Flying with 2 kids - another question please!

[thtr4me]

It is very likely that I will be flying solo with both kiddos in July from LA to Hawaii. DH will be joining us, and will go through security with us, but will be flying separately as he will need to jump seat (pilot, so if he jump seats, his flight is free).

DS1 currently sits in a Frontier 85 in booster mode. DS2 is in a Boulevard.

Seats available to take for DS1:
Frontier 85 - I can fly it in harness mode or gate check it in booster mode
Parkway SGL - I can gate check it, or when taken apart, does it stow in the overhead bin? I know the seat will, but will the back?
RXT - I can fly it in harness mode, or possibly fold it and stow it in the overhead bin, or gate check it

Seats for DS2:
Boulevard, Marathon, Roundabout - any of these would be used in flight.

So, what would you take, and how would you transport? I am thinking either the Frontier (will it fit in the airplane seat?) or the RXT in harness mode on the plane for DS1 so I don't have to pack or gatecheck something, and then likely the Marathon for DS2.

If I take one of the bigger seats for DS1, my plan is to put it on wheels, and then buckle DS2's seat into it for transport through the airport.

So, what would you take? DS1 will need a high back booster at our destination.

ETA: what is the best way to install seats on a plane? Do I use the belt extender, or just buckle the regular airplane seat belt through the car seat belt path?

 

[jjordan]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Does dh have access to special pilot storage during the flight? That might influence my answer for ds1.

I don't think it much matters what you take for ds2. Whether or not you need a seatbelt extender depends on if it's a "classic" Britax or one of the newer ones, and if you're using it FF or RF. A FF classic Britax needs a seatbelt extender so that you don't get stuck with a seatbelt in the belt path and no room to lift the seatbelt plate-thingy to release the buckle.

 

[thtr4me]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Thank you for the answer on the belt extender. So not a classic, FFing, no extender needed?

And as far as I know, since DH is not crew on the flight, he does not get access to special storage. Usually just any space that is left in the crew bag area, or first class overhead bins if the crew storage is full.

 

[cantabdad]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Thank you for the answer on the belt extender. So not a classic, FFing, no extender needed?

The newer Britax models leave the belt path accessible, typically by lifting a flap of fabric on the cover -- so no belt extender needed. On older models it was sometimes more of a hard plastic "tunnel" that didn't leave any leeway for movement of the seatbelt buckle, so an extender is needed. If you take a look at the carseat it should be pretty obvious what you are working with.

It's never a bad idea to go back and refamiliarize yourself with the lap-only seatbelt installation section of the owner's manual. But in general, all you really need to do is thread the aircraft lap belt through the belt path, buckle and pull tight.

I'd probably take the Roundabout since it is the smallest and you've got enough to handle.

For DS1, I personally would probably take the Parkway and gate-check it; it's the lightest of the 3 that you mentioned and spares you from having to install two seats onboard while the kids outnumber you. If you're not comfortable with that because of the possibility of the booster being damaged or delayed, then I guess I'd fold up the RXT, consider it as one of my "carry-ons," and store it in the overhead bin.

 

[thtr4me]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Okay, I have another question. DH ended up booking a ticket, so we will all travel together, sitting 2 and 2. DS1 has decided he wants his Frontier. He has SPD, and I want to minimize anything that will trigger him while on a vacation (full of triggers), so I want to try to accommodate his request. Will the Frontier 85 even fit in the airplane seat? Or will we need to gate check it? I am small and will be sitting next to him, so some intrusion into my seat is okay.

 

[thtr4me]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Anyone know? Frontier85 + airline seat = "no way, it's never going to fit, leave it home". Or Frontier85 + airline seat = "yeah, you can get it in there but don't expect to be totally comfortable if you have to sit next to it".

 

[cantabdad]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Anyone know? Frontier85 + airline seat = "no way, it's never going to fit, leave it home". Or Frontier85 + airline seat = "yeah, you can get it in there but don't expect to be totally comfortable if you have to sit next to it".

You can use seatguru.com to get more precise seat widths for your flight, but they are typically 17" to 18". (I doubt it would be much smaller than that, especially for a larger jet going to Hawaii.)

The Frontier is 19" across, so it will encroach on the seat next to it by an inch or two. I don't think that is a dealbreaker. My wife and I have sat next to Britax Marathons that are (almost) equally wide. On the other hand, it will end up feeling like a very long flight if you are uncomfortable.

 

[thtr4me]

Re: Flying with 2 kids

Thank you so much, this is very helpful! DH is going to be stuck with the Marathon and DS2. I am still working on trying to convince DS1 that another seat will work for a 11 days. We shall see.