FLL taxis - car seats/booster chairs

[cello56]

Originally Posted by Mintycake

I just wanted to chime in. We were planning on NOT bringing the carseat, my daughter will be 3 years old and is 37 lbs now - 40 lbs is the minimum weight for a booster seat. She will be in a taxi from FLL to port (10 minute drive). I read the second post, but does this apply to public vehicles? In Ontario where I live the law is similar but does not apply to public vehicles (i.e. taxi, bus). We have done a few taxi rides at home without the child seat.

Orlando Taxicab Child Car Seat Law

Florida Statutes, Section 316.613 requires every operator of a motor vehicle transporting a child five (5) years of age or younger, to provide for the protection of the child by using a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.

Any taxicab or vehicle for hire driver in Florida can be cited for violation of FSS 316.613, if he or she is operating a ten passenger or less vehicle and transporting a child under five without providing an appropriate child restraint device.

Our Recommendation

We recommend bringing your own child car seat for the following reasons
1) There is no guarantee the next taxi in line will have a child car restraint. This might involve calling ahead to make special arrangements with the taxi company.
2) It's good to know the history of the car restraint your child will riding in.
3) Personal hygiene should be tops on your list. A dirty car seat provided by your taxi driver is not a place for your toddler.

[fozziscooter]

I have done some research and there are at least a few shuttle companies where you can rent car seats and booster seats. I think this what we may do at this point...you just need to make your reservations ahead of time.

[Mintycake]

Can you share which shuttle companies will do this since you've done the research

I just don't want to lug her car seat (it's HUGE). If she is able to transition into a booster seat it might not be so bad. but if she's under 40 lbs then we'll have to do car seat.

[mikesteg]

Originally Posted by fozziscooter

So much to plan...thank you all so much for your help! I am going to have a lot more questions. We have bought our flight for the way down and are flying into FLL. We will be on JetBlue and we bought a seat for our daughter who will be 22 months when we fly. I am thinking if we bring her car seat on the plane it will be more comfortable for her, etc. If we buy two of those travel things that you just put the car sear in does anyone know if we can just check in the strollers instead of dragging them to the gate? We are going to bring 2 umbrella strollers an I have a nice bag that both will fit in...

We've never had an issue with gate checking a ton o'stuff. Ton o'stuff being defined as 2 carriers, 2 umbrellas and a Snap N' Go. We did that many times with the kids travelling as lap children and never a problem.

Unless you absolutely can't manage the strollers (or don't care about them), I would gate check. Remember that the strollers can be used to transport your carry-ons if not otherwise occupied.

We've always checked the big seats and use CARES on the plane. Given it's not as comfortable, but the big seats would be just about impossible to use on the plane. And beyond a relatively early age, they make it too easy for the kids to kick the seat in front.

I was under the impression that most airlines won't let you use a regular car seat on the plane, but JB's policy seems to say otherwise:
JetBlue allows the use of FAA-approved infant safety seats secured to standard passenger seats. Safety seats must have the appropriate manufacturer's label.


As a related quote/note: JetBlue will courtesy gate-check any of the following: strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches. There is no limit to the number of assistive devices a Customer may transport as carry-on or checked baggage.

[dsrdsrdsr]

Originally Posted by cello56

3) Personal hygiene should be tops on your list. A dirty car seat provided by your taxi driver is not a place for your toddler.

Actually, the same applies to the adult seats as well. A dirty car seat is no fun, and drunks (who share some of the same habits as babies) have been known to ride in taxis too. Carry a blanket!

[B&Z's Mom]

Originally Posted by Mintycake

I just wanted to chime in. We were planning on NOT bringing the carseat, my daughter will be 3 years old and is 37 lbs now - 40 lbs is the minimum weight for a booster seat. She will be in a taxi from FLL to port (10 minute drive). I read the second post, but does this apply to public vehicles? In Ontario where I live the law is similar but does not apply to public vehicles (i.e. taxi, bus). We have done a few taxi rides at home without the child seat.

Actually the law in Ontario changed a few years ago, now children must be restrained at all times and there is no exclusion for grandparents and public vehicles.
The reference is here http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan...ion2.1.8.shtml