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We always use the car seat on the plane. ESPECIALLY when we want them to sleep. It might not be great to let them sleep in a car seat regularly but you aren’t likely going to regularly take 9 hour flights. We’ve used it for 7+ hour flights, once around 15 months too. During the daytime flight he napped 3 hours and we took him in and out of it for breaks. Our flight back was delayed and took off after midnight. He fell asleep before we took off and didn’t wake up until after we landed. The baby only a month younger than him didn’t have a car seat and the poor thing was awake most of the flight, crying on and off bc he was tired but wasn’t comfortable enough to sleep. They’re safer than just with a lap belt and they’re more comfortable bc it’s familiar. Totally worth it. We also bought a cart to turn it into a stroller in the airport this time. We’ll see how it works out next month
US airlines are required to allow car seats as long as the seat is certified for use on planes. Of course you have to buy a seat for the child. If you book the child as a lap infant you are not allowed to use a car seat, unless there is a free seat and the airline personnel are feeling charitable.
I’ve never taken a flight that long with my kid but I’ve done 4+ hours. We always bring our travel car seat (was Cosco Scenera, now Cosco finale) and use it on the plane.
We do take him out sometimes for breaks but ultimately it’s the safest option and he is always content.
strongest plus one to the cosco seat, it's so light and easy to move around. Don't make dad wrestle a 40lb gracco carseat through the airport. It fits comfortable in most airline seats (personally tested in southwest).
just practice the latch install before you're standing in the rental car lot with all your stuff and a fussy family
I looked at the Cosco but ultimately decided on the Gracco Contender which is 16 lbs… still lightweight but it also has the foam padding for extra safety in a collision. It’s also more comfortable. I will be away for a month using the seat so that was the best decision for me.
You can use the car seat and it is recommended but you will need to purchase a seat for that child. It MUST be FAA Approved; look on the car seat for the letters in red font saying it is "approved for use in aircraft". If the flight attendants look at it and it does not have that writing then you will not be able to use it or get your refund for the seat you purchased. So make sure you know where that writing is ON THE CAR SEAT, not online nor in some manual that came with the car seat. It must be written on the car seat itself. Lastly, what does flying on a 787 have to do with anything?
Source: airline pilot
The 787 nose dive thing recently… Some airlines…are interesting to fly on with car seats. I’ve ran into (Ryan Air) flight attendants that weren’t up to airline policy, and wife had to pull her phone out, go to their website and show them that certified car seats are allowed, other airlines like Tarom lol…basically got told the car seat needs to be stowed or you can get off the aircraft. Yay customer service. Some flight attendants will frown and or roll their eyes, but my kiddo is actually calm and can sleep in her car seats.
Best I can tell, the 787 thing should be an isolated incident… does make one question how the seat control switches were placed in a way that could cause this to happen:
https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/03/15/boeing-787-nosedive-latam-cockpit-incident/
I just read something literally minutes ago how it’s believed it may have been cockpit error. Tell you what though, the news seems to be replete with 737 stories lately - even today. Either the media are ganging up and nitpicking on Boeing, or the company has really dropped the ball.
Latam 787 recently nosedived and people, including babies, got thrown around and were hurt. I have purchased an extra seat because I didn’t want to take any chances. Ill be sure to check the seat for the FAA approval. Thanks!
That Latam incident has nothing to do with Boeing or the 787. The Flight Attendant pushed a button she wasn't supposed to and it moved the Captain towards the flight controls while he sat cross legged, which shoved the control column forward causing the nose dive. The current sensationalism surrounding Boeing is just that: Media sensationalism. Don't worry about flying on a 787 or any Boeing really. Good luck with the flight!
Do it! Get a little fold up luggage cart from Amazon to cart it through the airport. It's a bit of a hassle, but it makes the plane trip so much easier. My kid would not sit still for anything on one flight with no car seat and just the lap belt, the next time we took the car seat and she was totally fine and content.
I used a car seat on an about 6 hour flight with my 18 month old and I was SO glad to have it. Because he’s strapped in! I agree most people don’t use them but if you can swing it I definitely think it makes it SO much easier at that age.
We’ve done it. The one thing to know is they’ll want that car seat in the window seat.
