Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/9/2004

Question
I am going to Aruba in a couple weeks and have a few questions -- (by the way, I have NO experience flying) I am bringing my 2-year old. Can I bring my stroller? Do I have to box it or ship it? And what about a car seat? We will not rent a car in Aruba, but plan on taking a taxi or bus to get around, so is there a need to bring a carseat? If there is a need, how do I bring it? Also, is there a limit as to how many suitcases/bags I can bring? I know this sounds very stupid to a traveler, but please bare with me as I have never flown before. Thank you.
(By the way we are flying out of Houston, TX.)

Answer
Dear Stacy,

Yes you can bring a stroller, which will be loaded into aircraft belly when you board the airplane and will be delivered back to you once you disembark.
If you did not purchase a seat for your child (under two years of age) you can bring an approved child safety seat to be carried on board. This device cannot be used in a seat unless there is an unoccupied seat available next to the adult traveling.

Due to many events that occur during the last several minutes before departure time, airlines normally cannot be certain that an unoccupied seat that meets the above criteria will be available until the final boarding process.

If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the infant seat/child restraint device to your final destination. Please check with the gate agent for further details.

You can use your car seat in taxis and/or buses in Aruba, specially if you are going downtown for shopping.

As far as baggage allowance is concern, you will have to check with your airline since I do not know the airlines involved in your itinerary.

Best Regards and Bombini to Aruba ( it means wellcome to Aruba in papiamento the island language, which it is a mixture of Dutch, English and Spanish).

R. Gomes