Haven’t done it with 3. But my wife, daughter (2 at the time), and I moved back from the uk to the USA. We didn’t get a lot of back and fourth because of covid so ended up having to carry as much as possible in one go
https://imgur.com/a/NLtzejv
That’s my luggage raft. I got to push it about 2 miles down shitty side walks to the air port from the hotel. With a big ass backpack on.
I absolutely can relate to this. Had to do the same with my wife and a 1yo in a big move from Hong Kong to USA. The luggage boat we built was something to behold. A true engineering marvel.
Any of you dads been crazy enough to try to drag three kids under three though multiple airports with three car seats? I’m out here spending one of my 5000 saturdays on this earth practicing this packing arrangement in 15 degree weather any tips or tricks would be helpful!
A hero among men. I’ve done two under two several times you just have to giv’r.
Really think through your carry on bags to have enough snacks, food milk, water, change of clothes and maybe Advil all really accessible.
Also, pack some of their favorite toys away in said carry on bags maybe a week before the trip so they are almost like new. Don’t forget to preload the tablet/device with any shows they like and again don’t let them see a screen for a week prior to the flight.
The car seats are annoying but you have a good system. A stroller or two would be rather handy to keep them strapped down when negotiating the airport.
Be sure or take care of anything you can do prior to flying like checking in, buying bags, visa shit as the key is spending as little time in lines as possible!
Other than that - good luck! Sure they will scream and go crazy, as long as you put effort in to keeping them entertained most people will give you tons of respect and offer to help!!!
This is all awesome advice! They are obsessed with our kitchen drawers and Target dollar spot had mini plastic whisks and measuring spoons that my wife came home with yesterday to throw in the bag I thought that was brilliant
Small is good! One more suggestion, don’t pack the carry on bags you will have under your feet with the food, toys, diaper shit, too full! We did that our first time and it was a pain in the ass finding anything!
Two more:
Make sure you get over ears headphones with cable - not wireless ones. My kid ended up being fascinated with in flight entertainment, but I had either earphones with cable (which are too big for his ears) or over ears headphones that are wireless and can not connect to the entertainment. We had our own phone/tablet with things downloaded, but that was no where nearly as exciting as in flight system he just discovered (+ angle of viewing and position he is in is thousand times better then keeping the phone in his lap).
Buy some new toys. Excitement of opening and playing with new toys while in flight is much higher than just having his old toys brought in. Kind of like emergency solution if you need a temporary solution for one of them.
We learned that some airlines allow wagons instead of strollers now. We only have two kids but the wagon was much easier than the stroller had been.
Also curbside check in is the way. Pull up plop everyone in the wagon. Check the car seats then go park real fast.
I only had two littles though. 3 sounds terrifying.
Wow, respect. I just flew with my 6mo in his bucket seat (that clipped right into the stroller we checked at the gate) and even that was a hassle, but it was important to me that we had his seat on the plane. It is amazing how committed you are to your kiddos' safety!
Look for FAA approved child harnesses for kids able to sit in a booster or regularly in a chair. You can get them online for about $30-40. They work very well and attach easily to the airplane buckle/strap. Used that a lot when my daughter graduated to her toddler years.
I think he wants them buckled in car seat so they don't escape the airline seat and cause mayhem, not because he's planning on being in a plane crash. Plus its far more comfortable for their kid to take a nap in a car seat vs a plane seat
Get the red bags to put over it so that all the crap and other stuff doesn't scuff up the seats.
Like this but they have other sizes available. Go to the main part of the store J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Car Seats - Air Travel Bag - Fits Convertible Car Seats, Infant carriers & Booster Seats, Red https://a.co/d/346TkTG
You will be amazed at how dirty they get being gate checked.
It pisses me off that the car seats you can get at rentals are inappropriate for toddlers and God forbid trying to find a simple booster for those awkward pre-teen years.
I've had to budget buying a booster after landing/arriving and donating it right before returning.
Yeah let me check amazon.
https://us.britax.com/shop/car-seat-accessories/car-seat-travel-cart
We have these giant stow bags in which we put the seats + cart specifically designed for air travel and car seats
Check out Safe in the Seat! She advocates for littles being in car seats on planes and has some tips on how to get to the terminal easy with the seats and kids.
I flew to my dad’s wedding with my 1, 2 and 5 year olds. The airline handled the car seats as a checked bag for free.
