Stage 2 car seat - take as check in luggage or not??

[Blondeinlondon]

We are off to the US for 2 weeks
DS is 9 mths now so needs the next size car seat

Do we take a stage 2 car seat with us and check it in?
Will it count as part of our luggage allowance?

What do people do these days?

Hi.

If you're hiring a car why don't you just ask them to provide a car seat? That's what we do.
Having said that, if you prefer to bring your own it is possible to check it in, although I don't know whether it counts as part of your allowance or not - I'd check with the airline (their website should tell you).
Have a great trip!

Hiya
No we are not hiring a car.
Probably from borrowing relatives.
I am tempted to order one online and have it delivered ready for our arrival. Not sure I can face lugging the thing about

Think you can check it like a pushchair.

We bought one in the states as they are much cheaper there anyway, and kepp it with ILs for when we visit.

My experience on european flights is that it does not count as part of luggage allowance. I have flown with our 2 or 3 times. Best check with airline.

Perhaps if they are cheaper in USA you could buy one online for delivery to relatives address then bring it back with you?

One from here may not meet US regulations and some states have a no front facing until 9 kg and a year law so worth checking if yours is even suitable. But then how will you know if it would fit your UK car if you buy it there ? Like Lapsed Runner have flown in Europe with them no problem -put in big box and wedge/ protect with bubble wrap and packing.

Right I have just checked the US regs and the general thing seems to be they must be 12 mths before forward facing

Not really bothered about meeting US regs though - I consider the likelihood of being stopped and charged for having a non-compliant car seat pretty small

Does anyone know if LATCH is the same as ISOFIX here?

yes, latch and isofix are the same type of fixing , and compatible I think.