Booster help for airplane trip - Must decide today!

[Athena]

(Asked this last month, but some info has changed.)

We're flying and driving a rental car at our destination. I need to make the final decision on what to bring today.

Kid1: 5'3", 82 pounds -- Please see photo in check fit thread just posted in the general section. I was on the fence, but now that I've discovered she's grown more and noticed the shoulder belt is getting farther out on her shoulder than I like, even in the incognito, I think we should ditch the booster completely, not just for the trip. But hearing someone else say it would help. She's already as tall as 25% of adult women!

Kid2 8yo, 55-56", 62-63 pounds - Planning to use PKWY backless, but when I just tried it I wasn't impressed with shoulder belt fit, yet I think that's more about my weird car. Does the PKWY usually work well backless?

Or should I try to get another backless today? How does the PKWy fit under the airplane seat for storage? I will not be happy if they insist on checking it. I remember years ago the turbo fit perfectly, but we no longer have it and I don't know that it would solve the other problem. If I decide asap, we have target and walmart locally (turbo, harmony youth, ?) and diapers.com ships overnight.

Or maybe kid 2 could use kid 1's incognito, although she won't be happy about losing the cup holders. Or there's still the bubble bum. She gets a little tippy, but maybe I should reconsider that?

I wish I could just bring a suitcase full of backless booster options with us.

 

[lgenne]

I'd just bring the Incognito for Kid2. (Assuming experts agree that Kid1 is ok without the booster.)

 

[aeormsby]

If you have an Incognito I would have your younger child use that and let the older use nothing. At over 5' tall I would be fine without a booster, my MIL & SIL are only 5' tall.

My kids have to deal with not being in their comfy boosters on flying trips. We pack for convenience - Incognito for my 10yo and a Bubble bum for my 8yo. They dislike the BB but at this point we can take a trip with 2 carry-on suitcases and get the boosters packed in the bags which makes life so much easier. Cupholders are not even something that would cross my mind for a trip that includes flying - the rental car will have them.

 

[ketchupqueen]

If you've tried her in multiple vehicles and she passes in all of them then I'd just bring the incognito for younger child.

Worst case scenario you buy an extra backless on vacation right? NBD.

 

[Athena]

Thanks for the replies! I should double check kid2's fit in the incognito, but that does sound much easier to travel with. I think it might even fit in my carry on suitcase. Yay! Packing Panic Attack avoided!

 

[Athena]

i wanted to thank you all again for your help! The trip went great! To my surprise, DD chose to bring the bubble bum and it worked out great. It was so nice and small to bring. She was completely comfy for numerous up to 30 minute drives and not tippy at all in the outboard position and it provided a great fit without even needing the shoulder strap positioner.

The downside was that she had to stay awake that one later night out because she's used to a HBB and didn't know how to sleep without the shell, but she made it. Any tips on that?

It gave me peace of mind to remember KQ's comment that we could buy a backless if it didn't work out. I knew where there was a walmart just in case, but was glad it wasn't necessary.

P.S. ODD's fit in the rental car without a booster was fine. She's officially graduated! (Excuse me while I go cry.)

 

[ketchupqueen]

Teach her to look up when she gets sleepy. The first trip we ever roll2with a BubbleBum my then 7 year old actually fell asleep in it! Looking up keeps the head up, which keeps the body up.

 

[Athena]

Teach her to look up when she gets sleepy. The first trip we ever roll2with a BubbleBum my then 7 year old actually fell asleep in it! Looking up keeps the head up, which keeps the body up.

Thanks for the tip!