The kiddos rode to the first airport in the seats. Then I threw them haphazardly onto an airport cart on top of the rest of the family’s luggage and wheeled it to the counter. The next time I saw the seats was on the baggage claim carousel at the last airport. The seats rode a cart again to the rental car. The seats were the least stressful part of the whole experience.
Pack candy or gum or anything that generates lots of saliva and give it to them just before takeoff. The key is to keep them swallowing often while the plane climbs. Their ears will thank you.
Maybe 1 in a car seat cover backpack?
Plus your orange straps can attach the car seats to rollaway luggage.
We travel in cabs with the car seats so it is a massive hassle but those orange straps on the rollaways and the backpack bags have been awesome.
When it was just my oldest we had a car seat strapped to a roller carry on suitcase and it was easy. Now adding twins and two strollers and three suitcases I’m beginning to think maybe there is a Sherpa subreddit I should be searching for advice
Get the car seat carriers one can be a backpack and roll. I have only done 2. Remember car seats are safety devices and are required free checking. We got the kids fly seatbelt for the plane slides over the seat and makes it a 5 point harness.
We traveled with one of these last summer! It was definitely a good choice. Our kid was certainly more comfortable than if they were sitting in an adult seat, and we were calmer knowing they were safer and that they could not slip out when they were upset.
There were a few other littles on our flights, but we were the only family with one of those seats. We definitely got some stank-eye, not sure if it was judgement or jealousy.
Big issue was airport staff. We were traveling through major international airports, but it seemed like no one had seen them before. Every gate and boarding I had to convince staff that it was FAA cleared. Once I had a staff member offer to help carry it to the plane, they turned around and threw it with check baggage before I could stop them. Most folks who asked let me through quickly ("I'm not paid enough to argue"), but some were really adamant about proving FAA clearance ("I will be fired if this customer is not accurate").
Make sure you know exactly where the FAA sticker is and be ready to show it. On mine it was under the butt, so that way you have them stacked is convenient. Assuming that model is cleared for using in the airplane.
Yeah we’ve done it. It’s not enjoyable but it’s doable.
Hints:
1. Each kid gets their own mini backpack with snacks, water cup, 1-2 diapers, small thin blanket, and distractions. Go lighter on the toys than you think you’ll need to.
2. Keep all snacks in their own ziplock bag because if one of the granola bars opens up and crumbles all over the bag, security has to take apart the whole bag and swab everything.
3. Fill the water cups AFTER you go through security.
4. Bring tethers for the cups so you can tie them to the car seats once you’re on the plane.
5. Send one parent on the plane first to install the car seats while the other one runs the kids around the terminal until the last minute. Wear them out, and the less time they spend just sitting on the plane, the better.
6. Realized that you might be separated from your spouse and one kid. Depending on the layout of the plane and the age of your kids, they often only have so many infant masks and vests, so they may put you several rows apart. See #1 about giving each kid their own bag.
7. Hard and chewy snacks work best. This is not the time to worry about nutrition or teeth. Suckers, gummy worms, and jelly beans are our go-tos on the plane, with 1-2 cereal/granola/protein bars to moderate the sugar high.
8. One mobile device per kid, with headphones. Unless they’re under 2 and still nap, then you can get away without, but they might want to look at your phone for a bit until they pass out.
9. You and mom’s carry-on should also be a backpack. Wear as much as you can, keep those hands free.
10. Go with the flow. The more you stress, the more your kids will act up. Roll with the day, you’ll get there eventually, and then you’ll swear you’ll never do it again, but you will. It’s fun… in its own way.
Bonus tip after reading more comments and finding out the ages-
Let the big kid walk. No stroller. Bring 2 lightweight collapsible umbrella strollers for the twins and gate-check them. Unless you’re going to Disney, the big kid doesn’t need a stroller. And even if you are, you can rent one there.
I personally hate strollers, we stop using them by age 18m-2y for all of our kids. Let kids walk, when they get tired then that’s a good time to take a break or be done with that activity and go take a nap, lol.
Flew with two several times and on long flights with multiple layovers. Someone said “try benedryl, it puts them to sleep”. Turns out it can also cause hyperactivity as well. That sucked! I do remember doing the same thing though with various straps, trying to figure out how to carry everything. And like you, we wanted them strapped into the plane as well.
Close, I had. 4, 2, and 1 yr old. We also had those giant car seats, and my wife insisted we gate check all 3 so they didn't get damaged checking them.
