Need Advice on Airplane Travel

I have always used carseats for my children...it is always recommended for children under 4....they are safer, often more comfortable and kids are much less likely to get up and down and move around when in their seat...plus you will need to use your carseat when you arrive and checking it as luggage is taking your chances ...if your seat is lost then you are stuck with a child and no seat (and don't even think about renting a carseat/the rental companies seats are downright scary- old, nasty, broken, unsafe!)....when I've flown alone I put my seat- a large Britax Marathon (most seats fit and are FAA approved..there is a sticker on your seat stating this) in a bag with wheels and attach the bag with a bungy cord to my stroller and put my child(ren) in the stroller....airports are so busy...other travellers are always running over kids and it's way too crazy for me to consider letting them out of the stroller/and any delays will be easier to handle if have the stoller..I've heard that often the Disney strollers are not available (sold out) on some days, there is no guarantee....and for a 3 1/2 you definitely want one for Disney.

As for the booster...at 3 1/2 she's really much too young for a booster (car seat techs advice 5pt harness use until at least 5 or 6) and boosters are not permitted to be used on airplanes.

Hope this info helps...if you don't bring the carseat on the plane it's highly recommended to at least gate check at the airplane door with the stoller so you'll have it although if you lug it all the way to the plane I'd use it on the plane.

B.

How exciting! We did the trip with our daughter at 3. I didn't take a car seat or booster on the plane, but checked the car seat in case needed for rental car to go to other places outside the facility. Not sure if airplane rules have changed,but she sat in seat all buckled by herself just great. Take-off, just gave her her sippy cup with water and/or a lollipop to suck on for take-off and landing. She did great on both. We played a swallowing game too on landing where we took turns swallowing, good distraction for her. Stroller is helpful in the airport, but a pain when getting on and off. I would check it with your luggage if you really want yours. Can't remember the rental fee for the Disney stroller. Just thought ours would be more comfortable when she got tired. Have a great time!

We just got back from Disney World this morning with our almost 3 year old! We did not take a carseat - she was fine on the plane without it. I don't think a booster would work at all.

Absolutely take a stroller - even though you can rent one at Disney, those airport terminals are so long, and toddlers can walk so slow. Also carrying your little one with carry-ons etc. is VERY hard. We are so glad we took ours, and we rolled her all; the way to the plane entrance and they took the stroller down to the hold from there, and it was waiting when we got off the plane.

Take off wasn't a problem, but descending for the landing was on the was down. I just had her keep swallowing - she can sip juice, water, whatever. Worked fine. You can also try to get her yawn.

This was our daughters fifth time on a plane, and all this has worked for us so far!

Good luck!
L.

The stroller is absolutely no problem. I would definitely take it. You roll it all the way to the jetway & then they check it. The will have it waiting on the jetway when you get off the plane. It is not considered a bag or anything. I don't see any reason not to take it. I think you will be sorry if you don't.

My daughter flew at 3 months so I didn't need a seat for her. I have friends that bring their carseats on the plane with them, but I don't know if it's necessary. I think a booster would work since they make those carseat bag protectors for air travel, but I am not sure.

I would just give her apple juice or something to drink during take off & landing. As long as she is swallowing she will be fine.

Hope that helps.

you've received plenty of good advice - but just want to reiterate - you don't want to be in an airport without a stroller. Nowadays flights never seem to be on time and often you are running from one gate to another... My son is not even 2 yet, so maybe there's a difference - but we've flown a lot with him & I always take my travel stroller - a junky hand me-down - but comfortable for him, folds easy & I don't care too much if it gets lost or broken. I always gate check it. By the way - last time I flew Chicago - New York, I gate checked my stroller but it wasn't there when I arrived. Turns out they left it outside the door of the plane! So... I recommend watching to make sure someone takes it down.

I would bring a carseat. I always used them for my kids, up until this year, now they just sit in the reg seats ( they are 7 and 6 yrs old)

As for the stroller, I always bring mine ( I also ahve a 2 yr old) We travel alot to Denver, my in laws live there.... You can check it at the gate so this way you have it though tht eairport. when you get pff the plane they have it waiting for you right there. If you dont want to use it at Disney, then just leave it at the hotel. But I think its a great idea to bring it.

As for take and landing... have her drink out of her sippy cup ( if she still use one) or get her a dirnk with s straw. My kids dont chew gum, and the drink.

A few otehr tips, bring somethign to occuy her. I bring a portable DVD player and they watch their favorite movie or cartoons on DVD. Its a life saver. Soem coloring books and other little toys are good too.

