Taxis to the airport that offer car seats?

[Anonymous]

I am wondering if anyone knows of any taxi companies that provide car seats upon request. I will be taking a taxi from Springfield, VA to Dulles Airport and I will have a car seat at my destination so I am looking for a taxi company that provides car seats. I called several companies today, but I did not find one yet. Washington Flyer will provide car seats from Dulles, but not to Dulles. Has anyone used a taxi that provided a car seat? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

How old is the child, do you really need one? Have you tried supershuttle?

[Anonymous]

She's 16 months. I would rather have the car seat then not if possible.

[Anonymous]

I don't know for sure, but my guess is that you would have better luck with a car service rather than a taxi.

[Anonymous]

In Washington DC you are not required to use a car seat in a taxi or supershuttle. Don't know if it's a great idea, but for one ride to the airport? Also you could take Metro and a bus to get to Dulles.
Suggest you ask a friend to drive you in your car.

[Anonymous]

Someone recently recommended American Sedan (http://www.americansedandc.com) for this - we ended up getting a ride from a friend and didn't need them, but it's at least worth checking out.

[Anonymous]

If DC law does not require to use a car seat in a taxi or a supershuttle then just go without one and hold your child.

I know you'd feel more comfortable with the car seat, but if you are flying by yourself, just bring enough tip money and have the taxi driver load/unload your bags so you can concentrate on the baby. Since I've started flying with kids without dh, I've learned to ask for help and have enough singles for tips.

[Anonymous]

The #1 killer of children is car crashes so if you think that 1 ride to the airport will be ok then let me tell you what a friend of mine told me who works for the rescue squad said " I have never removed a dead kid from a properly installed car seat, the dead ones are always from parents being lazy and not putting them in properly or being even more lazy and not using one at all" Also it is never the first impact that kills it is the second impact such as hitting the back of the drivers seat, the dash board, or even the pavement once they get ejected.

If it is that hard for you to travel with a car seat and your kid and making the trip easier without a car seat leave the kid at home where they are safe.

There is no mention in the DC code section 31c that says it is legal to ride in a taxicab without a car seat and a seatbelt won't save your kid from flying out of the car, they are too small and slip right underneath it.

Seriously think, hmmm is my kids life worth the hassle?


Sorry to be so harsh but enjoy the trip

[Anonymous]

To PP 13:41 - what do you suggest parents do when they go outside of US -take the 2-3 car seats w/ them? The OP only has one child and a car seat available on the other side, but give me a break...I agree the use of car seats is important, but no reason to be so harsh...I see plenty of families riding around with kids piled up in the back seat. Recently, I passed a car with a 4 yr old sticking her head out the window on Georgia Ave!

[Anonymous]

How about taking your own car seat and using it on the airplane as well as in the taxi? You will be much more comfortable and the baby will be secure in case of turbulence or a rough landing (not to mention a full-on crash).

[Anonymous]

If you decide to take your own car seat for the trip, we found that this little piece of baby gear is worth it's weight in gold ---
the Go Go Babyz Kids Travelmate


http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=9422

It allows you to treat your carseat like a stroller & you can wheel your child right up to the airplane door & then gate check the whole thing. I have traveled by myself with my son using this & I easily push him along in front of me while wheeling my suitcase behind me. He loves it & is even more comfortable than he is in his stroller! Best of all, if you get to the gate & they tell you that they have a vacant seat available if you would like to bring the car seat, all you have to do is pop it off of the GoGo babyz & stow it in the overhead compartment.

I hesitated when I first saw the price, but I was sooooo glad that I had it right from our very 1st trip with it!

[Anonymous]

For a planned trip if I could find a car service with car seats I would use that. I can't imagine not using a car seat. Would you ever forgive yourself if something happened?