TravelingMom

I've read the numerous previous posts about flying with infants, and I'm not trying to start a war. I will be flying from Pittsburgh to Phoenix next week with my 13 month old son. My husband will not be joining us, so it's just me and Baby.

I had not planned on taking our car seat because it is very heavy and awkward, and because my sister-in-law has one for us to use once we're in Phoenix. I've read the dangers of lap babies, but I'm also pretty sure I can't just strap him into the adult seatbelt - is that correct??

If so - what advice do all of you traveling parents have for managing all of the baby gear?? I'm going to have a suitcase on wheels, umbrella stroller, small backpack, and purse. I can check the stroller and suitcase, but I still have to find a way to get it to the ticket counter when I depart PIT and back to the car (it's a long walk!) when I return.

Any advice appreciated!! Thanks.

kcapuani

After great advice from fodorites, I managed just fine with a 10 month old. And, I'm flying alone with her again this weekend to Florida. Anyways, the baby is in the stroller, backpack is on your back, purse is hanging on the stroller, carseat is strapped to the rolling luggage with a bungee cord. It'll be difficult to push the stroller with one hand and wheel the suitcase behind you but people will get out of your way when they see you coming! After you check the suitcase, you can either drag the carseat behind you or place it on the back of the umbrella stroller (if there is a pocket underneath) and steer while holding on to it.

You'll be happy so you have the extra seat for your child. When you board the plane, the flight attendant will carry the carseat for you to your seat. Have him/her place it in your child's seat (window seat I'm assuming), then you slide into the row, place your baby in the middle seat, place the back pack on the floor and get the carseat buckled in.

Once you have done this on your own, you will be a pro! Good luck!

Ryan

Do NOT check the stroller. Gate check it and they'll bring to to you as you get off the plane. If you plan on carrying your son, use the stroller to carry all the other stuff you'll need. To try and take him through the airport without a stroller could prove a real challenge.

If you've purchased him a seat, you'll still need to hold him as you take-off and land. The issue as I've always understood it is where they when the seat-belt sign is on, not when the flight is between destinations.

We've flown with our two toddlers fairly often. We've found the biggest challenge to be fighting off boredom. To combat that, we'll usually take away a few of their favorite toys a week or so before traveling and reintroduce them en route. We also will pick up a new toy or book and give it to them on the plane. I found the Baby Einstein flash cards with animals and objects a good way to kill time.

If you have a portable DVD player, or can find room for one in the budget, they are a really, really good way keep you son occupied.

tinathetoad

I just flew with my son who was 4 months old. Take your stroller to the gate. They will check it in there. It will go with the luggage and them be waiting for you when you come off the plane.

You can strap him in the seat if you bought one for him. I did not bring my carseat. If I did, I would have to have checked it in with the luggage.

If you are worried, hire a proter to take you to the gate and such. I found everyone to be very helpful. I am not sure what airlines you are flying; I felw NW and they were helpful.

If it makes you feel any better, I did all this while I was traveling with my 85 year old grandma who does not get around independently.

snowrooster

I think you need to bring a car seat on the plane. I can't imagine a 13 month old strapped into an adult seat w/a flimsy airplane seat belt. I've found my kids traveled really well in their car seats on planes since they were so familiar w/their car seat they just fell right asleep.

tinathetoad

You can only bring the carseat if you have paid for a seat. I did not pay for a seat, so I checked my carseat at the gate along with the stroller. I have one of those travle systems. It worked out well.

kcapuani

If you have a separate seat for your son, I thought it was mandatory for you to place him in a carseat. Also, I didn't think that you could hold on to him during takeoff and landing if you have a carseat available. But, I am not absolutely certain about the FAA regulations.

tinathetoad

Personally, I would not pay for a seat. Holding is better. I went from Detroit to Lax, a 5 hour flight adn it was fine.

Besides, safety should not be an issue...if you know what I mean..

Ryan

Out of curiousity, I did a Google search on this. One of the items that came up was Southwest's policy. While mentioning that they offer child-fares to allow you to buy a seat and use a carrier, it does say that you MUST at all times use the carrier if they have their own seat.

If I were you, I'd think about calling your airline and get their exact policy. Even the FAA language on child carriers words it as "advises" not requires.

bamakelly

I have flown several times with my infant--when he was 3 weeks old, and 3 times when he was 10 months old. We'll be doing it again when he is 13 months old. Fully aware that a car seat is safest, I also was travelling alone each time and needed to pare down, so I opted not to use the carseat. Here are your options: you can either purchase a seat for the child (and use the car seat to strap him in), or put him on your lap. I chose option 2. Just so you know, they WILL NOT LET YOU put your seatbelt around both of you. You will wear the seat belt; he will sit in your lap with no restraint other than your arms. I tend to agree with tinathetoad, that if safety is so much of an issue that my arms cannot restrain him from turbulence or whatever, then we are probably dealing with a life-threatening situation (in which a car seat or any device is not going to be much more help). Of course, that's just me. I am sure many others travel more safely, and that's their choice.

Here are my tips:
kcapuani and others have given you good advice. Gate check the stroller for sure. Check the luggage and pay a skycap to get it for you.