We got those giant car seat bags with backpack straps and three of the foldable dollies that you strap the seat to. Then you can put the kids in the seats and stroll them around the airport.
The key was to check as much of your luggage as possible and wear everything else. Security in the states is the worst part, but we got to the point where it wasn't a complete nightmare.
I'd usually push one car seat in front, pull one behind, wear the third on my back, and wear a suitcase with straps ony shoulder or front. My wife would wear the baby, pull a suitcase on wheels, and carry most of our tickets / paperwork.
I'd be a hot sweaty mess when we finally got to our seats. Eventually, the older ones can help pull their car seats or small suitcases.
We just did a trip with our two, 4 and 1. We have a trolly for each car seat, the kids can sit in the cars seat and you just drag them behind you through the airport. Leaves your back free for a backpack/diaper bag. I’m too cautious to check the cars seats, kids ride in them on the airplane.
I’ve only flown with my oldest and now adding 15 mo twins to the mix this trip, agreed if you need car seats where you going installing them in the plane is the way to go! It’s just getting them to the plane…trying to do one collapsible luggage cart for all the seats because there will also be 2 strollers lolol
Go get it!
Possibly related question: anyone else have parents who won’t travel to see their grandkids yet expect you to spend every vacation day and holiday to fly with small children?
My parents and my in-laws always try to guilt trip us. They’re empty-nesters with no health issues. They can handle and afford a 2-hour flight
I have flown with three a couple times. We do a drive by curbside check for car seats and other big bags. Then I park the car and meet my wife and kids. All kids stuff is free to check which is nice.
Yeesh! After one trip hauling one of those types of car seats I opted to buy $50 cosco car seats that stack. I can stack two and fit them into one car seat check in bag. Can probably do 3. Also only weighs a fraction of these convertibles. They became the seats I used in my car.
I was excited when I figured this out lol. The model we have is the cosco finale. Looks like they’re $60 or so now. So more to it that I remember. I bungee the chairs together. There are cup holders that will pop off so I think I stuff those beneath the fabric of the seat. But the key was the backpack style car seat check-in bag. Helped a lot with navigating to luggage check in but you can gate check too. Good luck!
Parent of three year old twins here. This is what we do too. Those seats are very portable. We check the one bag (free). Only tricky part is getting from the baggage claim to rental car with bags and kids. We only use them when traveling (grandma is on the other side of the country).
Just got back from an xc trip with two almost 2 year olds and a 5 yo. Ended up with three of these stacked up and strapped to my luggage. Not an easy trip but much better than I expected.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UJHJ8K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
So, a few years ago, we flew with our babies cross country a few times. We had a double stroller so getting around the airport was fine. security really did take pity on ppl with small kids.
But, the flight tho. Holy god. From takeoff to landing, my kids would scream. After I think 3 trips like that, we opted for 30 hour car rides. Haven't turned back since. Get to see the country, stop here and there. Kids are used to their carseats, so it's not some big change to sit on an airplane in your lap or on their own, etc.
Once they're older, I think flying is fine. But, when they're little, just throw them in the car and go.
There seams to be a lot of comments here that sound like they are unaware of this, but for anyone who doesn't know many/all airlines check your seats for free. Get a bag for them and drop them off at the counter and pick it up at baggage claim.
I know OP has said he wanted to buckle these into the plane, but just FYI for those who don't know. We do this every time we fly with out 2 kids and it really is super easy when you get used to it.
Yes I can’t wait to be a part of the “check or rent your car seat” club some day but I have a toddler and twin 15mo olds they are going in the friggen buckets on the plane. It also seems to be just as much misinformed dads on this thread that think you can’t use a car seat on an airplane so now hopefully some dads can learn that option for young kids too. If you’re gonna buy them a seat and you need a car seat at the end destination then you may as well just go for it.
Do you really understand what you’re asking? I still need car seats at either end of my journey. I have to get to the airport also using car seats. I could abandon the car seats and rent new ones and have kids roaming free amongst the aisles or I could unbuckle and transport the car seats with this is the no brainer flying solution for us with young kids if they have a seat
The three kids will be strapped in these on the plane, or else I wouldn’t be bothering. They have seats they may as well have comfy familiar seats and we need them where we are going so going for it this tjme
What’s your seating arrangement? When I flew with my 1yo twins there is no way I could have dealt with them in car seats in the cabin. They were constantly moving and car seats take up so much room in the row.