I hope this help, have a great time.. dont sweat it. it will be fine and everything will work out

C.

Hi S. -
My husband and I have traveled quite a bit with our children. I would highly recommed taking your own stroller. It may seem like a pain in the neck to pack, but in the end you will be glad you did. As for the carseat versus booster - either would be fine. The booster seems like it would be much easier to pack and would also be less weight for you to carry. We have always taken a carseat on the plane and have had no problems - plus it helps to keep them in their seat. As for takeoff - let her pick out her own water bottle and fill it with something she likes - chocolate milk maybe - and then give it to her during takeoff. Or give her a package of Dora gummies - that always works with my little one.

Have a great time at Disney!
H.

I just went to Disney in Feb. with my (then) 4 year old daughter and 3 year old son. We did not bring strollers since it would be another thing to carry. They just had to scurry through the airport to keep up with us, of course there were a lot of moments of carrying my son around and chasing him (hmmm, maybe we should have taken the stroller!) I agree with your mother in law that you do not need a stroller at Disney, the ones you can rent are awesome, easy to push, keep the kids out of the sun, area to put your stuff in.

We have taken both kids on a few airplane rides and only brought a car seat on the plane once, and it was a huge pain. The kids don't want to sit in them, and then you have this huge seat in the way. No booster either, they are fine sitting on the seat.

For take off I save a sippy cup/juice box for them to drink, that seems to help with their ears.

I brought a portable DVR for the plane, and then my kids love those color wonder books so some of those. The truth is there will probably be some very trying moments but you will get through it! Good luck and have fun in Disney!!

p.s. If you went with the meal plan option during your stay at Disney World you might want to rethink it, I did and hated it. They sell it as a big savings but it's very hard to manage and I don't think I would have spent as much as I paid up front on food.

Hi,
Just got back from Disney in June. We took our 2 1/2 yr old daughter and and 3 1/2 yr old son. I would highly recommend a stroller in the airport. Only because the airport can be so crowded at times, and it can be alot of walking for them... Anyway, at one point they didn't want to be in the double stroller anymore, when we got near our terminal, so we put our carry on luggage in the stroller and let them walk. It just made it easier.
As far as the airplane, we brought a booster seat for my son, but they wouldn't let us use it. They aren't FAA approved. So, we just ended up putting it in the overhead.
As far as our airplane ride, they didn't even seem to notice the taking off and landing. I also stay away from gum, but I had fruit snacks for them just in case. I did bring a DVD player & movies, crayons & books, etc. They were great!
I hope this helps! Good luck with your trip...

S.,
We too, took our almost 3 yr. old last year to Florida and it was the first time we had flown with a toddler and un-experienced on the whole traveling on an airplane thing.
1)We took our huge carseat on the plane with us - we didn't know better and our son kept kicking the seat in front of him - we apologized profusly to the teenage girls in front of him the entire flight. He did not like being contained in his car seat - most of the trip. = ( The flight home, we decided to check the car seat and let him have free roam of the row we were in - less likely to kick the seat in front of us and was easier for him to lay down and nap on our laps. = ) I would suggest checking the car seat and most "booster seats" are not airplane approved.
2) I packed tons of gummies for the take-off. I think my son had like 5 packs - while we took off and were in the air for the first 5-10 minutes! Those were a livesaver - because he didn't fuss once about his ears!
3) DEFINATELY bring at least an umbrella stroller for the airport! I highly recommend it!!! We did have to fold it up @ the security check points, but it was easy and very helpful with keeping our son in one spot in the busy airport. (We flew out of Midway - Chicago).
4) You can pack snacks, however, security may not let you bring through any liquids, unless it's formula or breastmilk. You can purchase water, juice, etc. once you are through security. Check with your airline or airport security guidelines to see what you can pass through security. Hate for you to have to throw out a favorite cup. = ( You maybe can bring an empty favorite cup and then fill it after you get through security???
5) I also bought a few $1 store toys for my son to enjoy during the airplane ride - in case he got fussy. That was a treat for him - to get something new to keep his interest. (Save an item or two for the way home, too.)

Good Luck!

R.

We just traveled by plane with our two year old and did not use a carseat. She did fine sitting in her own seat as long as we provided entertainment. As for take off, we just brought a favorite snack - Cheerios. Definitely bring a stroller. It makes life much easier when cruising around the airport and at your hotel. The only drawback to not bringing a carseat (and I have done both) is if you need one for a rental car. NOW you have an issue. The rental carseats can be repulsively dirty and one time the rental car agency told us "sorry, we ran out" so we had to scramble and find another agency who still had a carseat. Have a great trip.

