Question about air travel with DS

ejgballerina

I am going to a wedding in September and realized I have no clue what is allowed and what isn't in regards to air travel.  How do you bring the car seat base?  (I have a Chicco travel system)  Do I have to put it in luggage big enough?  Also, what about the infant carrier, am I able to just check it as is?  If so, what are the chances of it being damaged?  There is so much extra planning when LO's are involved!  TIA!

TNTB9405

I traveled on Southwest when DD was 4.5 months old.  I didn't buy a seat for her and was planning to hold her on my lap.  I was told that if there is a seat free then you are able to bring your carseat on free of charge.  That is what happened with us.  She slept in her carseat for most of the flight.  If there hadn't been a seat available, I would have gate checked both my carseat and stroller as the travel system.  I ended up only gate checking the stroller and there was no damage to it after the flight.  As far as luggage, SW allows you to bring on two checked bags free of charge, which is what I did.  My MIL was with me and she carried on the base of the carseat for me.  If she hadn't, I would have just used the seat belt to secure it in the car.  I had packed a larger diaper bag and was happy to find out it fit underneath the seat.  It was easier having everything right there rather than in the overhead above me.  I also bought a toy that suctioned to the tray table that my DD liked. 

Hope this helps!!

laura&dan05

When I traveled with dd I bought her a seat so I brought the infant carrier on the plane.  I had it snapped into the stroller and checked the stroller at the gate.  When I arrived at the gate I asked the gate agent for a tag for the stroller.  I wheeled it all the way to the plane and folded it up and left it there.  They will bring it to you at the gate when you land. I'm sure you can check the infant carrier the same way.  I didn't have any issues with it being damaged.  I didn't bring the base with me since you can use the carrier without the base (I have the Chicco as well and it explains it in the manual).

Everyone I came across working in the airport was really helpful.  When you get to the security line check to see if there is a family line (I don't know if they have them at all airports).  The line is faster and they are prepared to help you juggle all of your extra stuff.  The flight attendants were also very nice and helpful on the plane.

ejgballerina

Thanks for the info!  And I feel like an idiot that I didn't realize the carrier can be used without the base.  I swear, I learn something new every day!