Hire Car Baby Seats

[A2Z]

What are the baby seats that you can rent from car hire firms like? Are they of a reasonable condition or are they quite poor and would we be better off taking our own?

We are looking at either Hertz or Avis in Malta if it helps.

[SwanJack]

The first time we went on holiday with our then 9 month old was to Valencia and the car seat was of the quality you'd expect to find in a skip. The first one we got given literally fell apart when putting in the car. Take your own or buy a cheap one in Tesco to use just on holiday. We use one of these as well http://www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk/sunshine-kids-t... it comes in really handy when your over your baggage weight limit.

[IM NUTS2]

A2Z, i have been thinking the same as going to he US next thurs, we have decided to take our car seat with us but just check it in.

[A2Z]

Thanks everyone.

For those that take their own seat with them, do you check it in as excess baggage or buy a seat on the 'plane and strap the car seat into that. Our boy will be about 8 months old when we fly. It looks as if we may have to fly easyjet so I imagine it would be cheaper to buy a seat than pay the excess?

[SwanJack]

Car seats are not considered as part of your baggage allowance, they are 'extras'. Although you check them in with your baggage, you then have to take them to a special desk for over sized items (surfbords/skis etc) and they are put on the baggage conveyor there. Ryan air charge £20 return for a car seat, with Virgin its free, not sure about easy jet (but seem to remember there was no charge??). You'll have to pay an admin fee (£20 IIRC)for your child even though he doesn't get a seat, so it might be worth buying a seat, kids wriggling on your lap for any length of time can be a real PITA.

Edited by SwanJack on Thursday 1st April 18:15

[andy43]

We rented seats a couple of times - they are for the most part rubbish if not dangerous.
On most airlines car seats and pushchairs are free to go in the hold and don't form part of the 20kg or whatever allowance - you'll need to weigh 'em in at the golf club counter at the airport though - I'm never dressed right for that queue.
Check with your airline - Ryanair will probably charge you for taking spare nappies never mind car seats.

[Stigproducts]

The woman who invented this was talking about it on the radio the other day, she cited your dilema as the exact reason for inspiratation etc.

http://www.bubblebum.co.uk/

[IM NUTS2]

A2Z said:

Thanks everyone.

For those that take their own seat with them, do you check it in as excess baggage or buy a seat on the 'plane and strap the car seat into that. Our boy will be about 8 months old when we fly. It looks as if we may have to fly easyjet so I imagine it would be cheaper to buy a seat than pay the excess?

I'll ask at work tomorrow what Easy jet policy's are for you.

[RosscoPCole]

Take your own. You are familiar with it and after a long flight that makes a huge difference. Also means you can carry sproglet in it at airport after you have collected it from baggage claim. For those who have older kids this looks good
http://www.trunki.co.uk/products/boostapak_9/boost...
Means that sproglet has a backpack for the flight to keep toys, etc. in.

[SwanJack]

Stigproducts said:

The woman who invented this was talking about it on the radio the other day, she cited your dilema as the exact reason for inspiratation etc.

http://www.bubblebum.co.uk/

Not much good for the OP's 8 month old though !!