S.D. asks from Austin, TX on April 01, 2008
Flying with a Britax Boulevard
Hi All!
Here's the issue. We're relocating and flying to our home city. We absolutely need to bring our car seat with us because we'll be driving from the airport and then around town...etc.. Has anyone actually used the Britax Boulevard on a plane? I know that it's approved for air travel - but it looks enormous... We're also considering getting the Go Go Kidz Travelmate, but I'm not sure if it's worth spending the money. We'll be in air for about 6hrs with 1 connection.
More Answers
V.B. answers from Houston on April 01, 2008
If it's approved, then it should fit on the plane. However, if you're worried that it won't, you could always check the seat in with your luggage. I actually never take the car seat on board with me. I just let my daughter sit in the airplane seat (which she prefers) and check the car seat so that I have it for the car when I get where I'm going.
I don't have experience with your particular seat, but I hope this info helps. Best of luck with your move!
M.S. answers from San Antonio on April 01, 2008
We have flown with our Britax Roundabout four times now and I love having it on the plane. My son doesn't even know he can fly not in his car seat. I strap it in by the window and strap him in...he can see out the window and can sleep in it like he does in the car. We also fly with a portable DVD player and tons of little dollar store toys I pull out one at a time (that he has never seen before).
We spent the extra money on the travel bag for the car seat...and my husband didn't like it, he just lengthens the straps and wears the car seat like a backpack through the airport. I would suggest spending the money on the portable DVD player if you don't already have one.
Oh my son is 3, I don't know how old your son is...I have needed him strapped in.
Good luck traveling...{{{{hug}}}}
G.S. answers from San Antonio on April 01, 2008
We have the Boulevard and fly with it all the time! I HIGHLY recommend taking it on to the plane, as someone else mentioned your child is used to it and will not ask to get out or walk around. I also recommend the DVD player. I fly to Providence every 2-3 months and have never had any trouble with my Boulevard. Here is a tip- my Boulevard will JUST FIT in to the seat of my regular stroller- a Graco model. (Also fits in the front seat of the sit and stand). I know this sounds crazy, but if you take the front tray off, or let it hang to the side, you can wedge the Boulevard in to the stroller seat. I then use the anchor straps to anchor it to either the basket underneath or any other stable piece of the stroller. You can also put the straps of the stroller through the base of the car seat. Tighten it and make sure it is in the stroller securely. Then you can strap your kiddo in to the car seat in the stroller and use the basket underneath. You gate check the stroller and carry the car seat on board. The most difficult part is getting the whole thing through security- the stroller must get folded and go through the machine, and so does the car seat. People are very helpful- don't sweat it too much, and I hope my trick works for you! If you have any questions you can email me- ____@____.com! :) Good luck!
S.B. answers from San Antonio on April 05, 2008
We've flown with our Boulevard several times. It's not as big as it seems when you have it on the plane - my husband always sits next to the car seat, and he's a big guy but has plenty of room. Definitely do pre-boarding and see if you can get a bulkhead seat, that helps as well. We also traveled with our Graco stroller and the Boulevard fits well on the TOP of the stroller - turn it upside down and let the headrest portion hang over the back of the stroller. Makes moving from connection to connection easier, and your little one can still ride in the stroller.
M.V. answers from Houston on April 01, 2008
I'd take it with you and see if you can get early boarding. If you put it in the seat and it takes up WAY too much room, you can always do a gate check which will allow it to be one of the first things off at your destination. We do this with strollers all the time.
K.H. answers from Austin on April 01, 2008
We've flown from Portland, OR to Little Rock, AR (and to Honduras) many many times with our Britax Galaxy. After the first couple of trips, we gate-checked it. That way we had it with us when we landed, but didn't have an extra bulky thing on the plane with us. The airlines I've flown on (Continental, Amer. Airlines, Southwest, Delta) always had carseat bags available for us - so we never bought an official travel bag for it. I simply saved the bag that the airlines gave us :-)
hth and if anything I wrote needs clarification just let me know
K. H, mama to
Catherine, 4y
Samuel, 15m
W.C. answers from San Antonio on April 01, 2008
I also check the car seat. No sence in making the seats even smaller then they already are. If it were to get lost, every airline has loaner car seats when you get to your destination, or if you don't trust theirs (I wouldn't) then you can rent them with your car which works fine if you are staying in the US. Many other countries still take the car seat as a suggestion, therefore don't replace them as they should. I have never had a problem in the US though.
The GOGO kidz travelmate looks great though. remember to check with your airline to see how many carry ons and checked baggage you are allowed. It might be worth it, not to mention the possible delays and tight transfers. If you think she would sleep in it. I would think it is worth the money. I SO wish they had this when my daughter was small enough for it.
Email