Southwest Flight-Bring Carseat on Plane or Not for 2 Year Old

Hi H.,
I think a carseat can help keep a busy body confined to his seat as the airline seatbelts are very easy to unbuckle and it can be a challenge to constantly keep a little one buckled in--especially since they see others walking around they want to do that too.
A carseat can be a bit bulky and difficult to take around with you, however, at the age of two it is worthwhile.
If your son was 3 or 4, he would have a better understanding that he needs to stay in his seat while on the airplane, but I have found that at the age of two, a carseat is a bit easier to keep them secure--and bring lots of new activities to keep him busy such as a portable DVD is a lifesaver on a plane.
Good luck!

I always carried mine on. The children are more comfortable and I did not worry if the airline lost or damaged the seat in transit.

H., I'm a Flight Attendant for SWA and I strongly recommend you use your carseat or the harness. Yes the c/s might be a pain but in the long run it isn't about the adults it's about the child! Having them safe in case of any bad weather or whatever else will make you happy in the long run! Have a safe trip!

My experience is check the car seat. The car seats are bulky and hard to get off the plane quickly. Southwest will put it in a large plastic bag and you can check it.

The car seat is a hassle to try to get onto the plane. However, I have used one with my children in the past, and plan to do so again. It helps them to be less frightened because it is something familiar, and they can fall asleep more easily.

I assume you're taking the car seat regardless so you'll have it when you arrive at your destination and need it for the next car, right? Either take it on the plane with you or see about having them gate check it instead of checking with regular luggage. I highly recommend investing in or borrowing one of the cases that are sold that can make carrying the carseat through the airport a lot easier. We have one that is backpack style and very comfie to wear (although it LOOKS quite awkward). This keeps our hands free as we go through the airport

We always bring our carseat along and gate check it. That way you've got it if you want to use it, and no worries about it getting lost. Some airports/airlines can provide one at your destination if they lose it, but it's never a guarantee. Right Start and Target (only online, I think) sell a $15 big, cheap red bag that you can put your carseat in - it even says "gate check" on it. It's not designed for using to carry the seat around like those cool backpack ones that cost a lot more.

I am a travel agent. The recommendation is to take the car seat on the plane. Most seats for a two year old should fit. If there is a problem then the flight attendant can get it checked. We always used the car seats when our children were that age.

I would not bring the carseat on the plane. I have not tried to fly with a 2 year old yet as my son is only 7 months but we flew with him when he was 4 months with the carseat and it was way more hassle than it was worth. Our problem was that the plane seat belts are not designed for car seats and ours actually got stuck on our flight back. I dont know about the harness thing you are talking about but if you feel the need to have more than just the regular seat belt I would suggest that rather than the car seat.

One parent will be able to pre-board with the two year old, and they can save a seat for the other parent on board. Most people don't travel with the seat for that age of child b/c it just seems to get in the way. I think "safety first" is always the best motto, no matter the expense or inconvenience. You can always gate check the seat if it becomes too much a of a bother.

I had the Cares harness and LOVED it, unfortunately we lost it on a trip to Budapest last summer :( I would highly reccomend it to anyone though. It was so easy to put on the seat and strap my son in. Much easier than lugging around a carseat on the plane.

I think you are making the best decision when getting the carseat or harness for your boy. We have traveled with my now 4 years old and have always taken his carseat in the plane. At the end it's also about them being strapped (just like in a car). The kids won't be standing in the seat so that way other passengers won't feel "uncomfortable" and I did it for the "smell". It's something he knows and he would fall asleep easier during the flight. It's always about safety, like other mamas said. Have fun!

I was so happy when we could finally buy my little one a seat. She just turned two as well. :-) It makes things SO much easier, albeit, more expensive. We have never brought her car seat with us since she graduated to forward facing. It does seem big, huh. What brand do you have?

Having a car seat on the plane might be more comfortable for him, especially since he is used to sitting that way while traveling in the car. Though, he may feel more constrained, which could be a good thing if he realized he wasn't then able to move about.

Without the car seat he will more easily be able to use the little drop down table, though. Of course, the passenger in front of him may not appreciate that. :-)

As for sitting together, I would like that they would shift people around in the computer so as not to leave a two-year-old alone, etc.

What brand of car seat do you have? Do you have a cover for it in case you check it?

1. You paid for the seat - might as well use the space.

2. You will preboard (no matter what letter your pass is) with the wheel chairs, the unaccompanied minors, and families with small children - so you get to pick your seat (not by a door).

3. I've never heard of the seat belt harness - but it makes no sense to me to pay for something when you already own a carseat.

4. Every time I've checked a car seat, they lost the darn thing. I had to use an airline replacement (which looks like garage sale rejects) until mine was located and brought to me 3 days to two weeks later.

S.

I fly at least once a month and I have taken my son on trips with me since he was 6 months old. He is now 6 yrs old. I understand the car set is big and a hassle but I would rather deal with the hassle and have my child safe than have anything happen to him!