Car Seats on plane or check it

[Disney Lover]

I am bringing down a car seat for my niece who will be coming down on a flight a week after us. Do we have to check it on the plane, or can we bring it on board and put it in the overhead or gate check it? I am worried about it being damaged as it is brand new. We are flying Southwest.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Since you don't have the child with you, you may have to check it - you won't have any use/need for it before, after, or on the plane, so it's reasonable that you wouldn't be allowed to consider it a carry-on or to gate-check it. Call Southwest for clarification.