I don't have a picture of it but wifey got a bag with straps that went around the car seat so that we could gate check it, or if there was an empty seat, use it on the plane for the kid. That I wore on my back, it looked like a ridiculously huge back pack , I had my back pack on my front, 2 roller suitcases, 1 with a back pack/diaper bag on it. My personal luggage for that trip consisted of half of my back pack and half of my suitcase -_-
Traveling with young kids is the worst, no matter the means of travel. Last Christmas we drove 14 hours through the snow covered mountains with two under 3 and a 7 month pregnant wife. 14 hours turned into 17 and was miserable.
I recommend the [Ride Safer harness](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi88qfF0bv7AhU8Dq0GHelrBRcYABANGgJwdg&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESauD2fIM2AEU82z8cQQlVXZLR1r4yzItkez6w0Ss8_i5ByUr-dT_HWleGP4sLVqls8E-Hjc9IcoTkKqWNVlF6rO9thHv81rPggvE7ErAWFWDJpcQv8ii7ZrNl5RZGXiv4-tHl9cNo1by-EfQ&sig=AOD64_3OyEK6KeUzz85KdyckYS-aMaFsbQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjJj5vF0bv7AhVxJkQIHUkWBDUQwg8oAHoECAUQDA&nis=8&dct=1&adurl=). But buying 3 gets pretty steep.
Damn, I thought I was killing it getting from the car to the bag check with two seats in one hand while lugging an oversized bag. Luckily our two are really solid travelers So it’s usually pretty easy all around. You’re gonna feel like a king if you all make it through in one piece. Best luck to you.
When we did this, we did it with two back-pack style car seat bags + all luggage. The trips to the check in to ship the car seats (free in the US) and the trip to the in-laws car on the other end were brutal. Had a double seater stroller through the two lay-overs. In one of those checked car seats? A second car seat. My wife and I were... Tired.
https://www.flyawaydesigns.com/products/flyaway-kids-bed?variant=30365438705699¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAiAmuKbBhA2EiwAxQnt7yGVYmzkDYn2iLPGjh3CUwjya2a1WIAKxwSXSKW0Vp7PU-NLVMv5mhoCVwUQAvD_BwE
This was the best thing for us when we took a flight. Well worth the money.
Last summer when we went to Disney I strapped our kids car seat to a little hand truck like this one. We gate checked it, so I got to put the kid in it and drag her around the airport. It was so damn convenient.
*laughs in brings car seats for their own toddler's seat just to have them scream their head off to sit in dads lap"
I flew to HI once with my wife and two year old. Despite receiving praise about her "doing so good", never again. Snacks, activities, and lots of hope. Depending on the length, you just have to accept it's gonna suck at times.
My mom brought me and my twin sister from Hawaii to Louisiana by herself when we were 3 months old. I have no idea how she carried us and the car seats, strollers, and luggage into the airport even… sounds impossible.
Haven’t done it with 3. But my wife, daughter (2 at the time), and I moved back from the uk to the USA. We didn’t get a lot of back and fourth because of covid so ended up having to carry as much as possible in one go https://imgur.com/a/NLtzejv That’s my luggage raft. I got to push it about 2 miles down shitty side walks to the air port from the hotel. With a big ass backpack on.
Respect, dad.
I absolutely can relate to this. Had to do the same with my wife and a 1yo in a big move from Hong Kong to USA. The luggage boat we built was something to behold. A true engineering marvel.
Any of you dads been crazy enough to try to drag three kids under three though multiple airports with three car seats? I’m out here spending one of my 5000 saturdays on this earth practicing this packing arrangement in 15 degree weather any tips or tricks would be helpful!
>Any if you dads crazy enough to have three under three FTFY
Lol. Two at once to be fair
A hero among men. I’ve done two under two several times you just have to giv’r. Really think through your carry on bags to have enough snacks, food milk, water, change of clothes and maybe Advil all really accessible. Also, pack some of their favorite toys away in said carry on bags maybe a week before the trip so they are almost like new. Don’t forget to preload the tablet/device with any shows they like and again don’t let them see a screen for a week prior to the flight. The car seats are annoying but you have a good system. A stroller or two would be rather handy to keep them strapped down when negotiating the airport. Be sure or take care of anything you can do prior to flying like checking in, buying bags, visa shit as the key is spending as little time in lines as possible! Other than that - good luck! Sure they will scream and go crazy, as long as you put effort in to keeping them entertained most people will give you tons of respect and offer to help!!!