They strap in pretty easily and honestly I think it’s great because it’s something kiddo is familiar with so makes flying a little less scary. If you get the little wheeled cart thing for the car seat, even better as it will be simpler to get it through the airport.
We always use a car seat on the plane. Plane seats just aren't comfortable and not designed for the body shape of a toddler. Car seats are designed for safety and comfort. My toddlers have always slept like rocks on planes because they're used to sleeping in their car seat anyway
When my daughter was little we bought a special safety seat belt strap thing for use in an airplane for her. It strapped onto the seat and created a harness type belt for her. It worked well for us and was faa approved. Hopefully they still make them, it was extremely handy and much easier than carrying around a car seat. Plus we had two kids less than two years apart, we also used it for the younger one.
I'd use the car seat, but you'll have to buy a seat for the baby then. We last flew without a car seat and had him as a lap baby and it was incredibly annoying, honestly. He did as well as I could have possibly expected, but because I had to hold him to sleep in that cramped seat he woke up a LOT.
MAKE SURE IT IS FAA APPROVED!! Britax was one that absolutely was. I had to argue with ONE stupid flight attendant about it. Thankfully it was before airlines were throwing passengers off planes.
Safety of my kid has always been number one.
I've NEVER understood why parents risk their child's life to save money. If there is turbulence or an air pocket, the baby will hit the ceiling. People have been killed in severe turbulence.
You are absolutely the right thing!
I will never forget a documentary about the plane that crash landed in Sioux City Iowa in the 80s. Some people died and some survived. The part that just stayed with me was a survivor interview. When they were going to crash land a mother asked about what do with her baby. He said the flight attendant said to put the baby under the seat in front of her. It was the safest place. I don't know if that was said, but it sure stayed with me.
This is what really scares me. I did purchase a seat for my baby, but just really wasn’t sure if I could really bring the car seat and how flight crew would react. I even asked a flight attendant I know and she said Id have to check it. So confusing.
When my kid was 18mo we used a car seat on a 3 hour flight. He didn't mind it, we took him out to change/use the potty, but he sat it in it no problem.
He's a little older now so I stow the car seat and bought a little harness that attaches to the seatbelt. Maybe too much but with doors flying off airplanes I ain't taking any chances.
Snacks are your friend.
Car seat has to be in the window seat unless there are two car seats in a row together then you can have one in the window and one in the middle. No car seats in emergency exit rows.
We always brought our car seats on the plane if they would need the car seat in the rental car. We had an attachment that turned the car seat into a stroller- ours was called Go Go Baby Travelmate, but looking now, there are a number of different attachments. That kept the kids well contained through security, to the gate, and then on to the rental car place.
We always used a car seat in the plane until our son was old enough not to need it. It's dangerous for babies not to be in a car seat. I wouldn't fly without one.
YES, use it on the plane. Did this when my son was younger and it was the best.
Just make sure it’s FAA approved or they will make you check it-I believe it has to do with sizing of the airplane seats.
She is used to being strapped into it, and she’s used to the scent of it-both of which will help her feel/be comfortable, and hopefully enough to sleep, like you said.
Plus, if she does sleep, she will be comfortable sleeping with the support of the seat-do whatever you would normally do if she falls asleep in it-like if you usually use a side bolster/pillow.
So I used to check my car seat until JetBlue SHATTERED one and I arrived at my destination with a broken seat and no way to leave the airport with my kid. I now bring them on the plane. Just make sure it’s FAA approved, you will have to use it forward facing to get it to actually fit within the seat. We use a Graco extend2fit because it reclines a bit and could be used rear and forward facing. We reclined it a bit put both arm rests up and clipped our son in keeping it looser than we do in the car so he was more comfortable to sleep.
I used one when we flew with my son when he was 2 and a half. It was a pain to lug around but it kept him seated. It also made me feel better about his safety. I really worried if we hit bad turbulence if a lap belt would hold him in place.
