Posted by
mcjack
19 yrs ago
We are flying to the UK with our toddler this summer. We've bought a seat for her as she is too big for their bassinettes, but we would like to get her a car seat so that she is more comfortable.
Does anyone know the exact dimensions I should look for or even the exact model? I've contacted the airline to ask but haven't had a reply yet.
Also...it's a long shot but I don't suppose anyone has one they could lend us for our trip? We don't have a car so we'll be buying a seat just for this flight.
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aemom
19 yrs ago
Four years ago we flew to Canada with a car seat purchased in HK. No problem going to Canada, but when we were flying within Canada and also on the trip back to HK, on occasion the check-in people wanted to see the CSA (Canadian Standards Association?) approval stamp on the bottom of the car seat, which of course it didn't have as it came from HK. My husband's really charming manner paid off at those times.
Could a friend in the UK make inquiries for you with the airline, airport authority, and/or a travel agency?
We have no trouble leaving/arriving HK/China (eg I've never been asked for proof that my husband has allowed my children to travel with me if he isn't with us). But I am ALWAYS asked for proof when we arrive or depart from Canada / Australia / etc. so I have a letter from him each time I travel with the kids and he carries one from me, just in case our travel plans change.
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I used a carseat on many Cathay flights back to Europe and never had a problem of taking it along. If I remember correctly the seat width is 27". Make sure you got first row seating as otherwise the space between the front seat and the carseat is too tight especially if the front seat is reclined. We had to take our carseat out last time as our toddler had no space to move. His legs were trapped between reclined front seat and his carseat!!!
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Thanks very much for all your replies. I should have said - the airline is Oasis. Still haven't heard back from them so will have to keep trying.
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Totty
19 yrs ago
I have replied to a thread similar to this one giving measurements, so do a scan.
Also check on www.ba.com and they will have info there.
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bbvv
19 yrs ago
I'm travelling on Oasis this Saturday and just spoken to the customer service hotline. The lady was not sure of the width nor the length of their seats but she said that so far she hasn't heard of any baby carseats not being able to fit into their seats. Also no baby carseats have been turned down due to its size. Mine is a Bebe Comfort model 0-13kg so hope it will fit.
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Totty
19 yrs ago
Here's what BA say on their site:
Acceptable Seats:
The car seat must be designed to be secured by means of a normal aircraft single lap strap and face the same direction as the passenger seat on which it will rest. The UK CAA requirements differ from the FAA requirements which allow rearward facing car seats. The CAA does not permit rearward facing car seats.
The seat must be a purpose-designed children's car seat with a 5-point restraining harness and must not exceed the dimensions of the aircraft seat.
Note: For aircraft take-off and landing the infant would have to be seated on the parents lap, and for safety reasons at times of continued or severe turbulence parents would be asked to remove their baby from any cots or seats. Seat belts for infants will be provided.
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My reply doesn't have anything to do with the car seat question but rather a point which Aemom made in her post above - proof of travel/letter. I'm a bit confused and surprised by this. Is a letter from spouse necessary if you are travelling alone with your child? The reason I ask is because I'm taking my 14 mth old baby to Malaysia (to visit grandparents) next month and will be travelling alone as hubby can't take leave to go with us. Does this mean I'll need a letter? Who wants to see this letter and where is this regulation stated? When booking my tickets with the airline they didn't mention anything about this. Would really appreciate feedback on this so that I can be prepared. Thanks in anticipation!
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aemom
19 yrs ago
Unfortunately in Canada and the US, child abductions are not uncommon events, so immigration officials at airports and border crossings will ask single people who are travelling with children about the family situation and the location of the other parent.
The children and I have crossed into China probably 20 times without my husband and I have NEVER been asked for anything by either HK or Chinese immigration officers. But I am always prepared with a simple letter stating all our names, birthdates, ID and passport numbers, address, telephone number, a sentence stating that I am travelling with the children with my husband's knowledge and consent and signed by him. I include a photocopy of his passport and airline ticket if we are meeting him somewhere. My husband also carries a similar letter signed by me.
Maybe it's just a North American phenomenon, but it doesn't take much time or effort to prepare the letter, just in case you are asked.
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mcjack - do you want to PM me I may be able to help.
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to jen1812,
sorry this is a digression...even though i have never travelled alone with baby, my hubby takes him when they queue up as they're both on brit passports and i'm not. but we both have a set of copies of our marriage cert, passports and our baby's birth certs ..just in case.
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i'm dreading my flight.....will be 6 months preggers flying alone with a 19month old to the UK. i have bought a seat for him but there is no way i can carry a car seat for him as well as cary on luggage and a buggy. going premium economy so the arms don't fold down which is a real pain so i'm just hoping i can make him as comfortable as possible with cushions etc.
flight is chock a block full so it really is going to be a nightmare!!
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oh no squiggles!
please inform the airline in advance and ask for help. the last time i left heathrow, there was a lady with 2 kids in a double stroller and carseat. the ground crew were not expecting her and they didn't have the resources to help her either. in the end, after she checked her stroller in, some kind passenger had to help her with the carseat while she struggled to get her kids on the flight.
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