another flying with newborn question - stroller

yepyepsms

There was a flying with infant thread a couple days ago but I have a different question I couldn't find via google or searching the Bump...

I know you can check your stroller at the gate if collapsable, but what about the car seat part of it?  We have a Graco carseat where her car seat (minus base) sits on top of the stroller (Jeep brand).  So to collapse it you have to take out the carseat part.  Do they just check both at the gate?  Or am I going to have issues with checking the carseat?  She isn't big enough yet to use the stroller without the carseat. 

I am traveling alone to visit a friend and plan to wear her as much as possible but want to have the stroller too to help carry the diaper bag and have the ability to lay her down if needed to give my back a break. I am flying United if it matters. The United website just said you can check a stroller at the gate if collapsable.

If you have experience can you let me know about the carseat part?  Thanks!

mrsbtobe20122

We checked a whole travel system with southwest. Car seat, base, and stroller.

yepyepsms

@mrsbtobe20122 - did you check at the plane door at the gate or check it with your luggage?  Just realized I wasn't probably clear when I said check that I meant at the plane door. I want to use the stroller in the airport during layovers, etc.

mrsbtobe20122

smdukes said:

@mrsbtobe20122 - did you check at the plane door at the gate or check it with your luggage?  Just realized I wasn't probably clear when I said check that I meant at the plane door. I want to use the stroller in the airport during layovers, etc.

Yes I checked it at the gate. Everything else I checked when I got boarding passes, which I highly recommend! You won't have patience/ hands for anything other than your travel system and your diaper bag to carry on.

yepyepsms

Thanks gals!  I better call United to be sure, but appreciate your input!

spinsoffresonance

I've gate checked stroller and carseat several times with United. I definitely recommend checking your other luggage and traveling with the least amount of carry on. Also United doesn't have priority boarding for families with young children anymore. And United is the only airline I've been on so far that didn't have changing tables in the bathroom (I'm sure it depends on the specific plane you're on, but still, United is terrible.