Car seats on the Plane

Cinderella · 05-03-2002

My 5 year old won't need a car seat but my 2 year old will. I called Delta and they said that my 2 year old actually didn't need a car seat on the plane. Since I had to pay for her own seat, I think she should have one for safety and because I do think It would be more comfortable for her. Especially for take off and landing, I have a feeling she will be in my lap most of the other time. We are not renting a car there so the only time I actually need a car seat is for the plane.
Delta says the car seat I bring must be FAA approved. I have 2 car seats and don't know if either one are. I guess they have to be small enough to fit onto the plane seat. Anyway, has anyone ever traveled on a plane with a toddler and did you have a problem with your car seat? Or has anyone traveled with a toddler and no car seat?
Thanks

jgriff2388 · 05-03-2002

We went to Florida when my daughter was 2. We did bring the car seat but the airline had it checked as luggage. She sat in a regular seat with the rest of us. It went fine, no complaints. Just remember to bring some coloring books, etc., to keep you child occupied. And bring some snack etc that your child likes.

Cinderella · 05-03-2002

Thanks jgriff for the info. One more thing, Do you think I will need the car seat for mears shuttle from airport to WDW resort?

Thanks

jgriff2388 · 05-03-2002

You should contact Mears and find out if they supply car seats. When my daughter was young on a different trip to Disney, we also rented a car seat through the rental car company (I believe it was National). The car seat was not as nice as the one at home, but it worked.

Cinderella · 05-03-2002

I will check with Mears. Thanks for all the info.
You have a nice trip!

:)

wdwjeff · 05-03-2002

Cinderella,
One thing you have to remember about shuttles, Mears or any other, is that a lot of them are buses that don't have seat belts, and do not support car seats. I remember that being a problem the last time we went, when our kids were exactly the ages of your kids. If you're at least 4 people, a town car at www.tiffanytowncar.com will most likely be less expensive than a shuttle, believe it or not. It might be your best option.:) :) :D :D

Cinderella · 05-03-2002

Thanks wdwjeff, I will check out Tiffany Towncar. I didn't even think of that.

Thanks:)

brumcg · 05-06-2002

Cinderella,

We're not taking our 2-year olds car seat for the plane and we're going to rent one along with our rental car.

I did some research and found quite a few stories about people who couldn't use their car seat on the plane (not FAA approved, didn't fit the seat, etc...) With everything else we'll have to lug around the airport, we still decided it would be worth the rip-off price of the rental. Also, our daughter...well, let's just say she'd rather not sit in a car seat. If that will help keep her cool on the flight, I'm all for it.

I also heard that many of the transport services do not have to offer car seats due to some Florida law. Basically it's legal for them to transport small children without car seats, so they don't bother to offer them.

Good luck! :)

Bruce

diamarch92 · 05-06-2002

Cinderella - we've always used a car seat on the plane. Always felt safer. God forbid there's some heavy turbulance or even worse an accident a little kid could easily fly out of one of those seats. Anyway as long as the car seat has the 5 point harness it is fine to use. That's what they told us anyway. Booster seats are OK too again as long as it uses the harness.

Hope this helps - enjoy your trip!!

brumcg · 05-06-2002

Cinderella,

Check with your airline... Diamarch92 mentions booster seats; the 2 airlines I checked out both specifically prohibit booster seats of any kind. The airline that we went with (ATA) has both a FAA approval and base size requirement.

It's a shame the airline doesn't provide car seats (or rent them - cha-ching!). That'd be one less hassle and you wouldn't have any safety concerns.

Bruce

StormalongBay · 05-06-2002

I think car seats are great for the little ones on planes but definately check with the airline on how they determine what is approved.
On one trip, we tried to bring one on but they refused it. I do remember them looking at the attached labels so that might be where the FAA approval is. We rented one from a car rental ONCE and never again. It was gross.

Cinderella · 05-06-2002

I did ask the airline what kind of car seat it had to be and they said, (E-mail) QUOTE:
Delta does not permit the following types of car seats:

booster seats - even if they bear labels indicating they meet US, UN, or foreign government standards.
vest and harness-type child restraint devices. Do not confuse these with approved child safety seats having a harness-type closure for securing the child in the seat.

