:crying: I have been reading the posts about babies in carseats on planes.
I am flying with my dd who is almost 2 and she does not have a seat. I have tried to book onefor her after reading the posts and they told me you HAVE to book it at the time the origional seats were purchased. They told me to contact the travel agent and they may be able to help. I called the travel agent and they told me children had to sit on their parents laps until the age of two. I told her she was wrong and that they could have their own ticket and they sat in a car seat. The travel agent told me that she had never seen a carseat on a plane and that she did not believe they were allowed. I asked then where would a new born sit? She said on their parents lap. I asked for the # to the airline to speak with them and called. Yes everyone was right here and the travel agent was wrong but they said I COULD NOT BUY AN INFANT SEAT AFTER PURCHASING THE ORIGIONAL TICKETS!!!! :( They did say I should bring my carseat with me and if there were any extra seats on the plane she could have it.

I feel sick with worry and am considering cancelling the trip. What should I do??? I am already filing a formal complaint but that will not help us right now. My DH has alot of trouble getting time off and we would not be able to rescedule for over a year. Should we cancell the whole trip? Will dd be able to have an exta seat? Are their usually extra seats?


Please help :crying: We feel horrible for being so uninformed and putting our little love in danger.

That is insane. That airline is stupid to not think of the best safety of their passengers. Did they say that the flight is already booked?

Did you try asking to speak to a supervisor? One thing I've learned in dealing with front line operators is that many times they don't have any authority to stray from the "rules" in front of them. It's not that they're trying to be rude, they just don't have the authority. So I've said before, Ok, then, is there a supervisor I may speak to about this?

Another thought: since your travel agent obviously doesn't have all the information, maybe you can call another agent and find one that might have more information about how the airlines work? The travel agent industry is highly competitive these days and another agent might be happy to help you solve this problem this time knowing it could get you coming back for future arrangements.

Good luck!

Adrienne

I don't understand why she told you that children under two 'had' to sit on their parents laps. If you have a car seat you should purchase the additional seat and use the extra seat for the car seat. I don't know what to advise on what this agent has already told you except maybe try to talk to someone else at that airline? She is probably being a bit "well whatever" on it because generally children are allowed to sit on parents laps although it is not as safe.

The travel agent is stupid. That is the only explanation. She was SO addamant about children not being ALLOWED in carseats. Unfortunately I didn't get her name... I think it was Candy or Bambi or something like that.

The airline told me I had to book the infant seat at the time of the first booking. I got the tickets partially through a travel point system that of course makes things a LOT more complicated. The airline was unable to correct the problem at first and second attempt. I will talk with a supervisor later.

BUT....

If I can't buy her a seat should I cancel? I will lose about $2000 (cnd) but that doesn't really matter in the bigger picture.

What I don't understand is why the airlines are turning down more money?

You would have to pay for that extra seat and that doesn't seem like good business practice to turn away someone who wants to add on another spot.

I personally wouldn't cancel the flight, I went on one flight with my daughter on my lap when she was 1 and it was just fine.

I would try again to speak to the airlines or maybe do a three-way call with your travel agent because it appears that your TA doesn't have all her facts straight.

I wouldn't canceled just based on the amount you're going to lose but that's me.

From a safety aspect people are more likely to get into a car accident than a plane accident. I understand your desire for the safety issue but your child should be perfectly fine on your lap.

I wouldn't cancel for $2000. But I would definitely pursue a different travel agent or an airline supervisor.

Adrienne

This story reminds me of the problems we've had while flying with a car seat. It seems like the airlines generally have a bad will towards using car seats. Every time we have flown with the car seat we have had some sort of situation come up where the attendants as well as other passengers have made us feel like we were hugely inconveniencing them by bringing and using our car seat.

1. We always get asked whether we have purchased the extra seat.

2. We've had passengers complain about the car seat pushing on their seat and not allowing them the room "they" need.

3. The attendants have absolutely no idea on how to help passengers set the car seat up which can be difficult when dealing with everyone rushing to get to their seats.

4. They've gotten to where they have decided not to allow passengers with car seats enter the plane first which the extra time would be a little helpful.

