Travelling with or without carseats

We're going to Florida next month and last time we flew they were one so they were able to sit on our laps. Fun. <_< Now we had to buy them seats but I'm not sure if it's better for them to sit in the seats or if we brought the car seats with us and had them sit in there? What are your suggestions? We'd have to take the carseats with us anyway because we'll need them down there, we just weren't sure which way would be better/safer/easier?

Thanks!

 

It probably depends on how well you think your kids will do on the plane. I will tell you that carrying the seats in and installing them while everyone is boarding is a major PITA! The 30 seconds of head start they give "people traveling with children" is a joke! Last time we went to FL they were 3.5 and we did not bring their seats on board and it was SOOO much easier.

 

QUOTE(FirstTimeMom814 @ Mar 14 2009, 11:57 PM) [snapback]1228655[/snapback]
It probably depends on how well you think your kids will do on the plane. I will tell you that carrying the seats in and installing them while everyone is boarding is a major PITA! The 30 seconds of head start they give "people traveling with children" is a joke! Last time we went to FL they were 3.5 and we did not bring their seats on board and it was SOOO much easier.


:unsure: I have no idea how they'll do. :huh: I was thinking that maybe with the seats they'd sit there because they know they always have to? Thanks for this though because we do have a layover and we'd have to do it all two times each way. :fool:

Can they be checked in and not count as a piece of luggage?

 

When John was 2.5 I went to Callie without his car seat and it was very easy. He sat fine in the seat and he watched movies on his portable DVD player. He even fell asleep easy.

Can you take me to FL too???? :spiteful:

 

I agree with Trish. Depends on the kids. If it were my kids and I'd be bringing the seats anyways, they'd go on the plane with us. My boys do much better strapped into their car seats. They understand that there's no getting out and playing, and they sleep well in them too. I've heard a lot of good things about those cares harnesses though, so that might be something to check into if you're more concerned w/ safety and don't want to mess with the seats.

 

QUOTE(TwinLove @ Mar 15 2009, 12:01 AM) [snapback]1228659[/snapback]
Can they be checked in and not count as a piece of luggage?


I think you can check them. You each get two pieces right? That would be two car seats, two suitcases, you can carry two bags and bring your stroller to the gate.

 

No advice on the car seats with twins. We did it once with Leah and the rest of the time she has flown without. I agree about it being a PITA to install with the little bit of room they give you.

But :banana: for FL!!! :clapping:

 

We have never taken our car seats when we have flown. When we went to Disney, we just rode the Magic Express, and didn't need them at all. The other times, we rented car seats along with the car. One time, we ended up renting a Dodge Caravan, and it had the built in car seats, so that made life soooo much easier!

 

We have taken 6 flights the last month and didn't take the seats on. It was a little tough on one of the flights when they wanted to sleep, but was much easier the rest of the time. I have no regrets about not taking them. From what you say, your kids really "get" what you tell them, so start talking about flying on an airplane, wearing their seatbelt, and remaining in their seat now. I did it with mine before we left too.

Bring lots and LOTS of snacks (maybe get some stuff you know they would love and don't get often) and some new toys (the dollar aisle at Target or Walmart?).


QUOTE(TwinLove @ Mar 15 2009, 12:01 AM) [snapback]1228659[/snapback]
Can they be checked in and not count as a piece of luggage?

Yes, they can be checked. The two airlines we flew with (US Air and Southwest) did not count them toward your baggage allowance.

 

When we flew, we took our seats. They didn't fit in our first plane, so they had to be checked regardless (they are free to check). On the second plane we used them and I'm so glad we did. They rode awesome and slept well (and threw up in the seat).

On the way home we checked them at check in because there was absolutely no way we could haul the seats and all the kids through all the airports. They did ok, but I kinda wish we had had them. But, looking at doing it both ways, it's just way too much work to haul them around. And they check for free!!

 

We have done it both ways and I prefer WITH seats, they are strapped in so if we need to run to the bathroom they are not running after you, they slept better and I just felt better with them in them

 

Thank you ladies!! I'll be talking to hubby about all the pros and cons, and see what he thinks we should do. RIght now I'm stuck in the middle. :wacko:

 

We stopped using the seat on the plane when Nadia was right around your kids' age...when installed on the plane, the seat didn't leave much legroom for her because it tilted back a little bit...so she ended up kicking the seat in front of her the entire time. <_<

I remember a trip where we used the seat on the way out, and then checked it on the way home!

Mind you, it wasn't *easy* with her out of the seat, because it gave her the freedom to stand up in the plane seat and try to reach the lights, etc. I nearly had to sit on her to keep her buckled in. Honestly I'd look into the Cares Harness, and see if you can borrow some or get them on Ebay or something if you don't want to buy them...

 

As Becca just mentioned, I stopped using car seats on the plane once my twins turned two and the seat lifted them enough that their feet were pressed against the seat in front of them - miserable for the people in front of us and I spent the entire flight nagging the twins not to move their legs too much. Also, they couldn't use the tray table for coloring, playing or using the DVD player.

I just bring LOTS of snacks, food and drinks - delays seem to happen more than ever and there usually is no food/beverage service while you're sitting on the tarmac for an hour waiting to take off.

Best,
Mia

 

Is it a direct flight, Liz? We have done it both ways but hauling those things through the airport is a major PITA! Also, for me it would depend on the length & the time of the flight. My two do sleep better in them so if it's a long flight or a late flight where I would expect them to be sleeping it would be worth having the seats.

 

After spending an ENTIRE flight trying to stop them from kicking the seat of the people in front of them we starting checking their car seats and our flights since have been a lot more enjoyable. My girls are great fliers and very happy to stay in their seats with their seat belts on the entire flight so I would much rather check our Marathons then lug those giant things through the airport.

As for them counting as regular bags you have to pay for I don't know about other airlines but United does NOT count them and we did not have to pay. I would call the airline.

 

Thank you ladies!! SO much. I think we are gearing towards not taking the seats. :good: I don't know if it would be too much fun stopping them from kicking the seat in front. :nea: Plus it's a short(er) plane ride with a layover. So we'd have to install twice each way. :wacko:

Thanks again!! :give_rose: