Travel Advice

If you are going to rent a carseat from the car agency be sure they will have the bucket-style or a carseat that is designed to be installed rear-facing. Regardless of which route you choose... your carseat vs. rental you might consider one of those BundleMe bags so your son isn't in contact with any of the surfaces from a heavily-used carseat. The other benefit I found from mine is protection from the elements and a diaper blowout barrier... it's a lot easier to release the velcro to remove a soiled BundleMe for the laundry than to disassemble the belts/cover from a carseat... especially one you're not familiar with! To find it on the Target.com website paste 10712442 and hit search. Happy Flying!

A.

You can wheel the stroller up to the gate with you and they have a specific bin that holds those so not to worry. Regarding your car seat. I suggest bringing it with you but check it in with the check in desk. You and your 3 1/2 yr old have a right to two pieces of luggage each so you can check it for free. When you get to the check in desk ask about the flights seating availability, sometimes they will block a seat for your baby if the flight is not full.

Good luck.

K.

I took a 6 hour flight with a newborn and a 21 month old. We had to buy the toddler a seat which she sat in "most' of the time the new born I held in mine or my husbands arms. We checked our car seats.
We had a side by side stroller which the steward held for us and had it ready at the door as we departed.
Take as little as possible on the plane with you neccessities only especially if you have to go through customs.
Dont forget babies ears cant regulate during take off and landing be sure they have pacifiers or bottles to suck on similar to when we chew gum.
Good Luck have a nice flight

All the airlines will let you take it up to the plane. Then right before you get on you set it outside of the cockpit door and they check it under the plane for you. It will then be waiting at the door when you get off the plane at your next destination. It's very effcient and you won't have to rent a car seat that you aren't sure of how to use properly or if it's been in any accidents.

I am no expert but I just returned (got home May 5th) from taking my 10 month old twins on a trip from Hawaii to nebraska to las vegas back to Hawaii. On our trip over we spent a total of 21 hours traveling (with the lay over and what not) Mind you I did have tickets for only my hubby and I. So that gave us 4 pieces of luggage and two carry-ons total for us. On the way over we were going to have a 6 hour lay over in Las Angeles, at the gate we checked two umbrula strollers and the port a crib. All checked no problem..Our under the plane luggage consisted of 2 huge suitcases and two carseats and a military sea-bag(size of a suitcaise) NO we did not get charged extra for any of it. (btw unless you are traveling alone you might want to consider getting two small strollers instead of one big one and they are fairly cheap 15 bucks each). On the way back from Nebraska to Las Vegas we gate checked two strollers and one car seat. The guy at the curb in Nebraska was a jerk and would only let us check 2 luggage, one sea bag and one carseat. We ended up carrying it to the plane and checking it and the strollers there. From Las Vegas to L.A. We ended up checking two suitcases, a sea-bag, 2 car-seats. Only carried on the strollers for gate check in. There was a mix up in La and we ended up changing air-lines to get back to hawaii. They checked ALL of it except for the stollers, at the window where you get your seats. All at no charge...anywhere! We flew on United and American. But bottom line is you never know what information you will be told at either place. I was told 10 different things at each of the curb, gate and inside the plane. As far as getting a seat for your younger child..if the flight is full...not likely but what you do is as soon as you get to the airport..go to the gate and talk to the associates there. When we flew American from La to Hawaii, the ticket lady told us the flight was close to filling up but to ask the gate person and see what they could do. We went right to the gate person and asked her if there was any way possible for my hubby and I to sit next to each other in the same row and not put a person in the middle so we could all sit together. IUf you have two lap babies you cant sit in the same row, you have to be across the isle from each other because of the o2 masks..there is only one extra per seating row. The lady told us she would do one better, she would give us our own row. There were 6 seats per row.. My hubby and son had 3 seats to themselves and across the isle I had 3 seats to myself with my daughter. It made it so much easier. Oh and btw I did call and ask the air lines what we could check and what we could not and they said one thing but when we got to the curb and the gates..we was told something different(not as strict as what the person said on the phone) One more thing. The car seat, your son can check it under the plane..most airlines will allow them to check in a carseat no matter what..in other words they allow young children to have 2 checked luggage and a car seat.
Hope this helps
T.