Hi S.! How fun! I thinks she is at the perfect age for Disney and an airplane trip. I did this same trip with my daughter at that age last year. You don't need a car seat for a 3.5 year old on the plane she and you will probably be happier if she just used the reg. airplane seat with the seat belt. The booster/car seat is not neccessary and just one more thing to lug around.
You really don't need a stroller at Disney as the Disney strollers are perfect and you can leave them if you don't want them and pick up another one when you need it again. At the airport if she is a wanderer or you are thinking it is going to be a long walk that she can't handle maybe bring an umbrella stroller and check it at the gate. If she is okay at walking I'd say you're fine without one she is going to be so excited.
We don't give our girl's gum yet either but I brought some trident bubble gum on the plane and did use it for take off and landing. Not sure if it works but it was a treat and distracting to her if nothing else. I was worried that her ears would hurt and then she would be upset for the remainder of the plane ride. Have fun!

Hi S.,

I have traveled several times my kids on airplanes.
I always had a seat for my kids, and they were in a car seat/booster until 40# and/or 4 years old on the plane ( I believe that is the recommendation by the FAA). Make sure the car seat you use is approved for airline travel or the flight attendents may not let you use it on board. Sometimes they check. It should say on a sticker on the car seat. I found it easy to just use the car seat I would need when I got to my destination anyway.
As far as take off and landing, I would try fruit snacks, or really any chewy age approp. snack. Even a disposable sippy cup filled with water your child can suck on. I also gave my kids either Tylenol or Ibuprofen before a flight to help with ear pain.
I would suggest a stroller, even a small umbrella type with a basket on the bottom. You can use it throughout the airport and all the way until boarding the plane. They will give you a tag to put on the stoller a bagage check in and you leave you stoller right outside the plane doorway and pick up same place when you get off. I think all airlines let you do that, you can always call to be sure. The Disney stollers are nice but also expensive. I think somewhere around $20/day. I hope it helps.

Good luck and have a great time!!!!
V.

Hi S., I know airplane travel can be worrisome. I have two daughters and a son on the way. My parents live in California and we travel there from Indiana at least once a year. I have never used a car seat, or booster seat on the plane. The girls (4 and 3)have just sat in the seat and used the seat belt. Take off and landing has never really bothered my girls. When they were infants I tried to have them drink from there bottles or suck on a paci, but now they are usually fine with nothing. If you daughter still uses a sippy cup - maybe try having her drink as you take off and land. If she doesn't use a sippy I suggest letting her just for the plane ride - so you don't have to worry about spillage. I would definetly take a stroller. It is the easiest way to get around - airports are really big and if you have a lay-over it will be helpful - the kids get tired and it is somewhere safe for them to rest. You can take the stroller through security and check it at the gate - they will have the stroller waiting for you right when you get off the plane - so you can grab it and go. If you have any other concerns I would contact your pediatrician - mine gave me some advice the frist time I traveled with my first daughter when she was an infant. Hope this helps - have fun!

Hi S.,

I was just in Disney World with my 2 yr old. I did not use the car seat on the plane. When I checked my luggage on the plane I checked my car seat. You do not need a booster or a car seat. It's up to you to use one. I did bring the stroller in the airport and thank God because it helped a lot. I just gave it to the airline before boarding the plane. I would DEFINETLY bring your own stroller because then you have it you go to other places other than Disney. Take off just give my daughter snacks and a sippie. My daughter didn't really use the sippie for take off or landing and didn't complain.

Have fun.

J.

We just took our 2 and 4 year old boys to North Carolina last month and they did great on their first plane ride. We didn't take the car seats or use a booster seat. They just sat in the seats for take off. We also didn't bring a stroller although I did see other people with them. The boys just walked through the airport with no problem. We brought books and toys on the plane although I know other people have brought portable DVD players (we don't have one). My 2 year old got a little antsy and didn't want to sit still on the plane, but my 4 year old was great and spent most of the trip looking out the window. Snacks helped too. We were really impressed with how well they did. We did give them both gum at take off but you can buy something called Ear Planes (they make a kid's size) which are ear plugs you can put in their ears to help relieve the discomfort at take off and landing.

Good luck!

Airport lines are long these days, airport terminals are also long, and when your child isn't in the stroller it's a great place to throw your carry-on luggage.

