Packing 2 Britax Parkway Boosters

We're flying in February from Toronto to Orlando and want to take both kids' boosters with us. Our kids are 5 and 8 and we would prefer to use the high backs for both of them, so just taking the bottoms is not an option. BubbleBum and that car seat/vest thing are also not an option (too expensive in Canada, plus the high back issue isn't solved by the Bubble Bum).

Does anyone have an idea how we could pack these securely to check them on the plane? Bubble wrap and a big duffel? Two duffel bags? I am worried those big wings on the seats will get in the way....

I am going to start experimenting with different bags and suitcases at home over the holidays, but was wondering if anyone had any experience with these seats and could point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

I would take the backless portion on the plane as a carry on or personal item for your kids. Then I'd shorten the backs, wrap in bubble wrap and tape, and pack in suitcases well surrounded by clothing.

That way, in the worst-case scenario that your suitcases are lost or destroyed, you still have the backless portion so your children at least have proper belt positioning.

I'd probably break them down into back and backless portions and carry them on board. Stow the backs in the overhead and put the backless part under the seat in front of them.

Wendy

I know I'm going to get blasted for this... But hear me out, folks. I was an airline pilot up until a few years ago, when I became a full-time mom. My husband and I still travel very frequently with our four children (7 and younger), all of whom are still in carseats.

Take on board what you can. The bottom portions of boosters generally bungee well to child-size rolling carry-on bags. If you can manage the top portions through the airport, then do.

BUT... If that is too much to handle, then check what you must at the ticket counter and don't worry about it. Wrap it in bubble wrap, make sure it is good and obvious what it is (label it "FRAGILE - Child Booster Seats") -- and ensure that there is some easy way to carry it -- both for yourself, and for the baggage handlers. I don't agree about packing it in a suitcase with your other luggage. Suitcases don't necessarily receive the same VIP treatment. And if you put them in a duffel, label it well and be sure to let the ticket agent know what it is so you won't be charged for the bag.

Yes, we have all heard the horror stories (mostly on this board!) and seen bags fall off luggage carts. But, contrary to your worst fears, airline personnel (baggage handlers included!) are generally very careful with passengers' service items. They understand that wheelchairs, walkers, carseats, boosters and strollers are very important things and that people depend on them for their safety. These folks have kids and grandmas of their own. They're not playing "Toss" with your carseats down in the luggage bay. The worst treatment of cargo that I've ever seen was actually by cargo operators. That is, your carseat probably suffered much worse abuse BEFORE you bought it than it would ever receive by an airline.

If you're worried about lost bags, know that the incidence of lost checked bags has dropped dramatically since the airlines introduced their checked bag fees. There are simply way fewer checked bags moving through the system. If you do end up checking some of this, though, make it distinctive. If you are missing something, it's way easier for them to track down if you have a unique description of what they're to be looking for.

Ok, enough for now. Enjoy your time in Florida!