If you check a carseat with your luggage...

Kersbear

is it counted as a checked bag or is it free?  I'm contemplating not using one on the plane, but if I have to pay to have it checked (flying Airtran and now you pay for all bags checked) I think I'll just use it.  It's not that much of a PITA to get to the terminal/on the plane and if I'm going to bring it all that way, might as well use it on the plane, not gate check it.

jen8/9/03

I think they've counted it on southwest - but you get two free each on sw so we've never had a problem.

EXL311

When we flew last May we checked two carseats and they were both free.  Not sure if it has changed at this point though.

brightning

I thought they were free, but things are changing fast in airlines these days.

greekguyswife

If you check it, I would highly recommend getting one of those bags to put it in. ?My nieces car seat came out with some kind of grease ALL OVER IT. ?We had to use towels or whatever we could find to cover it so we could drive home. ?The fabric was ruined.

darlene'smommy

I would not check it with your bags.  I have seen car seats come back ruined, cracked, harness broke and many times lost.  It is also safer to use it on the plane for your child.