US Airways & Car Seats

On Friday, we'll be flying with our 21 month old on US Airways from LHR-PHL. We have purchased a seat for him, and were planning on taking our 'spare' seat the Kiddy Guardian Pro 2. We were planning on putting him in the window in the seat, and then we have two aisles (the plane is a 2-4-2 config).

However... looking at US Airway's website, there is mention of 'restraint straps' : http://www.usairways.com/en-US/trave.../children.html

The Kiddy Guardian Pro 2 doesn't have straps per say, but a bolster pad thingy that slide into place and is secured with lap or lap/shoulder belt (in car).

I'm now really worried that a flight attendent will not let us use this seat and all plans will be put in disarrary.

If I'm not 100% US Airways will allow this seat, I'll go out and get a cheapish 'harness' type seat, or try & borrow for someone.

BTW - I'm 7 months pregnant, so I NEED this to go as smoothly as possible.

Traveling Saturday with Very mobile 8 month old and 3 1/2 year old on my own so totally get what you are saying.  I'd def call them and ask if you can or even go with the backup if you can.  Or else if you are that worried just grab a cheap seat or borrow. You def don't need any added stress!!!  Good luck

You are a braver woman than I!!!

Kiddicare's main storeroom is 20 mins away.  Going to try & find time today to go and see what they have.  If I can get one for under £50 I'm going to go for it.

Can I ask about the benefits of using a car seat on the plane? I've never really thought of using one, but I haven't had to cross that bridge yet (20 months and 1.5 weeks) so still not shelling out for the extra seat. However, this Christmas will be our last journey back before we have to buy Bea a seat, and I do plan on going back this summer (at least one leg of the journey on my own with the two of them). I never thought of using a car seat but am wondering if I am a bit daft for not even considering it.
Thanks for your thoughts!
-Eliza

my main purpose is for containment!!!  The kid buckled in can't get out:)  They can easily undo the airline seat belt but can't the carseat one.  Apart from that I've found they sleep a bit better cause they are used to it and can rest their head.  Mine are used to being in it in the car so never ask to get out so we sort of use the same rules on the airplane.  Also when I travelled with and 18 & 36 month on my own it gave some space boundaries (i.e. stopped the "she's touching me" fight) and the piece of mind when going to the bathroom - I can leave the one buckled in when you take the other or need to go yourself.

Just a tip when you do use the carseat in a normal row- not bulkhead you can't really use the tray cause their feet are in the way

Oh its probably safer too

Echoing what Tmfigy said... yes, what I should say is that it's safer.  With unexpected turbulance, etc.

However, what I'm more worried about is sleep.  Our last flight in July, little man was 17 months and didn't sleep at all... it was horrible. 

Just got back from Kiddicare.... as per a very helpful guy, the only (2) seats that are approved are Britax Eclipse and Britax Prince.  Trying to figure out if any of my friends have one that I can borrow...

I'll ask my friend in Oundle if she has an extra that she uses for travel.

That would be brillant!!!! I have (2) car seats I could swap for the week... hate the thought of buying ANOTHER car seat... (we already have two)

Meggles- what do you mean by approved?  I have a cheap US one we use only for airline travel and never had anyone even look at it.  I know the airlines used to be picky about it but I think they dropped that.  I know its a crazy week so not urgent just curious. 

Gook luck!!

So... it seems that nearly all US seats are approved for airplane use.  But only very select (ie 2 seats sold at kiddicare) are approved for airplane use... There's a sticker on the back that says 'Suitable for Aircraft'....  It seems that only 2 seats on the market today can be fitted with a lap belt...

I did think about buying a cheap US seat, but ended up getting a Britax Eclipse for £20 from a local eBay seller, so pretty cheap...

Thanks.

Wait, do you still need one? Just asking because my friend was going to check in her shed to see if theirs was airline approved. I haven't heard back from her yet, but was going to follow up tomorrow (Wednesday) with her.

Good to know-- glad you got it sorted then.

CharmCityGirl - Thanks for asking your friend, but I think we have it sorted.  I saw one one eBay 10 miles away that ended last night, so snapped it up.  Thanks again for the offer!  Do you get up to Oundle often?

Great stuff! I'm glad you found something. She said she actually borrowed the seat from her sister, so she doesn't have it anymore. I'm back in the US, so unfortunately, I'm not getting to Oundle again any time soon. I loved visiting her there.