Britax Pioneer Faa approved?

[mamakc]

DD and I are taking a trip in the next couple of weeks and the only harnessed seat she would fit in that we have is the Britax Pioneer. I was wondering if anyone knows if it's FAA approved yet? I remember that being a work-in-progress, but I haven't been paying attention because we would *never* travel by air...haha. We are flying somewhere then driving back, and I'm trying to figure out what to bring. She is 7.

 

[Brianna]

From their website:

A. Yes, all Frontier 90, Pinnacle 90 and Pioneer 70 are certified for use on aircraft in harness mode.

http://www.britaxusa.com/support/faq/combination-harness-2-booster-seats

I would call them to see if they can send you an updated manual or sticker for the seat so that you have proof that it's FAA approved by the time you fly.

 

[mamakc]

Thank you! I don't know how I missed that on their site, I looked there first! lol So is it safe to assume that the car seat will fit on the plane seat ok? I have never taken a car seat on a plane, this is totally new territory for me.

 

[Brianna]

I would think if you can raise the armrest it should fit okay.

 

[mamakc]

I would think if you can raise the armrest it should fit okay.

Hypothetically, what happens if the seat doesn't fit?

 

[disbugsmomma]

If it doesn't fit, it will be gate checked and your child will ride without a seat. (which at 7 isn't a big deal)

Has she had any booster training yet? If so, I would probably just take a booster. Pack the back in a suitcase and carry the bottom on and stow it above.

 

[YinzerMama]

Unless there is some developmental reason she can't use a booster, I would take a booster and make your trip easier.

 

[bubbaray]

I would have her ride in the seat belt on the plane and use a LBB at your destination

 

[SafeDad]

http://carseatblog.com/25296/britax...oneer-70-harness-2-booster-combination-seats/

One possible issue is that the buckle may end up being in a location such that it is uncomfortable for the child.

 

[mamakc]

My original plan was for the person picking us up from the airport to buy a cheap backless booster for her to use so we don't have to even worry about it. That does seem easiest, in theory. But the car we'll be riding in (older Ford Taurus) has no headrests and I have no idea how tall the backseat is in relation to DD's height w/ a booster. We are not checking luggage and the back to DD's normal ride (parkway sg) doesn't fit in our carry-on. Maybe a Harmony Dreamtime would be a better choice, but I know there isn't much padding on it. I figured we could bring the Pioneer, she could use the harness on the plane, and use it as a booster for the road trip home. Except for the fact that it specifically says on it "not approved for use on aircraft" even though it's not true... kind of making my plan more difficult lol.