Traveling with kids in car seats via any method other than one’s own vehicle is almost not worth the hassle. I always rent a car and car seat on the other end, or purchase a car seat for family to put in their car for us. I’ve also purchased strollers to stash with the same family. I’d rather buy all this than lug it through airports for “free.”

The logistics involved in moving five kids all in car seats means that you’re either spending a day to get anywhere or you’re driving.