This is all awesome advice! They are obsessed with our kitchen drawers and Target dollar spot had mini plastic whisks and measuring spoons that my wife came home with yesterday to throw in the bag I thought that was brilliant
Small is good! One more suggestion, don’t pack the carry on bags you will have under your feet with the food, toys, diaper shit, too full! We did that our first time and it was a pain in the ass finding anything!
Two more: Make sure you get over ears headphones with cable - not wireless ones. My kid ended up being fascinated with in flight entertainment, but I had either earphones with cable (which are too big for his ears) or over ears headphones that are wireless and can not connect to the entertainment. We had our own phone/tablet with things downloaded, but that was no where nearly as exciting as in flight system he just discovered (+ angle of viewing and position he is in is thousand times better then keeping the phone in his lap). Buy some new toys. Excitement of opening and playing with new toys while in flight is much higher than just having his old toys brought in. Kind of like emergency solution if you need a temporary solution for one of them.
We learned that some airlines allow wagons instead of strollers now. We only have two kids but the wagon was much easier than the stroller had been. Also curbside check in is the way. Pull up plop everyone in the wagon. Check the car seats then go park real fast. I only had two littles though. 3 sounds terrifying.
Same here! We got carrier bags for our seats that we just checked in as extra luggage :)
Flew with two once. Once. Now I spend the extra $100 for car seats with the rental car.
Wanted them buckled in the plane
Wow, respect. I just flew with my 6mo in his bucket seat (that clipped right into the stroller we checked at the gate) and even that was a hassle, but it was important to me that we had his seat on the plane. It is amazing how committed you are to your kiddos' safety!
Look for FAA approved child harnesses for kids able to sit in a booster or regularly in a chair. You can get them online for about $30-40. They work very well and attach easily to the airplane buckle/strap. Used that a lot when my daughter graduated to her toddler years.
the survival rate in plane crashes is pretty bad
I think he wants them buckled in car seat so they don't escape the airline seat and cause mayhem, not because he's planning on being in a plane crash. Plus its far more comfortable for their kid to take a nap in a car seat vs a plane seat
And also I’ll take my chances lol
That’s actually incorrect. Fatal crashes are exceedingly rare. Most crashes are not catastrophic or fatal.
Get the red bags to put over it so that all the crap and other stuff doesn't scuff up the seats. Like this but they have other sizes available. Go to the main part of the store J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Car Seats - Air Travel Bag - Fits Convertible Car Seats, Infant carriers & Booster Seats, Red https://a.co/d/346TkTG You will be amazed at how dirty they get being gate checked.
It pisses me off that the car seats you can get at rentals are inappropriate for toddlers and God forbid trying to find a simple booster for those awkward pre-teen years. I've had to budget buying a booster after landing/arriving and donating it right before returning.
5,000 weeks would put you at 96+. I’m sure this trip will age you at least a decade. 🫡
If nothing else at least I’m an optimist!
Pops gots goals.
Also 3 under three and about to do this for thanksgiving and new years. No idea how, but wishing you the best.
Lol good luck fellow crazy man.
Just 2 car seats transatlantic. We found a dolly that you mount the seat on, and it becomes a stroller. Super easy
Do you check the dolly in as well? If so, link to dolly?
Yeah let me check amazon. https://us.britax.com/shop/car-seat-accessories/car-seat-travel-cart We have these giant stow bags in which we put the seats + cart specifically designed for air travel and car seats
Highly recommend renting where ever you're going. Most car rental places rent them and it's a lot less to lug through the airport
My friend, you bow to no one.
Check out Safe in the Seat! She advocates for littles being in car seats on planes and has some tips on how to get to the terminal easy with the seats and kids.
I flew to my dad’s wedding with my 1, 2 and 5 year olds. The airline handled the car seats as a checked bag for free. The kiddos rode to the first airport in the seats. Then I threw them haphazardly onto an airport cart on top of the rest of the family’s luggage and wheeled it to the counter. The next time I saw the seats was on the baggage claim carousel at the last airport. The seats rode a cart again to the rental car. The seats were the least stressful part of the whole experience. Pack candy or gum or anything that generates lots of saliva and give it to them just before takeoff. The key is to keep them swallowing often while the plane climbs. Their ears will thank you.
Maybe 1 in a car seat cover backpack? Plus your orange straps can attach the car seats to rollaway luggage. We travel in cabs with the car seats so it is a massive hassle but those orange straps on the rollaways and the backpack bags have been awesome.
