[KathinJapan]

I am thinking of getting one of these
http://www.hammacher.com/publish/67232.asp
Does anybody have one? Or know where to get one at a better price?
I am not a huge stroller fan, but need something for the flight from Japan to the States and back to Japan with DD. DH can`t come and I know from last years trip that it is hard to lug everything around the airport myself and it is equally hard to get help.
Any suggestions welcome.
TIA<
Kathryn

 

[lizamann]

We have one and paid that price 2 years ago. It has been very handy for us.

You say that you want it for the airport, and it is good for that. I feel a bit smug when I see families hauling a giant Britax through the airport. I generally carry dd, though, and put a small bag on the stroller. I don't know that I would spend that kind of money for a one-time use, though.

It comes in really handy sometimes when we use it in a car that is not our primary vehicle. When dd falls asleep, we just take the whole thing out and wheel her around sleeping. I also used it a ton before I bought my car - I would stroll half a mile to the car rental shop and then pop it in the car as a carseat. It's fine on the sidewalk, but snow and ice is challenging! I have also used it in taxis. So we have definitely gotten our money's worth out of it!

 

[hunnybumm]

This would have been great when we went to visit my inlaws. When I visit my family my dad and stepmom bought us a carseat to use while we are there. But we have to bring our own to the inlaws. However, we don't use a carseat on the air plane, I would much prefer DS sit in his own seat or on my lap. If the plane is going down.... well don't think a carseat is gonna do too much. We just checked the car seat as an extra bag, then picked it up when we got our bags. However, this ment also bringing a stoller which was only used in the airport.

So if I were to get one of these I would use it in the air port, then have it stowed away were the strollers go. However, our stroller has a basket underneith so we can put the 'fun bag' and the diaper bag under there. I definitly WON'T ever fly with out a stroller again. The airport I have to go to (Phenoix) is like 10 miles long, lugging DS in the sling, plus a big diaper bag and a toy bag.... not fun at all. So if you are going to use it like the above poster, than I would get it. But soly for the airport? I would rather lug a car seat as a check in bag, and take the stoller so I can pile stuff in it.

 

[KathinJapan]

Thanks for your imput. If I had it I am sure I would use it for other things. It might be nice to have a second car seat for DCP to use with Maya.
She has her own seat on the plane, I agree the car seat won`t do much if the plane crashes but it is a 12 HOUR flight, without DH... I can`t hold her the entire time (though she spent most of last years flight in my arms...) I do think the car seat is good for turbulance, landings/takeoff and sleeping, oh and meal times. I didn`t take a stroller last year as it just seemed like one more thing to haul around. I am an experienced traveler, I take as little as possible, but there is still a lot you need for the trip, it is 24 hours door to door.
I am going to order it. I am sure I can resell it no problem. That is the good thing about living on an island, everybody flies!
Kathryn

 

[P-chan]

I have one, and I love it! I see that you've already decided to order it, so I'll just reaffirm your decision.

Plusses:
1. My son seems very comfy in it, both as a carseat and a stroller.
2. If you're strong, you can convert it from stroller to carseat and back without taking the child out.
3. The stroller is excellent for getting through an airport (although the child sits a bit lower than you might be used to--look out for duffel bags!).
4. The resale value should be high.

Minuses:
1. It is just an OK carseat and an OK stroller--it's the combination of the two that make it awesome.
2. The seatbelt strap goes over the seat--so you have to re-attach it every time.

After you receive it, make sure to pop the wheels in and out many times until it's easy. Ours loosened up over time, and you don't want to be struggling with it in the airport.