The travel agent told me that she had never seen a carseat on a plane and that she did not believe they were allowed. I asked then where would a new born sit? She said on their parents lap. I asked for the # to the airline to speak with them and called. Yes everyone was right here and the travel agent was wrong but they said I COULD NOT BUY AN INFANT SEAT AFTER PURCHASING THE ORIGIONAL TICKETS!!!!Oh my goodness, you are in a bit of a bind.

Everyone here is right; you are perfectly within your rights to purchase a seat for your infant. Airlines ALLOW parents to lap sit their toddlers up to age 2 for domestic flights (you must purchase a seat for international travel), but it's not a requirement.

What type of tickets did you purchase? You might want to check to see how much it costs to change your tickets. This MAY allow you to then add your child on your same PNR (Passenger Name Record).

Question: Do you have ANY type of elite status on the airline you're flying? If so, you might be able to have some sway in getting them to keep the seat between you clear a bit more easily.

Let me send out my feelers and see if anyone I know who travels a lot can think of any solution for you.

yummy mummy--what airline are you flying, and how long are your flights for?

I am flying with alaskan. I think part of the problem is that we got the tickets through a point system with local store which I will not do again. First we were given a voucher then called a number and got a voucher number then called a different number and was conncted with a specific booking agent who booked our flight we then mailed our voucher to them and were sent a confirmation about a week later. It was such a long process and I think the reason we can't seem to book DD a ticket now is because with the way we got our tickets you can only book if the flight is not that full. Of course we booked months ago when it was empty. We will be flying in TWO weeks or so.... the flight is now booked.

We are flying from Vancouver Cananda and I think the flight is just over 2 hours.

yummy--by the way, you mentioned that your daughter is ALMOST 2. Make sure you bring a copy of her birth certificate with you on your trip so you can prove she is not yet 2. The FAA requires that all children 2 and older have their own seat, so Alaska will be in violation of FAA regulations if your daughter is 2 or older, so they may ask for proof.

Thanks Lani, she has her own passport. She doesn't look very old either... she is just a little skinny minni.

yummy mummy--this is my opinion.

Given that the airlines is telling you there are no extra seats, I would TRY to see if you can book a window/aisle with the middle seat open. They might or might not allow it. Keep in mind if that middle seat IS available, you will have to sit there, as the airlines require that the car seat be installed only on the window seat.

It would be a good idea to take your car seat to the gate, just in case they can make room for you. Keep in mind your child will not be able to sit in the emergency row seat (which is not assigned until the day of the flight), so that option is not open for you.

Keep reminding every agent you speak to that you have a "lap seated toddler" and that you would like an open seat next to you. It helps increase your chances that someone will note it in your record and actually block the adjacent seat. Airlines overbook their flights all the time, so just because it's "sold out" doesn't mean your flight will be completely full.

I don't know if Alaska preboards families with young children, but if they do, let the flight attendant know as you board, that you are hoping for an open seat for your child. And that if they notice an open seat, you are willing to trade seats.

In the end, if you don't get a seat next to you, the FAs will be able to check your car seat in. "last item checked, first item out." You can even have them bring the car seat to you at the airplane's door upon arrival.

Two hours isn't a long flight. Worst case scenario, you'll have to hold your child for two hours. Make sure your daughter has something to swallow during take-off and landing (juice boxes, fruit roll-ups, etc.) so she can handle the change in air pressure (or else you will have a screaming child on your lap because her ears are piercing and throbbing with pain), and give her things to do to keep her busy. Small things like a small notepad with a couple of crayon colors (just a few colors should be more than adequate), or a roll of Scotch tape/stickers.

My daughter was almost 3 when we went back in October. We got her her own seat on the airplane and just buckled her in with her lap belt. I don't know if you guys think we are bad parents or not but we never considered taking a car seat. I asked if we needed one legally and they said no. My husband is a police officer (strict car seat rules in Michigan) and he never thought twice about it either.

On the busses for transportation from MCO to WDW we had her sit next to us on the bus...they said no to car seats there as well...in fact, I do not think there were seat belts even on the bus :confused:

So like I said, we never thought twice about it and felt she was perfectly safe. That is just our thoughts though. I know others may think differently.

