Use a carseat on plane for 3-4 year old? - Page 4

[pearlgirl]

Originally Posted by pearlgirl

This looks like a great product.

http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

I have been wanting to get one but unfortunately it's availability continues to be delayed. We are traveling overseas for an adoption and our 17 month old will be going with us. She is just over 20lbs. I don't want a car seat for all the reasons mentioned here and I want one for all the reasons mentioned here. It is an incredibly difficult decision, especially facing at least 24 hours of travel (18+ IN AIR time). I feel like this harness is the best solution but am unable to get one.

Sarah

It's available!! I take back what I said! I got an email from them tonight and it said they have them and they are ready to ship! I just ordered mine! Yahoo!!!

[velochic]

Originally Posted by pearlgirl

It's available!! I take back what I said! I got an email from them tonight and it said they have them and they are ready to ship! I just ordered mine! Yahoo!!!

On a recent flight, a flight attendant would not allow this to be used by a family sitting several rows ahead of us. She said it is NOT FAA approved. Neither this nor the Baby B'air. You might check with your airline first. When I further investigated and actually talked to the FAA, they said that it is at the discrimination of the flight attendants whether a certain device like this will be allowed. I thought it was cool and was going to buy one, but they said that it's not approved.

ETA: You'll notice on the website that it doesn't ever say that it's approved by the FAA, just that the FAA suggests that a child be properly restrained. It doesn't state explicitly that this is a "proper restraint approved for use on airplanes by the FAA".

[pearlgirl]

Originally Posted by velochic

On a recent flight, a flight attendant would not allow this to be used by a family sitting several rows ahead of us. She said it is NOT FAA approved. Neither this nor the Baby B'air. You might check with your airline first. When I further investigated and actually talked to the FAA, they said that it is at the discrimination of the flight attendants whether a certain device like this will be allowed. I thought it was cool and was going to buy one, but they said that it's not approved.

ETA: You'll notice on the website that it doesn't ever say that it's approved by the FAA, just that the FAA suggests that a child be properly restrained. It doesn't state explicitly that this is a "proper restraint approved for use on airplanes by the FAA".

I highly doubt it was the same device. It literaly JUST became available. Was it VERY recently? I learned about the harness ON the FAA website. It is the only one approved like it I believe. Did you read the website I sent?

Sarah

[pearlgirl]

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releas...fm?newsId=7381

WASHINGTON, DC – Air travelers have a new option for securing their children on commercial flights now that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a new type of child safety device, the AmSafe Aviation CARES.

[velochic]

double post because my stupid internet connection is screwed up. I hate cable internet.

[velochic]

Originally Posted by pearlgirl

I highly doubt it was the same device. It literaly JUST became available. Was it VERY recently? I learned about the harness ON the FAA website. It is the only one approved like it I believe. Did you read the website I sent?

Sarah

The one I saw hooked only on the safety belt, not an extension wrapped around the back of the seat. It was a while back, but fairly recently. I didn't read the whole website, but it looks about the same as the other.

OH, Ok, I see now on the FFA website. Well, the flight attendant didn't let this woman use the harness when I flew last. Maybe because it was an international carrier.

ETA: On a few flights within Europe when dd was a baby, they didn't allow a carseat for a baby. We had to fight for it because we purchased a ticket for her. One airline went so far as to tell us that you're not ALLOWED to buy a seat for a baby under two (Turkish Airlines).

[Moochie Mamma]

Originally Posted by lckrause

I have to say, New York City residents are extremely helpful. I had complete strangers offer to help me carry the carseats and bags through the airport, train station (Grand Central!), and down the stairs in the subway stations. I have never experienced that in any other city. Say what you will about New Yorkers and the stinking Yankees , but their traveling manners are impeccable.

I agree with you on New Yorkers. I recently went there to visit the IL's and wandered around the city with the 2 kids while DH golfed with his dad. I was amazed at how helpful people were- going way out of their way to hold doors for me and to help me get the stroller up and down stairs in areas without lifts, etc. I was expecting the opposite and was pleasantly surprised!

[Moochie Mamma]

Originally Posted by pearlgirl

It's available!! I take back what I said! I got an email from them tonight and it said they have them and they are ready to ship! I just ordered mine! Yahoo!!!

So glad to hear this. Please post your feedback on it after you've used it.

[pearlgirl]

Originally Posted by velochic

The one I saw hooked only on the safety belt, not an extension wrapped around the back of the seat. It was a while back, but fairly recently. I didn't read the whole website, but it looks about the same as the other.

