big carseats - checked or gate checked?

DavezWife

I know for an unticketed toddler under two (domestic flight) you can bring their diaper bag, stroller (gate checked) and etc. but what are my options with the big carseat?

suppose it varies with airlines? I hate reading fine print. lol.

Carrie25

Aaron and I are traveling on Tuesday to Michigan and I plan on checking it with the luggage in a carseat bag.  There's no way I can carry that and all the other stuff to the gate.  But I actually think you can check it at the gate and they'll have it ready when you get off the plane. 

talentedgirl

If we can't use ours on the plane (really hoping we can, but didn't buy DS a seat) I will check it at the gate.

I bought this to put it in;

I won't check it as luggage because if we get to the other end and the carseat isn't there, we are screwed and will have to spend hours at an airport trying to rent or buy another one. I worked for an airline, and well I am just not the confident in Air Canada's luggage handling capabilities.

DavezWife

so are we pretty sure I can gate check it? (I would worry too it would get lost)...

And if she gets an empty seat, we can bring it on??  ooooh, that would be nice!

DavezWife

NWA says carseats can come on. Of course, the plane is full, but we'll still gate check it so it won't get lost, I think.

 

somethingchangd

something else to consider: if you check it with checked luggage you pay the baggage fee (at least on United) but if you check it at the gate it's free.

raesue

We've flown 3 times with the kids.  Each time we've checked their carseats with our luggage.  We never got one of the car seat bags or anything....the airline just bags them up in these huge heavy duty plastic bags.  We've never had a problem.

Also, if the airline loses it they usually have ones you can use until yours is found (this happened to a friend) so you don't have to scurry around for one.  I don't know about fees for checking it (MH travels a lot and has elite so we don't get charged for luggage.)

HTH

skoorbnibor

I myself will ONLY gate check. I have had my checked luggage lost so many times, I refuse to take the chance. I would probably wear E, put the big ole carseat in the stroller and wheel it, and DH can get the rest of the carry ons!

 

12106mrsmun

We checked DD convertible car seat with our baggage.  But, for under 2, I still think you can gate-check it as well.  Either way, it was free.