Travel with Toddler

Take the free seat. First of all it is impossible to lug the car seat through the air port. And is it really necessary? I mean if the plane goes down, will the car seat save her? when my girl was your daughter's age we did a similar trip. You will find that the airport staff will accomadte you with a small child over others if they have to move people's seats around. On one of the flights we even ended up in first class for no extra charge. Bring a pacifier along if she uses one to help her with the ears popping, or a bottle. We even had our pediatrician give us advice. He gave us a dosage for draminine, and that worked niceley. You will probably find that she will want to sit on your lap the whole time anyhow. Don't forget to bring a carry on bag full of her favorite toys, blankets, a change of clothing, crayons, ect,, just in case. But I would check the car seat with the luggage....way less hassle. Also 600 is a lot of extra spending money that could better be used for Christmas or Gas money ect.... Or take the extra money with you. There are always more open seats in first class. Sometimes, at the last minute the airline will allow you to update your ticket to first class for 50-75 dollars and that way she'll have her extra seat for way less money. Good luck and have a great vacation!

I disagree with Allison. I cant stress enough that if you can afford to, BUY the seat. My son wanted to run up and down the aisles and the only way we were able to keep him seated was that we had bought him a seat and made him stay in the carseat just like in the car. He was 19 months old when we flew from PA to cancun mexico and would never have been content to stay in someone's lap, but he knows that once in the car seat he has to stay in the car seat and even slept for about half the flight in each direction. I will always buy the seat, cause otherwise I would be chasing my son up and down the length of the plane. We actually flew six times this summer and not one of those flights had empty seats. Other than my son getting slightly sick at the end of the last flight, he did so well, and I was terrified before we went that he would be the child that screamed the whole time. If your baby hates her carseat and you KNOW that she'll stay in your lap the whole time, then save the money. I'm glad I didn't risk it, but you know your child. Good luck and most of all...ENJOY YOUR TRIP.
PS if you are bringing a stroller, tell them at check in that you want to check it at the gate so that you can transport the baby or the carseat through the airport with it. This info was a life saver for us, given to me by a friend who routinely flies back and forth from PA to China. She's also the one who told me to buy the seat.

We just returned yesterday for a trip to North Carolina and it wasn't bad at all. The middle seat was open on the flight down (actually it was reserved for a travelling pilot and he gave it up to us)and we packed a ton of little toys and snacks to break out every 10 -20 minutes or so. My son is a squirmy 15 month old and he did so well! The way back was great too. We didn't luck out and get the middle seat but my son sat with daddy by the window and fell asleep! We took our car seat but only for the rental car and could check it as baggage. I do suggest waiting to board until last minute and bring a few new " super cool" toys to keep your little one busy. And mostly, take a deep breath and go with it! My husband is more of a worrier and he even was shocked at how easy it was. Talk to the flight attendants aor the folk as the desk where your gate it and they may be able to keep the seat open. We flew US Air and they were very helpfull. You'll all do great! Have fun on your trip!!!

Hi C.,

I am in the same sort of boat you are, I am leaving on the 30th for Orlando with my 2 kids, 6 months and 2 1/2. I had to buy the seat for my older guy, but I just called the airline to get an infant fare for my daughter and they said that there are plenty of seats left in the back of the plane and as long as I don't mind sitting back there I can do it for free. Of course on the off chance the entire flight fills up I will have to check her car seat and she'll have to sit in my lap. I am willing to take the chance, but if you really want to be sure she'll have her own seat check with the airline and see if they offer an infant fare, many offer a cheaper ticket for the baby (under 2) which allows you to have the seat plus one checked bag. Good luck!

Hi C.,
I just flew with my 18 month this past weekend to NC and he had his own seat and actually sat in his car seat and it worked out great. There was no way he would have sat on our laps the entire trip plus it made it easier for him to play with his books/toys and eat his snacks.
Have a good trip.
K.

How long is the flight? My husband and I took a 4 hour flight with our 2 kids when they were 5 and 22 months, and only paid for a seat for the 5 year old. We took the car seat as well, but checked it as luggage. The 22 month old took turns sitting on our laps or sharing the seat with his brother. We planned ahead and took lots of different activities for him, and he did very well! on the flight home, we did have an empty seat nearby, which my husband took, allowing my little one to sit by himself. Take into account the length of the flight and your child's usual temperament.

I have traveled with little ones under 2. Don't buy a seat for her. I bought a car seat travel bag that allows you to check a carseat through. It was way cheaper than the ticket we would have bought. It was awesome to not worry about it. The other thing I have done is have it gate checked...though they may frown upon this. One small hint that has helped us through the worst wait times is to buy a small bottle of bubbles to carry in my purse. You can have up to 3 oz of bubbles, so I went to the dollar store and bought scented bubbles that were shaped like ice cream. It fit nicely in a snack size zip lock bag. (you have to tell them about the liquid or they'll take it). I frequently travel with my kids by myself...and their current ages are: 5, 2, and 7 weeks. I use the bubbles when I need to get on the plane and have to wait by the gate in a reasonable order with the kids. Good luck and have fun!

LoriB

I have traveled many times with my son and I always purchase a seat for him. Most airlines will not charge a full rate for their seat. I highly recommend it!! Would not travel any other way.

I recently went on a trip with my 18 month old> we did not purchase a ticket for the same reason, but regretfully so. Our trip was 2 hrs to Forida then 2 hours to s. america. The flight was very full and our son would have been better contained in his own seat. it was not a horrible expereince but i think we all would have enjoyed our flight a little better if we all had some extra room.

