RE: Flying Without A Carseat: Anyone For It?
I completely agree with everyone else. I always buy a seat for my DD. I admit that when she was a tiny infant, a couple times I did not buy a seat. But once on a flight I took about a year ago on a large modern jet from Washington DC to Paris, I was literally knocked off my feet into my seat by unexpected turbulence. And that was considered mild turbulence. Fortunately I DID buy a seat for DD for that flight and she was happily belted into her seat and slept through the whole thing. I will ALWAYS buy her a seat after that. But certainly, I would not consider flying on a small regional jet without a carseat. They are extremely prone to turbulence and bumpy rides.
And besides the safety issues, I think it is much MORE convenient to have a carseat. You have space for your child. You can eat or drink in peace. They are often happier with their own space. And since so many babies are used to the "rule" that once they are strapped into their carseats, they stay in no matter what, it often makes for an easier flight.
And think about what would happen if you carseat, checked as baggage, got misplaced?
HTH,
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)