We're flying from Boston to Florida in a couple weeks and I'm wondering what the best way to get through the airport is. We plan to bring DS's bucket seat and stroller (carseat snaps into it) but I'm not sure if we should push him in the stroller and gate check them, or if I should wear him through the airport and check them sooner. We will be checking other luggage as well.
Thoughts?
squash / 13764 posts
I personally found it much easier to wear LO and have my hands free at the airport--plus then you can wear him through security! If anything, I would use the stroller to help carry bags, and then gate check it.
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
Agree with @hilsy85: in general. However, a few questions that would help determine the best bet for you:
-Is your LO generally happier in the car seat or in a carrier? C gets antsy after too much time in the car seat/stroller, but is more easily distracted when she is in the carrier, and it's easier to sway and walk her in the carrier than pushing the stroller (for me). Other babies are much happier in the stroller.
-What are the odds that there will be an empty seat on the plane and you can carry your car seat on? I'd prefer to do that, if I knew there were empty seats on the plane, but the time we flew it was around Christmas and the odds were 0%.
We did both (car seat and snap and go with us and gate checked on the way out, baggage checked them on the way back. ) She ended up in the carrier most of the time anyway, so it was easier to just check it when we checked in and not have to get it through security.
honeydew / 7444 posts
We put the bucket seat attached to the stroller, and mainly put our bags in it. I wore LO because i could nurse her while she was in the carrier.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
On the times when I was alone, it was easier for me to have the carrier, so I could wear him, but he got hot in there, so it was nice to have the stroller so I could plop him in there as needed.
blogger / pomegranate / 3201 posts
I prefer to wear him and check the stroller before security.
coconut / 8472 posts
@Foodnerd81:
-I'd say he's somewhat more likely to be happy in the carrier. But he's also pretty likely to fall asleep in the stroller and as long as we push him back and forth he'd be fine. He's relatively easy going.
-I looked at Southwest's website and it looks like there's still seats available for sale. But carseat + baby is getting pretty heavy, I'm not sure we'd want to carry it on.
pomegranate / 3275 posts
I'm flying on Wednesday from TX to NY, and I have done it so many times with a small child that I have a system. I need to bring my stroller just for my toddler, but I'm going to bring the bucket seat and wear the baby anyways. I like having the stroller for a home base. It is nice to not have to lug carry on luggage and then (heaven forbid) if we get stuck in the airport over night I can put the baby down somewhere. I also love wearing the baby, because then I can wear him onto the plane instead of carrying him.
eggplant / 11824 posts
Wear LO, check everything with the luggage. It's a short flight band I'm assuming you don't have layovers anywhere? (So you won't really need the car seat until you get there) Just be aware that if you wear your LO through the security screening you will be subject to additional screening (usually they just wipe your hands down to check for bomb residue).
coconut / 8472 posts
@looch: He actually really likes being warm. He should love Florida, lol. DH will be with me, so luckily I don't have to do it all myself.
@Freckles: I haven't quite figured out nursing in the carrier. I should probably practice that.
coconut / 8472 posts
@yoursilverlining: I read that it might be bad idea to check the seat because the baggage handlers will be too rough with it? Or is that just certain groups over reacting?
grapefruit / 4400 posts
We gate checked because I didn't know which gate we would be at (of course, it was the furthest from security, so I'm glad we had the option instead of wearing her), and I somehow trust gate-checked items more than normal baggage check. Plus if you get stuck somewhere, at least you have the stroller (like, if your flight got diverted or you had a delay, etc.) and car seat. And like @Foodnerd81: said, if there is an open seat on the plane, you could use the car seat.
eggplant / 11824 posts
@ShootingStar: I'm sure it happens, but IMO a lot of what you hear is overreacting. We've flown a lot and LO's seat is fine; it's never even come back dirty let alone roughed up!
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@ShootingStar: I like to use a bag for the seat, because there have been instances where it was raining and the seat was outside the plane. Plus, it keeps all the straps contained, which is important to me for our convertible, not so much the bucket.
honeydew / 7444 posts
@ShootingStar: Just make sure you put the seat in the plastic bag the airport gives you. We have checked it in and haven't had any issues. Many people recommend to at least have it covered because it can get dirty. I didn't get the hang of nursing LO in the carrier until she was older...like 7-8 months old!
pomegranate / 3768 posts
we pushed her in stroller and gate checked it! worked out great for us!
coffee bean / 27 posts
I like to gate check the stroller/car seat. It's easier for me to go to the bathroom or get a coffee if I have the baby in the stroller. Plus, I like to have a place to hang the diaper bag so I don't have to lug it around. I would bring the carrier though and put it in the stroller basket because it's great to have options.
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