We are going to Disney in Dec and my daughter will be two on Monday. She is still obviously in a car seat here at home.

Does anyone have an opinion on whether to take a carseat on the plane still or just use the lapbelt? I hate carrying that carseat around as it is really heavy, but I will always err on the side of caution and I am worried about NOT bringing it.

When we went last yr, they would not let us board ahead of time to secure the seat and we held up the line to get on the plane becasue we were in the front of the plane. This yr going to Orlando we are in Row 4 so again we will have the same issue. It is soo stressful when you are trying to secure something to keep your child safe, and then people are agitated behind you trying to knock you over to get passed.
I know that if I bring the carseat, then she will sleep on the plane and I wont have to worry about her getting out of her seat. Maybe I just answered my own question.

Does anyone have any experience with a 2 yr old on a plane? What did you do? Any suggestions would be great!!
Thanks!!!

I know that if I bring the carseat, then she will sleep on the plane and I wont have to worry about her getting out of her seat. Maybe I just answered my own question.

I think you did. Make sure you specifically request FROM THE GATE AGENT to board early so you can secure the car seat. If they do allow you to board early for that, consider just sending one adult to the plane with it, while the other stays with the 2 year old, so you're not ALL in the way securing and waiting for the seat, and it gives the little one a little more 'running around' time! Even if they don't let one of you board early, you can still do that by allowing the one with the seat to board as soon as they allow, and then wait until near the end of the boarding process to board with the 2 year old.

Are you renting a car or not? If you are, I would bring the regular car seat. If you are using Disney transportation, and would not be able to use the seat on the buses, anyway, I would not lug the whole car seat along. Check the airline websites, and see if you can use one of the lightweight boosters, that just rest on the seat. The kind you could buy at Wall-mart for 20 bucks. That could actually fit into a tote bag, and would not be hard to carry around. I admit that when my kids were toddlers, I did not use the car seat on the plane-too much trouble to drag along one of the types that was approved, and install it, and we did not rent a car.

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

per this page booster seats are not allowed for airplane use. But take a look at the harness device, that is only for airplane use. And while reading it it says some airlines can provide the harness.

Are you renting a car or not? If you are, I would bring the regular car seat. If you are using Disney transportation, and would not be able to use the seat on the buses, anyway, I would not lug the whole car seat along. Check the airline websites, and see if you can use one of the lightweight boosters, that just rest on the seat. The kind you could buy at Wall-mart for 20 bucks. That could actually fit into a tote bag, and would not be hard to carry around. I admit that when my kids were toddlers, I did not use the car seat on the plane-too much trouble to drag along one of the types that was approved, and install it, and we did not rent a car.


No we are not renting a car. We take a limo from the airport and back to the airport, and they always offer a carseat to us, but we have always had ours with us. We have a large Britiax car seat so it is heavy. What do you think about the CARES belts? Have yoy heard anything about them? I read the booster seats are not allowed on the plane.
Thanks for your response!

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

per this page booster seats are not allowed for airplane use. But take a look at the harness device, that is only for airplane use. And while reading it it says some airlines can provide the harness.



Thanks! I will look into that today! Ill see what they say about the safety thing. If that will work it is alot lighter than a car seat!

I think you did. Make sure you specifically request FROM THE GATE AGENT to board early so you can secure the car seat. If they do allow you to board early for that, consider just sending one adult to the plane with it, while the other stays with the 2 year old, so you're not ALL in the way securing and waiting for the seat, and it gives the little one a little more 'running around' time! Even if they don't let one of you board early, you can still do that by allowing the one with the seat to board as soon as they allow, and then wait until near the end of the boarding process to board with the 2 year old.


I think you are right about sending someone in advance. I think we might have done that on the way home last yr becasue the way there was such a disaster. When my son was small enough to need a carseat they let me board early. Now they do not make concessions for children anymore. Im not sure why, but, who am I to ask why?

Im looking into the cares belt but if we do bring the carseat, then we will split up and take your advice! Thanks!

Thanks! I will look into that today! Ill see what they say about the safety thing. If that will work it is alot lighter than a car seat!

That was my thought. A lot lighter and if I'm looking at it correctly it would fit in your bag.

Now they do not make concessions for children anymore. Im not sure why, but, who am I to ask why?

They don't do the blanket 'kids board early' announcement, but I would totally ASK the gate agent if you have an honest need to board early (like to install a car seat).

They don't do the blanket 'kids board early' announcement, but I would totally ASK the gate agent if you have an honest need to board early (like to install a car seat).


