Can I use a KeyFit base on an airplane?

[Unregistered]

I know it's preferable not to, but we're flying one-way on a cross-country move. I'd like to have the base for the rental car (we will be traveling for 9 days). Can I use the base on an airplane?

Thanks!

[crunchierthanthou]

I believe so. Although the instructions show installing it without the base, there's nothing that says you have to. you could also stow it in the overhead bin. Ask for a seatbelt extender if the buckle interferes with placing the seat on the base.

[SusanMae]

A seat belt extender is still going to leave you with a buckle in the middle of the base. A Keyfit should install easily enough without the base, especially the newer style seats with the exposed belt path.

Susan

[mum2two]

I'd put it in your luggage with lots of padding..yes a slight risk if it's lost...but to bring it on board is so bulky with everything else you have....that is if you decide not to chance the install with the base.

[Unregistered]

Ok, here's my update (just in case someone else has this question). I tried using the base on two flights--one on a 28 seat EMB 120 (SkyWest plane) and one on a 737 (I think).

On the EMB 120, the KeyFit wouldn't fit into the seat if it was on the base. It barely fit without the base. I put the base under the seat in front of us and installed the seat alone.

On the 737, the base/seat combo would have fit, but the buckle was right in the middle of the base, so the seat wouldn't click into place. I put the base under the seat again.

I think I'll check the base on the next flight. I have a lot of suitcase space taken up by diapers that will be used on the trip, so there should be space.

Thanks for the input!

[essnce629]

Thanks for posting this. I had the exact same question since we'll be flying during a cross-country move next summer when baby #2 is just a few weeks old. I was thinking it would be easier to have the seat installed with the base since it would be easier to take baby in and out of the seat without having the seatbelt across his/her lap in the carseat. I never even thought about the seat not being able to click into the base due to the plane's seatbelt buckle. Were you able to take your baby out of the keyfit without unbuckling the plane's seatbelt each time?