To Car Seat or Not To Car Seat, That is the Question...[Merged Threads]
Apr 21, 2015, 11:01 am
#271
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: SAN
Programs: AS 100K, DL MM, AA PLT
Posts: 2,934
Absolutely buy. You can get small (e.g., ~12x18x4") Cosco boosters at Target for <$20. Simple to just toss in the overhead bin on your way there, and cheap enough you can consider it disposable if you really don't want to to take it back with you. Way less than renting anything, and no stress.
Apr 21, 2015, 6:00 pm
#272
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Aberdeenshire
Programs: BA
Posts: 1,008
We always rent - the regulations differ from country to country and I am not dragging 4 car seats as part of my checked luggage allowance.
In the past we have been given some car seats at major rental stations like LHR that we didn't like to look of, but on complaining were able to select from a large assortment they had available...so it never hurts to ask. I dislike the idea of buying something like that and throwing it away afterwards - is a $20 seat from Target going to be any good?
In the past we have been given some car seats at major rental stations like LHR that we didn't like to look of, but on complaining were able to select from a large assortment they had available...so it never hurts to ask. I dislike the idea of buying something like that and throwing it away afterwards - is a $20 seat from Target going to be any good?
Apr 21, 2015, 8:46 pm
#273
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,149
We always rent - the regulations differ from country to country and I am not dragging 4 car seats as part of my checked luggage allowance.
In the past we have been given some car seats at major rental stations like LHR that we didn't like to look of, but on complaining were able to select from a large assortment they had available...so it never hurts to ask. I dislike the idea of buying something like that and throwing it away afterwards - is a $20 seat from Target going to be any good?
In the past we have been given some car seats at major rental stations like LHR that we didn't like to look of, but on complaining were able to select from a large assortment they had available...so it never hurts to ask. I dislike the idea of buying something like that and throwing it away afterwards - is a $20 seat from Target going to be any good?
Apr 22, 2015, 10:08 am
#274
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,908
I disagree with the "never rent" advice - I do it from time to time, but I know the risks in advance. There's always a chance that the seat you get will not be the best, or that it won't even be available. You need to have a backup plan if that occurs. If you're willing to accept that risk, renting is a great option, particularly for those of us who travel solo with our kids. So far, I've never had a problem renting.
Apr 24, 2015, 6:04 am
#275
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, Marriot Lifetime Gold
Posts: 9,539
Apr 27, 2015, 1:49 am
#276
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: France
Programs: United Plus
Posts: 1,761
Also, car seats should never be checked as luggage. This is not smart! They can easily be busted or lost, just like luggage.
If you have four children who still need car seats (not boosters), it's time to look into a Ride Safer Travel Vest. If you're visiting friends/family where you go often, consider buying and keeping them with whomever you visit. Renting from a car rental company is usually not wise. They're often poorly maintained, old, dirty or they just run out (happened to me as a FTM). Don't make my mistake! If you must rent, an equipment rental company is probably a better route, though not ideal.
If you have four children who still need car seats (not boosters), it's time to look into a Ride Safer Travel Vest. If you're visiting friends/family where you go often, consider buying and keeping them with whomever you visit. Renting from a car rental company is usually not wise. They're often poorly maintained, old, dirty or they just run out (happened to me as a FTM). Don't make my mistake! If you must rent, an equipment rental company is probably a better route, though not ideal.
Apr 27, 2015, 4:29 am
#277
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Aberdeenshire
Programs: BA
Posts: 1,008
My eight year old does not legally need a car seat here in Australia (although we still use one for her). When we travel to the UK she requires a booster until either 12 years of age or she reaches a specific height - in any case it is unlikely that I can get a seat here in Australia that is certified to UK standards, since the ones we had when we lived in the UK (Cyber Pallas) were not legal here.
Redhead, appreciate that they are not normally part of checked baggage - sorry about my poor wording! BA let you take them (and a buggy) in addition to normal luggage too ^.
May 3, 2015, 12:02 pm
#278
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: France
Programs: United Plus
Posts: 1,761
I have to confess that I drove for years here in France, including neighboring countries, with U.S. car seats. I decided that it was more important to keep my kids safe than abide by the law. I was stopped numerous times by the police and nothing was mentioned. I even installed one into a French police car once and one of the officers was joking about it "not liking" his French police car.
Still, never check car seats as luggage. Be sure to bring them to the gate and gate-check them if they can't be used on board. I would do a RSTV if it's safer, if not strictly legal, than using a crap seat from a car rental place. I've never heard of anyone getting arrested for this. It depends on the country...
Still, never check car seats as luggage. Be sure to bring them to the gate and gate-check them if they can't be used on board. I would do a RSTV if it's safer, if not strictly legal, than using a crap seat from a car rental place. I've never heard of anyone getting arrested for this. It depends on the country...