We have a Maclaren Volo and we love it and brought on long trips (national and international). It's around 8 pounds I think, a high end umbrella stroller, and folds very easily and has a strap so you can throw it over your shoulder.

No, you do not need a car seat on the plane, just the seat belt, there are no shoulder straps on planes. Strollers are great at the airport if you have the small umbrella stroller. The big strollers are more prone to being damaged as they come down the luggage rack.Disney has strollers but why not take your own and save a stop and a little money! Take offs are difficult, how about something to drink? Something she really likes, maybe something she does not get everyday, so she would be more than happy to drink when you suggest it. Don't forget about landings, they can also bother some children. You cannot take drinks through security so you would have to purchase the drink after you clear security.
Hope this helps Enjoy your Disney trip and her first flight!!! Take pictures on the plane and don't forget to let her see the pilot when you board!!!

Hi, We went to Disney when our daughter was 3 and it was a great experience. My daughter had no issues with takeoff, but I hear that letting them have a lolipop can do the trick. As far as the stroller, we brought a super cheap, lightweight, hand me down umbrella stroller and it worked perfectly for us. We were able to bring it on the plane (they stored it in front) and it was a lifesaver. I would highly recommend bringing your own (or borrowing) an umbrella stroller for the trip. It made things so much easier! Have fun! - S.

We just took our 3 y/o on a plane (along with a 9 month old) back in March for Spring Break.
For the ear popping - they make little plugs sold at CVS called "ear planes". They are foam little ear plugs that you put in their ears for take off/landing. These worked great for our kids.
No car seat or booster is required so we just had her sit in the seat by herself. It was fine.
lastly, to keep her entertained, I went to the dollar store before the trip and packed little surprises (toys etc) that she opened once we were in the air. It kept her busy the whole ride and she was totally fine both ways.
Good luck!
M.

Hi S. -

I have taken my daughter to Disney a few times since she was 2 so I can tell you what we have done.

1. I have brought a car seat but only when she was 2. After that I just checked the car seat since I would need it in the car in Florida but thought it was easier for her to move around in her actual airplane seat. That worked out for us really well.

2. I had the same concerns about gum. I just always made sure she had enough to drink and she was fine. Make sure you have enough for the landing to.

3. I have gone both routes with the stroller. I have always brought ours - it is definitely helpful in the airport and around the hotel/shopping, etc. You can wheel it all the way to the gate and check it there and then it will be waiting for you when you get off the plane as well. As far as the parks go, I started renting them there. The transportation is great when you stay on the property but it can be a pain to lug your own stroller around.

Hope this helps!! Have a great time!!

Hi S.,

We just took our 1, 6 and 13 year old children on their first airplane ride a few weeks ago. As far as the carset, a booster seat will do just fine. My 6 year old is tiny, so we used one for him and did not have a problem.

We were also able to use the stroller all the way up to getting on the plane. They took the stroller, tagged it, and as soon as we got off the plane, it was sitting outside the plane door waiting for us. It was nice because we were able to put our daughter in it before leaving the corridor.

We also brought grapes onto the plane for our 1 year old and 6 year old to eat during take off and landing. With the extra juice from the grapes it kept them swallowing a lot making their ears pop. Neither of them complained.

I hope this helps. Have a safe flight.
M.

Hi S.,
I went to Disney with my family and my parents and my advice is:
a. airplane-just bring a drink so she can sip on takeoff or give a snack-I had a 2 1/2 year old and I didn't want to do the gum thing yet and that worked just fine. I also gave him a little motrin prior just in case (they say benedryl sp but I was not confident doing that)
b. bring an umbrella stroller-to rent at disney i think was 8 or 10 a day so the inconveience of a stroller is minimal through the airport-plus you get to stroll her right to the gate and then they take the stroller right there and it is right there when you land!
c. no car seat is needed on the plane, however, depending on what airline you are flying any extra pieces may cost you $25 so if you don't want to incur the extra fees for luggage bringing your carseat aboard may be the easier thing to do. However, from a safety standpoint you do not need it for flight-many parents are split on this.
Our boys (3 and 1) have flown 3x's in the past two year's and really we have found that a little entertainment (like small figurines or books) and lots of snacks go a long way for a peaceful flight. I always tell myself to be a little lenient on snacks b/c when we get home we can go back to our routine.
I hope this helps!
J.

Hi S..
We took my daughter Taylor to Disney when she was 2. She is now 3 1/2 and you are going to have such a BLAST!

