Airline Travel with Car Seat/stroller

Hi M.,
I would definitely bring your car seat. In my experience I found that having familiar surroundings is comforting on an airplane. also it may be easier for him to fall asleep. There is also a new car seat/stroller in the one step ahead catalogue. It was made specifically for air travel. You may want to check it out. Good Luck!

I wouldn't take the carseat, but I would probably take a small stroller in case your child falls asleep or airport too packed for what you need to do.Bring things to keep entertained and some snacks to keep him munching in the air. It will keep the ears clear. I hope this helps and gl.

We ditched having a stroller by the time the kids were 3. walking through the airport can be a bit of a hassle but they want to walk and it gets rid of energy. we have a small rolling suitcase for each kid. we load each up w/lightweight toys (think stuffed animal, maybe some crayons, etc) so the kids can pull it. makes them very happy to walk! I WOULD take the car seat. My daughter is almost 5 and we took hers last month on an airplane. They are much, much safer in the car seat plus it comletely eliminates the discussion about moving around, staying in the seat belt, etc because they know once they're buckled, they have to stay put just like in the car. besides, the forward facing only seats don't weigh very much. If you put essentials in a backpack and the toys in a rolly, it leaves you w/one hand for the car seat and one hand for your son. I echo letting him run around empty areas. we always have races, etc in the boarding area next to our gate right before getting on. I also echo checking that the car seat is airline approved. Flight attendants check about 1/3 the time in our experience, less on forward facing than on infant or convertible, but they do still check. Good luck!

If your parents have the carseat and stroller in NJ, I wouldn't bother bringing that stuff along. When you're traveling with a 3 yr old, the less stuff you have to manage, the better. Especially if you're on a direct flight and don't have to rush to catch a connecting flight somewhere. And if your carseat isn't FAA approved, they won't let you use it on the flight anyway. And I found that when they're that size, the carseat raises the kids up so far that it sometimes prevents the tray table from folding all the way down (since the seats are so cramped on airplanes these days). Just be vigilant about keeping his seatbelt fastened and teach him plane etiquette (like not kicking the seat in front of him). We also have family in NJ and have done that particular trip with all 3 kids many, many times...it's a fairly short ride (about 2 movies on the portable dvd player plus snack time) so you shouldn't have any problems. Have fun!!

We traveled with a Broadway show for 1 1/2 years when my daughter was 2-31/2. Here's what I learned: Small stroller (we had a Kelty convertible) is very helpful. If they don't want to ride in it, it was great to lug our carry on bags and purse so my hands were free to grab her if needed and also saved my back and shoulders. NO CAR SEAT! They are a huge pain especially if you have one on the other end. They do fine in the seats and she felt like such a big girl buckling in with the adults. Make friends with the flight attendants and they'll pay a little extra attention to your son. One new toy or coloring book, extra snacks and drinks (nothing worse than waiting for that cart) And......the mini dvd player saved my life. She could be absorbed in a movie and I could actually read, or relax, or just not have to talk. I know we all think we shouldn't expose our kids to too much tv or movies. I'm telling you in this instance it will mean the difference between arriving exhausted and arriving ready with the energy to take on the rest of the day!! Have fun! We moved from NJ two years ago and I miss it alot!
K.

Hi M.

I dont know about the car seat, I wouldn't bother if they have one waiting, but as for the stroller in the airport it is a must. You make him sit in it so you can keep track of him at all times or else you will be exhausted from chasing him around such a big, potentially unsafe environment. Plus it makes it so much easier. I would definitely take the stroller, then when you are in line for security he is still and you know right where he is. Good luck!

The disadvantages are lugging the things around.

Here are the advantages I have found
-When the airport is crazy busy with people it was nice to have my little ones in a stroller

-you can gate check the stroller

-most kids are used to sleeping in their carseat so that makes it easier for them to sleep on the plane
-take his shoes off so he doesn't kick the seat in front of him
-I always back lots of little new stuff to play with
-you can check online to find out if your carseat is FAA approved
Good Luck! We've done the trip to NY at least once a year for over 8 years with the kids.

Even though I did not purchase a ticket chances are good there will be empty seats in the back of the plane if you are willing, I highly reccomend you bring the car seat on the plane and strap it in if you can. Usually people are willing to trade and hopefully you have a compassionate flight attendant( a fifty fifty deal) that might help you negotiate a little bit. This is just nice so you can have your hands free a little bit! And maybe even a nap for the baby! Also, take the stroller, they will check it for you at the gate!

We've flown many times, and have done it many ways. When I am by myself, I always take the stroller, never the car seat. Depending on the kind of car seat you have, it may or may not be FAA approved, so you definitely want to check that out before you go through the hassle. The stroller isn't only good for the kid, but also for the rest of the stuff. If he's walking, but the carry ons in the stroller so your hands are free. Without the car seat, he'll have a lot more room to move while still being in his seat. However, if you don't think he'll stay there for take off and landing, then you might need the seat. It's very wearing to have to carry it, though, even with a travel case. During turbulence, usually it's okay if he's in you lap as opposed to his own seat, but during landing and take off he would have to be in his seat. GL! I hope it goes well!

I found that leaving both at home was the way to go for us. Lugging anything extra stinks. I have flown many times by myself with my boys since they were 1 and 3. At the airport I let my boys run around in an empty waiting area. They are so confined in the plane that if they are getting out that energy first it is a much more pleasant flight. A 3 1/2 year old can handle some walking in the airport. We always make an adventure game in the airport until we get to our gate. That keeps them busy thinking and not worrying about how far the walk may be.

The only thing I take into consideration is the desination airport - some are so incredibly huge you do walk forever -
Heathrow for example, it is like a three day walk to get to customs. But I have done O'Hare in Chicago several times with no problem and it is pretty large. But games and giggling go a long way.

Good Luck!