Flying with kids, WayB Pico folding, portable child car seat

[Bolter]

This is a review for a small audience, but I saw no other GA reviews on this seat, and I expect someone else has questions on this (ex  @201er) 

As we are now traveling with kids in the car seat age range, we have been having trouble with volume in the plane.  First step was upgrade from 201 to an Ovation.  Now we can carry more stuff (volume and weight), but as expected, still use all the available space.  Looking for space and weight savings, I tried this: 

https://wayb.com/products/pico-car-seat

The WayB Pico car seat.  You can argue if the car seat is necessary during flight, but it is absolutely required when you land switch to ground transport.  This weighs 8 pounds, and folds small.  We do use it in flight, as it gives a good seat for my daughter and frees up cargo space.

PRO:

• The fit and finish is pretty good.  Feels "engineered." The core is an aluminum frame, and seating surfaces are based on a cloth-mesh. 
• It is light as advertised.  Toss it around easily, unfold in place, and strap it in.
• Installs easily in the airplane or car.  The big car seats barely fit through the door or past the front seat.
• Meets auto and FAA requirements, so you are safe and legal for all situations, including the dreaded commercial flights.
• Easily leaves room for an adult passenger in the other backseat
• No complaints at all from the child.  

CON:

• Stupidly expensive (almost $400), but that is the nature of small production, limited market items
• It does not adjust as easily as a standard car seat with a single pull cord to tighten the belts. 
• I do not think it is as comfortable for the child when napping as there is no side support, a small pillow (or large plush animal/doll) should be packed
• Seat height is less than the typical car seat, so view out the window is compromised for short kids.  

I have not tried putting it in the copilot seat, but I think it will fit there without conflicting with controls.  Be sensitive about curious hands grabbing the door handle or yoke.  

I found this Mooney pilot on Youtube showing what they use to keep packing small when traveling with kids.  Does not evaluate this seat, though has other good tested items. 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssnewFyvE04

I paid full price for this item, have no affiliation with manufacturer or seller, and these are only my opinions. 

[201er]

1 hour ago, Bolter said:

This is a review for a small audience, but I saw no other GA reviews on this seat, and I expect someone else has questions on this (ex  @201er) 

Thanks for the update but lately I’ve been using this with great success. For less than a pound more, a quarter the price:

https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/safety-1-grand-2-in-1-booster-car-seat/5618002?keyword=safety+1st+car+seats&skuId=69739297
 

I removed the cup holders to be a bit more compact. Been to TN and back plus a bunch of local flying with it. A better fit than the previous seat I used. 

[Bolter]

1 hour ago, 201er said:

Thanks for the update but lately I’ve been using this with great success. For less than a pound more, a quarter the price:

https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/safety-1-grand-2-in-1-booster-car-seat/5618002?keyword=safety+1st+car+seats&skuId=69739297
I removed the cup holders to be a bit more compact. Been to TN and back plus a bunch of local flying with it. A better fit than the previous seat I used. 

Fast and fast asleep.  Family in a Mooney. 

-dan

[Fly Boomer]

On 1/3/2023 at 7:33 PM, 201er said:

I removed the cup holders to be a bit more compact. Been to TN and back plus a bunch of local flying with it. A better fit than the previous seat I used. 

Man, they just conk out, don't they?  That constant drone is irresistible. 

[201er]

3 minutes ago, Fly Boomer said:

Man, they just conk out, don't they?  That constant drone is irresistible. 

A gentle rocking in smooth IMC near cloud tops seemed to really do it!