I guess it depends on how long the flight will be. If it's a relatively short flight I have always just rented a seat from the car rental company. Also, depending on where you are flying to, most flights will be booked since it is summer time and everyone is on vacation so there probably won't be room on the plane. Your stroller can be wheeled right up to the gate and then they tag it and put it below and when you arrive it will be there waiting for you. I would call the airlines if you decide to bring a seat with you though. You may be able to carry it to the gate and ask if they will have any extra seats for you to use. If not, then they can put it below with your stroller. Like I said though, if it's a short flight, I would just rent a chair from the car company. It saves you a lot of hassle. Happy vacationing!

bring the car seat but not the base. you probably run the seat belt thru the back. it will be a life saver for you. if the plane is full the stewardess will take it down to the bottom for you and it won't count in the check-in luggage allotment. win-win. get to the seat check-in early. i've found everyone to be quite accodating. they've even moved people for me.

Hello A.,
I usually pack the car seat into check in luggage (especially if we get a rental car at the other end) and take a foldable stroller upto the gate where they will stow your umbrella stroller in the cabin and have it ready for you as you step off the plane. If you do not have a seat then just rent one.

R.

HI there
Take the car seat onto the plane(not the base). You should be able to buckle that into the seat without the base. In the event you can't use the seat it should fit in the overhead compartment. You should be able to wheel your stroller right up to the plane door and then they will put it with the luggage on the plane and it should be out waiting for you at the plane door when you arrive. Take LOTS of fun stuff/toys to keep your 3 1/2 year old occupied and you should be good! Have a wonderful vacation!

Hi A.! I have travelled a lot with my daughter who is four now. She got her first wings when she was four months old. I would bring the car seat. When you check your luggage downstairs, ask if the flight is full and if it is check your carseat there. They sometimes have plastic bags but you can bring a large garbage bag too. If seats are available try to bring it on and ask at the gate if there's an extra seat. You should bring your stroller to the gate. Before boarding begins get a tag from the airline employee. YOu will fold your stroller at the end of the walk way (just before boarding). THey usually allow you to preboard with young children as a courtesy. Another idea is bring stuff to occupy them. I bring snacks, books, crayons/paper, playdough (small cans are great), etc. A friend of mine buys her son small surprises and wraps them, one for each hour of flight. Then he gets to open them. Good luck! I really enjoy flying with my daugter. IT's a fun learning experience. Bring extra clothes for the kids and you (they some times spill on mommy). Also, if you have to change planes be prepared to be stuck especially in Chicago over night. Bring a sippy cup. Hope this helps.

I took my 7 month old son with me on a trip and just sat him on my lap. I'm pretty sure they let you use the stroller to the gate too. I didn't use one myself but I saw somebody else do it on the same flight I was on. I thought it was definetly easiest to just sit him on my lap. It's a little uncomfortable, but you can always switch arms.
You can check the car seat in as luggage too to use after you get off teh plane, then you don't have to rent one.

Hi A.. I took my son at 4 mo. to eastern Washington from California on a train. I had his front pack and his bouncer. I walked as much as I could with him in the front pack. I held him in my arms as much as I could stand before my arms would hurt, and I had his bouncer. It folded flat and went into a cloth case with a handle. It vibrated. It was perfect. I laid it at my feet and that was where he could sleep and relax. As for when he was 3, (we traveled the day before his 3rd birthday to the same place), we borrowed a dvd player for our flight. We had our carry on full of coloring books, crayons, snacks, books, little toys, and dvds. He didn't use half of it. I'm sure you'll all be fine. Stay relaxed, then they will feel more comfortable. Just remember, this will simply be a story to tell one day soon. The trip itself won't last forever. Have fun.

A.: You can check the stroller in at the plane itself. You can also leave your carseat there as well. I sent mine with my luggage on one trip and it was ruined. I didn't sign a waiver so they had to reimburse me. My last trip I learned that I could put the carseat with my stroller. That was a huge help. You can't depend on the rental car to have a seat or a quality seat. Plus it's just cheaper to bring your own. They charge $9 or more a day. Good luck.

