We decided to take a car seat with us rather than renting one with the rental car company. Has anyone ever done this and if so, what do you use to protect it from being damaged after it's been checked with the airline?
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Checking in a Car Seat
- Thread starter dinandmick
- Start date
ErickainPA
New Member
if you are going to check it with your luggage, they sell carseat bags at Toys R Us/Babies R Us that you can use and it has a strap on it to help you move it easier. You could also use a garbage bag, but no straps and not super heavy duty so probably will rip. If you are getting a seat on the plane you can take it right on the plane with you and use it in the plane seat.
Just an FYI - if you have AAA you can rent from Hertz and get a carseat rental for free. Only 1 time did we ever take a carseat with us, that was because we needed it on the plane for our son, since we held our daughters (they are twins) and they are only 13 months apart and it was from PA to WA State. We have never had an issue with renting a seat, they were always clean and carseats are easy to install, usually easier in the rentals than your own, since the new cars all have the latch system.
Just an FYI - if you have AAA you can rent from Hertz and get a carseat rental for free. Only 1 time did we ever take a carseat with us, that was because we needed it on the plane for our son, since we held our daughters (they are twins) and they are only 13 months apart and it was from PA to WA State. We have never had an issue with renting a seat, they were always clean and carseats are easy to install, usually easier in the rentals than your own, since the new cars all have the latch system.
SAV
Well-Known Member
I didn't usually take our "nicest" car seat with, so I just checked it in at the airport as is. I just had to make sure any of the straps were secured. One airline gave us a bag for it, but that was a few years ago.
And now that I think back, we also used it on the plane itself for each child at one time or another.
And now that I think back, we also used it on the plane itself for each child at one time or another.
MITCH 112198
Active Member
We always take our own carseats but check them at the airport, we put ours in big oversized christmas bags w/ the drawstring and close them after security checks them over and then they are easy to find when coming off the belt.. I always put 2 other new bags the the suitcase for the way home.
JCtheparrothead
Well-Known Member
We have taken ours and the airline has provided us with a carseat bag. We never have had an issue with damage...yet!
sshindel
The Epcot Manifesto
Last time we picked up a bag that had backpack straps, so that I could carry the carseat on my back. I think we found it on Amazon, and if you are intersted, I can dig it up and get the brand (just send me a PM if interested). It made it a lot easier and protected the car seat. Now that my kid is a little older, I think we will have to bring it for the plane seat (or we might buy one of those smaller harnesses for the seat).
HouCuseChickie
Well-Known Member
I was waiting to comment on this until after I tried out my new carseat bags. We always bring our own carseats and check them since most people/child safety groups strongly discourage using seats the rental car agencies provide.
So, we initially used the Eddie Bauer bag for our carseats, which was easy to use for our older one's booster, but practically impossible to fit in our younger one's full sized convertible seat. We decided to try bags by Sunshine Kids (on Amazon) and while the carseats fit pretty easily in the bags, both bags showed considerable wear after the first flight. On our return trip, I tried fitting the larger seat into one of the bags and the bag ripped from end to end. The airline had to put one of their plastic bags over the seat when checking them. So, the bag I purchased was a total waste of $.
What was really interesting- we had a 3+ hr delay :zipit: due to weather and while we waited in the airport restaurant, we happened to see a nearby plane doing the exceptional baggage load (i.e. carseats and strollers). All of the carseats in the airline's plastic bags were actually treated with some care, but all of the carseats in people's peronsally supplied bags were dragged along the ground. Technically, the airline doesn't assume any responsibility for damage, but I'm wondering if baggage handlers are given different instructions based on the bag holding the carseat.
So, in conculsion- I say take your own seats and let the airlines bag them when you're checking your bags. :wave:
So, we initially used the Eddie Bauer bag for our carseats, which was easy to use for our older one's booster, but practically impossible to fit in our younger one's full sized convertible seat. We decided to try bags by Sunshine Kids (on Amazon) and while the carseats fit pretty easily in the bags, both bags showed considerable wear after the first flight. On our return trip, I tried fitting the larger seat into one of the bags and the bag ripped from end to end. The airline had to put one of their plastic bags over the seat when checking them. So, the bag I purchased was a total waste of $.
What was really interesting- we had a 3+ hr delay :zipit: due to weather and while we waited in the airport restaurant, we happened to see a nearby plane doing the exceptional baggage load (i.e. carseats and strollers). All of the carseats in the airline's plastic bags were actually treated with some care, but all of the carseats in people's peronsally supplied bags were dragged along the ground. Technically, the airline doesn't assume any responsibility for damage, but I'm wondering if baggage handlers are given different instructions based on the bag holding the carseat.
