Car seats as checked baggage??

[29apr00]

I emailed Airtran but who knows when they will respond.

Do airlines consider child safety seats as checked baggage and charge you for them??

 

[carwel]

Carseats and strollers are not counted as checked baggage and may be checked in for free.

Here's the link with airtran's policies.

http://www.airtran.com/policies/general_information.aspx

This quote is from the Children and Infants section of their policies.

You may bring a stroller to the gate for ease of travel through the airport. The stroller may be gate checked just before boarding the plane and will be returned to the aircraft jet way upon arrival at your destination. Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; any other items are subject to standard baggage fees (i.e., portable crib, high chair, etc.).

 

[29apr00]

does that mean gate checked, or checked under the plane with the other baggage. I'd hate to lug 2 big carseats thru the airport, but it is worth $30??

 

[carwel]

They would only let you gate check a stroller (if you need it in the airport). You would have to check in everything else (including car seats) the normal way with your luggage, but there is no charge for car seats, as per their policy.

 

[29apr00]

Thank you!

 

[bumbershoot]

They would only let you gate check a stroller (if you need it in the airport). You would have to check in everything else (including car seats) the normal way with your luggage, but there is no charge for car seats, as per their policy.

Although I have not traveled with Airtran, that has not been my experience with Virgin America, Southwest, and Jet Blue. They have been perfectly fine with gate-checking the seat.

One time I checked the seat through with bags, and another time I intended to take the seat on the plane but changed my mind and had them "check it through" to the baggage carousel. That second time, I watched a bunch of seats and boosters, than then our seat, come CRASHING down onto the carousel, and vowed "never again". honestly, I had half a mind to trash the seat and buy a new one, after watching the extreme impact on the seat just from it hitting the carousel "wall".

Now I gate check and pick it up after getting off the plane. Yes I'm sure it's not treated with bubble wrap and kid gloves getting it onto and off of the plane, but gatechecking it keeps it from extra bumps and bangs.