I would definitely not cancel a vacation over a car seat issue. I would call and nag and gripe till I worked my way up to the head honcho.

Thanks for your advice. I purchased my dd some new toys for the flight little polly pockets (the tiny old school ones). As well we were going to bring a drawing toy, crayons, books,ect... I am going to bring her favorite sucking candy.

The trip is a comba celebration of my dh's 30th B-day and a treat for DD who has had many health problems andhorrible hospital visits in the past year. We just wanted to spoil our little angel and instead I feel like we are
putting her at risk.

I've always been chicken when I flew before... but when you have a child that fear increases 10 fold.

I purchased my dd some new toys for the flight little polly pockets (the tiny old school ones). .

Keep the Polly Pockets for another trip when she is older. Right now, they are too small for her and present a choking hazard.

Here is what we had packed for our then 2 year old when we went...

Disney Princess Read Aloud Books

Disney Princess Dress Up Book- she did well with it but not all little ones may.
It is like a colorform book. Go to Barnes and Noble online and enter this ISBN 0786834889 and you may be able to find it there- I did see it at the WDW Toy Store at DTD though too. It should retail for about 14.99. It has been a big seller in my bookstore.

Mini- Magna doodle that I got from Fisher Price

New crayons (she still uses the bigger ones) and new Disney themed coloring book

Game Boy Color (she inherited my sons after we got him the Game Boy Advance SP)

couple of my first Disney Princess dolls. We had gotten her all of the original ones before they came out with these new ballerina ones.

All she played with was the Disney princess dress up book, crayons, and coloring book on a 2 1/2 hour flight.

On the way home, since we had my hubby's lap top with us, we bought her the Disney Priness Stories Volume One at the Tinker Belle shop behind the Castle and she watched that on the way home. She also had a couple "barbies" that we bought her that she played with all the way home- Cinderella and Ariel.

Other than that, she slept. You will be surprised at how long your little one may sleep. Our daughter did both on our way down and back as did my son (who was 8 at the time).

My daughter traveled amazingly well except for when she was over tired on the way home and did not want to be belted in for take off. After that, she was fine. This was after a full day in the parks though and we did not fly out of MCO until 7pm so she was fed, but tired, and needed to sleep.

Keep the Polly Pockets for another trip when she is older. Right now, they are too small for her and present a choking hazard.

Thanks... but actually the ones we purchased are smaller than the new ones wich are very different. Each doll is about the size of 2 garden peas. I have one of those choke checker things and this does pass the test easily(though we may not give her the dolls with the set, only the house as she usually uses her invisible toys as the characters). My dd has not put anything in her mouth since she was about 10 months old. It is hard enough to get her to put food in her mouth! The polly pockets she has are tiny little doll houses... tiny little beds and kitchens perfect for her very active make believe world.

And yes she does have a magna doodle wich is her favorite toy! She loves drawing circles, wheels, ballons, and some things that are impossible to distingiush.

Polly Pockets may not pass through the checker sideways but the other way she will. I have two daughters myself and please believe me that Polly Pockets is not appropriate for your very young child. Save Polly for later.

I'm sorry to insist but this is important. If Polly blocks your daughter's windpipe on the airplane and you can't free it up ...

Polly Pockets may not pass through the checker sideways but the other way she will. I have two daughters myself and please believe me that Polly Pockets is not appropriate for your very young child. Save Polly for later.

I'm sorry to insist but this is important. If Polly blocks your daughter's windpipe on the airplane and you can't free it up ...

Thanks I WILL save the little dolls for later. The whole house fits in my hand I didn't think the dolls could pose a risk... but better safe than sorry. That what this whole thread is about. I can save the dolls for later and she can just play with the tiny tiny house she can use her imagination and draw the dolls.


Can we bring plastic childrens scissors on the plane????

Can we bring plastic childrens scissors on the plane????

Good question....you might want to rethink this idea. But I don't know for sure. It could be considered a potential risk.

Just a passing thought really. They can barely cut through a single piece of paper

If you'd be ok to losing the safety scissors to security confiscation, I'd go ahead and try to bring them. It's hard to predict what they'll let in, we've all heard stories of them confiscating a toothpick yet letting hunting knives right by. my son at that age loved the little magna doodle thing we brought. i think his favorite though was the skymall magazine that he just about tore completely up.