The child restraint must meet one of the following requirements to be approved: conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards, and
is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.

Cinderella · 05-06-2002

Bruce, I agree with you that it's a shame the airline can't rent them out to you.
Afterall, we are paying full fare for my 2 year old. They should loan/rent an approved FAA car seat for the little ones If we can't hold them in our laps.

While in Florida, we are not renting a car.
I called Mears (shuttle) and they said public transportation does not require car seats but I could bring my own.

I can't believe I might have to go out and buy an FAA approved car seat just for the plane because the 2 I have are not FAA approved. :(

Anyway, I have some time, I will figure something out

Can't put a price tag on the safety of our little kiddy's:angel

Cinderella · 05-06-2002

Problem solved...Just took my daughters car seat out of our van and found the FAA approved label on it! WooHoo!

Whew, glad that's all over with! If my daughter was a bit bigger I would not have worried so much about the whole plane thing but she actually just turned 2 and is pretty small for her age.

Thanks again everyone for all the info and tips:D

trishb · 10-19-2002

Thought I'd dig this post back up! I need some help.

I'm not really concerned about the car seat. I have one that is FAA approved. My concern is this...
Anyone ever checked a stroller at the gate or checked one through with their luggage???
I'm picturing my family (hubby, mom, and me with toddler in tow) rushing through the airport to meet our connecting flight. If I check the stroller at the gate, will I be able to get it when I get off? How much trouble is it? Will it be easier to carry my little boy through the terminal than worry with the stroller? And...if I check the stroller with the luggage, what kind of condition will it be in when I get it back?
So many questions! So little time!

05-03-2002	#1 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	Car seats on the Plane My 5 year old won't need a car seat but my 2 year old will. I called Delta and they said that my 2 year old actually didn't need a car seat on the plane. Since I had to pay for her own seat, I think she should have one for safety and because I do think It would be more comfortable for her. Especially for take off and landing, I have a feeling she will be in my lap most of the other time. We are not renting a car there so the only time I actually need a car seat is for the plane. Delta says the car seat I bring must be FAA approved. I have 2 car seats and don't know if either one are. I guess they have to be small enough to fit onto the plane seat. Anyway, has anyone ever traveled on a plane with a toddler and did you have a problem with your car seat? Or has anyone traveled with a toddler and no car seat? Thanks

05-03-2002	#3 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	Car seat on Plane Thanks jgriff for the info. One more thing, Do you think I will need the car seat for mears shuttle from airport to WDW resort? Thanks

05-03-2002	#4 (permalink)
jgriff2388 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 336	You should contact Mears and find out if they supply car seats. When my daughter was young on a different trip to Disney, we also rented a car seat through the rental car company (I believe it was National). The car seat was not as nice as the one at home, but it worked. __________________

05-03-2002	#6 (permalink)
wdwjeff Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 762	Cinderella, One thing you have to remember about shuttles, Mears or any other, is that a lot of them are buses that don't have seat belts, and do not support car seats. I remember that being a problem the last time we went, when our kids were exactly the ages of your kids. If you're at least 4 people, a town car at www.tiffanytowncar.com will most likely be less expensive than a shuttle, believe it or not. It might be your best option.:) :) :D :D __________________ wdwjeff GF 1988 ASMu 1998 Studio City Sheraton 2000 HRH/CBR June/July 2002 Portofino Bay Sept./Oct. 2004 BWV/Royal Pacific July/August 2005 HRH/BCV August 2008 My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Universal first, then it's Magic Time We're here, We're here!!!!!!!!!

05-06-2002	#8 (permalink)
brumcg Mouse Meister Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 1,109	Cinderella, We're not taking our 2-year olds car seat for the plane and we're going to rent one along with our rental car. I did some research and found quite a few stories about people who couldn't use their car seat on the plane (not FAA approved, didn't fit the seat, etc...) With everything else we'll have to lug around the airport, we still decided it would be worth the rip-off price of the rental. Also, our daughter...well, let's just say she'd rather not sit in a car seat. If that will help keep her cool on the flight, I'm all for it. I also heard that many of the transport services do not have to offer car seats due to some Florida law. Basically it's legal for them to transport small children without car seats, so they don't bother to offer them. Good luck! :) Bruce __________________ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: My next trip to WDW! 164 days 11 hours 15 minutes

		MouseBuzz.com > Mouscellaneous > Travel Tips
Car seats on the Plane

05-03-2002	#2 (permalink)
jgriff2388 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 336	We went to Florida when my daughter was 2. We did bring the car seat but the airline had it checked as luggage. She sat in a regular seat with the rest of us. It went fine, no complaints. Just remember to bring some coloring books, etc., to keep you child occupied. And bring some snack etc that your child likes.

