Question RE: carset checked on airline

[Lewski709]

I'm not paying for a seat for my infant. :flame suit on:

Can you check the carseat like luggage? If so, do I need to box it? Will it fare well in transit?

I know how those guys whip the luggage around and I wouldn't want it getting torn up, but to box it defeats the purpose of taking it. Please advise.

 

[Gwene65]

Yes, you can check a carseat. I did it on a flight from California to Florida. It fared fine and was in one peice when I got it back.

 

[Lewski709]

Did they have it waiting for you when you exited the plane (like a stroller) or was it on the turnstyle? Did you cover it with anything or just check the seat as is?

 

[va32h]

Mine goes with the luggage and comes out on the baggage carousel. They make carseat covers that you can zip up to protect the seat, but I just shorten the straps as much as I can and buckle everything into place. I've seen people wrap theirs in trash bags or clear plastic, too.

 

[Kimberle]

Yes, and it doesn't count against your luggage "allowance". I've checked one many times. They generally wrap it in a big plastic bag.

 

[Beth76]

I checked my son's bottom-only booster. They actually gave me a clear plastic to wrap it in. Like another poster mentioned, they do sell special covers for them, although I don't really know how necessary that is.

 

[Pugdog007]

Did they have it waiting for you when you exited the plane (like a stroller) or was it on the turnstyle? Did you cover it with anything or just check the seat as is?

If you check it, it will come out with the luggage. If you hold onto it and they take it from you as you board, it will be plane-side when you arrive.