logistics of airline travel with four kids in car seats!

[mama~bear]

We're headed cross country next week with our four little guys (ages 6, 5, 3, and 2).  I need some help on transporting the car seats and restraining them in the seats during the flight.  We have a Scenara which we can take on the plane, and 3 True Fits which are too wide.  Seems the only other option is the CARES harness (www.kidsflysafe.com), but at $80 a piece that's going to add up really fast.  The other issue I'm having is the necessity of checking in the True Fits, since checking at the gate isn't an option.  Not only can we not handle it, but we have a four hour layover where we'd have to lug them around.  Soooo, is there any way to keep them safe while being manhandled by the luggage guys?  Seems there's no easy way out with this one :(

[lilbsmama]

I think your best bet would be to pony up and buy 3 more sceneras for the trip. They're only $40 apiece, so a LOT cheaper than the CARES harness!

[an_aurora]

Are you going on vacation or visiting family/friends?  If visiting, I'd buy boosters or seats online and have them shipped to your destination.

If you are going on vacation, I'd likely pack boosters for the older kids and check them in their original boxes.  Then for the younger two, take their seats on the plane.  

[TheGirls]

Unless they are quite small a 5 and 6 year old are not going to fit in a Scenera.  My 3yo doesn't.   I wouldn't worry about a harness for the plane itself for the older kids either.   I'd probably buy a second Scenera and as another poster said, a pair of high-backed boosters in their original boxes.  That's probably a total of $140 and you'll need the boosters eventually (probably soon) anyhow.  Check the boosters, bring the Sceneras onboard for the youngest two, the oldest two can ride in the airplane seatbelts. 

[DahliaRW]

The other option, if you travel a bit and have extra money, is to purchase 2 ride safer travel vests for the older 2 kids.  But I'd be fine with them in boosters, too, and that would be cheaper.  I agree about getting a 2nd scenera for the 3yo if the 3yo fits.  If not, I'd get a maestro.