Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

My BFF recently went to Orlando and rented a car. She said there was one large area where you rent the cars and you could pick your own carseat. She was happy with the selection for her 5 year old, but mentioned she brought her infant carseat from home for her almost 1 year old.

We will be going when DS is 15 months and I am soon transitioning him to a convertible seat so I can't bring his infant carseat with me.

I was planning on buying the Cosco Scenera for $40, but if I can save myself the hassle of carrying it around, I'd be happy to do that.

I've otherwise generally heard really negative stuff about the carseats offered by rental car agencies. Has anyone gone to Orlando recently and wants to share their experience with carseats?

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Bumping

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

I asked this similar question - and am going to Orlando on Tuesday!!!!
I am bringing my car seat from DH's car. I heard too many horror stories about the seats being old/dirty or the wrong size. You also have to pay to rent the seat, which probably not as good as the one you already have, and they check it for free. HTH.

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Honestly...I have always used my own.

the reason being is you really have no idea if that car seat has ever been in an accident or what is has been through.

With car seats being the one thing (out of everything else we use) we want the safest...I would want piece of mind, so that is why I use my own

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

I have no experience with renting a car seat, but. If you can get the cosco scenera (i have that for the sitter and it's a great seat!), i'd get it.

Are you flying jetblue? When I flew to florida and DD was in the infant seat- I got a gate check bag from BBB ($20) and put the carseat in it. They took it from me when I checked-in for my flight. I didn't have to lug it to the gate. They didn't charge me and it didn't count as my luggage- snce I checked one suitcase and the PnP.

In fact, if you want to borrow the gate check bag- you can!

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Posted by LoveyQ

Posted by Deeluvsvinny

I have no experience with renting a car seat, but. If you can get the cosco scenera (i have that for the sitter and it's a great seat!), i'd get it.

Are you flying jetblue? When I flew to florida and DD was in the infant seat- I got a gate check bag from BBB ($20) and put the carseat in it. They took it from me when I checked-in for my flight. I didn't have to lug it to the gate. They didn't charge me and it didn't count as my luggage- snce I checked one suitcase and the PnP.

In fact, if you want to borrow the gate check bag- you can!

Thanks! I might take you up on that offer!

I think I would feel most comfortable bringing our own seat. Since we're buying a Britax () seat, I will just get the Cosco Scenera for the trip and I can always use it for my parents car or store it in the meantime for future use.

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

They are the cheapest seats they can buy and they are nasty dirty. After renting in two locations, I always bring my own. It is a hassle but I would rather have a good seat.

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

Part of the problem can be that they are TOO clean. Many rental places are required to use bleach on their products.

Bleach can destroy the harness webbing (it can actually melt it)

You have no knowledge of the seat's history, how do you know it's not been in an accident or otherwise abused (see bleach issue above)

If they don't have the proper seat for your child (for instance, they bring you a combination/booster instead of a convertible) how will you get to a store to get a proper seat?

So many variables that IMO you are better off getting a scenera

Re: Tell me about carseats from the car rental companies in Florida (Orlando)

We just bring our own. It was really not a big deal. They check it for free when you check in so you don't have to lug it very far and they gave me a plastic bag for it both times. We have a cheaper seat we use in my MIL's car that we bring.