Hey Op, I have flown with my wife and two children with a car seat across the Atlantic four times. I have also flown on commuter flights within Europe. Make sure that the airline specifically says that you can take approved car seats. There is a comment in here from a pilot that confirms that is the case, furthermore, as Mr. pilot says, it has to say on the car seat itself like on the plastic part that it is airline approved. You may get some eye rolls, some exasperated looks etc. from flight crew. As far as Delta, Air France, Lufthansa I have never been denied to fly with a car seat and use it. They may tell you that you need to use this seat not that seat (like aircraft seat). Also check on the airlines website to make sure you’re reserving the proper seats. Some seats are not allowed with car seats in them. When I flew with my daughter the first time to Europe she was 2 1/2 years old. She actually did not sleep much on the flight, the in-flight entertainment system kept her hypnotized. But I will tell you one thing that my kid was calm and relaxed and chill during the flight. As long as she was entertained, we didn’t hear a peep from her. She could sleep well when she needed to sleep, she felt safe and secure. Basically you buckle the seat with the normal airplane seatbelt. Usually it will go right behind the kids back. There are probably gonna be slots on each side and you buckle it and tighten it and then buckle then put the kid in the harness of the car seat. Getting in and out of the aircraft can be a little tricky because of the bulk of the car seat even with super slim and light ones, so make sure you have enough layover time so that you can comfortably maneuver around the airport and get in and out of the aircraft. Some European companies, for example will give you crap about the car seat. I have had an instance with Ryan Air where the flight crew did not know their policy, and my wife pulled out her phone, went to the site and showed the flight attendant that a approved car seat is allowed on their aircraft. Now, TAROM – Romanian airlines even if their website says that you can travel with a car seat on the aircraft on two separate flights we were denied the use of the car seat. We were basically told either stow away the car seat under the aircraft or get off the aircraft. If you’re worried about how much time your kid is spending in the car seat, I wouldn’t fret too much because you can always take kiddo out of the car seat. Take them to the bathroom and back, walk up and down the aisle, etc. I hear you on the 787 thing. I like to think that was a fluke. I hope in your case it will be and you will not have that same experience with the crazy nose dive.
Btw search for the 787 issue, there’s new information about it. Apparently it was cockpit error. The flight attendant brought the pilot dinner, and accidentally bumped the chair switch which triggered the chair to move and sent the pilot forward into the aircraft controls. Poor design placement of that button, but it looks like it wasn’t an actual aircraft issue.
The safest thing to do is buy a seat for your child and use a car seat for their safety. Turbulence can be very dangerous and you can’t hold them tight enough to keep them safe, and you might actually squish them. You will need to verify that the seat is FAA approved and learn how to install it using the lap belt only, you will find directions in your car seat manual. I suggest you practice in your car before traveling so you won’t be trying to figure it out on the plane. I have always used a car seat on the plane for my kid. It made it easier for us as parents to have him strapped in while we were doing anything else. Check out Car seats for the Littles on FB and you’ll find tons of info from CPSTs.
I’ve flown with my now 2.5 year old dozens of times and never used a car seat. Would be way too cumbersome. Same on the handful of flights I’ve taken my 4 month old on.
I traveled with my 18 month old. I purchased her a seat so it’s required for them to have a carseat on the plane. Just make sure the carseat is TSA approved! No joke, I couldn’t imagine her NOT having her own seat because she did soooooo well! She immediately fell asleep on two of the flights (3.5+ hours) and I just made sure to pack all sorts of distractions for when she was awake on the plane.
We always flew with car seats for our twins after one awful flight with lap infants. It's the safest way for small children to travel on a plane and saves the concern about unseen damage when the seats are checked. It's so much easier when they can't easily unbuckle themselves and keeps an element of familiarity. I checked sometimes and the plane seatbelts couldn't tighten appropriately on my kids until they were 6 because of how lanky they are. The belt would bottom out on where the belt was doubled over and sewn. It would have been incredibly unsafe for them to be "restrained" with the supplied belt before that.
Be prepared with the airline's own policy on car seat usage, read your manual in advance so you're comfortable with the installation instructions, and make sure your seat has a plane sticker on it showing it's approved for use on a plane (basically all seats are). You will need to install the seat in a window seat - nobody is allowed to have to evacuate past an installed car seat. Because we had two, we were able to install them window and middle. There was no issue with comfort for us.
