Gate checking booster seat with Southwest

[Beast2Prince]

Instead of having to pay for a booster seat with our rental car, we thought about just taking the booster seat we have. Instead of having to send it through with our luggage, does Southwest allow these to be checked at the gate? I know you can gate check a stroller, but didn't know about booster seats.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This is allowed on all airlines.

 

[amomma23]

If it's a backless booster (i.e. small) you can just stash it in the overhead storage, too.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If it's a backless booster (i.e. small) you can just stash it in the overhead storage, too.

Yes, but then it will count against your carry-on allowance.

 

[Unas]

Are booster seats FAA approved? Seems to make sense to use it.

 

[pooch]

backless boosters require a 3 point seat belt (oops, not REQUIRED, but that is what they're designed to use with as posted below) , lap belt will not do. Someone here recommended a product called Bubble Butt, an inflatable booster seat that folds very small. Looks like a pretty good idea.

 

[amomma23]

Are booster seats FAA approved? Seems to make sense to use it.

They aren't and it wouldn't really accomplish anything anyway. The purpose of the booster is to help the seatbelt fit properly across a child's body. Since the plane is lap belt only, it doesn't really matter.

 

[CaFeeney]

We just carried it on and stored it overhead. I really don't think it counted as a piece of carry on luggage as I had a wheeled backpack and my purse and no one said anything at all. I preferred to keep with with me as I didn't want to wait for it to be unloaded.

 

[pooch]

The child for whom the booster was intended is also entitled to 2 carry-ons so maybe that's why they didn't say anything

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The child for whom the booster was intended is also entitled to 2 carry-ons so maybe that's why they didn't say anything

 

[Unas]

They aren't and it wouldn't really accomplish anything anyway. The purpose of the booster is to help the seatbelt fit properly across a child's body. Since the plane is lap belt only, it doesn't really matter.

Aha . . . Thanks to all.

 

[Greysword]

Pooch and Cyber said it all, so I will add when we bring a backless booster, we use the space between the seat and bin overhead (yes, that is the overhead bin overhead, I love English ) to store coats or a smaller bag (purse, backpack, Disney store bag with souvenirs ). No wasted space that way.

 

[auger]

If you should end up checking or gate checking, be sure to take any arm covers or other removable items off before giving it to them.

We learned the hard way that if you send the booster with the covers on, you will never see them again!!

 

[keishashadow]

we bought one for less than $15 @ local discount store for trip w/GD last January. Figured if it went missing, no big deal.

we secured a luggage tag to it, then plopped it in a white garbage bag and handed it over as checked luggage (didn't count against us).

the garbage bag didn't survive the flight, the booster made it just fine both ways.

 

[Beast2Prince]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[laura428]

The child for whom the booster was intended is also entitled to 2 carry-ons so maybe that's why they didn't say anything

Yep, this. We've been bringing our booster seats with us for the same reason over the last few years - at least 4 or 5 flights with various airlines - and have never had a problem. I believe we've always stowed them in the overhead bins without a problem.