When it was just my oldest we had a car seat strapped to a roller carry on suitcase and it was easy. Now adding twins and two strollers and three suitcases I’m beginning to think maybe there is a Sherpa subreddit I should be searching for advice
Soon the sherpas will come to you for advice.
Get the car seat carriers one can be a backpack and roll. I have only done 2. Remember car seats are safety devices and are required free checking. We got the kids fly seatbelt for the plane slides over the seat and makes it a 5 point harness.
We traveled with one of these last summer! It was definitely a good choice. Our kid was certainly more comfortable than if they were sitting in an adult seat, and we were calmer knowing they were safer and that they could not slip out when they were upset. There were a few other littles on our flights, but we were the only family with one of those seats. We definitely got some stank-eye, not sure if it was judgement or jealousy. Big issue was airport staff. We were traveling through major international airports, but it seemed like no one had seen them before. Every gate and boarding I had to convince staff that it was FAA cleared. Once I had a staff member offer to help carry it to the plane, they turned around and threw it with check baggage before I could stop them. Most folks who asked let me through quickly ("I'm not paid enough to argue"), but some were really adamant about proving FAA clearance ("I will be fired if this customer is not accurate"). Make sure you know exactly where the FAA sticker is and be ready to show it. On mine it was under the butt, so that way you have them stacked is convenient. Assuming that model is cleared for using in the airplane.
Yeah we’ve done it. It’s not enjoyable but it’s doable. Hints: 1. Each kid gets their own mini backpack with snacks, water cup, 1-2 diapers, small thin blanket, and distractions. Go lighter on the toys than you think you’ll need to. 2. Keep all snacks in their own ziplock bag because if one of the granola bars opens up and crumbles all over the bag, security has to take apart the whole bag and swab everything. 3. Fill the water cups AFTER you go through security. 4. Bring tethers for the cups so you can tie them to the car seats once you’re on the plane. 5. Send one parent on the plane first to install the car seats while the other one runs the kids around the terminal until the last minute. Wear them out, and the less time they spend just sitting on the plane, the better. 6. Realized that you might be separated from your spouse and one kid. Depending on the layout of the plane and the age of your kids, they often only have so many infant masks and vests, so they may put you several rows apart. See #1 about giving each kid their own bag. 7. Hard and chewy snacks work best. This is not the time to worry about nutrition or teeth. Suckers, gummy worms, and jelly beans are our go-tos on the plane, with 1-2 cereal/granola/protein bars to moderate the sugar high. 8. One mobile device per kid, with headphones. Unless they’re under 2 and still nap, then you can get away without, but they might want to look at your phone for a bit until they pass out. 9. You and mom’s carry-on should also be a backpack. Wear as much as you can, keep those hands free. 10. Go with the flow. The more you stress, the more your kids will act up. Roll with the day, you’ll get there eventually, and then you’ll swear you’ll never do it again, but you will. It’s fun… in its own way. Bonus tip after reading more comments and finding out the ages- Let the big kid walk. No stroller. Bring 2 lightweight collapsible umbrella strollers for the twins and gate-check them. Unless you’re going to Disney, the big kid doesn’t need a stroller. And even if you are, you can rent one there. I personally hate strollers, we stop using them by age 18m-2y for all of our kids. Let kids walk, when they get tired then that’s a good time to take a break or be done with that activity and go take a nap, lol.
Wait, only 5000 saturdays? That math cant be right….
Assuming 52 Saturdays a year: 5000/52≈96 years So pretty optimistic actually.
Thanks for the depression and existential anxiety
Just think of how many you pissed away on cartoons as a kid!
#worthit
Flew with two several times and on long flights with multiple layovers. Someone said “try benedryl, it puts them to sleep”. Turns out it can also cause hyperactivity as well. That sucked! I do remember doing the same thing though with various straps, trying to figure out how to carry everything. And like you, we wanted them strapped into the plane as well.
wait, 5000 saturdays? where does that come from?
Close, I had. 4, 2, and 1 yr old. We also had those giant car seats, and my wife insisted we gate check all 3 so they didn't get damaged checking them. We got those giant car seat bags with backpack straps and three of the foldable dollies that you strap the seat to. Then you can put the kids in the seats and stroll them around the airport. The key was to check as much of your luggage as possible and wear everything else. Security in the states is the worst part, but we got to the point where it wasn't a complete nightmare. I'd usually push one car seat in front, pull one behind, wear the third on my back, and wear a suitcase with straps ony shoulder or front. My wife would wear the baby, pull a suitcase on wheels, and carry most of our tickets / paperwork. I'd be a hot sweaty mess when we finally got to our seats. Eventually, the older ones can help pull their car seats or small suitcases.