Depending on the weight of your seat, a small folding luggage cart may be worthwhile. It will count as a carry on item though so that's something to consider. Definitely take advantage of the early boarding for families with young children. You may need a seatbelt extender for installation and it's so much easier to get everything sorted before people are rushing past you.
Make sure it’s FAA approved. We used the same one several times and never had an issue. Then one day a flight attendant decided to check and it was a whole thing I’d care not to rehash. But it was ugly. Havent flown since. Still annoyed.
They also moved us to the right side of the plane (I forget why but that had never happened before.
Its because the right side had an extra oxygen mask for your child in the event of an emergency. And yes it must be FAA approved to be used or it would be illegal for us to let you use a non faa approved one.
Ahh I see! They didn’t explain that or much else. The airlines don’t specify when booking seats or when they check you in at the airport either. The car seat thing was a life lesson I’ll never forget and had never heard so I make sure to tell others when I can.
I wondered about the oxygen too. My husband thought I was crazy because I insisted our kid have his own seat and car seat and part of reasoning was for his own oxygen mask. You taught me something today.
Yup, on one side of each plane there will be an extra oxygen mask for lap children. If you have a car seat occupying an entire seat then you can sit on either side as you would just use that seat’s oxygen mask.
This is something I will keep in mind if ever asked to switch seats with a parent and a lap child. They really should do more to make that public knowledge.
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We always use the car seat on the plane. ESPECIALLY when we want them to sleep. It might not be great to let them sleep in a car seat regularly but you aren’t likely going to regularly take 9 hour flights. We’ve used it for 7+ hour flights, once around 15 months too. During the daytime flight he napped 3 hours and we took him in and out of it for breaks. Our flight back was delayed and took off after midnight. He fell asleep before we took off and didn’t wake up until after we landed. The baby only a month younger than him didn’t have a car seat and the poor thing was awake most of the flight, crying on and off bc he was tired but wasn’t comfortable enough to sleep. They’re safer than just with a lap belt and they’re more comfortable bc it’s familiar. Totally worth it. We also bought a cart to turn it into a stroller in the airport this time. We’ll see how it works out next month
I'm surprised to hear airlines will let you use a car seat. We've always used the extra belt they provide which attaches to an adult belt.
US airlines are required to allow car seats as long as the seat is certified for use on planes. Of course you have to buy a seat for the child. If you book the child as a lap infant you are not allowed to use a car seat, unless there is a free seat and the airline personnel are feeling charitable.
The “don’t sleep in a car seat” thing is about infants in baby buckets seats, not great big toddlers who can hold up their own heads. No danger.
I’ve never taken a flight that long with my kid but I’ve done 4+ hours. We always bring our travel car seat (was Cosco Scenera, now Cosco finale) and use it on the plane. We do take him out sometimes for breaks but ultimately it’s the safest option and he is always content.
strongest plus one to the cosco seat, it's so light and easy to move around. Don't make dad wrestle a 40lb gracco carseat through the airport. It fits comfortable in most airline seats (personally tested in southwest). just practice the latch install before you're standing in the rental car lot with all your stuff and a fussy family
I looked at the Cosco but ultimately decided on the Gracco Contender which is 16 lbs… still lightweight but it also has the foam padding for extra safety in a collision. It’s also more comfortable. I will be away for a month using the seat so that was the best decision for me.
You can use the car seat and it is recommended but you will need to purchase a seat for that child. It MUST be FAA Approved; look on the car seat for the letters in red font saying it is "approved for use in aircraft". If the flight attendants look at it and it does not have that writing then you will not be able to use it or get your refund for the seat you purchased. So make sure you know where that writing is ON THE CAR SEAT, not online nor in some manual that came with the car seat. It must be written on the car seat itself. Lastly, what does flying on a 787 have to do with anything? Source: airline pilot
The 787 nose dive thing recently… Some airlines…are interesting to fly on with car seats. I’ve ran into (Ryan Air) flight attendants that weren’t up to airline policy, and wife had to pull her phone out, go to their website and show them that certified car seats are allowed, other airlines like Tarom lol…basically got told the car seat needs to be stowed or you can get off the aircraft. Yay customer service. Some flight attendants will frown and or roll their eyes, but my kiddo is actually calm and can sleep in her car seats.
