If you purchased a seat for him, I'd 100% plan to bring a carseat. No way would my kids have sat in the seat at that age without the car seat. I'd be too worried that they would refuse to sit long enough for takeoff and landing without the car seat. Then you'd risk being the people holding up the plane bc your toddler won't stay seated for takeoff. They have lightwieght, cheap car seats if his regular use one is too heavy. Also you can strap it to your luggage to deal with in the airport.
Thank you. Maybe we can purchase a lightweight one that isn't too much money. My dd's carseat is expensive (the base alone is $200) and big and heavy. I'll keep a look out for one that we can use. I have one in my car but that will stay put.
My dd won't have luggage going home (I'll keep it and bring home) so she will have the stroller, baby, diaper bag and guessing car seat.
Simple answer is yes you can purchase a ticket in any class for the under 2. However, as I posted above there are rules as to when you need to use a CSR so if he/she can't sit unassisted and properly restrained you will need the car seat.
Also keep in mind that you cannot change your mind and have the child ride on your lap for takeoff and landing if they have a seat. In my experience some FA"s will let it go but most will require the child to be seated and restrained whenever the seatbelt light is on.
Here is the link from AA - if you're using another carrier, I would suggest checking the website for any other information, requirements.
Traveling with children − Travel information − American Airlines (aa.com)
Thank you. We are using Delta and guessing we will bring the car seat. I'm more thinking of now moving our seats.
In the past, I have been able to put my small bag under my actual seat, even with the bar there in first class but
the diaper bag will be bigger. Between the three adults, we can have a diaper or two and wipes and snacks/drink for the baby for take off/landing but guessing the diaper bag in front of us will work better.
When we flew with my 19 month old son, we bought a cheap, lightweight car seat (Cosco from Walmart) and a car seat strap that tethered it to our rolling carrying in bag for going through the airport. If you take a car seat, it has to be FAA approved and fit in the width of the seat, which will probably not be a problem in first class. Also, double check with the airline because not all airlines allow under two year olds in the bulkhead seats. And with bulkhead seats its harder to get to snacks and toys for the toddler, and they are critical for traveling with a toddler.
I will say we've used the CARES harness and love it...much better than hauling a car seat. However, the lightweight cheap car seat was a lifesaver for when my son was too little for the harness.
Thank you. I started thinking the same thing regarding bulk heads but I have seen a baby (don't remember if a lap baby or not) in the first row on my last trip, that is what made me think it would be a good idea to book that row after watching the family last trip.
The first row is the "bulkhead." You will not have any under-seat storage. All your items; purse and diaper bag included, will have to go in the overhead bin. If you need to have snacks and entertainment at the ready, that's probably not the best option.
Car seats on planes don't serve the same purpose as they do in a car. Instead, they really provide a calming and reassuring environment for the child. Your kid is trained to sit and stay buckled up in their car seat. The car seat will make them much more comfortable with the flight.
Yes, I agree. That is why we use to take our car seats for our kids when they were young. I was more thinking of my dd going home since she/they are leaving before I do. I will take the drive to the airport with her and get her to security but then she will have the stroller and car seat and diaper bag and baby. I'm guessing she can find something to carry the car seat in on her shoulder if that will help.
that would be the last row I would book with an infant or toddler. everything has to be in overheads not under seat in front of you. what happens if he throws up or has blow out diaper? what if he needs sippy cup or a snack? with all of these things one of you is going to have to get up and open the over head. plus what happens if the seatbelt sign stays on for most of flight all snacks and toys are in over head and you can not reach them, not something I would want to deal with
Thank you. You bring up very valid points.
Since you're in first class, you'll also be the first on the plane. Which means you'll have a good 45 minutes to an hour when your items will be right on top of you but you'll be unable to access them at the start of the trip, and another 30 minutes at the end.
Thank you. I agree but with three adults, we can have those items on us for take off/landing. I guess though I probably will move us.
Thank you all very much. This has all been very helpful for me.