Has anyone used the CARES aviation restraint system?

[FoolOfATook]

Hi, I'm looking at buying a CARES child aviation restraint system for my ds who will be 19 months when we travel to America in november.

The BA site says it accepts term and we have paid for a seat for DS.

I have read reviews and most are good although there are a small minority that fave them one star.

I just wondered if anyone have used the harness. How old were your children, and which airline was it?

Are they worth buying?

Used them twice with Swiss air when boys were 1 and 3. Brilliant. Strapped them in on takeoff and left them strapped in except for toilet trips. They knew no different and thought its like a car seat so just stayed put in their seats without complaint. Very easy to set up, cabin crew seemed familiar with them and the kids seemed very secure.

Yes we bought one. Used on it ds when he was 2. I can't say I found to be much cop. Ds hated it and was reluctant to wear it.

I bought it after reading an article in The Guardian family section but I don't know if it is really worth it. Particularly because we haven't flown for over 3 years!

I should eBay it. Only used twice.

I've been thinking this too: IK8, pm me if you really do want to sell, we may be able to come to an arrangement ??

Oh, phone craziness! ?? was meant to be ...

We used it with our 2.9 year old recently on a short-haul flight and it was really good. Simple to use and kept him safe in his seat the whole time. For long haul though with a younger child, it might be tricky because at that age they fidget more (well my DS did anyway!) and if they want to sleep on the flight it's not as comfy as a car seat. When we flew longhaul with DS at 21 months we used his car seat and it was better because he slept for a little while at least.

Friends of mine fly a lot with their toddler DS and they always use the CARES harness and love it. Only shorter flights too though (up to 4 hours) and they recommend using a neck pillow if you want them to sleep as otherwise their head flops down.

I would ask BA what they will provide your child in terms of a child seat if you have paid for his own seat. I would also double check with BA before purchasing this as it may not actually fit the seat in question.

Thanks for the replies. I'm considering buying a cheap car seat instead so that ds will be more comfortable. It will make transfers easier too.

Have you booked your flights yet? Virgin Atlantic provide free of charge infant seats on all their flights. We always use them to go to America (assuming they go to your destination). May be worth asking if BA do the same?

We used a CARES last year to fly to OZ with my then 2.7 year old. Was handy strapped in except when going to the loo.
I loved it, ds thought it was like his car seat so stayed put and was quite happy. Gave him a little wiggle room while keeping him confined.

I have also travelled with a car seat when ds1 was 2 or so. While it was ok it was a pain to move around and I had even purchased these wheel things to make it portable. The CARES was much easier and faster.
I also gave one shoved in a draw if you are interested pm me.