Car seats on-board an aircraft?

Question

it's our 1st time traveling w/our toddler on an airplane! can you explain how you have fastened your car seat w/out using only the airplane seat belt. hope you know what I mean!

Answer 1

We flew to Disneyland at Christmas and used our car seat for our three year old. We have the new generation seat with the latches that snap into a car's hooks.

But the seats also have openings for a lap belt to go through. They are like little arms on the back of the seat. Make sure the belt is tight, I put my knee into the seat while I was installing the seat. There is no spot for the tether strap, but I was able to get the seat very secure.

The big thing is you want your child strapped in case you hit any turbulance. Lately alot of people have hit the ceiling in such circumstances.

Don't count on the airline helping you. They will let you board first, to get the seat installed before the aisles are full of people, do take advantage of that.

I had no trouble going to Disneyland, but airline staff on the return trip tried to get me to check the seat, they told me the aircraft (737) was too small to install such a seat, which was bulloney. I guess they don't use or support child seats in California. I was baffled. And again, they were not going to let me board early (every airline has the small children and those who require extra time boarding annoucement/policy).   Stand your ground, make sure you use that seat, it is for your childs safety.



Bring a candy or juice for ear trouble as well as tylenol or a suitable childs pain reliever.

Answer 2

You must use the aircraft's seat belt to fasten the car seat in.  You do it just the same as you would in a car.  

If you are wondering where you would put it on the plane if the child is not going to use it.  Then you would gate check it.  You leave it at the end of the Jetway and they store it with the rest of the baggage.  When you arrive at your destination it will be waiting for you at the Jetway again.  I think that this would save you from having to pay for another checked bag with all the airlines new bag policies.