Do any European airlines provide carseats for babies?

[deborah_r]

My DH heard this was true, so I am just checking. We may be going to Austria in a few weeks, and DH is being very resistant to bringing the Marathon, but I'm not putting my baby on the plane without a carseat. And Whoa, I did not know the Sit & Stroll was $200. Ouch!

I think we'd be flying Air France.

[neosr]

Even more doubtful than Euro airlines providing a carseat are Euro auto rentals providing carseats. And what are your chances of having to take taxis and/or trains.

Better to take the Marathon.

[MorganMom]

We went to Europe last year (Ireland, France and Swizterland). After gallivanting all over w/a 1yr old...my advice:

TAKE THE MARATHON!!!!

Even *if* you were able to get a carseat for your child from the airline, what are the chances that it will fit? that it'll work properly? that you'll be comfortable knowing how to use it?

And you are taking an even bigger chance if you think you'll get a working carseat in the right size from the rental company.

Also, BUY A SEAT for your child. Even tho it cost us an extra $400 for DS's seat, we were guaranteed the seat and so didn't have to worry about holding onto a child for the whole 13 hour flight. He was used to his MA and sleeping in it so he slept most of the time.

If you don't buy a seat there's no gaurantee you'll be allowed to use the MA on the plane.

BTW we transported the MA zipped in a bag and strapped to the top of our carryon- which had the extendable handle and wheels (think of the kind of the bags pilots/attendants use). We also brought along a lightweight stroller that we gate checked at each flight.

Good luck w/your trip!

[pittsburghgirl]

You could also consider buying a "travel" car seat which would be lighter than taking your MA. Based on recommendations from the various safety techs on these boards we purchased a $40 Cosco Touriva at Walmart (same as Regal Ride at Target) which is much easier to haul on and off planes and around the airport. I love my MA but since we didn't have any wheeled carryons it was too difficult for me to drag around the airport (not able to spend the $$ on one of those wheeled things you can buy for carseat transport). My DS is perfectly comfortable in the Touriva even though it's not as comfy as the MA and the seat fit much better on the plane (although RF was a bigger fit challenge).

Definitely buy a seat, though. You can't guarantee getting a seat otherwise.

Marilee
mommy to James 8 months!

[Joolsplus2]

Take a seat. I keep hearing about more and more insane EU airlines insisting you take the baby out and hold them during takeoff and landing (using what's called a belly belt, that attaches to your seatbelt and the baby, and is NOT FAA approved, but they aren't under FAA rules...very frustrating), but it's STILL better to have a seat for the duration and possible turbulance, that you know how to use properly and have with you all the time (and may be able to use during takeoff and landing, as all airlines have different rules, too...crazy, huh?)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[simba]

BTW we transported the MA zipped in a bag and strapped to the top of our carryon- which had the extendable handle and wheels (think of the kind of the bags pilots/attendants use). We also brought along a lightweight stroller that we gate checked at each flight.


Dear Morgan -
I will travel in two weeks from LA to Milan with DS, who will 6 months. The stop-over is in Paris (I have an hour to change planes, ouch...). DS is about to outgrow his Primo Viaggio infant car seat, and we are considering buying the MA so that I can take it on the plane, but...I will be ALONE (no DH), and I will have DS, stroller, carry-on, diaper bag...and the MA? Do you think it's possible? Suggestions?
I could buy the Sit n stroll (and I travel a lot beacsue my parents live in Italy, so it would be justifiable) but that would mean I cannot bring my beloved Peg stroller for when I am there.
Suggestions? Please help!
Silvana

[sdjeppa]

Take a seat. I have flown with my DS (14 mo) twice this year, and it makes a HUGE difference. We have a Graco Comfortsport that we use for DH's car and traveling, and it is much easier/lighter to handle than the MA (in my car). What I do is buckle DS into the carseat, plop it onto my stroller, put the carryon bag in the basket or hang from the handles, and off we go! Very easy, and DS likes sitting up so high :).

Jenny, Mommy to Zachary 9-27-03