WWYD: Re traveling w/ a 16 mo old?

We're going to visit my mom in Sept, Troy will be 16 mos. Not sure which we should do...

(1) Buy the Go-Go Kidz Travelmate (the thingie you attach to the carseat )
and bring carseat on board for Troy to sit in (this means buying him a seat approx $160)

(2) Just check our carseat (an extra charge of $25) and have Troy sit on our laps (NOT buying him a seat). My fear in this is he will NOT stay still. Our last flying experience w/ him, he wouldn't sleep cuddling w/ me-he fell asleep across mine and DH's laps (we were not comfy at all)

(3) Rent carseat when we rent car (not bring ours). We still encounter the NOT buying him a seat, but we forgo the extra bag fee, but have to pay for carseat rental.

Thanks!

Re: WWYD: Re traveling w/ a 16 mo old?

We travel ALOT with DD. We bought the GoGoKidz. It's the best. We always buy her a seat. There is no way any of us would be comfortable with her on our laps.

Message edited 5/21/2008 9:31:49 PM.

Re: WWYD: Re traveling w/ a 16 mo old?

When I have flown with DD I always bring her carseat. When I check in, I ask if the flight is full - if it is not full they will always let me have a seat for her. If it is full, then I ckeck the carseat at the gate (no extra fee when you do that and no risk of it getting lost and being stuck without a carseat.

Re: WWYD: Re traveling w/ a 16 mo old?

Just for the safety factor alone, I would bring your carseat, and buy a ticket for him. Too many lap babies get injured on takeoff, landings, and turbulence....

Plus, you already said that you know everyone will be uncomfortable if you don't get him a seat.

If you don't bring the carseat, and rent one when you get there, will the seat be old, in an accident already, recalled, etc?

Re: WWYD: Re traveling w/ a 16 mo old?

can't you bring carseat to gate with you and just check it at gate?

that's what I always do...just incase a seat opens up, if not I check it. I don't know about now, but I have never been charged for leaving stroller or seat.