1. After my daughter turned 3 we no longer bring a carseat on the plane. In a car seat at this age on a plane it is sooo easy to kick the chair in front of you. The tray table will not come all the way down in a carseat.

2. I did let my daughter have gum but just for takeoff and landing but eating or drinking something is fine too! It's the swallowing action that keeps your ears popped.

3. Take your own stroller!!! I cannot stress this enough. Disney's strollers are hot and uncomfortable and you will need one for the airport. The agents will check it at the gate for you and it will be waiting when you get off the plane.

Good luck and feel free contact me if you have any further questions. I have been taking my daughter on planes since she was 9 months old and she is now a pro.

Hi S.,

1. Whatever seat you bring on the airplane needs to be approved for use on an airplane. Although, if your daughter is 3 1/2 she may be able to sit on the plane without a carseat, in which case you a booster seat is much easier to carry around (carrying a carseat through the airport is a major pain!)

2. No particular advice on take off other than bring something that will distract her from looking out the windows (realizing you are in the air can be quite disconcerting for a toddler) and maybe a snack that she can chew on (fruit snacks, maybe?)

3. The stroller depends on how well your daughter behaves. My sons needed a stroller at the airport because they were not good at staying close to us. A stroller is pretty convenient though - your daughter can sit in it, but you can also tuck smaller carry ons in the basket and such (if your stroller has a basket). And they don't require that much extra work.

Have a great trip!

If you are going to use the carseat when /if you rent a car then bring it. You don't have to have a carseat on the plane but it is safer .
During takeoff you can give her some juice or water . Or you can try to yawn :)
I would bring the stroller. i hear they are $30 a day to rent one at Disney and it would be helpful in the airport if she's tired or the gate is far away. You just check it at the gate when you board.
Have a great trip!

We travel at least 2 times a year with a 2 1/2 & 4 year old. I wouldn't bring a carseat or a booster on the plane. The kids are antsy enough as it is, and that just takes up space.

For take off, I usually have them drink a juice box or give them some snacks to eat.

I would definately bring a stroller for the airport. They usally are tired and cranky and you don't want to have to bother with having to carry them for a long airport walk. However at Disney, they have the BEST stollers, so I would leave yours at the hotel and just rent one of theirs. They are so easy to push and comfy enough for the kids.

Hi! I can't help you on the airplane travel part (the booster seat issue), but I can give you my input on the stroller issue. I have been to Disney with my children three times, 2000, 2004 (drove both times) and just got back Friday evening from a week there.

When I went in 2000, my children were 1, 3 1/2 and almost 6. We took our own double stroller (front/back type). It was a larger stroller and took a little time to put up and down, but couldn't have done without it. I personally liked having my own stroller because we were able to use it on the resort property (stayed at Carribean) which proved to be quite a walk to and from the bus. If you get the one in the park, you still have to walk to and from the bus stops with your daughter, unless you're willing to carry her if she's tired.

When we went in 2004, my children were 5, 7 1/2 and almost 10. We did not take a stroller at all. My daughter spent a lot of time on my back that time. She did good the first day, but her legs were tired and couldn't walk fast about every other day. So on my back she went.

This time, we flew for the first time as a family. My two older boys had not been on a plane since they were 10 months and 2, so they didn't remember flying at all and this was my daughter's first flight.

When my boys were small and we flew, I packed them a few new toys to keep them busy while we were on the plane. They didn't seem to have any trouble with their ears, but I also made sure they had something to drink instead of chewing gum. Swallowing can also help clear the ears, so they did that instead. This time, they were old enough to chew gum and did so on the way down. Going up doesn't seem to ever be as bad for the ears as the descent.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me directly at ____@____.com luck and have a great time!

D.

We took a carseat, but she didn't sit in it because she was too excited and wanted to look out of the window. In regards to take off, since she doesn't chew gum, I would suggest she drink from a sippy during the takeoffs and landings. As for the stroller thing, we took one because - yes...it did make life in the airport much simplier, however, I bought a very inexpensive light weight one. Hope this helps out.

My son has never been in a carseat on a plane & has been fine, but my sister has put her son in one & loved it because he's used to travelling in the car seat & just knows he's there & can't get out. I would prefer my own stroller -- good transportation through the airport & you can check it at the gate & get it right when you get off. As far as take off, plan snacks for take off & landing -- the chewing & drinking will naturally help her ears -- especially if she's still drinking out of a sippy cup. If not, try one of those little water bottles w/ the sport cap. The sucking & drinking is a good combination! Have fun at Disney!

