Air Travel with Toddler

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I'm no stranger to travelling with small children. Before becoming a mom, I travelled with the families I worked with. But here's my question:

My daughter is will be 18 months when we take our vacation. I broke down and bought her a seat. Even though the flight is only 3 1/2 hours, I can't imagine 3 1/2 hours of Miss Squirmy Pants on my lap. I felt that the extra seat would be well worth the money. I'm planning on bringing her carseat on the plane but we have a Britax and it's huge. I keep imagining that lugging this thing through the airport, through security, down the aisles is going to be a hassle. Has anyone travelled with one before? Do people use smaller, more lightweight carseats for air travel?

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Parent Replies to "Air Travel with Toddler"

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Might be too late for a reply but we use a Britax in our cars and Graco car seat for planes. It's much lighter and cheaper so I dont care if it gets banged up. When my DD was little, I did not buy a seat but carried the car seat to the gate. I nicely asked the counter person if the flight was full. If so, I'd gate-check the seat. If not, I would ask if I could sit in a spot with an open middle and possibly carry-on the car seat. 3 out of 3 times I got the empty seat and we all traveled comfortably.

I like your idea of bringing what you need with you, even the DVD.
It is a challenge on a flight to manage the bags as a solo adult but it is worth it to know you have what you need when your child needs it.
Traveling with a sturdy stroller, one that can help with lugging luggage is a blessing.
This next trip will be our first since he out grew the stoller, I miss it already. So far the key has been luggage with wheels and small ones that can stack on bigger pieces. The bags with a reinforced bottom and a full strap that I can put across my torso (leaving my hands free for little fingers) are a favorite.

As long as the carseat is airline approved, it can be used. My daughter had a Britax, I did lug it through all of those points - along with the stroller, diaper bag, snack sack...etc! It is a bit of a pain, especially if you are travelling alone!

I also travel with a portable DVD player and some full size head phone and a few of their favorite videos - awesome for short flights! ESPECIALLY if they are squirmers!!l

Good Luck
Lynne

mbright, that luggage allowance is going to become more and more valuable as prices increase. I've purchased seats for my daughter since she was six weeks old, and I'd never consider otherwise.

Now if I can just keep the person in front of me from reclining so far I can see where they part their hair....

I believe the regulations chanaged recently on many if not most airlines and you are required to buy a ticket.
the carseat still does not count toward the carry on minimum.

I flew to London England before our son was born the famly of three children opted not to buy a seat for their pre schooler. with no where to sit he stood behind me seat and kicked. and kicked. I felt sorry for the child. and I vowed I would not be that parent.

My child has a ticket. Besides then you can have 2 carry on bags for that ticket.

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