Taking our own car seats

Vikki2916 · 7 Jul 19, 09:22 AM

We are going in August, flying with Air France and travelling with a 2 year old and a 7 year old. We are taking our own car seats and hiring a car, but I�m a little worried about how they will be handled by the airport staff... Do I need to package them in any way? I�m worried about picking them up when we land and them being damaged and being unable to use them! (We are taking our own due to the extortionate amount quoted to hire 2 car seats!)

ShuGray · 7 Jul 19, 09:09 PM

We've taken our seats abroad numerous times and not had an issue. There is always an element of risk though and I tend to look up where we could purchase one if we needed to whilst there. We use car seat travel bags for ours and I also put padding in the seat bit and the straps over this to absorb any knocks etc. My eldest now travels with a Trunki booster backpack and uses it as carry on.

MrsTitch · 7 Jul 19, 09:36 PM

We�ve taken ours away to Florida numerous times. I used an over sized bag and put the car seat inside then packed with nappies and baby wipes (saves on the hold luggage weight, and a bit of protection). I then wrapped in cling film the whole seat and places some paper with last name and flight number. We never had any issues in all the times we�ve been. (Always put small nail scissors in the front zip pocket of the hold luggage to cut the cling film! - made that mistake the first time)

Muskrat191 · 30 Jul 19, 07:46 PM

I couldn't find Air France's rules, but in North America, we can use harnessed car seats on board the aircraft. For a 2 year old, the car seat would provide better safety in the event of turbulence, aborted takeoff/landing, etc. than just the plane's lapbelt, which may not fit well. It also ensures the seat is not lost or damaged.

If the 7 year old uses a booster, then it will need to be either their carry on and stored in the overhead/under the seat in front of them (if a no-back booster) or checked if a high-back booster. For checking, it is ideal if the seat is in a cardboard box (similar to when the seats are shipped to the stores). There are some horror stories about damage done to car seats by airlines, and the box will protect it/make it obvious if it has been damaged.

30 Jul 19, 07:46 PM	#4
	30 Jul 19, 07:46 PM Muskrat191 First POST
Muskrat191 First POST Join Date: Nov 15	I couldn't find Air France's rules, but in North America, we can use harnessed car seats on board the aircraft. For a 2 year old, the car seat would provide better safety in the event of turbulence, aborted takeoff/landing, etc. than just the plane's lapbelt, which may not fit well. It also ensures the seat is not lost or damaged. If the 7 year old uses a booster, then it will need to be either their carry on and stored in the overhead/under the seat in front of them (if a no-back booster) or checked if a high-back booster. For checking, it is ideal if the seat is in a cardboard box (similar to when the seats are shipped to the stores). There are some horror stories about damage done to car seats by airlines, and the box will protect it/make it obvious if it has been damaged.