Checking Carseats

[aussiegrl]

We leave on Saturday and this is the first time I will be checking carseats at the airport. I will have a booster seat with back and infant seat. Do they just toss these on the belt or do they put them in a bag?? I am just wondering because the backs come off the booster seats so easily. I was thinking that if they didn't put them in a bag or something I might just leave the back at home.

Thanks!

 

[Hannathy]

They throw them on the belt however you give them to them! If you want them bagged you have to do it yourself. I always put mine in a bag so it wouldn't get dirty or wet. You can use a big plastic bag or buy a bag.

 

[wmharley]

2 words...

GATE CHECK!!!!

Less chance of damage due to reduced handling in the unknown nethers of the airport. Gatecheck your stroller too and pile your seats on top of the stroller while wandering in the airport. Will make your trip better.

If you gatecheck, they take it directly from the gate to the airplane. if you check at the terminal, who knows where it goes and for all you know, they could be flingling it around. I'd also invest in a bag and if the booster fits inside the carseat (not sure what type of booster you have, all the better.

 

[California Jenn]

We bought an inexpensive but sturdy bag for our carseat and check it in that. Also, if you ask the airlines when you are checking in for your flight, they will give you a huge plastic bag that you can put over the bag for a second layer of protection. At least on United, the car seat does not count as "luggage" so it isn't subject to the checked bag or weight limits.

 

[alyssa810]

We too bought a car seat travel bag, which has worked out nicely for us. we're able to stuff other stuff in the bag (like diapers) that sometimes take up too much room in the suit case. we've also seen the aforementioned plastic bags for other people.

 

[Hannathy]

Do not always count on the airlines having the big plastic bags. some airports never have them and some are out and some are uncooperative and with the cutbacks I really wouldn't count on them. Even if you are gate checking put them in a bag because they go in the same baggage compartment and can get wet and dirty. (and are handled about as gently! lol) If I wasn't using them on the plane I wouldn't drag them thru the airport and have to deal with them, I would check them.

 

[MaleficentFan]

We purchased the red nylon gate check bags for both our car seat and umbrella stroller. I think we found them on Walmart's website (they have them all over the place though) and they were pretty inexpensive. I would also suggest gate checking... less abuse on your gear.

 

[thebeesknees]

We got a great bag for our carseat from Babies R Us. It has wheels on the bottom and straps to use it as a backpack, as well. I think it was under $30. After seeing the damage to both that bag and the one we use for our stroller, I would never send a car seat through without some sort of protection. Those bags come out filthy! Also, don't depend on the airline having plastic bags. I've been behind several people in line who asked for them only to be told that they were out, or don't use them anymore. If you want to be sure, bring your own bag! I checked our infant seat through 5 years ago without a bag and it came out missing a piece to the base and we had to purchase a new base - the airline said they don't cover damage to baby stuff anymore. Gate checking can minimize some damage, but our gate-checked stuff still comes out really dirty and sometimes wet if there is precipitation when they are loading.

 

[Erica09M]

If the back comes off of the booster, I'd take it apart and put it in your luggage (if it fits) or in a bag. For the infant car seat, I'd rather see your little one sitting in it on the plane. But if that isn't possible, then gate check it. Put the handle down to where the top of the shell is, so it's not sticking up.

 

[happymommy]

I have never checked any car seats. Just wondering, are you doing a lot of driving? I'd think if you need a carseat then you may need it on the plane. I've used them on a plane when my kids were really really little.

But yes, they will get tossed along. And dirty. Kids don't use them on cabs or busses in Florida, so we've never used them there.

ETA: I did have a booster that the back folded up into the bottom - I think I took that on a trip once but forget when.

The cleanest thing would be to bring it on the plane with you if you need it.