Comments on: Why don’t airlines provide harnesses for kids?

By: Shelly Rivoli (Travels with Baby)

Shelly Rivoli (Travels with Baby) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Joanna – I had similar concerns about reaching the tray table, and several other issues. You might find my CARES review and photos helpful as you plan. I tested CARES with both of my daughters (different sizes) and detail the drawbacks and perks in this review, which you might find helpful: http://tinyurl.com/697stx. At 19 months, your daughter might be most comfortable for the long haul (and snooze better) in her own car seat, which you can always attach a travel tray to as well (suggestions on my site). Good luck!

By: Sheila

Sheila — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:28:53 +0000

Hi Joanna,

I would recommend using a CARES on the plane and checking the car seat as luggage (be prepared for those extra fees for checking luggage….grrr.)

Yes, car seats are a pain to install in the cramped quarters of a plane. Are you traveling with a companion? Have that person pre-board and install the seat, then you and the child board later. If it’s just you, then definitely try using CARES on the plane and check the seat.

Don’t worry about getting the “evil eye” from other passengers; if they’re parents, they’ll understand that you’re doing your best (and someone may even offer to help you – I do!) and if they aren’t parents and don’t get it, to heck with them. Really.

For more on the topic, try these links:

*** http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/airplanetravel.aspx

*** http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs

*** http://babyjetsetter.blogspot.com/2008/04/which-car-seats-are-approved-for-plane.html

Finally, make every effort to travel light, buy bulky diapers and rent equipment at your destination. The less stuff you are carrying, the better.

I won’t tell you not to freak out, because it IS a logistical challenge to travel with little ones, no question. Plan ahead (which is exactly what you’re doing,) and don’t be shy about asking for help.

They do outgrow this stage, eventually!

By: Joanna

Joanna — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:52:07 +0000

also i have been reading up on other parents experiences of trying to installed the seat on the plane. Alot of parents have said that “between the very limited space in which to work and the pressure of trying to secure the seat as quickly as possible without holding up other passengers, I feel like an inept “Beat the Clock” contestant. As a result, the car seat rarely feels as secure on the plane as it does in our car”.
I’m not good at fitting a car seat in a car let alone on a plane!! is there any tips or can some1 at leat give me a rough idea of what to do. Im clueless!!!! Planning this trip is starting to look very stressful!! HELP

By: Joanna

Joanna — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:32:15 +0000

sorry i said FFA i mean Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)!!!

By: Joanna

Joanna — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:19:30 +0000

Hi, Thank you Sheila for your reply. I am looking in to the two options of CARES and a car seat but i do not know which brands of car seat are approved on the air-lines when i rang the air line they told me it must be FFA approved and with the british kite mark logo. Does any one know what car seats are approved. Thank you

By: Sheila

Sheila — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:01:36 +0000

Hi Joanna,

I would think that your little one could reach the tray table while restrained in CARES, although you may have to loosen the straps a bit (analogous to wearing a lap belt loosened while airborne.)

Hi Bibiana,

Yes, most aircraft are not set up for a lot of infant fliers, that’s for sure. I wish we had more train transportation options in the US.

By: Bibiana Bailey

Bibiana Bailey — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:35:22 +0000

Most of the time it seems that the airlines do not care about the safety or comfort of kids under 2 since they get to travel for free. The same thing is with availability of baby bassinets that attach to the wall.Each aircraft has usually two (I think they are only on longer international flights)and they are first come first serve as well. The frustrating part is that they might be only one infant on that flight and they give the seats that have the bassinet hook ups to an adult with no baby. It is a seat with big leg room and whoever gets it won’t give it up…the bottom line is they don’t care about the little ones.
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By: joanna

joanna — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:38:05 +0000

hi,
I am planning to fly over to Canada from England in June with my daughter who will be 19 months old by this time. I am interested in using CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness instead of a car seat. But i am wondering if someone could tell me if my daughter would be able to reach the fold out table for meal times and to play with her toys. Thanks

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