First trip in a couple years - first trip ever with a baby! Westjet questions

[4orm]

We're flying West Jet (thank you $72 sale!) in Oct. We booked ourselves tickets but not our daughter (who will be nearly 1 at vacation time). I have heard of their infant standby policy. Can anyone here elaborate on how it works? We will be bringing our large stroller (that folds up quite small) and car seat. If we can get standby for our baby can we use the car seat (would we bring the base as well? It's the Peg SIP Viaggio)? If not, could we check it at the gate? I assume we'd be allow checking the stroller at the gate too, is that correct?
Any info would be greatly helpful. We're newbie parents with little baby experience but veteran travelers.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Not sure what standby for the baby is? I've traveled with a 3 month old and a 18 month old. Both times we gate checked the stroller and the baby just sat on our laps.

 

[4orm]

Supposedly if you ask for an infant standby when you arrive at the airport, if the plane isn't full, they'll block off an extra seat for baby giving the parents a chance to use the car seat instead of having them in your lap the whole time.

 

[princess pooh]

Can you use the Peg carseat without the base? We only bought DS a seat once before turning 2, but we were able to install his infant seat without the base. Otherwise I gate checked the stroller and carseat.

I heard that you can ask at the gate if there are any extra seats available for babies, but most flights are sold out these days. Take your carseat to the gate anyways though. It could get lost or damaged if you check it with your luggage.

I love flying Westjet now...everyone was so nice and helpful. I hope you have a great trip!