jsandrock
Am I able to have my sons car seat put under the plane even though we are not using it for the flight? If so how much does this cost?
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children.
If you check a car seat under the plane as luggage, it will count against your baggage allowance. If you're flying internationally, there is no cost but for domestic, you have to pay;
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html
It's never a good idea to check a car seat in as luggage. You risk the seat being damaged and/or lost. The airlines do NOT take responsiblity for what they consider to be a "delicate" item.
If your son has a seat (not a "lap baby") and if your car seat is FAA certified, than it's your *right* to use the seat on board. Most car seats sold in the U.S. are FAA certified. Here is more information on the FAA site;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If you haven't purchased a place for your son, still try to use the car seat on board. Ask at check-in if the plane is full and ask nicely if it's possible to "block" the seat next to you so you can use the car seat on board. Some parents book window and aisle seats in the hope that no one takes the middle seat. If so, they simply switch places.
Having the seat on board means you're guarenteed to have it at your destination. It's more of a risk leaving the airport by car without your son's car seat. Car travel is actually more dangerous than flying.
If you are unsuccessful in getting an extra place, the car seat will then be "gate checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs, which is much gentlier, cleaner and more sure than checking the seat in with the regular luggage. It will then be returned to you on the jetway. You may also be able to avoid the baggage charge this way but don't quote me on that! It's worth a try...
Here are United's car seat policies;
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1051,00.html
To get your car seat through the airport, there are all sorts of gizmos sold. Here are some examples;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html
I simply strap my child's seat to a small metal luggage cart and secure it with an extra bungee cord. Much cheaper than the gizmos, can be used again for other bags and works great!
About 8 years ago, I wrote an article on the subject of flying with children for a local newsletter. On the web, all the information I found was written by people who had never worked directly for the airlines (and seen those accident videos which convinced me to use the seat for my own kids). I wanted to promote the use of car seats on aircraft for both safety and comfort. I have more tips so feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
It's also featured on this month's Expat Women site;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php
Good luck getting your car seat on board and have a good flight!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children.
If you check a car seat under the plane as luggage, it will count against your baggage allowance. If you're flying internationally, there is no cost but for domestic, you have to pay;
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52481,00.html
It's never a good idea to check a car seat in as luggage. You risk the seat being damaged and/or lost. The airlines do NOT take responsiblity for what they consider to be a "delicate" item.
If your son has a seat (not a "lap baby") and if your car seat is FAA certified, than it's your *right* to use the seat on board. Most car seats sold in the U.S. are FAA certified. Here is more information on the FAA site;
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
If you haven't purchased a place for your son, still try to use the car seat on board. Ask at check-in if the plane is full and ask nicely if it's possible to "block" the seat next to you so you can use the car seat on board. Some parents book window and aisle seats in the hope that no one takes the middle seat. If so, they simply switch places.
Having the seat on board means you're guarenteed to have it at your destination. It's more of a risk leaving the airport by car without your son's car seat. Car travel is actually more dangerous than flying.
If you are unsuccessful in getting an extra place, the car seat will then be "gate checked" with the strollers and wheelchairs, which is much gentlier, cleaner and more sure than checking the seat in with the regular luggage. It will then be returned to you on the jetway. You may also be able to avoid the baggage charge this way but don't quote me on that! It's worth a try...
Here are United's car seat policies;
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1051,00.html
To get your car seat through the airport, there are all sorts of gizmos sold. Here are some examples;
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Toddler-Attach-Rolling-Carry/dp/B000JHN3AS
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/363756.html
I simply strap my child's seat to a small metal luggage cart and secure it with an extra bungee cord. Much cheaper than the gizmos, can be used again for other bags and works great!
About 8 years ago, I wrote an article on the subject of flying with children for a local newsletter. On the web, all the information I found was written by people who had never worked directly for the airlines (and seen those accident videos which convinced me to use the seat for my own kids). I wanted to promote the use of car seats on aircraft for both safety and comfort. I have more tips so feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
It's also featured on this month's Expat Women site;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying_with_children.php
Good luck getting your car seat on board and have a good flight!
Car seats....?
KitKat4106
can anyone tell me when i can put my son in a froward facing car seat?
Answer
It depends on how big your child is and can depend on the state you live in.
Find out about car seat laws in your state. I am placing a link in this post that will answer your question.
http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm
This sight stated the following about turning the car seat to face forward...
The most common questions we receive at Inventive Parent are, 1) When can my babyâs rear-facing car seat face forward? and 2) Does my child need to be in a car seat?
The answer to the second question is probably Yes. The NHTSA now recommends that children stay in appropriate car seats through 8 years, 80 pounds, or up to 4'9". Many states have amended their laws to follow these guidelines. More on this in an upcoming newsletter.
Today we will focus on babies in rear-facing car seats.
Do you feel strange about putting your baby in the back seat? It is so far away! And in a rear-facing seat? Seems rather like a punishment for both of you. He canât see where heâs going. You canât see him. You fear heâll be bored, might even get car sick. And how can you comfort him when he cries? What can you do when the sun sneaks around the shades on your carâs windows?
Everyone says this is the way to do it, but you are looking forward to the day you can turn that seat around!
(I can remember driving during the day with my rear-view mirror adjusted for headlights because that way I could see my sonâs face while I was watching the road. But he was older then, a toddler in a forward-facing seat. Soon weâll show you how you can see your babyâs full face even when sheâs rear-facing!)
Babies do not watch the scenery because their young eyes can not yet focus on the distance, the gradations of color, or the movement. Think of the mobile you placed over your babyâs crib: strong contrasts, simple patterns, large objects that move slowly. It was designed for your baby. Trees flying by at 65 miles per hour outside a car window are nothing but a blur. Donât worry: your baby will not miss the scenery.
I hope this helps and also going to that sight will show you what the laws are pertaining to car seats as your child grows.
It depends on how big your child is and can depend on the state you live in.
Find out about car seat laws in your state. I am placing a link in this post that will answer your question.
http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm
This sight stated the following about turning the car seat to face forward...
The most common questions we receive at Inventive Parent are, 1) When can my babyâs rear-facing car seat face forward? and 2) Does my child need to be in a car seat?
The answer to the second question is probably Yes. The NHTSA now recommends that children stay in appropriate car seats through 8 years, 80 pounds, or up to 4'9". Many states have amended their laws to follow these guidelines. More on this in an upcoming newsletter.
Today we will focus on babies in rear-facing car seats.
Do you feel strange about putting your baby in the back seat? It is so far away! And in a rear-facing seat? Seems rather like a punishment for both of you. He canât see where heâs going. You canât see him. You fear heâll be bored, might even get car sick. And how can you comfort him when he cries? What can you do when the sun sneaks around the shades on your carâs windows?
Everyone says this is the way to do it, but you are looking forward to the day you can turn that seat around!
(I can remember driving during the day with my rear-view mirror adjusted for headlights because that way I could see my sonâs face while I was watching the road. But he was older then, a toddler in a forward-facing seat. Soon weâll show you how you can see your babyâs full face even when sheâs rear-facing!)
Babies do not watch the scenery because their young eyes can not yet focus on the distance, the gradations of color, or the movement. Think of the mobile you placed over your babyâs crib: strong contrasts, simple patterns, large objects that move slowly. It was designed for your baby. Trees flying by at 65 miles per hour outside a car window are nothing but a blur. Donât worry: your baby will not miss the scenery.
I hope this helps and also going to that sight will show you what the laws are pertaining to car seats as your child grows.
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