I tried that last year and was told "rather rudely" , "NO you may not board early just because you have a car seat." When I explained I was in one of the first rows and would be blocking the aisles, they said, "oh well, people will just have to wait and you will have to be as quick as you can". Then I asked if someone could help me with the installation and they said they werent allowed to help, ( which I understand the "liability" thing these days) I will call in advance and ask again, but either way, I am going to use your idea of going on ahead and then having my husband board at the end of the boarding. We are in the first rows because we upgraded to plus to get the bigger seats and more leg room, as my husband is over 6'2".

Thanks again!

I think you did. Make sure you specifically request FROM THE GATE AGENT to board early so you can secure the car seat. If they do allow you to board early for that, consider just sending one adult to the plane with it, while the other stays with the 2 year old, so you're not ALL in the way securing and waiting for the seat, and it gives the little one a little more 'running around' time! Even if they don't let one of you board early, you can still do that by allowing the one with the seat to board as soon as they allow, and then wait until near the end of the boarding process to board with the 2 year old.

This is EXACTLY what I was going to say. There is a LOT of benefit to having the carseat, and not just from the safety factor (which is not to be denied either). If you only have one person there installing the seat, you are not going to be blocking the aisle.

Also, I remembered (shocking with no sleep, lol) a thread awhile ago that was a little different but had info that I think you can use:
Link (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=108747&highlight=carseat)

I tried that last year and was told "rather rudely" , "NO you may not board early just because you have a car seat." When I explained I was in one of the first rows and would be blocking the aisles, they said, "oh well, people will just have to wait and you will have to be as quick as you can".
Wow! What a way to show good customer service! I wonder when they're going to make the people in wheelchairs board with the hoards :rolleyes:

On our last trip, our 3rd child was a month shy of turning 2. I've always brought car seats (sometimes 3 car seats...UGH!!!) and that last trip was the first time we were staying on property and using Magical Express. I went back and forth. I ultimately decided that we really didn't need the car seats because it would be for the plane ride only. It worked better than I hoped for! The little guy sat in the seat - buckled - there and back. Our hands were free for carry-ons and holding children instead of lugging car seats. After that experience travelling without car seats we laugh that we can only go to Disney until the kids are all out of car seats because it was SO nice to not lug them through the airport. Just thought I would share...good luck with whatever works best!:)

I had one of those experiences where a not yet two year old had a tantrum on the plane (plane was delayed, overtired, Christmas eve etc.) without a car seat-wow would have given anything to had one to keep her safely in her seat (she actually managed to get underneath the seat at one point). the next time we flew we took them and until they outgrow them, I won't be without them. one of the big things is they are familiar and used to sitting in them, so they do. where as for my kids the lap belt wasn't really able to hold them well and they would easily stand up, stare at the people behind etc., which was stressful for me, as I am acutely aware of disturbing other people. But, in their car seats, they knew the drill, and just hung out. We travel with two of them, and honestly, have been worth the hassle-that being said, we also rent a car so use them more than you would, and, we have fairly long flights so that would be a deciding factor as well.

oh forgot to say, when we were flying, we went through Chicago I think and when boarding the flight from Chicago to Orlando they announced there wouldn't be a pre-board for kids b/c Orlando is Disney and everyone is flying with kids. We were thinking the same thing, get on early to strap in seats, but we were okay, others were very nice and let our kids sit in their seats while we installed, plus dh has gotten lightening fast at it!

Just flew with DD to and from NYC. Take the carseat. It's just easier to have them truly restrained and if you can swing a nap... that's just a bonus.

I tried that last year and was told "rather rudely" , "NO you may not board early just because you have a car seat." When I explained I was in one of the first rows and would be blocking the aisles, they said, "oh well, people will just have to wait and you will have to be as quick as you can". Then I asked if someone could help me with the installation and they said they werent allowed to help, ( which I understand the "liability" thing these days) I will call in advance and ask again, but either way, I am going to use your idea of going on ahead and then having my husband board at the end of the boarding. We are in the first rows because we upgraded to plus to get the bigger seats and more leg room, as my husband is over 6'2".

Thanks again!

I think I've just heard a "No" but not the follow up lines. I really don't understand why it is so difficult for them to allow it. I know those without carseats will complain but really, it takes time and effort to install a carseat into a plane. Usually you will have to stick out of the isle for a few minutes while you are getting the thing installed. I have more than once seen annoyed passengers waiting behind us when we have been installing a car seat. Luckily my son is too big to use the carseat on the plane now....although his fear of flying (uncontrollable meltdown on the plane) has continued to be a problem. I think this is one of those, you have to be a parent to understand how much trouble it is to get a seat onto a plane things.. I'm not trying to blanket the group here of non-parents, I just know you have to go through it to know what it's like.

We tried to do the "one of us boards first and gets car seat installed then other arrives with child shortly thereafter". It was awful. DS went into full meltdown because one of us wasn't there with him. Of course, ds has had a problem with just getting onto a plane several times. Now we simply try to talk him through it as much as we can before we start to preboard.

I can't say enough "TAKE IT!" We only stopped taking a full car seat when our son (who is now 5) was too tall to not kick the chair in front when in his seat. He's been on easily 30 flights now and just a handful without a carseat. It's considerably safer, you know your child is contained and there is a lot to be said for familiarity in a strange place. You know already your child will sleep- happy parents and rested child make for a very easy start to a trip. We got stranded in an airport for many hours once and I was so happy that we had DS's car seat to strap him in, cover him with a blanket and let him rest for a while.

Plus I like that when he was little I could get up and use the restroom without having to disturb everyone and take him with me!

We flew to Orlando last year through Chicago there and Houston home. We were with another family and we installed THREE car seats early. If you make a specific request at the gate in your nicest voice, you will more than likely be allowed. Also, carseats have to be installed in the window seat so you shouldn't be in the aisle much at all while you secure it.

You may want to consider buying a lighter cheaper carseat for travel. We spent about $50 to get one that we only used for trips. The Britax are very heavy and hard to carry around, especially if you get stuck somewhere for a few hours.

Quick question and I may have missed it as I was skimming through the posts to catch up ... what airline were you flying that they would have talked to you so rudely?

We travelled with 2 car seats when my kids were 3 and 18 months. To say the least it was a pain to lug both of them through the airport and then get them in the seats HOWEVER they both stayed seated the entire flight without incident.

This past year they were 4 and 3.5 and we did not take them on board with us......we checked 1 and my parents (who we were meeting there) had 1 booster already. I kinda wished we had the seats again because both kids would not stay seated very long.

Its really up to you what to do - I wouldn't let anyone give you a hard time though about using them. People have to learn to be a bit more patient with each other.

I would definitely take the car seat on the plane with you. It's safer for your child and easier for you to have your child fully restrained in a familiar car seat, maximizing chances that your child will fall asleep. I would board absolutely last (so you're not blocking anyone in the aisle trying to get past you) and I would wait until everyone gets off the plane before trying to unbuckle and remove the car seat (thereby not holding anyone up from getting off the plane).

I have found that on the flights to Orlando (at least on Continental) that they no longer allow passengers with children to board first (because the "brain surgeons" at Continental finally figured out that this would mean virtually everyone on the flight would try to board early). Frankly, I never understood the desire to board early. When I board as late as possible, if I can't find room for my carry-on, I give it to the flight attendant to take care of it for me.

Last December we went with my son (18 months) and daughter (4) without car seats. We rented a pair from Alamo instead of lugging ours down there.


I think there was some fidgeting on the plane, but our combination of portable DVD player + special snacks + special surprises they had never seen before (new coloring books etc) got them through the 3 hour flight down to Orlando (and back home) without any problems that I can remember. At least nothing where I thought to myself that I wish their car seat was there.

It was smooth enough that when we go this coming December we are only bringing my daughters booster seat (since it is light and easy to manage) and will be renting only 1 this year from Alamo.

You do need to be careful planning on renting seats. We have shown up at two different airports and three different rental car companies WITH reservations for a seat and had them not available. Or not the right seats (as in an infant seat for my 2 1/2 year old). At Budget in Seattle, we were told to drive to Target, buy a seat, bring it back and they would reimburse us. In LA, at Alamo, they begged the Hertz people to let them borrow a seat.

Three times we tried, three times it didn't work. We've never rented seats again. I'm sure that there are others that have had success.

You may be interested in this:
http://www.10news.com/investigations/15200619/detail.html

Do the taxi's have car seats for passengers?

You do need to be careful planning on renting seats. We have shown up at two different airports and three different rental car companies WITH reservations for a seat and had them not available. Or not the right seats (as in an infant seat for my 2 1/2 year old). At Budget in Seattle, we were told to drive to Target, buy a seat, bring it back and they would reimburse us. In LA, at Alamo, they begged the Hertz people to let them borrow a seat.

Three times we tried, three times it didn't work. We've never rented seats again. I'm sure that there are others that have had success.

You may be interested in this:
http://www.10news.com/investigations/15200619/detail.html

Both times we have rented car seats from Alamo (in Orlando specifically) they have had piles of them available. We've never had an issue either getting a seat or the condition of the seats. So yes, different experiences for different people.

Oh, and that story in the link is just one of many, many Advantage Rent-A-Car horror stories you can find online about them. I wouldn't rent gum from that place because it would probably be already chewed.

http://www.rateitall.com/i-22228-advantage-rent-a-car.aspx