Advice, please
Sep 26, 2005 | 5:10 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Silver VIP, IHG Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 723
Originally Posted by KebaNYC
Leave the BP with Mom.
You will preboard with the carseat, the FA will question whether you had purchased a seat (which they will assume that you didn't) and/or they will tell you in a semi-rude tone that you have to put it in the window seat.
The process should be very smooth. Only problem I ever have is that my wife does not wait long enough before boarding and baby (now 20 months) still spends extra unnecessary time on the plane.
Keba
You will preboard with the carseat, the FA will question whether you had purchased a seat (which they will assume that you didn't) and/or they will tell you in a semi-rude tone that you have to put it in the window seat.
The process should be very smooth. Only problem I ever have is that my wife does not wait long enough before boarding and baby (now 20 months) still spends extra unnecessary time on the plane.
Keba
Gotta love having rows of 3 on UA, and E+ no less! Hopefully we can have mom and baby wait until the last Group 4 pax are in line before strapping him in 
Sep 29, 2005 | 10:37 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
Originally Posted by ptpinit
as an elite preboarder (UA 2P), if I take my son's carseat on board to buckle it in and get baby paraphernalia settled, do I take baby's BP with me or leave it with mom and baby for when they board? Not sure how to handle that.
Back OT: Enjoy your flight with your 4-month-old. You will remember this trip fondly next year when you are flying with a toddler.
Sep 30, 2005 | 9:51 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Silver VIP, IHG Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 723
Originally Posted by oklAAhoma
OT question: Are you saying UA won't allow your wife and baby to board with you during elite boarding? If so, I think that's horrible! On AA my kids and my husband (before he had elite status of his own) have always been allowed to board when I do.
Back OT: Enjoy your flight with your 4-month-old. You will remember this trip fondly next year when you are flying with a toddler.
Back OT: Enjoy your flight with your 4-month-old. You will remember this trip fondly next year when you are flying with a toddler.
I think this strategy may really be helpful next year flying with a mobile toddler, as you suggest
Let him run around the terminal and gate area as opposed to up and down and up and down and up and down the aisle!
Sep 30, 2005 | 10:32 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
Originally Posted by ptpinit
However, I have seen this strategy recommended by many an experienced family traveler. One parent preboards with the car seat and baby stuff to get settled while the other parent hangs out with baby until the last minute to board. This way the baby is not sitting on the plane more than he/she needs
Originally Posted by ptpinit
I think this strategy may really be helpful next year flying with a mobile toddler, as you suggest Let him run around the terminal and gate area as opposed to up and down and up and down and up and down the aisle!
Let him run around the terminal and gate area as opposed to up and down and up and down and up and down the aisle!
Sep 30, 2005 | 10:32 pm
#20
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: AA CK, Marriott plat
Posts: 169
Some other advice
1) IF the seatbelt does not fit over the carseat, the FA have seatbelt extenders
2) IF the carseat seems tight, lift up the armrest and then put the seat in. You can then try to put the armrest down.
3) Check you bags and only take the min. We back formula but use the containers where you only need enough for 1 1/2 times the flight (for delays)
4) Agree on having them eat at take off and landing. Have some juice ready if they are not hungry (we do not give juice to the little ones, but during take off it is very useful)
5) Try, Try Try to keep them up and then let them sleep on the plane
6) Do not hesitate to ask for help from the business traveler who is traveling light. Some one will most likely offer to help you (I do whenever I see a mom and my wife has always had someone offer - just never the airline employees)
1) IF the seatbelt does not fit over the carseat, the FA have seatbelt extenders
2) IF the carseat seems tight, lift up the armrest and then put the seat in. You can then try to put the armrest down.
3) Check you bags and only take the min. We back formula but use the containers where you only need enough for 1 1/2 times the flight (for delays)
4) Agree on having them eat at take off and landing. Have some juice ready if they are not hungry (we do not give juice to the little ones, but during take off it is very useful)
5) Try, Try Try to keep them up and then let them sleep on the plane
6) Do not hesitate to ask for help from the business traveler who is traveling light. Some one will most likely offer to help you (I do whenever I see a mom and my wife has always had someone offer - just never the airline employees)