I've flown with my kids a few times. When my daghter was 5 wks old I carried on my lap and rented a carseat with our car. It worked out fine. When she was 7 mo old we bought a carseat bag and checked her carseat. It worked out great too because I was more comfortable using her seat. When I took both my kids on a plane by myself, I went back to renting car seats because I couldn't lug one on the plane and then carry another, plus my luggage. Now that my daughter's old enough that I have to pay for a seat I bring hers on the plane. I personally have never been on a flight that wasn't full, so I don't know if I would take that chance. The airport will definately let you bring the stroller through to the gate. The airline will check it as a large item when you go onto the plane. It goes under with all the rest of the luggage, but they'll bring it up to you as you get off the plane. It is much easier! I'm sure, they'd do that with the carseat as well if you do want to try to bring it on the plane in case seats are available. You can also call the airline and they'll usually tell you how full the plane is, just explain your circumstance. I've never flown continental, but the other airlines are really good about this sort of thing. Also, if you're going to need to be rushing to catch another flight, you usually have to wait to be able to get your carseat and stroller. I hope I've helped a little and not just added more to think about! Good luck and have fun!

i'm not positive but I think you have to have a seat for the 3 and a half year old as well.

I just rented a car for a trip that I am taking at the end of the month, and they wanted to charge me $8.00 dollars a day to rent the car seat, but I did get a quote from another car rental place that gave you the car seat for free. So you'll have to do a little foot work to find out what your rental place will do for you. At $8.00 I am better off purchasing a new one when I get to my destination or bring the one I have with me. Good luck

Yes you can wheel to the gate and they will check on the plane there. Make sure to tag it before though. You can also check the car seat at the gate. The people at the terminal will let you know if it looks good for the extra seat. I don't think you would need the base though as the seat belt usually goes through the seat itself. You will have to take a look at your model. Have a good trip. Also feed the baby at take off and landing and give your 31'2 year old gum or jelly beans at take off and landing for their ears. They can't pop them on their own usually and this will save you a screaming nightmare! Good luck

I would bring his seat. I do not trust using any one elses car seats you do not know if they have been in a accident or not. Also you can take the stroller to the gate. They will pre-board you. When you get to the plane they will take the stroller tag it and put it under the airplane when you get to your destination they will take it from under the plane and as soon as you step off the plane it will be there for you to load the kids so you are not having to carry them through the airport. Do not worry it will all work out. Good Luck!

K.

Hey A., I took my daughter on a 3 1/2 hour flight when she was 1 y/o. I took our car seat but I had to buy her, her own plane ticket. At the gate you can check anything that you won't use during the flight. Your stroller they will let youtake it to the gate and then they will check it for you and then when you land bring to the arrival gate so you have it when you get off the plane. Hope this helps. S.

Hi A.! My husband and I took a trip from SFO to TX to visit relitives for Christmas with our then 5 month old son. All the airlines were very clear about having to buy a seat at half price to use your car seat. I can't imagine that in this time smooshing in as many people as they can they would do anything for free. I carried my son in a sling. It was really crammped so we upgraded to the economy plus seats on our return. My mother bought us a carseat to use there. The checked carseats and strollers I saw looked pretty beat up. Personally I would check with the rental company and go that route. I assume they would have to meet safety standards, but I'd check that too. Also, I'd get a lightwieght travel stroller if you use one, or I just upgraded my sling to the ergobaby carrier and it is more comfortable. We all love it. My husband can use it to, and it is great on the back or front. I hope you have a good trip. Don't forget though only one clear quart size zip top bag per ticket. That means you and the baby or your boys have to share. As if the carseat weren't enough to think about right? =)

You need a convertable carseat; infant carseats with the base are not compatable with airplanes. Don't take the chance of caring your child on your lap. Here are some websites with information:
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm

I have a 4 year old and a 15 month old. Usually when we travel like to my Grandparents I bring my own carseat. I just check it in with all my other baggage so that way its waiting for us along with our other baggage and no hassle about storing it. We also use our stroller right up until we board the plane. You just have to break it down and leave it at the door then they store it and bring it back up. So when you get off the plane its waiting for you at the door again. We usually bring our small stroller but I have seen people with the bigger strollers and also even the double strollers. So airlines are pretty accomidating for children. Hope this helps.

If you do not mind the extra cost I would suggest renting a car seat. It is usually about 10-15 extra per day. You can lug the car seat with you, but unless you know in advance that your flight is not full. I am a travel agent and most flights this summer are already full. You can check your car seat and most airlines have plastic bags to fit over it or you can put it in a large duffle bag - they even sell them to fit over car seats. Then you will have your own...I usually check mine in.
You can take your stroller to the gate and they will gate check it and put it back on the runway when you land. You may want to be one of the last ones off - as sometimes you have to wait for them to get your stroller. Make sure you pack some hot wheels and coloring books and snacks for the wait before boarding the plane. Have a wonderful trip.

