Toddler in plane? Can she reach the tray if she's in her car seat?

Question

We are going to fly with my 2 year old. It's going to be a long trip overseas. We have a seat for her and are taking the car seat. Anyone has flewn with a car seat before? will my child be able to reach and use the airline tray since she will be on the car seat and higher or do I need to purchase one of those lap boards for her?

Answer 1

I've traveled with my 2 year old and never brought the car seat.  There's already not enough room and then to bring something so bulky with a lap board really sounds like a bad idea to me....but if you think it will make her feel more secure, maybe that's best for her.  Remember that toddlers go crazy if they feel they can't move, especially for long periods of time.  

Answer 2

I wouldn't bring a car seat - I've traveled with all 3 of our children (a lot!) since they were infants and I have never used a car seat on a plane. It won't provide any additional safety and it's one more thing to haul around at the airport adding additional stress and chaos. Keep it simple and leave the seat at home or pack it in a garbage back and check it as luggage if you'll be needing it at your destination.

Answer 3

she will not be able to reach.

Answer 4

You can only use car seats that are FFA approved on the plane.  Make sure that's what you have if you want her to sit in one - there aren't very many that are.

If you need to take the carseat for travel once you get there, just check it but make sure you put it in a carseat bag otherwise it will most likely be a mess when you pick it up at baggage claim.

Answer 5

get lap tray just to be safe