Hi there,

We are travelling LHR-DXB, DXB-NBO, and NBO-DXB-LGW with Emirates in the next few weeks. My 18-month-old son will be on our laps, but we will need to take his car seat along.

Emirates website states that:

Passengers travelling with infants in any class of service are also permitted one (1) handbag for infant food (weight must not exceed 5 kg/11lb) and other inflight necessities and one (1) fully collapsible stroller / carry-cot, as a carry-on item if cabin space is available or else as checked baggage in the hold.

The last time we flew was with Virgin Atlantic, and they included car seat in the list with the stroller/carry cot, so we checked it in, as we hope to do this time. I called Emirates today, and the customer services rep said that a car seat could be subbed in for stroller/carry cot - especially as we are not bringing either of those. I asked for some sort of reference relating to our conversation, as I didn't want to get to the gate and have nothing but "oh but she said..." to back me up, and she said that it was definitely the policy, and that thousands of parents travel in this way each year, and how would they get their car seat from A to B otherwise?

Makes sense, but I was wondering - are any of you one of those parents? Have you travelled with Emirates with a child on your lap and checked a car seat on top of your baggage weight allowance? Or have you tried to do that and been turned away somehow?

Thanks so much for looking in.

Becca

This is more appropriate on the Emirates board since it's airline-specific to them.

I'm not sure if a car seat is allowed in place of a stroller 'above' your baggage weight restrictions based on your cabin class - we were under our weight restrictions even after checking in our car seat with our luggage.

We did BOM_DXB_LHR in June this year and carried both a stroller and a car seat with us. We checked in the car seat with our luggage at BOM and kept the stroller with us until we reached the boarding gate. Just before entering the aircraft, they took away the stroller for loading into the luggage hold.

Just FYI, at DXB there are complementary strollers for use so DXB wasn't a problem at all. At LHR, we were told that we need to collect our stroller after we cross immigration and with our normal luggage so that was a bit of a walk.

If you want it formalised, email the local office in London and get their response in writing on the policy.

In terms of car-type seats the following is important to note.

‘Car Type' Infant Aircraft Seats

The following details acceptable types, fitment and use of ‘Car Type' infant seats as an option to existing methods of carriage and restraint of small children.

� The unit should have a solid back and seat; have restraint straps installed to securely hold the child to it; should be labelled stating that it has been approved for aviation use; and the unit should have instructions on the label which must be followed.

� The unit should be installed in forward facing aircraft seats and in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on the label. This includes placing the unit in the appropriate forward or aft direction as indicated on the label for the size of the child. The unit should not be installed in the same row of an emergency exit or in the row forward or aft of an emergency exit. A window seat is the preferred location; however, other locations may be acceptable, provided the unit is not installed between other passengers and the aisle used to evacuate the aircraft. A responsible adult must occupy a seat next to the child.

� Under no circumstances, however, would a booster cushion be an acceptable alternative.

One other option (depending on your child's age/size):

CARES” Child Restraint Belt

Passengers may use the "CARES" Child Restraint Belt should they present it whilst on board. This is a FAA approved device for children between 22 - 44 Pounds, (10 - 20 Kgs.) and the label is affixed on the unit. The Belt is suitable for Economy Class seats only.

Hi
have you flown yet? I�m flying solo with my 15 month old and need to bring a car seat, pram and carry cot. Scouring the net for info

We�ve just returned today with Emirates.

3 out of 4 check in agents let our carry cot go above our baggage allowance. The 4th said strollers cannot be substituted for a carry cot. Supverise said the same.

Bottom line is it depends on who is checking you in

how full was the flight on each leg? where was your final destination?