So, in conculsion- I say take your own seats and let the airlines bag them when you're checking your bags. :wave:
WishIwasThere
Active Member
We have also gate checked the car seat or booster seat along with the umbrella stroller and had no problem with that. Just have to wait a few minutes after everone else gets off the plane.
loveofamouse
Well-Known Member
It's adviced that you use the seat on the plane. It may make for a better exp for your child since it will be familiar.
Renting isn't a great idea as you don't know the history of the seat.
I'm a car seat safety advocate, btw
Renting isn't a great idea as you don't know the history of the seat.
I'm a car seat safety advocate, btw
HouCuseChickie
Well-Known Member
It doesn't take long to install your carseat in a plane seat, but deciding to use it or not is a matter of personal preference. We used our car seats on the plane for our kids before they turned 2, but with our older one- she was better on the plan sans carseat after turning 2. My younger one is turning 2 this weekend- we're going to WDW next month, and we will not be bringing her carseat.
erstwo
Well-Known Member
Flying Southwest?
We've taken that exact flight many a time! (edit: Never mind on that valet parking! I got my airports confused!)It doesn't take long to install. The hardest part is lugging it on the plane and trying not to hit anyone on the head on your way down the aisle.
Ont tip: Put the seatbelt on tight, but not too tight - I've actually put it on too tight twice before and we were *this* close to having to cut the seat belt to get it out. Totally embarassing! The Southwest flight from Birmingham to Orlando is a bigger plane, so you have a tiny bit more wiggle room when you are installing the seat. We used seats with our kids until they were 3 to 4 years old.
Good luck and have a great trip!
loveofamouse
Well-Known Member
You can also request to board early( minus rest of family) for one person to install seat with no one to accidentally hit.
For me, personallY, I would use a carseat on my 5 and 3 yr old. My almost 7yr old uses highback boosters(which are not FAA approved). My 5yr old still uses a harness and would use his on the plane. Not only is it safer but it also makes kids feell more secure, esp for landings. It is also a familiar item for them.
For me, personallY, I would use a carseat on my 5 and 3 yr old. My almost 7yr old uses highback boosters(which are not FAA approved). My 5yr old still uses a harness and would use his on the plane. Not only is it safer but it also makes kids feell more secure, esp for landings. It is also a familiar item for them.
HouCuseChickie
Well-Known Member
I'm curious- which airline? That's great if they let you do it, but we've never been afforded that option. I've asked on mulitple airlines and in a variety of airports. Sheesh- the few times we've flown Southwest w/our kids, they don't even permit a pre-board and you get bumped down to boarding with group B if you weren't able to secure boarding in group A during online check in...hence why we fly Continental.
sshindel
The Epcot Manifesto
Try to get into Southwest's Group A by checking in 24 hours in advance, but if not, do not worry TOO much. They have a family boarding time. I pulled this from Southwest's site:
http://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/boarding_school_faq.html
Do families get to preboard?
An adult traveling with a child four years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs between the "A" and "B" boarding groups. However, those Customers holding an "A" boarding pass should still board with the "A" boarding group. With an all-jet fleet outfitted with comfortable, leather seats, our families traveling with small children are easily accommodated together.
HouCuseChickie
Well-Known Member
We found the "traveling with small children" boarding Southwest offers before group B to be inadequate. We found it better to check in online exactly 24 hrs before your flight time to try and get the best number possible in group A. We rarely fly Southwest b/c of this, but when we do, I usually start trying to check in a couple minutes early, since even a wasted second or two could mean winding up in group B.
sshindel
The Epcot Manifesto
I'll totally agree that it is best to check in at the 24 hour mark and make it into Group A. It's your best bet without question. The family boarding section can become it's own issue when traveling to a family destination like Orlando, when sometimes it seems like the entire plane is "Traveling with Small Children".
It does offer an alternative though if you absolutly cannot check in at the 24 hour mark and make Group A.
Worst case though, since there are no assigned seats, if there is not a sufficient row(s) for your famliy, ask someone if they would mind moving to accomodate your family. I've always had people willing to slide around if there is an alternative for them.
loveofamouse
Well-Known Member
Continental:hurl: They screwed me out of $531. Im still waiting for the refund voucher.
Anywho
Ive personally never done it as I don't fly with my kids. Friends have done it. The whole part doesn't board first. Just one person to install the carseat.