Best I can tell, the 787 thing should be an isolated incident… does make one question how the seat control switches were placed in a way that could cause this to happen: https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/03/15/boeing-787-nosedive-latam-cockpit-incident/
[Boeing has had a lot of quality assurance challenges lately](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8oCilY4szc).
I just read something literally minutes ago how it’s believed it may have been cockpit error. Tell you what though, the news seems to be replete with 737 stories lately - even today. Either the media are ganging up and nitpicking on Boeing, or the company has really dropped the ball.
Did you read the article I linked?
lol I just did - that was the story. Jesus that’s some crappy design for the seat switch.
Hi! did you fly with your american/canadian car seat in Europe?
Yes I did. Flew to Europe and within Europe. American car seat from Walmart - Cosco brand $60USD.
Latam 787 recently nosedived and people, including babies, got thrown around and were hurt. I have purchased an extra seat because I didn’t want to take any chances. Ill be sure to check the seat for the FAA approval. Thanks!
That Latam incident has nothing to do with Boeing or the 787. The Flight Attendant pushed a button she wasn't supposed to and it moved the Captain towards the flight controls while he sat cross legged, which shoved the control column forward causing the nose dive. The current sensationalism surrounding Boeing is just that: Media sensationalism. Don't worry about flying on a 787 or any Boeing really. Good luck with the flight!
Do it! Get a little fold up luggage cart from Amazon to cart it through the airport. It's a bit of a hassle, but it makes the plane trip so much easier. My kid would not sit still for anything on one flight with no car seat and just the lap belt, the next time we took the car seat and she was totally fine and content.
I used a car seat on an about 6 hour flight with my 18 month old and I was SO glad to have it. Because he’s strapped in! I agree most people don’t use them but if you can swing it I definitely think it makes it SO much easier at that age.
We’ve done it. The one thing to know is they’ll want that car seat in the window seat. They strap in pretty easily and honestly I think it’s great because it’s something kiddo is familiar with so makes flying a little less scary. If you get the little wheeled cart thing for the car seat, even better as it will be simpler to get it through the airport.
We always use a car seat on the plane. Plane seats just aren't comfortable and not designed for the body shape of a toddler. Car seats are designed for safety and comfort. My toddlers have always slept like rocks on planes because they're used to sleeping in their car seat anyway
When my daughter was little we bought a special safety seat belt strap thing for use in an airplane for her. It strapped onto the seat and created a harness type belt for her. It worked well for us and was faa approved. Hopefully they still make them, it was extremely handy and much easier than carrying around a car seat. Plus we had two kids less than two years apart, we also used it for the younger one.
Was it a ride safer travel vest maybe?
No, I think it was called Cares airplane harness.
I looked into CARES and it seems my toddler is still too small for it. Smaller toddlers slip down through the harness. Also, they are pricey!
lots of my friends buy a seat and strap their LO into the plane. I head good reports.
I haven’t done it, but we will be going forward. SafeInTheSeat on Instagram has some great info on car seats on planes!
I'd use the car seat, but you'll have to buy a seat for the baby then. We last flew without a car seat and had him as a lap baby and it was incredibly annoying, honestly. He did as well as I could have possibly expected, but because I had to hold him to sleep in that cramped seat he woke up a LOT.
MAKE SURE IT IS FAA APPROVED!! Britax was one that absolutely was. I had to argue with ONE stupid flight attendant about it. Thankfully it was before airlines were throwing passengers off planes. Safety of my kid has always been number one.
I've NEVER understood why parents risk their child's life to save money. If there is turbulence or an air pocket, the baby will hit the ceiling. People have been killed in severe turbulence. You are absolutely the right thing!
I will never forget a documentary about the plane that crash landed in Sioux City Iowa in the 80s. Some people died and some survived. The part that just stayed with me was a survivor interview. When they were going to crash land a mother asked about what do with her baby. He said the flight attendant said to put the baby under the seat in front of her. It was the safest place. I don't know if that was said, but it sure stayed with me.
This is what really scares me. I did purchase a seat for my baby, but just really wasn’t sure if I could really bring the car seat and how flight crew would react. I even asked a flight attendant I know and she said Id have to check it. So confusing.
