checking car seats on Air Tran

[striker3636]

Hi! We are flying via Air tran and wondered how to handle the car seat issue. Our kids are 5 & 7, and I didn't really want to use the seats on board, just after (visiting Grandma after WDW). Has anyone checked them with this airline before, and did it count as checked luggage or not? We have flown with other airlines before and they were not included. I guess the best bet is to call Air tran, but I thought I'd see if anyone out there has any experience. Thanks

 

[Coll0610]

I haven't checked a car seat myself, but I've seen them come out on the baggage carousel. Air Tran allows each person to check 2 bags, so even if they count as checked bags the kids can still bring another bag each.

 

[kathi29]

Car seats shouldn't count against your luggage allowance. But I would gate check them if possible so they don't get banged up on their way to the plane.

 

[loriandmatt]

i gate checked my daughters car seat (she was a lap baby last year) last year when flying AirTran. i made sure to remove any parts that might pop off if handled roughly (like the snack try and the optional arm rests). I also put a large label on it with our name and address (like a luggage tag). I checked it at the curb with the rest of out luggage and it came down the carousel at the airport with the rest of the luggage.

i did this because i didn't want to have to lug that extra thing (and not easy to lug mind you) theu the airport to the gate.

i do believe that it did count as one of our allowable bags. (can't remember if it was 2 or 3 bags per ticketed person)

i did gate check the stroller as i wanted that to help get her thru the airport.

This year she will need the car seat on the flight, so i will have no choice but to lug it with us. that ought to be fun with the new security measures.

- lori