Flying with Carseats

They are not allowed to sit in their booster seats. All carseats have a sticker on them somewhere that says if they meet FAA guidelines. You can gatecheck the carseat if you do not luck out and get a seat for the baby. However, this does cause damage to the carseat even if it is not visible and some people strongly recommend against checking them at all. I would take the carseat on and sit your three year old in it. Isn't 3 kind of young for a booster anyway. In PA they are still required to be in a carseat until they are 4 and it is strongly recommended until they outgrow them (65 lbs for the bigger ones).

Car seats do not count as luggage so they can't charge you for them, so I would definitely take your own! I wouldn't have them sit in their booster seats unless they can carry them and their own backpack or whatever. You will have enough drama just getting all of you on and off the plane (by yourself??) so I would go as little stress as possible. As far as the 10 month old...this is what I would do...take the 3 y/o's car seat on the plane and have the 3 y/o sit in it for take off and landing and then switch them! It would probably be easier since I'm guessing the 3 y/o would sort of sit and cuddle, watch a movie, or read and the 10 month old will probably just want to run wild! ;) Also, ask before you board if there are any extra seats. If there are (even though it's unlikely nowadays) they will give it to you and you can just put the car seat and the baby in the extra seat. Good luck!

When we flew last summer the airline checked the booster seat free and said that was what they did with car seats as well. My toddler rode in her car seat on the plane because she had a seat. The booster seat was not legal in an airplane so we checked it. I'd check with the airline on their specific rules. Also, we have a small small backless booster seat we use for traveling for my 5 year old. It was under $20 so it would be cheaper to just buy 2 than rent.

We kept our carseat box for just this reason. Put it in the box, if you have one or buy a carseat carrier bag at a baby store or online and check it with your luggage. Our airline let us check it for free. I don't know if they would let you carry it on because they are pretty big. If necessary, have the 3 yr old sit in the big car seat on the plane and check a smaller booster with the luggage. Have fun on your trip!

I recently flew Airtran and I wasn't charged for my daughter's car seat or stroller. I had both of them as I went to the gate and they checked them right there for me. When I got off the plane, they were waiting for me. Super easy!

I wouldn't do what's cheapest but safest! I am out of town now and flew with my three year old. I used her stroller to carry her car seat to the gate while she walked. Checked stroller at gate, daughter used car seat on plane and slept in it. 7 year old doesn't need car seat but 3 ur old should be in a car seat, as well as 10 month, but ur probably not buying a ticket for that child. A lap belt at that age can cause internal damage if there is bad turbulence. Be safe so u won't be sorry! Have fun!

When I flew with an infant, they checked all the baby items for free. I had no clue. Call the airline and ask about it.. It wasn't Air Tran though.

Booster seats can NOT be used on a plane. The only seats that can be used on a plane are ones with harnesses and they have to have the sticker on them saying they are aircraft approved.

You can take car seats and strollers to the gate and they check them there then have them waiting when you get off the plane. There is no charge for them.

I believe you can take the boosters on, and you can check the carseat at the gate to minimize potential damage to the carseat. Enjoy the flight!