Travel to US with 18mo

[topbirduk]

We will be flying BA to the US in September when my son will be 18 months. We have booked him his own seat in economy and I had initially thought that I would use a CARES/Amsafe harness for him. We will be spending the first few days in Chicago so won't be needing a car and my plan was to pick up a rear facing seat there to use for the rest of the trip when we will need a car.
I am now wondering whether he would be better in a car seat on board. My only issue is that it seems that only front facing car seats will fit the plane seat and I have been adamant that he rear face and don't really want to make an exception just cos we're on hols.
Does anyone have experience of using car seats or the cares harness on BA or have any recommendations for car seats that might fit the plane that can also be rear faced in the car? We will have to buy a seat at some point as the one we use at home is a gigantic besafe one that is in no way suitable for travel.

I would check with BA about the feasibility of actually using an AMsafe or CARES harness before you take this on board. I have read about many problems with using this harness on aircraft as many children find it uncomfortable.

TBH I would not take an actual car seat on board due to you having to carry it through the airport and onto the plane (those aisles are very narrow). Also you may well find that your own car seat does not actually fit the aircraft seat. I would ask BA in advance what they can themselves provide car seat wise for your child.

Under 2y will have to be on your lap during take off and landing, and the cabin staff will give you a special belt to attach him to your belt.

Your car seat can travel in hold luggage, and can sit in a corner of your room until you hire a car.