Car seat on plane?

We're going to the uk later this year when our baby will be 1 year old. We've paid for a seat on the plane for her as it's a long way to fly with her on our knees if we don't get a bassinet.

I can't decide if we should take her car seat on the plane for her to sit in (if it fits in the plane seat) or to check it in with the luggage and have her sit on the normal plane seat. I'm wary of her sitting in her car seat for long periods of time but think it may be more comfortable for her?

Does anyone have any recommendations for what's best for a 1 year old?

Thanks!

We went to brisbane in October DD had just turned two and we took her carseat on the plane and im SOO glad we did. She was just so much more comfy in her seat then in a "big" seat all to herself, it was abit of a pain carrying it round the airport but not to bad coz it gave DD samething to do while waiting (she loves playing in hers )

It has to have NZ/Auzzie standards to be able to go on. Also has to be a proper carseat not a booster.

Also when we were checking in I just asked to confirm it even tho I knew it was fine, and if I didnt know the "rules" I think they were going to say no. I said to the lady
Me: "so we are fine to take this on, arent we?"
Airport lady: "ummm oh ummm not really"
Me: "but it says the the website the if it meets NZ standards then we can"
Airport lady: "Oh yes thats fine then" !!!!

I think they dont really like it coz it mite mean more work for them, but they dont have to do a thing extra.

I've taken one on board when I had a nearly 2 yr old and a baby. Jetstar were ok with it...after I handed over the print out from their website. They even tethered it! He was so much happier in his seat and went to sleep! But we flew home with pacific blue and they wouldnt allow it on....even though it says they must be in a car seat if under 2...go figure!

Another time we were on a flight that diverted to Invercargill and we had to be bussed up to Queenstown, I asked the bus driver if I could put the seats onthe bus and he agreed. That made life so easy...they couldnt get out and move around and therefore slept!

So there are positives to the carseat while travelling. For us, it was the familiarity and the strappedinability!

Couldn't recommend it more. It makes such a big difference them being in a carseat. They can use the try, they can see the tv screen if there is one and they are a lot more supported.
You do need to make sure that you carseat is aircraft rated. Sometimes you need to be a little pushy to get them on the planes but if the seat is rated for air travel they can't really turn you down and its to there benefit to let you anyways.

I don't think they have to be in car seats you can have them on your knee if you want. I think the car seat's optional

This might be a stupid question but what's the best way to carry a seat round the airport?

Yes I was wondering if it would get in the way on such a long trip. We need it when we get to the other end though so not sure what's best at all!

Did your baby sleep on you or on the seat when you flew long haul?

I've flown to Ireland twice with twins at 10months and just over 2 year old. (I did the return leg of the second trip solo with them).

I'm in the 'too much hassle camp' as well. For me carrying as little as possible made the trips much easier.