Travel Problem with Frontier 85

tofu_mommy · Nov 19, 2010

My family had to suddenly fly out of town for a family emergency. We brought our daughter's Frontier 85 because we needed her seat once we got here. We tried installing it on the plane and that did not go well at all. Space wise, it was totally fine. But we could never get it to install tightly and there is no way it was really secure. It took us forever to get it even moderately tight. Not a great way to make friends with the flight attendants, btw. So now I'm thinking I need to gate check it on the return flight. That makes me nervous, but I don't really see a good alternative. I am just wondering if there is anything I need to know before I do this? Do I need to try to pack it somehow? I've tried looking for a carseat carrier locally, but am having no luck. And realistically, I don't think I can lug around a big box. My husband is not flying home with us so I need this to be easy. (On the way, we just strapped the seat to a rolling luggage cart and that worked out well.) Thanks for your help!

aeormsby · Nov 19, 2010

Were you using the short belt path for installing it? You could probably ask for a belt extender and try the long belt path. The other trick I always use (no matter what seat I'm installing) is to recline the seat back and then get it mostly tight, then pull the seat back to upright, that will usually tighten it up nicely. I also don't worry about getting the seats as super tight on the plane as I do in the car.

I would not check the seat!

LISmama810 · Nov 19, 2010

aeormsby said:
Were you using the short belt path for installing it? You could probably ask for a belt extender and try the long belt path. The other trick I always use (no matter what seat I'm installing) is to recline the seat back and then get it mostly tight, then pull the seat back to upright, that will usually tighten it up nicely. I also don't worry about getting the seats as super tight on the plane as I do in the car.

I would not check the seat!

Yes, I agree with all that. Ask for a belt extender and try a different install, and don't worry about less than an inch of movement. I mean, you don't want it flying all over the place, but I wouldn't worry about it not being super-solid. You're mainly protecting against turbulence and roughness more than a collision.

Most airlines don't allow you to board early with kids anymore, but I'd ask anyway. Explain that it took you a while to get the seat in last time, and you'd like a few extra minutes. If they don't let you, it's their own fault if you delay the plane. If it's a US carrier they can't deny you the use of the restraint.

I would do everything in my power to avoid checking the seat--especially that seat. If it gets damaged (and you won't always be able to tell) or lost, that's an expensive one to replace.

ketchupqueen · Nov 19, 2010

Yep. Avoid checking it even if it means a less-than-ideal install-- you are protecting the seat more than the kid anyway, and in turbulence it will still do its job!

tofu_mommy · Nov 19, 2010

Hmmm, so it's pretty terrible to check it no matter what? Guess I'll try it again, with much trepidation, though.

ketchupqueen · Nov 19, 2010

Yes, checking it is THAT likely to damage it.

tofu_mommy · Nov 23, 2010

Thanks for your tips, everyone. We made it home and I tried a different install. Honestly, it wasn't much better, but it avoided checking it, something I'm much happier about after watching somebody's gate-checked stroller come off of a plane.

Travel Problem with Frontier 85

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