Taking a booster seat on an airplane?

[cbwm1]

I'm going through different websites right now, but can we take a backless booster car seat on an airplane for Will?

We're flying to Orlando and I do NOT want to play something like $15 a day to rent a car seat from the car rental place.

Any advice is appreciated!

[eb777888]

I just lugged David booster through the airport and it was SUCH a fucking pain! I'd try to check it if possible. David was 6 and he could not sit in it on the plane. It was too big.

[penguingrrl]

You cannot use a booster on an airplane. They aren't FAA approved because boosters require shoulder belts and planes don't have them. Since he's in a backless I would get a bubble bum. It folds up really small and will fit in his carry on and inflates when you go to use it.

[underwaterrhymes]

Apr 24, 2015 17:13:19 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

You cannot use a booster on an airplane. They aren't FAA approved because boosters require shoulder belts and planes don't have them. Since he's in a backless I would get a bubble bum. It folds up really small and will fit in his carry on and inflates when you go to use it.

It's not the plane she's worried about. The booster was for her to use on the other side so she doesn't have to rent a car seat.

[penguingrrl]

Apr 24, 2015 17:21:46 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Apr 24, 2015 17:13:19 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

You cannot use a booster on an airplane. They aren't FAA approved because boosters require shoulder belts and planes don't have them. Since he's in a backless I would get a bubble bum. It folds up really small and will fit in his carry on and inflates when you go to use it.

It's not the plane she's worried about. The booster was for her to use on the other side so she doesn't have to rent a car seat.

***STUCK***

She asked about bringing it on the plane. I assumed that meant she was asking if she could use it. And I also suggested a seat that would be easy to carry on the plane.

[candreco]

We took DD's and put it in the overhead during the flight.

[april37]

I bring DD's backless booster as a carry-on in airplanes so I can use it in rental cars. I have never had a problem. I use an large reuseable shopping bag to carry it. 

[eb777888]

The first plane we were on it would not fit under the seat so the flight attendants took it up front to store it. They also said it was the biggest booster seat she's seen, so lol. IDK. The way home I just put it up top with the other luggage.

[underwaterrhymes]

Apr 24, 2015 17:25:00 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

She asked about bringing it on the plane. I assumed that meant she was asking if she could use it. And I also suggested a seat that would be easy to carry on the plane.

Well, yes, she wanted to use it on the plane, but because she doesn't want to rent a carseat. I'm sure she appreciates your suggestion, but it doesn't help with the carseat scenario on the other side

I'm no help either. We lug his car seat on.

[esdreturns]

Most airlines will let you gate-check it for no charge. Or if it will fit, you could store it overhead.

[pooh8402]

I am finishing up my car seat technician certification (will be fully certified tomorrow), and apparently, you CANNOT use a booster on the plane since the plane only has lap belts and boosters require lap/shoulder belts. that would be a misuse of the seat. I'd probably gate-check it.

[AHappierHour]

I hate checked our car seats it's free. I wrapped them up in big plastic bag so they would get dirty or messed up.

[copperboom]

Apr 24, 2015 17:31:01 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Apr 24, 2015 17:25:00 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

She asked about bringing it on the plane. I assumed that meant she was asking if she could use it. And I also suggested a seat that would be easy to carry on the plane.

Well, yes, she wanted to use it on the plane, but because she doesn't want to rent a carseat. I'm sure she appreciates your suggestion, but it doesn't help with the carseat scenario on the other side

I'm no help either. We lug his car seat on.

I think she was suggesting the bubble bum specifically to use once they get there, since it folds up small and can be packed in a carry on.

[underwaterrhymes]

Apr 24, 2015 17:40:12 GMT -5 copperboom said:

Apr 24, 2015 17:31:01 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Well, yes, she wanted to use it on the plane, but because she doesn't want to rent a carseat. I'm sure she appreciates your suggestion, but it doesn't help with the carseat scenario on the other side

I'm no help either. We lug his car seat on.

I think she was suggesting the bubble bum specifically to use once they get there, since it folds up small and can be packed in a carry on.

Are those safe in cars, though? I thought I read something about them not being good for cars. Maybe I'm misremembering.

ETA - I stand corrected. I guess they are okay for kids of a certain weight and height. thecarseatlady.com/narrowest-boosters/

[feistypants]

Bubblebums are awesome for travel. As long as the kiddo meets the height and weight requirements, they're just as safe as a regular no back booster. csftl.org/bubblebum-review/

[copperboom]

Apr 24, 2015 17:42:53 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Apr 24, 2015 17:40:12 GMT -5 copperboom said:

I think she was suggesting the bubble bum specifically to use once they get there, since it folds up small and can be packed in a carry on.

Are those safe in cars, though? I thought I read something about them not being good for cars. Maybe I'm misremembering.

I googled and their website says they are made for use in cars. I have no idea if they're less safe than a regular booster though. We just put DDs booster in the overhead bin when we fly. 

[pooh8402]

Apr 24, 2015 17:42:53 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Apr 24, 2015 17:40:12 GMT -5 copperboom said:

I think she was suggesting the bubble bum specifically to use once they get there, since it folds up small and can be packed in a carry on.

Are those safe in cars, though? I thought I read something about them not being good for cars. Maybe I'm misremembering.

ETA - I stand corrected. I guess they are okay for kids of a certain weight and height. thecarseatlady.com/narrowest-boosters/

yes, absolutely safe. they meet the same crash testing standards as any other backless booster.

[underwaterrhymes]

They look so unstable to me! But you learn something new every day.

