Car Seat or No Car Seat on Plane for 20-Month-old

I would use it at that age. I flew with my son when he was about 20 months and if I hadn't had it, he would have been a squiggly nightmare to deal with the entire trip.

Also, it's such a new/different situation for them, I also think the familiarity of the car seat made him more comfortable.

We flew again in March and he was about 3.5 years old, and even then he was still a little antsy - but didn't need a car seat.

we flew with my 30 month one last month without one. he was fine. he didn't run down the aisles--maybe once or twice, he stayed buckled. we just made suer to bring lots of entertainment. we usually rent a carseat at wherever destination we're headed. we're going to hawaii next week and i can't imagine my son actually staying IN his carseat on the plane during the whole flight.

Car seat for sure. We've never flown with our two children. My daughter had just turned 3 and my son was about 20 months old when we drove to Hilton Head from Chicago. Just think of riding in the car without a carseat. Do you think they would want to stay in their seats? In an airplane, I'd imagine, they'd want to run up and down the isle whether or not the seatbelt sign was on. Not that I'd let them, but I'm sure it would be a struggle that could easily be soved with a carseat, snacks, and in another comment, plently of dollar store toys. I'd add books, flash cards, a blanky and favorite stuffed animal for a nap.

Good luck!

At that age... definitely car seat. Its a lot easier. Since my son turned 3 yrs, we stopped using one for him on the plane but still use a carseat for our 16 mos old daughter. If your son is fidgety or kicks his legs a lot, then make sure you warn the person sitting in front of you that they may be inconvenienced. Or just have your husband sit in the seat in front of your son :).

Good luck.

YES! Carseat for sure. I flew with my daughter to Florida, who was also about 20 months at that time and I'm so glad I did it. Since she knows that once strapped into a car seat she's not allowed to get out it helped in keeping her contained. I think it would have been hell for me and my fellow travelers had I not put her in a car seat. I also bought this back pack thing to carry the carseat through the airport and it was wonderful. The link is below. I also stocked up on snacks and dollar store toys and the flight was a breeze! Good Luck
http://www.familyonboard.com/pac_back_carseat_backpack.html

Hi J.,
I say not to use it. In all honesy, you don't need it. It takes up too much room in the seat that he will be uncomfortable, well, at least my daughter was the whole way down to Florida. We checked it on the way back and it was LOVELY! To be honest, I used to be a flight attendant and you don't need them.
Good luck and have a great trip!
K. :~)
P.S. Most airlines that have assigned seats, don't let you pre-board. Southwest lets you pre-board b/c they don't have assigned seats. We've flown United and American with the kids, no pre-boarding. Just make it easy on yourself. At least you know that not having him in a car seat ISN'T a safety issue. :~)

absolutely he may even take a nap
don't forget to board 1st
you can take your stroller all the way to the gate that will help you lug your stuff
plus i think your stroller ends up on top and not buried and when you get off the plane the stroller is there waiting for you

Absolutely use the carseat! Your child will be more comfortable and much safer.

I would say no- I don't think the hassle of the car seat outweighs the benefits. It's such a pain in the butt to drag it all the way to the gate.
I flew to England and France with my kids when they were younger and quite a bit around the US. The best thing that works for me is distration- I usually buy a bag of cheap toys so I can pull a new one out every few minutes. It works wonders. I also find that takeoff makes them sleepy, so if you can time the flight when they are sleepy anyway they may sleep he whole time. Enjoy your trip.