I've been having a look at KLM, Air France's, and Air Europa policies with regards to car seats, since those are our preferred airlines when we go back at least once a year to our native country, but I'm unclear on some of their restrictions - on whether those would be sticking points or if they're even realistic.
KLM:
- You need to notify them in advance that you will be using a car seat
- Max width 16.5"
Delta operates one of our usual flights, but since it's an American carrier that seems to be more straighforward as to what is allowed and what isn't.
Air France:
- Max width 16"
Air Europa:
- Can only be used between 6 months and 3 years (exceptions for children who cannot sit on their own past 3 years)
My question is with regards to the width limits, which I'm very surprised at (especially because the KLM seats on our European flights had always felt wider than the Delta ones on the first leg, whcih doesn't have a width restriction). Are these restrictions real? Are there any of the common chairs this narrow (I'd always heard of 17" as the cut off)? Is it more of an if it fits it fits or you might need to raise the arm rest thing?
It's not a deal breaker for us, since we will have a good car seat waiting at out destination, and we've done the whole lap child thing before (yes, I'm aware it's not as safe, we're okay with this risk). But I'm starting to think of this Christmas - when baby will still be under 2 years old, but very much a toddler.
KLM:
- You need to notify them in advance that you will be using a car seat
- Max width 16.5"
Delta operates one of our usual flights, but since it's an American carrier that seems to be more straighforward as to what is allowed and what isn't.
Air France:
- Max width 16"
Air Europa:
- Can only be used between 6 months and 3 years (exceptions for children who cannot sit on their own past 3 years)
My question is with regards to the width limits, which I'm very surprised at (especially because the KLM seats on our European flights had always felt wider than the Delta ones on the first leg, whcih doesn't have a width restriction). Are these restrictions real? Are there any of the common chairs this narrow (I'd always heard of 17" as the cut off)? Is it more of an if it fits it fits or you might need to raise the arm rest thing?
It's not a deal breaker for us, since we will have a good car seat waiting at out destination, and we've done the whole lap child thing before (yes, I'm aware it's not as safe, we're okay with this risk). But I'm starting to think of this Christmas - when baby will still be under 2 years old, but very much a toddler.