In your backpack be sure to have plenty to drink...if your son is swallowing repeatedly during takeoff and landing this will greatly help his ears. (Be sure not to give the cup too soon--like JUST BEFORE you are actually taking off--not during taxi, as he could down the cupful before you even get off the runway).

As soon as you board the plane ask for a bottle of water and a snack. The attendant will bring it to you early and it wil be a treat to occupy your child as soon as you are seated, while everyone else is boarding.

Either don't take your purse or pack it (empty) in your suitcase for when you arrive, and while you travel put your essentials on your body (pockets) or in the backpack.

The entire trip will be relatively easy except for security. This will be the hardest challenge. You'll have to take the baby out of the stroller to send the stroller through the camera and, well, it's just a pain with an extra squirmy body. Just take a deep breath and don't rush on everyone else's account...this is one time you just need to do what is best for you.

coteacher

Having flown with both of my children when they were your sons age I'd have to say you would definitely be better off with him in his carseat. You may not put the strap around him if you did not purchase a seat.
Is he walking yet? If so, an even better reason to get a seat. It is not a short flight from Pittsburgh to Phoenix. The carseat is also the safest place for him.
We made the mistake of not buying a seat for our daughter when she was 14 mos old. We flew from Denver to Maui--it was he-- after one hour. And she's a very good, pleasant calm baby--just bored.
Good luck.

sfamylou

I was always so happy when my kids turned 2 so I didn't have to feel cheap and do the lap-baby thing. I actually invested in a sit-n-stroll, which is a combo stroller and car seat that is FAA approved. It's kind of clunky, not the best car seat and not the best stroller, but it's great for travel, especially to places where you'll be using a lot of taxis. One other thing: I laughed out loud at the post that said a flight attendant would help carry a car seat. Really? I've never had a flight attendant help me with my kids or car seats. Usually I feel as if they are pretty rude and waiting for me to do something wrong. I've struggled and ended up black and blue trying to negotiate a narrow plane path with small child, car seat, diaper bag and purse. I've always managed, but on no airline on not one occasion was I offered any kind of help.

Sunnyboy

Sorry, but it's not the Flight Attendants job to help people with their carry-on luggage or their children's car seats. On the rare occasions when they do, it's a plus but no one should never expect anyone other then themselves to take care of carry-ons.

kcapuani

I flew US Air and the flight attendant just took the carseat from me as I was boarding the plane. I did not ask her to carry it for me. So, it obviously depends on the FA. We'll see what happens this weekend as I am flying US Air again. Regardless of whether you are given assistance by a FA, most airlines will allow you to pre-board so you can can take your time getting on the plane as you precariously balance your child on one hip and the car seat on the other

BobbiOh

I was once on a flight that dropped thousands of feet after coming off of "air bubbles" as the captain said. Everything that wasn't strapped down hit the ceiling, including drink carts and flight attendents. People that were not seat belted in had neck injuries, broken noses, and one broken arm where a drink cart had landed.

I realize this is an extreme that happens rarely, but if it were to happen and weren't expecting it, could you for sure hold on to your child?

LoveItaly

TravelingMom, I have been on more then one flight that had bad turbulence. I cannot imagine how I could have held a baby in my lap and protected it with just my arms. Please think carefully about this.

TravelingMom

Thanks for all the great advice so far. My son is very well traveled - he's already flown round trip to Germany, Cozumel, and Phoenix and has made several flights to and from Norfolk. I've done the Norfolk flights by myself before and they've been quick and easy. I'm just a bit more nervous about this one because I'm not only on my own for the (very long) flight, but also for getting myself from the car to the plane and back in Pittsburgh.

I haven't yet purchased a seat for him, but there are still seats available so I'm definitely considering that option - both for his safety and my sanity!

I have a backpack carrier that I'm debating on using instead of the stroller - any thoughts on this? It might make it easier for me to lug the car seat through the airport...

themanfromnantucket

Just curious. The child has flown to Germany and Cozumel, I would think a flight from pitt to phoenix would be a breeze even if you are alone.

I would advise having your husband at least help you check in and get thru security. And, bring the carseat and Dimetapp.

TravelingMom

Nantucket - I'm also thinking that the flight itself should be OK...although I'm a little hesitant to be too confident about that! I'm more worried about doing it all by myself. My husband will be out of town himself on a business trip, so it's all up to me!

I was hoping to not bring the car seat, but I also feel like that would be an irresponsible decision...

snowrooster

I'm going to try to stay out of the buy a seat/don't buy a seat debate. However I will tell you that as long as the flight isn't full they will let you use your car seat in an empty seat. You can call the airline ahead, tell them your situation, and ask for them to put you next to an empty seat (of course there is no guarantee that seat will remain empty). You can bring your car seat all the way to the gate and then check it there if the flight does fill up and and you need to do the lap thing.

I don't know if helping a mom w/a small child board is technically part of a FA's job description, but I think any good one would do it. Anyone who does their job well in any profession cares about their customers and does what they can to help. Besides, don't they announce that people who "need assistance boarding" board first - this does indeed imply that they are offering assistance!!