How do you check carseats???

[DMAMom]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before. We are leaving Saturday. My 22 month old's carseat will go on the plane with us - but my 4 boy's can't use their boosters on the plane but need them we when get the rental in Orlando.

So how do we check these? I don't want to leave them loose for fear of them getting lost.

Here is what I wanted to do - put both of them (they are low back boosters so they aren't huge) in a large durable see through plastic bag along with their speedo swim vests - since I have no other place to put those either!

Will I be able to check something like this with American Airlines?

 

[Amy&Dan]

Before my daughter outgrew the booster that is what the airline would do for us, put the seat in a large plastic bag and wrap it up with tape. You might also be able to find a nice large duffle to hold them.

 

[wuv tigger]

given to us by the airline. We figure folks can see through the bag & "maybe" handle the car seats with caution.

They take it @ check in, put it in the bag, wrap the top w/ tape & send it on it's way.


Judy

 

[tlbwriter]

We carried our booster as a carry-on. If you're going to check it, I strongly suggest you have it gate-checked; there's less risk that it will be damaged.

 

[lpberg]

It's a pain to gate check your car seats IF you don't plan on using them on the plane - granted, it will almost guarantee that they won't get lost during the flight (I'm usually more concerned when there's a layover).

That said, I've checked my car seats (2) at the ticket counter before. I've not done it with AA in a while but I know that Delta offers clear plastic bags for large items like that. I also bring two large garbage bags (tucked in the front pocket of a suitcase for easy access) in case they don't have any available. I clip the buckle together and fill out an airline passenger info tag and put it ON the car seat straps. I also bring two large stickers with our information printed on them that I put on the bag once the car seat is in it. The agents are usually pretty good about helping put the car seat in the bag. The Delta bags have a tape strip that seals the bag shut around the car seat. MAKE SURE that they attach a bag tag/claim check to each of the car seats once they're bagged.

I'd rather check them and only have to worry about picking them up at baggage claim, rather than lugging them through the airport.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Lynne

 

[Nora94]

we put our dd5's backless booster in a large duffle bag. This worked out fine.

Nora