I have an 8 month old and have traveled several times with her. I also used to work for an airline years ago. I think that it is easiest to travel with the car seat. Most of the car seats do not need the bases to travel with. You can just hook it with the seatbelt. If the airline has seats available, they will let you take the carseat on, don't count on this- but it is nice when it happens. If you cannot take the carseat on, they will check both the stroller and the carseat right on the jetway and give them back to you on the jetway when you get to your next stop. You can call Continental to make sure that it works the same way for them, but most of the airlines are pretty standard. Let me know if you have any other questions.

You should be able to check both the stroller & the car seat at the door of the plane. Do not rent a car seat from a car compnay - they are dirty & the car companies know nothing about current car seat laws. We tried that once & all they had (with advance notice) was a booster seat, which did not work for our 2 1/2 year old! We had to buy our own while on vacation.

Hi,
I'm a mom of a 5 year old and an international travel agent and I've been flying everywhere with my daughter since she was 6 months old!
While most of the time I've purchased a seat for her, there has been more than a few occassions where I have not. My advice would be to pack your car seat. The ones at the rental companies can be dirty and not many actually offer an infant seat. Hopefully you have the double stroller that will accomodate the infant seat on top. Most airlines will let you use an empty seat but will frown upon letting you bring on the car seat since sometimes last minute availability isnt known until the aircraft doors are closing. You can use the stroller until right before you board where the flight crew will take it and put it below the plane and it will be waiting for you when you soon as you get off. I would suggest also purchasing a baby harness (I got mine at Babies R Us) and its designed especially for flying. You cant strap the baby in with you under your belt but this hardness is designed to attach to your belt. Turbulance comes quick and can be strong and unfortunatly I've seen babies injured when the parent was caught off guard when turbulance came. Hope this helps! Have a wonderful trip!

When you go through the security checkpoints, the stroller has to go through by itself but other than that, I think the kids can be in it the whole time...You can check that at the gate. Having a big bulky car seat is not something that I would want to deal with on the airplane if its just a short little flight... But if its over 3 hours, I would definitely consider it since its a little more difficult to keep a child still in your lap after each hour ticks by. I would just call the airline periodically and find out the status of how full the flight is, because, if its full, you cant bring it anyway. Also, I know that www.onestepahead.com has alot of travel items, including a car seat that has a bag/strap so its easier to carry around during travel...You might want to try them.

Good luck and have fun!

Having flown a lot with both of my small children, beginning at age 4 months, I never took the baby seat along. I had a lot of other mothers comment on what a hassle it was. The good news if you take it, is that they will check the seat and the stroller at the end of the walkway right before you board the plane. All airlines are good about this, but Continental especially. It was always easier to rent the seat with the rental car or in places where we frequently visit (i.e. flying east to see my in-laws) we just bought seats and left them there at grandma and grandpas.

HI A.. I have traveled a few times withe my girls. I found it easiest to take the stroller and car seat. check when you check in to see how full the plane is. they are usually pretty nice about it. If there isnt an empty seat you gate check the car seat. same with the stroller. you just drop them off right before you enter the plane. then when you get to where you are going they have it right there as you get off. It is quite easy. As for the car seat base, you should be able to install the car seat with out it. But if you think it would be easier to have it (if you child likes the seat and sits in it ALOT) then pack it in a suitcase and get it out when you arrive at your destination. you do not want to take it on the plane with you.

We have traveled with our son on a few different occasions at different ages. My advice for you is to take your baby's carseat with you. The car rental companies charge a bundle for rentals and they never guarantee they will have one on hand. If they are out once you get to your destination, you are stranded. If you don't get to use it onboard, check-it. A couple of different airlines provided us in the past with huge plastic bags to cover them from getting dirty. The stoller shouldn't be a problem. They will let you wheel it clear to the door of the plane and leave it there. They will stowe it and put it back in the same spot when you land. Even a big double. I would take advantage of early boarding and get the kids settled in and busy so they enjoy their flight. We've flown to Hawaii (5.5 hours) with a 2 year old. Movies, crayons, books and snacks got us through it with flying colors. Good luck!!
-------------------------------------------------------------
I just saw your response. You have 3 paid tickets. They should not charge you for extra luggage. You are allowed 2 pieces per person, plus the stroller. Unless you packed a ton (which you mentioned you weren't), they are trying to take advantage. Don't let them.

Make it easy on yourself! Use the seats that the car dealer offers, as they must meet certain legal requirements. Also, the airline will ask you to park the stroller outside the plane door and they'll stash it underneath in storage for you. This way, you can stroll right up to the door with kids inside.