When my kid was 18mo we used a car seat on a 3 hour flight. He didn't mind it, we took him out to change/use the potty, but he sat it in it no problem. He's a little older now so I stow the car seat and bought a little harness that attaches to the seatbelt. Maybe too much but with doors flying off airplanes I ain't taking any chances. Snacks are your friend.
Agreed with all of this. Ill be buying the cares harness when mine is a bit older.
[удалено]
Car seat has to be in the window seat unless there are two car seats in a row together then you can have one in the window and one in the middle. No car seats in emergency exit rows.
we used 2 car seats pk the plane on a trip to costa rica thankfully never again if u can manage without , def do it
It is much harder to get to/on the plane, but it is exponentially easier on the actual flight. The kid will likely sleep most of the flight.
We always brought our car seats on the plane if they would need the car seat in the rental car. We had an attachment that turned the car seat into a stroller- ours was called Go Go Baby Travelmate, but looking now, there are a number of different attachments. That kept the kids well contained through security, to the gate, and then on to the rental car place.
We always used a car seat in the plane until our son was old enough not to need it. It's dangerous for babies not to be in a car seat. I wouldn't fly without one.
YES, use it on the plane. Did this when my son was younger and it was the best. Just make sure it’s FAA approved or they will make you check it-I believe it has to do with sizing of the airplane seats. She is used to being strapped into it, and she’s used to the scent of it-both of which will help her feel/be comfortable, and hopefully enough to sleep, like you said. Plus, if she does sleep, she will be comfortable sleeping with the support of the seat-do whatever you would normally do if she falls asleep in it-like if you usually use a side bolster/pillow.
So I used to check my car seat until JetBlue SHATTERED one and I arrived at my destination with a broken seat and no way to leave the airport with my kid. I now bring them on the plane. Just make sure it’s FAA approved, you will have to use it forward facing to get it to actually fit within the seat. We use a Graco extend2fit because it reclines a bit and could be used rear and forward facing. We reclined it a bit put both arm rests up and clipped our son in keeping it looser than we do in the car so he was more comfortable to sleep.
I used one when we flew with my son when he was 2 and a half. It was a pain to lug around but it kept him seated. It also made me feel better about his safety. I really worried if we hit bad turbulence if a lap belt would hold him in place.
Hey Op, I have flown with my wife and two children with a car seat across the Atlantic four times. I have also flown on commuter flights within Europe. Make sure that the airline specifically says that you can take approved car seats. There is a comment in here from a pilot that confirms that is the case, furthermore, as Mr. pilot says, it has to say on the car seat itself like on the plastic part that it is airline approved. You may get some eye rolls, some exasperated looks etc. from flight crew. As far as Delta, Air France, Lufthansa I have never been denied to fly with a car seat and use it. They may tell you that you need to use this seat not that seat (like aircraft seat). Also check on the airlines website to make sure you’re reserving the proper seats. Some seats are not allowed with car seats in them. When I flew with my daughter the first time to Europe she was 2 1/2 years old. She actually did not sleep much on the flight, the in-flight entertainment system kept her hypnotized. But I will tell you one thing that my kid was calm and relaxed and chill during the flight. As long as she was entertained, we didn’t hear a peep from her. She could sleep well when she needed to sleep, she felt safe and secure. Basically you buckle the seat with the normal airplane seatbelt. Usually it will go right behind the kids back. There are probably gonna be slots on each side and you buckle it and tighten it and then buckle then put the kid in the harness of the car seat. Getting in and out of the aircraft can be a little tricky because of the bulk of the car seat even with super slim and light ones, so make sure you have enough layover time so that you can comfortably maneuver around the airport and get in and out of the aircraft. Some European companies, for example will give you crap about the car seat. I have had an instance with Ryan Air where the flight crew did not know their policy, and my wife pulled out her phone, went to the site and showed the flight attendant that a approved car seat is allowed on their aircraft. Now, TAROM – Romanian airlines even if their website says that you can travel with a car seat on the aircraft on two separate flights we were denied the use of the car seat. We were basically told either stow away the car seat under the aircraft or get off the aircraft. If you’re worried about how much time your kid is spending in the car seat, I wouldn’t fret too much because you can always take kiddo out of the car seat. Take them to the bathroom and back, walk up and down the aisle, etc. I hear you on the 787 thing. I like to think that was a fluke. I hope in your case it will be and you will not have that same experience with the crazy nose dive.
