Trina

Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive January-June 2005: Trina

Hi Trina,

My 17 month old niece is coming to Disney with us and she has a Britax Marathon. Do you know how easy that is to install on the plane? And then in any rental car? (not sure what they're renting, but I don't think it will be a van) I still have my Fisher Price Safe Embrace convertible and am wondering if I should loan that to them, instead of them using the Marathon. I think the Safe Embrace is smaller, isn't it? Or maybe they're the same, not sure! Anyway, I was just wondering if you had any info on using either of them on planes and which was easier, and if one or the other tended to install in vehicles easier than the other. Thanks!!

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 03:05 pm:

I have never flown with either seat so I have no personal experience, but I do know of people who have flown with the Marathon (MA) and had no problems. I also know Eve tried to fly with her MA and couldn't get it installed because there wasn't enough room. Perhaps it depends on the size of the plane?? The MA is a bigger seat and I *think* the Safe Embrace (FPSE) may be a better option. However, what is the height and weight of your niece? Has she outgrown the limits of the FPSE? Although smaller than the MA it's kind of a heavy seat due to the metal bars. Another option would be to buy a budget seat for this trip, like the Cosco Touriva, for example. It's fairly light and costs about $40-50. Although not my favorite convertible it's reasonably priced and serves well as back up seat.

By Kate on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 04:04 pm:

Thanks, Trina. I'll talk to my sister. She had planned to put the seat in baggage and just hold the baby, despite having actually purchased a plane seat for her. I asked her to reconsider. My niece will only be 17 months old at the time, so she'd fit in the Safe Embrace with no problem. She's 15 months now and about 25 pounds and I don't know her height but she's on the short side.

Thanks again! Good to know about Eve's trouble...I wonder if she ever flew with the Safe Embrace!

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 04:20 pm:

Oh goodness, I hope she reconsiders! Your niece will be MUCH safer and more comfortable traveling in her car seat. She's used to riding that way in the car. Imagine a wiggly, unrestrained toddler on a plane...Eeeek! LOL! I've also heard horror stories of car seats being damaged from being checked with luggage.

More info on flying with kids...

FAA

CPSafety.org

By Kate on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 04:54 pm:

I agree with you on all counts, and while the obvious is her safety, I also thought about the possible damage that could happen to her seat in baggage!! And it's not like Marathons are cheap! There could also be damage that isn't obvious and they never know about! Scary! I called the airline and the seats are 18 X 30. My Safe Embrace has a 12.5 inch base so it seems it would fit nicely. Thanks again!