OH, Ok, I see now on the FFA website. Well, the flight attendant didn't let this woman use the harness when I flew last. Maybe because it was an international carrier.

.

Well it sounds like what you saw was a different product and it doesn't surprise me that what you saw wasn't approved.

[santosha]

yes,but there's this:

Q. Do I need permission from my airline to use CARES?
A. No. CARES is certified by the FAA for use on all US registered airlines. Parents have the right to bring CARES on board for their children


this:

Q. Can CARES be used on overseas flights?
A. Yes, if the flight is operated by an American carrier. Most countries automatically accept FAA certified devices (like CARES), but you should contact the foreign airline prior to traveling.

this:

Q. CARES is a new product. Will airline staff know that it is allowed on planes and how it works?
A. The FAA, aviation trade organizations, and the airlines are all working hard to disseminate information about CARES so no one will be surprised when CARES begins to show up on planes. These organizations are conducting in-house training programs and rewriting internal procedures manuals for all airline staff, from safety officers to flight attendants, pilots, gate agents, and ticket agents. They are explaining that CARES is an FAA certified alternative to a car seat and that parents have the right to bring it onto planes for their young children. They are also updating their websites and published information about traveling with children. By the time you have your CARES, all of the airline personnel you are likely to meet SHOULD (emphasis mine) know about CARES.

and this:

Q. May CARES be used on all aircraft seats?
A. CARES is certified for use on all US registered airlines and the vast majority of aircraft seats. There are, however, a few exceptions. CARES must be used on front or aft facing seats (not on side facing seats); CARES may not be used on a type of older style seat, still used on a few smaller or older aircraft models, that has a recessed tray cavity with rigid sides into which the tray fits when closed and which will not accommodate CARES; and CARES does not fit on sleeper seats and may not fit on the largest first class seats or the larger seats in executive jets.


In the theory, a good idea, and certainly lighter than lugging a carseat, but please expects hassles.

[pearlgirl]

Originally Posted by santosha

yes,but there's this:


In the theory, a good idea, and certainly lighter than lugging a carseat, but please expects hassles.

I'll take my chances with these hassles vs. the hassels of lugging a car seat in addition to my two children and luggage for an 8 week stay overseas!

[scoobers]

Originally Posted by pearlgirl

I'll take my chances with these hassles vs. the hassels of lugging a car seat in addition to my two children and luggage for an 8 week stay overseas!

You will get hassles w/a car seat as well. I would recommend that you be sure to print out and bring with you the FAA approval page for backup/proof. Also, make sure the harness says on it somewhere that it is FAA approved (I'm sure it must) and try to fly a US carrier.

[wombat]

Originally Posted by scoobers

Yes, you read correctly...the Britax Wizard. It's hugeness is both a negative (heavy to lug through the airport) and a positive (the thing is like a kiddie barco-lounger...SOOper comfy, snuggly and most importantly sleep inducing). I really love the side support because it supports his head when he's sleeping.

That was our experience also. We took our then 2 yo and the Wizard on a 5 hour flight. Had no problems fitting the Wizard rear facing into the plane seat, although for some reason we couldn't get the angle right forward facing but dd was used to rear facing anyhow. dd did kick the seat in front but what the heck. It was a blessing in waiting lounges also because dd thought it hilarious to sit in her car seat in the lounge, she refused to sit on seats. And yes, that side support is great for napping.

[lalaland42]

I just posted this on another thread and I will post it here. I was on a terrible flight from TX to DC and I encountered so much turbulence that I was sure DD would be ripped from my arms. The flight attendants were told to stow the beverage cart and sit down, but they did not stow it properly and it went flying down the aisle. The worst part is unlike a car, I could not stop the airplane and secure DD so it was such a helpless feeling. I will never again fly with DD as a lap baby regardless of how much a PITA it is to lug a carseat around the airport. We have flown with DD and the carseat and it has never been too much trouble. I did get a little bit of flack but I just quoted what the FAA and the airline websites said and that was that.

Anyways, I used to fly a lot and had no problems with turbulence but to me it is not worth it. Besides, certain routes have more turbulence then others (I used to take prop planes out of Montana) and one of the routes I take frequently is the route I had issues with.

Have a good trip. I hope the flight is uneventful.

[Jessy1019]

I haven't read all the responses, but I wouldn't bring a car seat on a plane for my child. When we travel, they're on our laps if they're young enough and in the plane seat if we've had to buy them their own ticket. My 4 year old is extraordinarily well behaved on plane trips and always has been.

We've always rented a seat from the rental car company when we've arrived anywhere.