Dec 14, 2015, 1:10 am
#279
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
We are flying on Cathy Pacific ORD-HKG with our 22 months old child and have 3 business class seats for all 3.
I wonder if we should put him on a car seat or put him on the plane's seat with something like the Cares safety restraint? Since the seat can be made to flat bed, he can sleep like he does on crib at home during sleep time? We have used the car seat before as suggested by Flyertalkers and bought at Walmart for around $25. It is not heavy but is is big in size and hate to take this around in our hand. And when you are visiting multiple cities, it is really not easy.
I wonder if we should put him on a car seat or put him on the plane's seat with something like the Cares safety restraint? Since the seat can be made to flat bed, he can sleep like he does on crib at home during sleep time? We have used the car seat before as suggested by Flyertalkers and bought at Walmart for around $25. It is not heavy but is is big in size and hate to take this around in our hand. And when you are visiting multiple cities, it is really not easy.
Dec 14, 2015, 5:20 am
#280
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Boston environs
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 559
For a 22mo I would not even hesitate to use the regular airplane seatbelt on the lay-flat seat. But definitely bring a carseat for car travel when you get there, separately.
I thought of this thread when I heard Freakonomics Radio on NPR covering studies showing that once a child is 3yo or older, even in a car, the car's seat belt is as safe as a child safety seat. I was obviously upset to hear that car seats haven't evolved to be safer with all the regulations and testing, but there you have it.
I thought of this thread when I heard Freakonomics Radio on NPR covering studies showing that once a child is 3yo or older, even in a car, the car's seat belt is as safe as a child safety seat. I was obviously upset to hear that car seats haven't evolved to be safer with all the regulations and testing, but there you have it.
Dec 14, 2015, 6:30 pm
#281
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
For a 22mo I would not even hesitate to use the regular airplane seatbelt on the lay-flat seat. But definitely bring a carseat for car travel when you get there, separately.
I thought of this thread when I heard Freakonomics Radio on NPR covering studies showing that once a child is 3yo or older, even in a car, the car's seat belt is as safe as a child safety seat. I was obviously upset to hear that car seats haven't evolved to be safer with all the regulations and testing, but there you have it.
I thought of this thread when I heard Freakonomics Radio on NPR covering studies showing that once a child is 3yo or older, even in a car, the car's seat belt is as safe as a child safety seat. I was obviously upset to hear that car seats haven't evolved to be safer with all the regulations and testing, but there you have it.
If I think Car seat is a good idea for flight, I'd do it. still not sure to bring the Cares restrain belt or car seat.
Dec 14, 2015, 7:21 pm
#282
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Boston environs
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 559
But believe me, I realize, having done it, how annoying it is to lug a carseat and a toddler into a taxi driven by an impatient person with whom you may or may not share a language or cultural priorities around car travel safety.
Dec 15, 2015, 1:39 am
#283
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
Mathematically, the more dangerous part of the trip without a carseat would be the taxi or other car rides in Asia. Flights are enormously safer than road travel to start with, and the Cares/carseat makes little to no difference on the flight's safety statistics when compared to a seat belt.
But believe me, I realize, having done it, how annoying it is to lug a carseat and a toddler into a taxi driven by an impatient person with whom you may or may not share a language or cultural priorities around car travel safety.
But believe me, I realize, having done it, how annoying it is to lug a carseat and a toddler into a taxi driven by an impatient person with whom you may or may not share a language or cultural priorities around car travel safety.
Dec 16, 2015, 9:35 pm
#284
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
We are flying on Cathy Pacific ORD-HKG with our 22 months old child and have 3 business class seats for all 3.
I wonder if we should put him on a car seat or put him on the plane's seat with something like the Cares safety restraint? Since the seat can be made to flat bed, he can sleep like he does on crib at home during sleep time? We have used the car seat before as suggested by Flyertalkers and bought at Walmart for around $25. It is not heavy but is is big in size and hate to take this around in our hand. And when you are visiting multiple cities, it is really not easy.
I wonder if we should put him on a car seat or put him on the plane's seat with something like the Cares safety restraint? Since the seat can be made to flat bed, he can sleep like he does on crib at home during sleep time? We have used the car seat before as suggested by Flyertalkers and bought at Walmart for around $25. It is not heavy but is is big in size and hate to take this around in our hand. And when you are visiting multiple cities, it is really not easy.
Dec 18, 2015, 4:16 am
#285
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
I'm considering booking 3 business seats on Cathay as well for my sister, her husband, and my nephew.. however I read that Cathay doesn't allow car seats in their reverse herringbone setup (which I believe is every long haul plane now).. could you give some input on your previous travel on Cathay? My nephew will be 12 months old at time of flying. TIA
I have never flown on CX so I really don't know. I do have biz seats booked on these seats on 16 hr flight and flying soon.