How to fly with infant car seat base?

W

Winterbaby

Guest
Traveling by plane with a three month old and a chicco fit2. We will purchase a seat for the baby and fly with the fit2. From what I have read, we can’t install the base on the airplane seat and I believe the rebound bar part of the base will make it so we can’t fit the base in the overhead compartment. I’m hesitant to check the base because I have heard of damage occurring. I’m also hesitant to to travel without the base. Even though the fit2 has European path for baseless install, we will be in and out of the car very frequently and driving in potentially icy/snowy conditions. I worry that we wouldn’t get a good install every time based on how much we’d be in and out, but maybe this isn’t as difficult/time consuming as I’m making it out to be? Also we will have a rental car and it may not have a shoulder belt or a belt that automatically locks in the center. Do all recent cars have these things? I’m a first time mom and would be very appreciative of any advice and help!
 
ADS

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
If you're in the US, all cars have had shoulder belts in the center since I believe 2008, and have had belts that lock for carseats since 1996.

I'd put the base under the seat in front of the baby, with the ARB sticking out a bit. But I'd try it in the overhead first.

Wendy
 

MelodyoftheForest

Active member
I like KQ's suggestion of how to bring the base. However, if you do decide to do a baseless install, it might be easier to do in an outboard seat because many center seats have a fold-down arm rest/cup holder. With my KeyFit, this required a huge rolled towel to keep the angle properly. It is easier to push it into the back of the seat on an outboard seat where it's softer. I loved traveling with a rear facing only seat and a stroller, but I wasn't reinstalling it a ton. Practice the install at home and see how comfortable you are with it. That should help you decide if bringing the base is worth it!
 

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