05-03-2002	#5 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	I will check with Mears. Thanks for all the info. You have a nice trip! :)

05-03-2002	#7 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	Thanks wdwjeff, I will check out Tiffany Towncar. I didn't even think of that. Thanks:)

05-06-2002	#9 (permalink)
diamarch92 Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North of Boston Posts: 13	Car seats Cinderella - we've always used a car seat on the plane. Always felt safer. God forbid there's some heavy turbulance or even worse an accident a little kid could easily fly out of one of those seats. Anyway as long as the car seat has the 5 point harness it is fine to use. That's what they told us anyway. Booster seats are OK too again as long as it uses the harness. Hope this helps - enjoy your trip!!

05-06-2002	#10 (permalink)
brumcg Mouse Meister Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 1,109	Cinderella, Check with your airline... Diamarch92 mentions booster seats; the 2 airlines I checked out both specifically prohibit booster seats of any kind. The airline that we went with (ATA) has both a FAA approval and base size requirement. It's a shame the airline doesn't provide car seats (or rent them - cha-ching!). That'd be one less hassle and you wouldn't have any safety concerns. Bruce __________________ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: My next trip to WDW! 164 days 11 hours 15 minutes

05-06-2002	#11 (permalink)
StormalongBay Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Not from Ohio :) Posts: 92	I think car seats are great for the little ones on planes but definately check with the airline on how they determine what is approved. On one trip, we tried to bring one on but they refused it. I do remember them looking at the attached labels so that might be where the FAA approval is. We rented one from a car rental ONCE and never again. It was gross. __________________ Seeing the World since 1976!

05-06-2002	#12 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	Car Seats I did ask the airline what kind of car seat it had to be and they said, (E-mail) QUOTE: Delta does not permit the following types of car seats: booster seats - even if they bear labels indicating they meet US, UN, or foreign government standards. vest and harness-type child restraint devices. Do not confuse these with approved child safety seats having a harness-type closure for securing the child in the seat. The child restraint must meet one of the following requirements to be approved: conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards, and is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. __________________

05-06-2002	#13 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	Car Seats Bruce, I agree with you that it's a shame the airline can't rent them out to you. Afterall, we are paying full fare for my 2 year old. They should loan/rent an approved FAA car seat for the little ones If we can't hold them in our laps. While in Florida, we are not renting a car. I called Mears (shuttle) and they said public transportation does not require car seats but I could bring my own. I can't believe I might have to go out and buy an FAA approved car seat just for the plane because the 2 I have are not FAA approved. :( Anyway, I have some time, I will figure something out Can't put a price tag on the safety of our little kiddy's:angel __________________ Last edited by Cinderella; 05-06-2002 at 01:58 PM.

05-06-2002	#14 (permalink)
Cinderella Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 107	Problem solved...Just took my daughters car seat out of our van and found the FAA approved label on it! WooHoo! Whew, glad that's all over with! If my daughter was a bit bigger I would not have worried so much about the whole plane thing but she actually just turned 2 and is pretty small for her age. Thanks again everyone for all the info and tips:D __________________

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10-19-2002	#15 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	Thought I'd dig this post back up! I need some help. I'm not really concerned about the car seat. I have one that is FAA approved. My concern is this... Anyone ever checked a stroller at the gate or checked one through with their luggage??? I'm picturing my family (hubby, mom, and me with toddler in tow) rushing through the airport to meet our connecting flight. If I check the stroller at the gate, will I be able to get it when I get off? How much trouble is it? Will it be easier to carry my little boy through the terminal than worry with the stroller? And...if I check the stroller with the luggage, what kind of condition will it be in when I get it back? So many questions! So little time! __________________ Trish