Good Luck, Girlfriend!! I live on Maui, and I make the yearly pilgrimmage with my 2 girls every year to the east cost to visit relatives. I am not sure about specifically Continental, but I have flown various airlines and I usually bring the carseats (pain in the neck to haul around) but MOST OF THE TIME there will be an empty seat on the airplane and IF (big IF) you get a really nice gate agent to check you in and assign seats, they will shuffle things around to get the seat next to you open. Ask specifically and tell them your situation. If the gate agent won't help you, ask a flight attendent as soon as you board (I am usually alone with the 2 kids, so they pity me). THen bring on the carseat (skip the base, mine was base-optional, check the booklet it came with or call the company) and put it in the window seat. Even if they say there are no seats, bring it on anyway, you can always ask a flight attendant to gate check it once you have boarded if there really are no empty seats. The kid can sleep in the carseat and you will not have a sore back/neck/arm/etc and you can also go to the bathroom with the older one!! The stroller can be wheeled all the way down the jetway to the plane, then you must fold it up and they will "gate check it" meaning you pick it up as you get off the plane at your destination. Happy travelling!!

A.,

Just a couple thoughts...

Yes, you can wheel the stroller to the gate. When they collect your ticket at the gate they will give you a claim ticket for the stoller. You'll just leave it at the door of the plane and collect it when you get off.

As for the car seat, I would check to see if you can even get a car seat from the rental company. I have heard from some people that they don't rent out car seats. So... I do know of a company called BabyAway (www.babyaway.com) where you can rent things while you are out of town. They bring it to where you are staying and then pick it up at the end... I don't know if they do car seats. What will you use for your older child?

If you decide to take the car seat, are you sure you need the base? I know that it is safer to use the base when you put the baby in the seat; however, with some models you can use the seatbelt with the infant car seat and it is OK...

Chances are you will have to check the seat if you don't use it... In that case, I would bring a large bag to put it in so it doesn't get messed up.

My husband and I are flying out on Sunday with our 1 year old... I totally get it!

Good Luck,
K.

I flew when my son was 6 months and we didn't buy a seat for him either. We checked the carseat with our luggage instead of hauling it around. (We had multiple layovers). We knew our son well enough to know that he wouldn't want to stay in his seat for long any way. As far as the stroller is concerned, we brought along a small umbrella stroller that you can get at target or walmart for under $15.00. We were able to bring in on the plane with us, and right before boarding they would stow in under the plane with the luggage and they would have it waiting for us when we got off the plane. I don't know if they will do the same for a large stroller though. It's probably best to call the airline you are using and ask them what their policies are and what they recommend. Whatever you do, make to bring LOTS of stuff to keep your kids occupied! Good luck, I hope your trip goes well!

You can gate check both the double stroller and the car seat if you don't use it on the plane. Gate check means you leave it at the door to the airplane and they take it from there and put it in cargo then bring it up for you when you deplane. It's much easier to deal with 2 kids if one is in a carseat and so much safer. There is a good chance there will be an empty seat on the plane. You can call ahead of time and ask how many extra seats are available. Also the rental car car seats are uaually disgusting looking and very worn. Consider wearing a snuggly and putting the 7 month old in that. That way you have both arms free to take care of the 3 year old and luggage. Giood luck.

B.

You can gate check both the stroller and the car seat. Just take them to the gate with you and let the gate agent know you plan to check ithem there. That way when you get off the plane they will bring the stroller/carseat right to the exit of the plane for you. It's also usually the first luggage unloaded so it shouldn't take too long. Usually if you take the carseat to the gate with you they will advise you if they would have room for the baby to sit in their own seat or if you should check it. You don't need to take the base, most infant seats can be used with or without, but if you wanted to take the base for the rental car you can just snap the two pieces together for easier carrying.

Hi A.,

I have two children ages 13 years and 2 years old, I travel alot and my 2 year old has been on 4 different trips 2 mainland & 2 inter-island. I usually fly on Hawaiian and they let you take both the car seat and the stroller all the way to the plane and they will store them under the plane for you, so if you are lucky enough to get an extra seat then you will have it there if not they can store it for you and bring it up when you land so you can use it as soon as you get off the plane at least thats what Hawaiian does, if I were you I would call the airlines you are traveling with and ask them what their policy is. As for renting the car seats from the car rental place I wouldn't they are usually pretty dirty and you don't know who used it last. I hope this helps.

Good Luck Z.