yes, it is an azores airline, Portugese. The islands are pretty remote especially the one we are going to so i doubt we could get a car seat there. i would be surprised if they even sold them there lol.
Earlier in the e-mail they told me it was a safety hazard.
Even if you buy an extra seat for your son, (what means that he can travel on his own seat), he must travel seated on the aircraft chair, because for safety reasons, car seats are not allowed on board.
Azores are remote. Not a lot of amenities and there's a lot of social/cultural differences because of it. No way would I count on purchasing a decent carseat in that locale. Could be surprised, but it's not worth it.
Honestly,in your situation, I'd stop asking questions, but just bring the carseat aboard. Then act completely confident while installing it. If they ask, tell them it was allowed... be as vague as they are
No hesitation or trepidation. It's always easier to ask forgiveness than permission, in my book.
I would not have it set up for rear facing though, only forward face, if he's not already. rear facing is where you'll get the puzzled and annoyed looks f rom everyone and the attendants will get ruffled because the person in front must remain upright.
IF there's any issues, you can always point out your child will be more wiggly, verbal, kicking, etc... out of a seat that fits him and is familiar than if he's contained within. I'm sure the other passengers will gratefully agree. It's a long flight. He needs somewhere he might possibly sleep.
:shrug-shoulders: Anyway, that's the path I'd take.
It might not be their policy, there might be debates, but imo, it's always easier to negotiate in person than by some faceless entity through email and phone conversations. At least by that point, it will be gatechecked which is better than going through regular baggage handling. Not much, but usually a slight improvement.
good luck