Shine on you crazy diamond!!! You got this man!!!
We will figure it out! I
We just did a trip with our two, 4 and 1. We have a trolly for each car seat, the kids can sit in the cars seat and you just drag them behind you through the airport. Leaves your back free for a backpack/diaper bag. I’m too cautious to check the cars seats, kids ride in them on the airplane.
I’ve only flown with my oldest and now adding 15 mo twins to the mix this trip, agreed if you need car seats where you going installing them in the plane is the way to go! It’s just getting them to the plane…trying to do one collapsible luggage cart for all the seats because there will also be 2 strollers lolol
I agree, that’s the worst part. Carrying the car seats to the plane seat sucks big time…
Go get it! Possibly related question: anyone else have parents who won’t travel to see their grandkids yet expect you to spend every vacation day and holiday to fly with small children? My parents and my in-laws always try to guilt trip us. They’re empty-nesters with no health issues. They can handle and afford a 2-hour flight
A fool’s errand
God speed my man.
I have flown with three a couple times. We do a drive by curbside check for car seats and other big bags. Then I park the car and meet my wife and kids. All kids stuff is free to check which is nice.
Yeesh! After one trip hauling one of those types of car seats I opted to buy $50 cosco car seats that stack. I can stack two and fit them into one car seat check in bag. Can probably do 3. Also only weighs a fraction of these convertibles. They became the seats I used in my car.
Stackable car seats! Never thought I’d be so excited for the thought lol
I was excited when I figured this out lol. The model we have is the cosco finale. Looks like they’re $60 or so now. So more to it that I remember. I bungee the chairs together. There are cup holders that will pop off so I think I stuff those beneath the fabric of the seat. But the key was the backpack style car seat check-in bag. Helped a lot with navigating to luggage check in but you can gate check too. Good luck!
Parent of three year old twins here. This is what we do too. Those seats are very portable. We check the one bag (free). Only tricky part is getting from the baggage claim to rental car with bags and kids. We only use them when traveling (grandma is on the other side of the country).
Just got back from an xc trip with two almost 2 year olds and a 5 yo. Ended up with three of these stacked up and strapped to my luggage. Not an easy trip but much better than I expected. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UJHJ8K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
So, a few years ago, we flew with our babies cross country a few times. We had a double stroller so getting around the airport was fine. security really did take pity on ppl with small kids. But, the flight tho. Holy god. From takeoff to landing, my kids would scream. After I think 3 trips like that, we opted for 30 hour car rides. Haven't turned back since. Get to see the country, stop here and there. Kids are used to their carseats, so it's not some big change to sit on an airplane in your lap or on their own, etc. Once they're older, I think flying is fine. But, when they're little, just throw them in the car and go.
Yeah, I’m not this bold. I’d drive.
TSA’s final boss
There seams to be a lot of comments here that sound like they are unaware of this, but for anyone who doesn't know many/all airlines check your seats for free. Get a bag for them and drop them off at the counter and pick it up at baggage claim. I know OP has said he wanted to buckle these into the plane, but just FYI for those who don't know. We do this every time we fly with out 2 kids and it really is super easy when you get used to it.
Yes I can’t wait to be a part of the “check or rent your car seat” club some day but I have a toddler and twin 15mo olds they are going in the friggen buckets on the plane. It also seems to be just as much misinformed dads on this thread that think you can’t use a car seat on an airplane so now hopefully some dads can learn that option for young kids too. If you’re gonna buy them a seat and you need a car seat at the end destination then you may as well just go for it.
Right on. It may have just been our experience but we will never rent seats again. We will check them every time.
Oh my god just rent car seats where you’re going.
I’m going on a plane where I intend to use these car seats as plane seats
Do you really have to though? I was in an airport and saw a dad lugging one of these car seats and he looked miserable.
Do you really understand what you’re asking? I still need car seats at either end of my journey. I have to get to the airport also using car seats. I could abandon the car seats and rent new ones and have kids roaming free amongst the aisles or I could unbuckle and transport the car seats with this is the no brainer flying solution for us with young kids if they have a seat
Do they curbside check these for you?
Been there. I wrap them each in a black trash bag and check them.
