United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

We must travel in an airplane for surgery with a 3 year old. Do you have to bring carseat or no? It will be much to carry also having to take carseat with all other things we must have for the trip. What do you think? What else do I bring that she will need there?

I would not bring a carseat. If you are renting a car, most rentals you can request a carseat!!

I would always take a car seat. you can check with your baggage or you can check it at the gate and when you get there it will be at the gate. I always used the car seawt on the plane. I felt it made my son comfortable to be in it ! Gayle

Yes, most rental car companies do supply car seats at a rate of $8.00 a day. I would much rather be inconvienced a little and have to take my own and save that money. Also, I traveled alone alot and it was easier to put the child in the car seat that I was familiar with !

I always brought a car seat because I feel that children should be safe in an airplane, too. I didn't want any additional injury if there was turbulance or a problem. In my mind, safety overrides having to carry an extra thing.

I know we are all trying to save money, especially with having to take these medical trips, but if you can afford it, and plan to travel often by plane, you might want to invest in either a Sit and Stroll which converts from car seat to stroller (but it is about $200) or a backpack or "wheelie" holder for the carseat to help schlep it through the airport. You can search for these on many baby gear sites.

If the seat doesn't fit very well on the plane or your child is not comfortable, the flight attendant will stow it for you so you can grab it as soon as you get off the plane. I definately would use your own car seat in a rental car - much easier.

i agree i'd bring my own car seat there's always the chance the rental car seat won't work with the cast or split..and you can always check it.. i know at shriners in philadelphia they check your car seat with your child in it before leaving the hospital.. as for the plane i found my daughter to be more comfortable with out the car seat, you can adjust the lap belt.. my daughter even laid down in the plane and slept with her head on my lap and the belt around her.. of coarse i held her with my hand too..

bumping up

The frist time we brought angel's (at age 3 1/2)carseat and had it put in baggage for once we got off the plane the 2nd (ANGEL WAS 4 1/2)time i got a boster seat , broke it down and put it in our suit case to use it when we got off the plane. GOODLUCK