Flying question

[jjj444]

Can you gate check a stroller and a car seat? We have 3 tickets on Northwest and I looked on their website and it doesn't say anywhere if you can gate check both. My son is way too tall to use the car seat on the plane but we need it for the rental car. Thanks. Also according to Northwest airlines website if you booked your tickets before March 29th you can use the old rule of 2 bags per person. Just thought I would share.

 

[katied]

I flew on American in March. American made it clear that one had to be checked at check-in. I explained that DS had his own seat, and the car seat was going on the plane with me - the stroller would be the only thing gate checked. They let me through on that basis, but when he has not had his own seat, they've made me check one item at the counter.

I'm not sure if Northwest is the same or not.

 

[aripantaloon]

This was before the one bag rule, but I've never had a problem with gate checking car seats and strollers together. I know I've flown Delta, United, and USAir. Times I didn't buy a seat for the baby, I've kept the carseat and stroller with me until I was sure there wasn't going to be a seat open for the baby to sit next to me. When there wasn't, I just checked the carseat and stroller at the gate.

I *thought* that carseats did not count against bag counts, no matter if you checked them at the gate or in ticketing. How would anyone ever travel with their carseat if you can check 1 bag only and you need a bag and a carseat? Well, besides paying a fee, of course.

 

[jjj444]

If you check your carseat did you put it in a bag? I don't have a bag for my carseat. I guess I just need to call the airlines and see what they say. Thanks. If anyone has flown Northwest recently and can tell me I would appreciate it.

 

[aripantaloon]

I did because I didn't want the fabric getting messed up. If you don't want to buy a specific (and sometimes expensive) carseat bag, you can put it in a heavy-weight trash bag. Contractor bags are great for that. It looks a little, um, cheap , but gets the job done.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I'm sure they can check them at the gate. I've heard they do at least.

I used my daughters when we went but one of the stewards carried it down and even helped install it while I held her. I had a carry on, diaper bag, and the seat so it was nice to have help lugging down.

Its hard to say what the allow today with everyone wanting to cut down to 1 checked bag as it is.

 

[carj]

I emailed Air Tran about this very question. They emailed me back and said that they can be both be gate checked. I am printing the email and taking it with me to the airport just in case. The reason that they do not count against the baggage allowance is that they are considered a mobility aid for your child. (At least that is what the email I got said!)

Maybe you can email your airline just to be sure?

 

[katied]

I would recommend a car seat bag - or even just a large plastic garbage bag. The first time I checked my car seat, I did not have a bag and it was damaged (some plastic pieces broke off and were missing). We could not install it properly in the rental car. I always use a bag now, unless I'm taking it on the plane.