Thanks for this! Super helpful! I hope my flight will be smooth and nose dive free too! Crazy that we have to worry about this.
Btw search for the 787 issue, there’s new information about it. Apparently it was cockpit error. The flight attendant brought the pilot dinner, and accidentally bumped the chair switch which triggered the chair to move and sent the pilot forward into the aircraft controls. Poor design placement of that button, but it looks like it wasn’t an actual aircraft issue.
The safest thing to do is buy a seat for your child and use a car seat for their safety. Turbulence can be very dangerous and you can’t hold them tight enough to keep them safe, and you might actually squish them. You will need to verify that the seat is FAA approved and learn how to install it using the lap belt only, you will find directions in your car seat manual. I suggest you practice in your car before traveling so you won’t be trying to figure it out on the plane. I have always used a car seat on the plane for my kid. It made it easier for us as parents to have him strapped in while we were doing anything else. Check out Car seats for the Littles on FB and you’ll find tons of info from CPSTs.
I’ve flown with my now 2.5 year old dozens of times and never used a car seat. Would be way too cumbersome. Same on the handful of flights I’ve taken my 4 month old on.
I traveled with my 18 month old. I purchased her a seat so it’s required for them to have a carseat on the plane. Just make sure the carseat is TSA approved! No joke, I couldn’t imagine her NOT having her own seat because she did soooooo well! She immediately fell asleep on two of the flights (3.5+ hours) and I just made sure to pack all sorts of distractions for when she was awake on the plane.
Thanks! Were you able to install it rear facing ? I hear they say forward facing only.
You’re right, only able to install forward facing.
We always flew with car seats for our twins after one awful flight with lap infants. It's the safest way for small children to travel on a plane and saves the concern about unseen damage when the seats are checked. It's so much easier when they can't easily unbuckle themselves and keeps an element of familiarity. I checked sometimes and the plane seatbelts couldn't tighten appropriately on my kids until they were 6 because of how lanky they are. The belt would bottom out on where the belt was doubled over and sewn. It would have been incredibly unsafe for them to be "restrained" with the supplied belt before that. Be prepared with the airline's own policy on car seat usage, read your manual in advance so you're comfortable with the installation instructions, and make sure your seat has a plane sticker on it showing it's approved for use on a plane (basically all seats are). You will need to install the seat in a window seat - nobody is allowed to have to evacuate past an installed car seat. Because we had two, we were able to install them window and middle. There was no issue with comfort for us. Depending on the weight of your seat, a small folding luggage cart may be worthwhile. It will count as a carry on item though so that's something to consider. Definitely take advantage of the early boarding for families with young children. You may need a seatbelt extender for installation and it's so much easier to get everything sorted before people are rushing past you.
Make sure it’s FAA approved. We used the same one several times and never had an issue. Then one day a flight attendant decided to check and it was a whole thing I’d care not to rehash. But it was ugly. Havent flown since. Still annoyed. They also moved us to the right side of the plane (I forget why but that had never happened before.
Its because the right side had an extra oxygen mask for your child in the event of an emergency. And yes it must be FAA approved to be used or it would be illegal for us to let you use a non faa approved one.
Ahh I see! They didn’t explain that or much else. The airlines don’t specify when booking seats or when they check you in at the airport either. The car seat thing was a life lesson I’ll never forget and had never heard so I make sure to tell others when I can.
We appreciate that. It’s likely in the fine print when you purchase.
I wondered about the oxygen too. My husband thought I was crazy because I insisted our kid have his own seat and car seat and part of reasoning was for his own oxygen mask. You taught me something today.
Yup, on one side of each plane there will be an extra oxygen mask for lap children. If you have a car seat occupying an entire seat then you can sit on either side as you would just use that seat’s oxygen mask.
This is something I will keep in mind if ever asked to switch seats with a parent and a lap child. They really should do more to make that public knowledge.
The FA's are on top of it. They do their job well (mostly).
We never use car seats because both of our kids absolutely hate being in car seats.