Hello everyone! I just reserved plane tickets for me, my sister, and our two children. We will be leaving February 22nd for our short Disneyland trip. As I was sitting here I started wondering about flying with my three year old. I am a little confused. I know that when a child is two or under, they fly for free, or you can purchase a seat and use a car seat for them. Because my son is three, I had to purchase a seat for him. My question is this: Am I required to use a car seat for him, or can I just buckle him into the plane seat like myself? I am hoping that a child car seat isn't required, as I don't want to lug it around the airport. if anyone has experience with traveling with young children, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and by the way , I am flying on Delta airlines! Thank you!!!!:D

I'm pretty sure you don't HAVE to put them in their car seat on a plane, but in my travels with our kids, they certainly are MUCH more comfortable that way. My 6 year old just took his first flight w/out his - and wasn't nearly as comfy. Will you need a seat in a cab/shuttle while you're there? If you are up to it, I would bring it, for your child's comfort (napping?) on the plane. Have a great trip!

Jennie

Thank you for your reply! Yes, I will definatley need a car seat in the rental car, but I considered renting one, just so I wouldn't have to take it on the plane! Thank's again.

We just put the car seats in a duffel bag and check it. Then we have ones we know how to install, operate, and are clean.

Then we have ones we know how to install, operate, and are clean.
I think these are VERY important considerations when you're talking about car seats. Plus you know they 'fit' your child!

Here is an interesting blog, and followup news story, which may help you decide about whether to rent a car seat:

Frightening Car Seats (http://www.deliciousbaby.com/journal/2007/dec/22/advantage-rent-cars-frightening-car-seats/)

http://www.komotv.com/news/problemsolvers/15290931.html?video=YHI&t=a

There are some good ways of transporting a car seat through an airport. There is a product called gogo kidz, which is made to hold a car seat, or many people have attached their seats to a regular folding luggage cart. I've often been able to set a big car seat right into the seat of a stroller to roll through the airport.

Airplane lap belts aren't really designed to go quite small enough for someone under 40lbs, so getting it secure on a three year old can be a challenge, and in no case have I ever seen one able to keep a little kid from just sidling on out of it. There are times during flight when you really want your child reasonably restrained in his or her seat, and the seatbelt may not do that.

Thank you! That video was horrible. My child's safety is certainly THE MOST important thing of all! I decided that I am going to bring my sons car seat along for the trip. I will call the airline to see if they recommend using it on the plane ( He is about 39-40 lbs and 40" tall). If not, then i will just check it under the plane and at least I will have it for the rental car ride:) Thank you!!!!

Your child is much safer buckled in his carseat on the plane. Not to mention your carseat is much safer being buckled in the plane seat, rather than thrown around with the luggage in the belly of the plane. MANY carseats are damaged by airline baggage handlers. If you are positive you will be checking your carseat as luggage, I would put it in its box, or gate check it. While gate checking does not guarantee it will not be thrown around, it does have it handled a little less by the baggage handlers. Damage to your carseat can be done and you may not even know about it, until it does not perform properly in a crash.
I would never use a rental carseat. Not having a clue where that seat has been, in an accident or not, is just not worth my child's safety.
Enjoy your trip!!!

I agree! Renting a car seat is no longer an option:) Thanks for your advice on the air plane! I will consider that!