Flying with a 2 year old - car seat on the plane?

[Hot Lava]

Last time we flew, we brought the carseat (he had just turned 2). There are pros and cons. Our carseat is gigantic and heavy. We flew United and that airline is now run by morons and [expletives]. They no longer allow families to board first. So we end up hitting everyone on the way to the back of the plane. I get people want to get on first and get the over head space, but the situation on United is crazy. Of course, I think they need to start actually enforcing carry on size limits (that is another thread for elsewhere). It was great having his seat, but he was close to being able to hit the seat in front with his feet.

I think that if you are renting a car at your destination, you should definitely bring a car seat, whether you use it in the cabin. The carseats from rental car companies are at best filthy, and at worst broken, "expired", and downright dangerous.

http://www.deliciousbaby.com/journal/2008/jul/27/danger-rent-car-rental-agency-puts-infant-risk/

http://www.deliciousbaby.com/journal/2007/dec/22/advantage-rent-cars-frightening-car-seats/

 

[G00fyDad]

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[juniorthomas]

Question!
Fllying next week with our 2 year old daughter. A friend at work suggested using her car seat on the plane (when she did it, however, they were flying to Hawaii). Is it worth it for the 2+ hour flight to Orlando? We won't be renting a car when we get there, so the seat would basically be for the plane ride.

Any other suggestions for flying with a 2 year old?! :shrug:

Thanks!

Thought it obnoxious/cumbersome to travel with a car seat. DD did just fine without one. Unless you're renting a car (which you aren't), a car seat is just one more thing to slow you down.