask them for a gate check tag for both the seat and stroller.
You will also have to take baby out of stroller/carseat for security too....highly suggest some type of slip on shoes for you and take your time...don't feel rushed by the bozo behind you with no kids and only his ipod to carry.
B.
Below is a link of a letter a flight attendant wrote about lap babies.
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag...
Other helpful info
Quote and link from FAA:
The FAA strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do.
Child Safety on Airplanes
Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap?
A CRS is a hard-backed child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
A child safety device is an FAA-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved only for use on aircraft. It is not approved for use in motor vehicles. For example, FAA has approved a new harness-type device appropriate for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds.
The FAA strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do.
The CRS must bear a label or markings showing FAA approval under Section 21.305(d) and be clearly marked FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only.Make sure your CRS is government approved and has "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it. Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage.
Make sure a child safety device is approved and has "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it.
Measure the width of your CRS. It should fit in most airplane seats if it is no wider than 16 inches.
Ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines now offer discounts of up to 50 percent for children less than two years old. Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS or device.
Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS should be placed in a window seat so it will not block the escape path in an emergency. Do not place a CRS in an exit row.
If you do not buy a ticket for your child, ask if your airline will allow you to use an empty seat. If your airline's policy allows this, avoid the busiest days and times to increase the likelihood of finding an empty seat next to you.
Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage.
Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a CRS, a child, and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.
P
always gate check
did you know that if there is an empty seat you can use your car seat free of charge just ask at the gate
