Should I put my 2 year old in a car seat for a 2hr flight?

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Kris

I've flown often with my kids and when they are 2-3 years old we ALWAYS use a car seat on the plane. It is a bit more of a hassle to take it onto the plane than it is to just check it with your bags, but I find that it saves a lot of stress. Inevitably the 2-year old doesn't understand why he/she has to stay seated when you are in the air and it doesn't feel like you are moving. The more bored they get, the more they want to explore. But if they are strapped in it seems like they are more accepting of their temporary captivity! Also they have a better chance of being high enough to see out the window from a sitting position! Plus there is no dount that, in case of emergency, he/she would be more secure in a car seat than in an ill-fitting plane seatbelt that is designed more for adults.

tmeineke7

You need to make sure that your car seat is FAA approved. Otherwise they might not let you take it through security or on the plan, or if you get it on the plane, you might find that it doesn't fit into the seat. Since your child is over 2 you will need to buy a seat, and generally you want the type of 5 point support that a car seat offers (vs. just the regular seatbelt)

Ross V

I don't think the airline will let you.

Sorry.

Guess

Your last sentence answered your question.

Should anything happen, would you be able to hold your child in your arms throughout the ordeal? No way! The car seat betters his chances at life.

Not only is it unsafe, he might irritate other passengers. As this was the case with my 1 1/2 year-old son (at the time). I don't think you want to be chasing after him on a crowded plane... especially if he's in his "terrible 2's". Personally, for the reasons I've stated, I'd opt for the car seat.

Do what you feel is truely best. Perhaps your child will sleep through the flight.

limgrn_maria

Thier policies are easily found online. IF you need further info you should contact their customer service line.... don't be caught by suprise at the ticket counter..

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/infants.html

better safe than sorry

Simta

I'm not sure if the airline will let you take a car seat into the cabin. If he has his own seat he will have to seat belted during the flight.

When I've travelled with my daughter as a toddler, I've taken lots of activities for her to do on the plane and snacks to keep her occupied. I also gave her Panadol an hour before the flight is due to take off so that she doesn't feel the air pressure in her ears too badly and given her a drink in her bottle to suck on during take off and landing. If he doesn't have a bottle, a natural sugar free lollipop also can help.

2 hours isn't really that long on flights. You can always ask at check-in if you can have a window seat and put him in there and you sit next to him so he can't get into the aisle.

Flying is fun for kids and attendants are usually very helpful with parents travelling with kids.

Hope you have a good trip!!!!

idontknow

That would be ok. I have gone on longer car rides. You can take him out if he gets fussy. Then put him back.

GirlUdontKnow

I think it should be okay w/o, but call the airline to be sure.

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