Gate check booster seat

[TammyC]

I really want to take a booster seat for DS.. don't trust the rental car companies to have a nice one available (and don't want to pay). Ours is a Graco Turbobooster. It comes apart into 2 pieces and I could it it in a duffle bag. But I worry about checking it and having hard suitcases thown on top of it and maybe cracking the shell. Do you think this could be gate checked? Would TSA let it go through if he is not sitting in it? (larger size than allowed carry-ons)

Thanks,
Tammy

 

[klynn]

I have gate checked a booster seat several times with no problems.

 

[safetymom]

It shouldn't be a problem. I don't see many kids in car seats as they go through security. Parents are usually holding the seats.

 

[TammyC]

Originally posted by safetymom
It shouldn't be a problem. I don't see many kids in car seats as they go through security. Parents are usually holding the seats.

Oops! I just realized that I did not explain that clearly. I meant since he would not be sitting in that seat on the plane and it is too large to be a regular carry on, would TSA let it go down to the gates.

 

[mobetsy]

I've gone through this a number of times. Is your son comfortable in the car sitting in the Turbo w/o the back, and does it fit okay w/o the shoulder strap guide? If so, just bring it as a backless booster and it will fit perfectly either under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Like you, I don't want the booster banged around with regular luggage! Otherwise I'd just carry it along to the gate--quite honestly, most people don't at a glance distinguish a booster from a car seat--and then gate check it; if anyone inquired, I'd explain what you are doing and why.