Bringing Booster Seats?

Updated on March 11, 2011
M.O. asks from Barrington, IL
9 answers

We're going on a flight. State law there does not require our kids use booster seats. However we are thinking it is safer to bring them along. What's the best way to "carry on" bottom only booster seats for the kids?

The airline confirmed that they will be "carry ons" for the kids with tickets and that the baby's booster seat can be checked at the gate for no charge.

Wondering what you mama's with travel experience think?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for your insights. I think we are going to take them, it's just a matter of figuring out the most convenient way to drag them through the airport with the kids in tow. Thanks Mamas!

Featured Answers

M.M.

answers from Detroit on

pain in the rear to carry on, but we need to rent a car in FL this weekend and the rental place charges $11 per day per booster!! YIKES. I can buy 2 when I get there and toss them for less that!

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More Answers

B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I wouldn't check any of he seats, they will be damaged. Bare minimum for a no back booster is 4yrs and 40lbs, anything/anyone below those minimums needs a harnessed car seat.

I would carry them on, or just buy two when you get there. I wouldn't check the babys seat either, car seats are damaged unseen during flights, often the same damage as what happens in a minor car crash, making the seat compromised in the event of a crash.

carry them all on. 5pt harness seats can be used in the seat, boosters cannot but can be stored above.

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S.E.

answers from Chicago on

We just carry one on and our daughter sits on it during the flight. Once you check your baggage, it's not too much more to have the booster with you. LIke a bulky purse until you can put it down on their seat. You can check the baby's seat at the gate and they'll bring it up to you when you get off at your destination. As one writer said, it could be damaged as I don't think they're super careful with that stuff, though we've had good luck. We've both checked it at the gate (along with stroller) and also brought it on board and used it during the flight. Have a safe trip!

1 mom found this helpful

L.M.

answers from Dover on

If you are going to be in a car once you reach your destination, I would take them because doing what is safest for the kids should be the priority....often times the laws are the minimum.

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

We took our booster seat on the place w/us last year. And the nice flight attendant let us store it in between the first class/coach class divider section instead of using the overhead bins!

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J.F.

answers from Tallahassee on

I can't believe the airline won't gate check the boosters for you. Is it because you volunteered too much information? I would still try gate checking them at the airport and leave out the fact that your kids aren't required by law to use them at your destination. I flew with my daughter in the fall and they checked her booster at the gate for us. It was still a pain though because when we got to our layover city we had to wait for them to bring her booster seat up and then make our way through the airport with it to our connecting flight - very awkward since she's just a couple pounds shy of being able to use the booster as backless and the two pieces kept coming apart while trying to carry it.

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

we had each kid carry their own in the airport, plus they had a back pack and that was fine, they can not use them on the plane, but the baby can use hers if it's an FAA approved one (we always used it when our kids were babies, then if they fell asleep you just carry them carseat and all so they keep sleeping.)

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I myself would encourage you to leave the booster seats at home. If they need to peak at a cloud perhaps lift them over your side for a second. You are bringing carry ons, clothes, wallets, perhaps lipstick, makeup, bags, books, crayons, and did I say the children? You will be trying to keep track of everything and I really think although a noble idea that booster seats are not necessary. Even as an adult I see very little over a seat in an airline. I am not sure what you need them for unless it is for your actual vacation. I can already see the sweat pouring out of my head if it is me. And not to mention the first time I ever brought my child (his first trip) onto an airline they put him in a different seat far away from me until other kind passengers let us sit together. So if you think all that was hard imagine the mama bear in me growling all over the plane. I was lucky I didn't get thrown off. Enjoy your vacation!

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

Airline would not let my kids sit on them since they are not FAA approved. they told me there is not such a thing as a FAA approved booster. I put them in the bulk head.

1 mom found this helpful
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