Anyone flown with a kids car seat?

[vi5]

We're flying in 2 weeks with my 3 year old daughter. Our Graco car seat says it is FAA approved, but I'm not 100% sure it will fit. We're flying continental and it says their seats are 17.2-17.9 inches wide and I measured the car seat at 17 inches. So on paper it SHOULD be o.k.

Technically we could get away without her using one on the plane but since we also need it for the rental car when we get to our destination we're taking a better safe than sorry approach (plus with my mom flying with us, SHE's even more overprotective). I guess if it doesn't fit they can check it for us, but still.

[trotsky]

1. We checked ours.

There is really no need to have the car seat in the airplane seat. They put it in a nice big plastic bag so it doesn't get dirty in the luggage compartment.

[Danmel]

2. Safety seats on planes

Actually it is better if a child is in a safety seat while flying. We used ours a few times when our kids were small. If it doesn't fit, they'll check it for you, but it does give an added margin of safety for your child.

[commander bunnypants]

3. did with my nieces

no problems noted

DDQM

[kick-ass-bob]

4. yes - but my son was not that old.

It was a hell of a lot better than not having it...

[matcom]

5. Tried once

couldn't figure out how to start it though

[trotsky]

9. LMFAO

OK, I needed that laugh. Good one, matcom.

[Midlodemocrat]

6. I have always flown with ours

haven't had any problems. If you do have a problem, ask them to gate check it for you, so it will be at the gate when you land.

[bif]

7. You have to get a good running start

To get those things to fly.

[Mizmoon]

8. I never used a car-seat on a plane

I figure if we're going down, ain't no piece of plastic gonna help.

[Polly Glot]

10. I'd probably not bother using a carseat in an airplane

for a child that "old" as she is probably disciplined enough to stay in her plane seat with the seatbelt fastened. Your mileage may, however, vary.

I'd definitely bring it along for the car rental. You shouldn't have to pay extra to check it.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. Your baby will be safer in the car seat.

If you get on any airline's web site and dig around a little, you will find its Contract of Carriage. I found Continental's at http://continental.com/travel/policies/contract/default.asp. This should tell you the specific requirements for carseats and anything else you want to bring on the plane. There is another web site, http://www.seatguru.com, which has information about the seat width and pitch of all seats on all major airlines. Hope this helps.

[Drifter]

12. Don't bother taking it ...

unless you need it at your destination. You won't be able to use it on the plane. They will make you check it.

Cheers
Drifter

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. Not true.

COA's Contract of Carriage says: "Children unable to sit upright with the seat belt fastened must be carried in an approved infant/child seat, if not being held by an Adult Passenger as a lap child. Infant/child seats:
(a) Must be FAA approved and be clearly marked with the original NHTSA label.
(b) Must be used in an unoccupied aircraft seat and cannot be held in an adult's lap.
(c) Cannot be used in an Exit Row.
(d) Must remain properly secured to an aircraft seat at all times unless stored as a carry-on."

A baby is much safer in a car seat. If there is moderate or severe turbulence the person holding the baby will not be able to hang on to him/her, and the baby could end up bouncing aound the cabin. That's the main reason why there is pressure on the FAA to mandate the use of car seats.

[elehhhhna]

14. Right-o. The seat will fit when the arm is up on the plane seat.

USE IT!