I flew to Mexico with 5 kids recently, here's my advice: Yes to the carseat, Yes to the stroller and a huge Yes to a portable DVD player with headphones that will stay on her head. Disney strollers are plastic and when it's hot your daughter will be sweaty and uncomfortable in them, and they don't recline. Bring your own.

An absolute YES for an umbrella stroller, without a doubt. We always bring grapes for eating during take-off and landing!
Enjoy your trip!

If you bring a stroller, they will check it right at the gate for you and when you get off the plane, it will be there waiting for you. I personally would bring a stroller because you never know how far you will have to walk in the airport and you want to make sure you have one for Disney. Have fun!!

Hi there! First off, have FUN on your vacation!!!
1. I would definitely bring either the car seat or the booster (because you need one for the rental car, this way you won't have to pay the ridiculous prices for the rental car)! Plus one year I didn't bring the car seat, my daughter did not want to sit still, etc., whereas when she is in her carseat/booster, she knows she has to sit in there, so it will make your life easier!!!
2. I buy those air-planes for my daughter's ears (you can get them at Walgreens). She wouldn't let me put them in her airs until she turned 3 or 4! I think they help?! Also, I have a straw cup that I fill up for water, and I make her keep drinking sips, especially upon take-off and landing. Drinking lots of water is definitely good for her! She also gets lots of snacks when we go (healthy snacks, if possible)!!! But she has Cheerios, Kix, Fruit Loops, etc., etc. Plus that fills up some minutes of time! Also, we bought one of those video/dvd players, which were a Godsend (check out the headphones BEFORE you leave), and we bought an extra battery! This is also good at the airport while you are waiting - and they have plugs right there at the gate, and you won't have to use your battery! Plus you could go to the Dollar store or a Teacher's Store for stuff to do on the plane (stickers/paper/Color wonders) are great!
3. DEFINITELY BRING THE STROLLER!!! It holds stuff while you are going through, and it is a MUST!!! You check it right at the gate, and as soon as you get off the plane, it is right there waiting for you!!! Plus going to and from the buses, you won't have to deal with it, etc., etc!!!

OK, whew, there are my suggestions! Have fun!

p.s. Here is some more info that you didn't ask for!!! We brought a water bottle which was really helpful because it was so warm, plus my daughter loves to spray herself when she gets warm, or just because!!! Also, we went to the Disney store at home and bought some Princess shirts, etc., when they were on sale, so you don't have to buy shirts there, which are ridiculous!!! Plus we were prepared with an autograph book and sharpie (which we put in a ziplock), so your little one could get autographs!!! ha! One more thing!!! My daughter is soooo into the Princesses, that I bought some stuff (either from home or there), and would leave my daughter a note that she would get when she woke up in the morning from one of the Princesses, or Mickey, or Pooh, whoever thanking Princess Morgan for coming - she LOVED it!!! Just a thought!
We travel alot with our little ones, so I try to be really prepared, so it could be enjoyed by ALL!
Good luck, and have fun!!! My daughter wants to go back so bad, but we have to wait a year or two for her little brother to turn 3-1/2, just like she was when she went!

M.

I should say upfront that this stroller is expensive and may not meet the weight requirement for your 3 1/2 year old... but if it does, it is soo helpful.

http://www.nextag.com/Sit-n-Stroll-Car-80348280/prices-ht...

I wouldn't bother with it actually ON the plane - check it at the gate. But it's really comfortable, my daughter wants to sit in it all the time. AND it really came in handy the last time we were in Florida because they were out of car seats at the car rental.

While on the plane, I'd recommend bringing a snack - the chewing/swallowing action will help, doesn't have to be gum. A portable DVD player, coloring book, book, quiet toys... multiple items because their attention spans are so short.

Good luck!

Good questions about air travel. Do you use a regular car seat normally? If so, that is what I would bring along. If you normally use a booster, then use that. Booster seats normally don't work on planes, so you would have to check it. As for the stroller, I think you would be very regretful if you didn't bring one. A light umbrella stroller is great for air travel. You can use it until you get on the plane, then just check it on the gate, just before you board the plane. If you don't bring a stroller, is your mother-in-law prepared to carry your daughter everywhere but Disney when your daughter gets tired? Didn't think so. As for take-off, a sippy cup of water or whatever your daughter usually drinks would come in handy. I gave my daughter her sippy upon take-off just two days ago (she's only 16 months) and it got her to swallow, thus eleviating ear pressure.

Good luck!! Mothers-in-laws have good intentions, but in this case, listen to your own mother.