[revolution]

I'd put it in a suitcase or a carrying bag.

[penguingrrl]

Apr 24, 2015 17:40:12 GMT -5 copperboom said:

Apr 24, 2015 17:31:01 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Well, yes, she wanted to use it on the plane, but because she doesn't want to rent a carseat. I'm sure she appreciates your suggestion, but it doesn't help with the carseat scenario on the other side

I'm no help either. We lug his car seat on.

I think she was suggesting the bubble bum specifically to use once they get there, since it folds up small and can be packed in a carry on.

That was exactly why I was suggesting it. You still can't use it on the plane, but it's easy to travel with, as safe as any other booster since the function of a booster is to position the seatbelt correctly and inexpensive (I think $30-40 and will last for 4 years from date of purchase). For a booster age child there is no option on the plane other than the standard plane seat and lap belt.

[penguingrrl]

Oh, and after your trip a bubble bum is very convenient to have around anyway! I keep them in both girls backpacks when they're at school so if there's an emergency and someone else unexpectedly has to pick them up they're set. I've also used it when friends are riding with us and have prematurely moved out of the booster in their parent's cars and don't have one to use (especially now that many friends are 8+ and not legally required to use a booster but in no way safe without one).

[EmilieMadison]

I highly recommend the bubble bum for kids who are ok in a backless booster. We have two of them and use them for travel and car pooling!
cbwm1, how old is your LO? I would be uncomfortable suggesting a backless booster for a child under age 6. The Ride Safer Travel Vest is another fantastic option, however, for kids who are maybe not ready for a backless booster (or even if they are!). We used this for both kids before they were ready for the Bubble Bum. 

Neither can be used on an airplane, but are perfect for cars!

[emsumm]

They'll check it for free :-)

[cbwm1]

Apr 24, 2015 18:14:48 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

I highly recommend the bubble bum for kids who are ok in a backless booster. We have two of them and use them for travel and car pooling!
cbwm1, how old is your LO? I would be uncomfortable suggesting a backless booster for a child under age 6. The Ride Safer Travel Vest is another fantastic option, however, for kids who are maybe not ready for a backless booster (or even if they are!). We used this for both kids before they were ready for the Bubble Bum. 

Neither can be used on an airplane, but are perfect for cars!

He'll be 7 at the time of travel, but he's a little dude. We still have him in a 5-point harness right now. I was just thinking a booster would be easier to travel with (and we're not going to spend a ton of time in the car once we get to Orlando), but if they'll gate check his seat for free, I might be down with doing that.

Idk how big the Orlando/Sanford airport is, but the one we're leaving from is pretty small...so it's not like we're lugging a huge car seat around O'Hare or something.

[cbwm1]

Apr 24, 2015 18:27:14 GMT -5 emsumm said:

They'll check it for free :-)

We're flying Allegiant - they nickle and dime you for everything, so it's possible they may not gate check for free. lol

[EmilieMadison]

Apr 24, 2015 19:12:49 GMT -5 cbwm1 said:

Apr 24, 2015 18:14:48 GMT -5 EmilieMadison said:

I highly recommend the bubble bum for kids who are ok in a backless booster. We have two of them and use them for travel and car pooling!
cbwm1, how old is your LO? I would be uncomfortable suggesting a backless booster for a child under age 6. The Ride Safer Travel Vest is another fantastic option, however, for kids who are maybe not ready for a backless booster (or even if they are!). We used this for both kids before they were ready for the Bubble Bum. 

Neither can be used on an airplane, but are perfect for cars!

He'll be 7 at the time of travel, but he's a little dude. We still have him in a 5-point harness right now. I was just thinking a booster would be easier to travel with (and we're not going to spend a ton of time in the car once we get to Orlando), but if they'll gate check his seat for free, I might be down with doing that.

Idk how big the Orlando/Sanford airport is, but the one we're leaving from is pretty small...so it's not like we're lugging a huge car seat around O'Hare or something.

As long as he's 40 lbs, it should be fine. I'd definitely have him ride around in it a few times before you travel so the first time you're both using it isn't at the rental car place. 

If you dont think he's ready for a booster (especially a backless one) the Ride Safer Vest is a godsend. It has the function of a 5 point harnessed seat but it's wearable and takes up almost no room! Here's a pic of my kids (7 and 5 at the time) using a BubbleBum and a Ride Safer Travel Vest.

 

[cbwm1]

PROBLEM SOLVED

Allegiant will let us have check a car seat for free. Whew!

Now I just need one of those wheely things to strap it on to. Any suggestions there? lol

[emsumm]

Apr 24, 2015 19:15:03 GMT -5 cbwm1 said:

Apr 24, 2015 18:27:14 GMT -5 emsumm said:

They'll check it for free :-)

We're flying Allegiant - they nickle and dime you for everything, so it's possible they may not gate check for free. lol

Damn. It's free on every other airline!

[EmilieMadison]

Apr 24, 2015 19:26:22 GMT -5 cbwm1 said:

PROBLEM SOLVED

Allegiant will let us have check a car seat for free. Whew!

Now I just need one of those wheely things to strap it on to. Any suggestions there? lol

Great! I always just strapped them to a piece of our rolling luggage with something like THIS although my kids never sat in the seat while we pushed/pulled it. 

[underwaterrhymes]

cbwm1 - I'm dumb when it comes to the backless boosters, but I can speak knowledgeably about the Orlando airport!

It's super easy to navigate and I love the shuttle they have from the various terminals, but the security lines coming back through can be awful.