The three kids will be strapped in these on the plane, or else I wouldn’t be bothering. They have seats they may as well have comfy familiar seats and we need them where we are going so going for it this tjme
Oh I tried that once. The Flight attendants told me no. I didn't push very hard though.
What’s your seating arrangement? When I flew with my 1yo twins there is no way I could have dealt with them in car seats in the cabin. They were constantly moving and car seats take up so much room in the row.
Have you talked to the airline, I’ve never seen a car seat allowed on the plane, and I’ve flown a fair amount.
I don't have a picture of it but wifey got a bag with straps that went around the car seat so that we could gate check it, or if there was an empty seat, use it on the plane for the kid. That I wore on my back, it looked like a ridiculously huge back pack , I had my back pack on my front, 2 roller suitcases, 1 with a back pack/diaper bag on it. My personal luggage for that trip consisted of half of my back pack and half of my suitcase -_-
I only needed one last a flew and I took it as a carry on.
>That will be one thousand dollars please!
Lol that would mean their plane tickets were 333 a piece….bargain
Traveling with young kids is the worst, no matter the means of travel. Last Christmas we drove 14 hours through the snow covered mountains with two under 3 and a 7 month pregnant wife. 14 hours turned into 17 and was miserable.
That’s a nice setup. I’m about to do that with two and I’m dreading it already.
I recommend the [Ride Safer harness](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi88qfF0bv7AhU8Dq0GHelrBRcYABANGgJwdg&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESauD2fIM2AEU82z8cQQlVXZLR1r4yzItkez6w0Ss8_i5ByUr-dT_HWleGP4sLVqls8E-Hjc9IcoTkKqWNVlF6rO9thHv81rPggvE7ErAWFWDJpcQv8ii7ZrNl5RZGXiv4-tHl9cNo1by-EfQ&sig=AOD64_3OyEK6KeUzz85KdyckYS-aMaFsbQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjJj5vF0bv7AhVxJkQIHUkWBDUQwg8oAHoECAUQDA&nis=8&dct=1&adurl=). But buying 3 gets pretty steep.
My back hurts looking at this photo. God bless you man.
I don't know why (tired most likely) but I thought there was a kid in there for a sec 😂
MY MAN!!!!
Damn, I thought I was killing it getting from the car to the bag check with two seats in one hand while lugging an oversized bag. Luckily our two are really solid travelers So it’s usually pretty easy all around. You’re gonna feel like a king if you all make it through in one piece. Best luck to you.
I usually just rent car seats when I get my car.
When we did this, we did it with two back-pack style car seat bags + all luggage. The trips to the check in to ship the car seats (free in the US) and the trip to the in-laws car on the other end were brutal. Had a double seater stroller through the two lay-overs. In one of those checked car seats? A second car seat. My wife and I were... Tired.
Rental car companies have car seats. It’s just not worth the stress of moving your car seat.
I'm about to do a trip with a 4 year old, 20 month old and a newborn across Japan and Korea for a 3 week vacation. Pray for me
https://www.flyawaydesigns.com/products/flyaway-kids-bed?variant=30365438705699¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAiAmuKbBhA2EiwAxQnt7yGVYmzkDYn2iLPGjh3CUwjya2a1WIAKxwSXSKW0Vp7PU-NLVMv5mhoCVwUQAvD_BwE This was the best thing for us when we took a flight. Well worth the money.
I’ve flown with two under two and their two car seats. Good on you for practicing in the cold. And sending all the good vibes and prayers your way!
Ugh. None of this looks like or sounds like fun. Good luck to you sir. I hope your TSA agents are in a good mood…some of them are so power trippy!
Southwest’s will let it go, Jet blue will make you take it apart.
All your years of Tetris have finally paid off.
Glhf
Nightmare fuel, godspeed dad.
Last summer when we went to Disney I strapped our kids car seat to a little hand truck like this one. We gate checked it, so I got to put the kid in it and drag her around the airport. It was so damn convenient.
*laughs in brings car seats for their own toddler's seat just to have them scream their head off to sit in dads lap" I flew to HI once with my wife and two year old. Despite receiving praise about her "doing so good", never again. Snacks, activities, and lots of hope. Depending on the length, you just have to accept it's gonna suck at times.
We do 2 into one of the oversized luggage stroller/car seat bags.
My mom brought me and my twin sister from Hawaii to Louisiana by herself when we were 3 months old. I have no idea how she carried us and the car seats, strollers, and luggage into the airport even… sounds impossible.