We traveled a couple times when he was under two, we never bought him an extra seat. If I'd read what others have said here I probably would have bought a seat. Frankly I wouldn't cancel the trip over it though. We brought his carseat both times, once we were able to use it as the plane wasn't full but the other time it was absolutely full so they gate-checked the carseat. Sort of a pain since I had already buckled it in. Definately practice buckling/unbuckling it so you can do it quickly. It was waiting at the airplane exit when we got off.

I second bringing a copy of her birth certificate. We went when he was one and a half, and they didn't ask on the way there but they did on the way back. better to have it just in case. I had to go digging through my luggage, which was a pain when you've got luggage, a car seat, and a kid to hold onto.

And of course be sure to bring water or snacks to keep her chewing on take-offs and landings. Take-offs usually aren't as bad but the landings can really cause some ear pain. We get a lot of kiddos here at work who develop ear infections soon after flying because they never equalized the ear pressure. As soon as you feel the descent starting, get her to chew on something.

Just my 2cents.

Have a great time!!

I think you're having a last-minute Stress-out. It happens a lot, no worries - just breath.

If the flight goes yuckey- hey, it'll be over in a few hours right? Then you get to have fun! No reason to cancel the fun.

I think the scissor are a no-no from what I've read. Pretty much anything sharp and/or pointy is a no-no. Or, in more interesting terms, if you could be Martha Stewart with it and create "A Good Thing," you probably shouldn't have it on the flight.

If you'd be ok to losing the safety scissors to security confiscation, I'd go ahead and try to bring them. It's hard to predict what they'll let in, we've all heard stories of them confiscating a toothpick yet letting hunting knives right by. my son at that age loved the little magna doodle thing we brought. i think his favorite though was the skymall magazine that he just about tore completely up.
Oh noooo!!!! NEVER take anything remotely shaped like scissors, even if they are made of plastic! Since 9/11 the world of air travel and air security has completely changed.

Here is the ***BIGGEST*** problem you will encounter if you try to take safety (blunt-nosed) scissors on your flight:

1. It will show up on the security X-ray at the security station. They *WILL* find it because it will be very easy to identify because of its shape.

2. They WILL hold your bag up and run it through the X-ray a second time to double-check.

3. A TSA agent will ask you to step aside.

4. The TSA agent may re-screen the REST of your luggage

5. The bag with the scissors will be opened manually. You will NOT be allowed to touch *ANY* of your luggage while you wait. You will have to hold your daughter's hand or hold her while they do this, and you will not be allowed to sit down.

6. When they find the scissors, they will confiscate it. Then they will try to pack your bag. If you packed it nicely, they will do it their way and your stuff will all become jumbled.

7. They will run your bag through a special machine and test for explosives.

8. Depending on the mood of the TSA agent, you will also be wanded by hand, which means a MANUAL TORSO CHECK.

Please please PLEASE, I implore to you as the official travel writer at MousePlanet, do NOT carry any scissors in your carry-on! It's NOT worth the hassle!

kadiehl, you have a great list of toys, but I'm thinking that's way way way too much for yummy mummy. Each trip is different, and in this case, your list is too long because:

- yummy mummy is not guaranteed a seat for her daughter. Unless she is in business or first class, there will be no extra space to do much. Let's put it this way: she will not even be able to lower her tray table completely because her daughter is too big!

- The flight is only two hours long. Not long enough to need all that stuff.

Yummy, take stuff you are willing to lose, like cheap crayons, or a book that can easily slip into your carry-on. Keep it SIMPLE. The less gadgety, the better. Try a blank notepad and crayons and stuff. Stay away from electronics where you have to worry about batteries or breakage if they fall.

Just be aware that all coach seats on Alaska (both the Boeing 737 series and the MD-80s) only provide a seat pitch of 32 inches. That's not a lot at all. yummy, it's going to feel somewhat like being cramped in the back seat of a tall car with your daughter on your lap. And if the person in front of you reclines the seat, watch out! You won't be able to lean forward without smooshing your daughter.