I would buy the seat. I have travelled with my children from TN to PA and from NC to PA via airplane. I found that the trips in which I brought their seat and used it on the flight produced a MUCH better flight experience. The only drawback is toting the carseat for layovers (insead of being able to check it to destination). Good luck and have a great trip!

I have traveled with toddler under two many times and my suggestion is to not have a seat... If there is a open seat near you, you can always put her there and fasten the seatbelt... dont forget lots of snacks, drinks and things for her to do while on the plane. Last time I flew I took new toys and she liked that! Best of luck!
R.

Check this http://babyproducts.about.com/od/travel/bb/babyairtravel.htm

Of special note in this article:
"If you purchased a ticket for your baby, you'll need to install the car seat on the plane. Airline seatbelts can be hard to tighten when buckled with a car seat, so you may have to ask a flight attendant for help. Check the manual to be sure that your baby's car seat is FAA approved for air travel before taking it on the plane. Also note that baby car seats can only be installed in a window seat on most airlines."

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi C., my husband and I just traveled to Orlando with our 4 year old and 13 month old. Just like you I wanted to save some $$, so I did not buy my son a ticket. The flight was about 2 1/2 hours and my son was totally fine. We just traded off when he got squirmy. Have fun!!

I can't stress enough....definitely DO NOT waste the $$$ on a seat for your toddler!! Odds are, she'll want to be cuddled on your lap anyways! We took a 2 hr flight w/ my then 20 mo. old, did not purchase a seat and it was the best decision we made. Even if she does good in a car seat, keep in mind that on a plane she can't see sights out the window so it's basically like strapping her in the carseat and leaving it on the couch for several hours!
just pack plenty of distractions in the diaper bag--books, crayons, and a portable dvd if you have it. baby einstein made our flight painless! no fussing at all and she even took an hour nap on me.
Good luck! and have a fabulous vacation!

This is a difficult question to answer as each child's personality & parent's too play into the decision. Remember that there is a possibility that you and your husband may sit still with a sleeping toddler on your lap for the whole flight or you may be walking the aisles. My experience was a trip from PA to Arizona with our 18 month old son at the end of September and he acted differently on each flight. Going to Phoenix he could have easily been a lap child. He sat for a while, slept 45 minutes and wanted to stand, play and walk the rest of the time. However, on the way home he wanted to be in his seat and sleep/rest the whole way. My son likes us to hold him, but he also likes to be in his seat - I don't think the return flight would have been near as enjoyable if he was a lap child....the comfort level for all of us would have been a lot less. Good luck with your decision!

I took my 16 month old to mexico (who's now 23 months old) -
first - i wouldn't burden yourself with the carseat....is she really going to sit for an entire 3 hour flight - probably not...we got the 1st row on the way down...worked out good...he sat in front of us and played on the floor...then he decided he was done with this plane ride and went ballistic...long story short, everyone hated us...but they were polite....and still smiled....i took a bottle and asked for milk on the way back - with a dose of benadryl - it was a fantastic ride back....he slept almost the entire time...and the bottle helped with his ears...
Good luck and enjoy your trip!!!!!

Do yourself the favor and save your money!!! Don't waste $600 on a "seat" when half the time they sit on your lap the entire time. Most flight attendances are really flexible and know the discomfort of children on a flight and don't make squabbles about a "paid" seat or not. Of course this is with the exception of flight attendances who are know and deal with children. But that's a 10% chance. 90% are great.
I have done this already when I traveled with my 18 mo. at the time. Believe me, it'll be well worth it for you and them.
Enjoy!
Mother of 4.

Hi C.!

My parents LIVE in the Caribbean (St. Thomas!), so we travel with our children there about 5-6 times a year. Your flight WILL be sold out by January! November through April is the peak tourist season and although the flight looks open now it most likely will NOT be by the day of the flight. Buy the seat! =)

Hi C.,

I traveled with my son quite a bit and I always took the chance that a seat would be open. You can gate check the car seat if there isn't one. If she doesn't get her own seat, she will probably be pretty squirmy sitting on your lap. My son always stood up and made friends with everyone around us - and then usually fell asleep. I found that I was able to get a seat for him about 50% of the time. I would make sure that you and your hubby are booked into the aisle and window so that hopefully the middle will remain open. You can also ask as soon as you get to the gate. If the agent is "nice" they will hold the seat for you. If not, and there are other seats open, chances are the person between you will voluntarily move to another seat.

Have a great trip!!

J.
A Mother's Boutique
www.mothersboutique.com

This is a safety issue as well as a financial one. Buy your chold a seat. If the flight gets turbulent you will be happy you can strap him in.

For peace of mind and safety, I would buy the seat. I think it is especially important because this will be a longer flight. Most airlines charge less for children. If you don't buy the seat there is not guarantee that there will be an open seat or that if there is one it will be anywhere near you. You may not be the only parent traveling with a child under 2.

A car seat safety expert just spoke at my MOMS Club meeting and told us that she always recommends buying the seat and letting the child sit in it as long as they are willing during the flight. The problem isn't just crashing/going down as someone else mentioned. The bigger problem is turbulence. In bad turbulence, it will become very difficult to hold on to your child. Having that extra seat with the carseat in it means a safe place for your child during turbulence and an oxygen mask of her own if it becomes necessary.

We were always happy we purchased the extra seat. It meant a little peace of mind for me in regards to safety. A lot let stress on me and my husband with regards to seating. Better yet more room to deal with and occupy a fussy child and to store all the stuff we brought with us to occupy our daughter. One of the best parts was knowing that her car seat was going to be ready to stick in the car as soon as we got where we were going. It wasn't going to be lost with our luggage (should our luggage get lost).

Those are just my thoughts, though. Use your own judgment. You have to do what is best for you and your family. Good luck and have a great trip!