Help with drive & fly trip with 3yo

U

Unregistered

Guest
My DD is 3.5 years old, but weighs 42lb and is 41" tall. We will be driving for 12 hours to our destination, spend the week there, then fly home. I'm trying to figure out which of our car seats to take on the trip.

She is currently using a Britax Marathon daily, and loves the seat - very comfy for her. I also have a Graco Nautilus in our second car, but she doesn't like it much because she doesn't sleep well in it.

Since we will be driving for a large amount of time, I want to take the Marathon. But it's so large I don't want to carry it on the plane (aside from that, we will each be carrying on a carry-on bag, and my elderly mother will be with us, so I'm going to have to help her carry things too). So would it be okay to check it? and how should I pack it - or just use their bags they provide? Or is there a better seat I should consider buying? I would hate for her Marathon to get damaged while it's being checked, cause it's our main seat for her.

We will be flying on AirTran.
Thanks for your ideas.
Heather
 
ADS

mommycat

Well-known member
Here are some other threads which discuss traveling with seats, most of which have pictures!
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=83568 - 2 seats puzzled on luggage cart
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=50197 - Boulevard on the luggage cart
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=62648 - using luggage cart with car seat
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=73106 - travelling toddler attachment video
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=74630 - seat in double umbrella stroller + luggage cart
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=74726 - travelling toddler and tote-a-tot
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=74668 - travel with seat experience (EFTA)
 

LEAW

New member
Use it on the plane, use anything - straps, stroller, cheap luggage cart, rental cart, to get it to the gate, and then ask the flight attendants for assistance to board - one of them can walk with your mom OR one can carry the seat, or take advantage of the early boarding to let your mom take her time walking down w/o a rush of people around her.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,655
Messages
2,196,895
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top