Experienced airline mommies**

squeakytaco · November 2008

SO, we're thinking of flying to my in-laws for the holidays. We were originally going to drive, but have since decided that with staying in a hotel overnight both ways and driving we can actually fly for cheaper.

Here's my question - what do you do with the carseat? We're thinking we're going to buy two seats and carry on two bags but what about our carseat? We have to have it on the other end. Do we have to check it? Is it safe for check a carseat?

Any tips or comments on this plan? LOL!

kiliwicket · November 2008

2 seats for you and DH and baby is a lap baby. You don't have to check the carseat (or an umbrella stroller, you can bring both). When you get to the gate ask if there is an empty seat next to you, sometimes they will fix it to be that way, and you can bring your carseat on board-free seat!. If not, they will give you a tag at the gate to put on your carseat and there is a drop off location when you are boarding. When you deboard (is that a word?) it will be right there waiting for you in the terminal.

ashersmom · November 2008

Last time we flew we were not allowed to gate check our carseat. But that could have been employee jerkiness. I would call the airline ahead of time so you are clear on their policies incase you run into the same problem we did.

Halo79RN · November 2008

ditto pp, call ahead and ask the local desk.. you may get a totally different answer with the 1-800 airline number. ;0

melsie · November 2008

we were only allowed to gate check the stroller, all car seats had to be checked with the baggage. our airline (Airtran) checked car seats for free (had to pay for the PNP tho).

more than likely there will not be an empty seat next to you, with the way airlines are these days they are over booking all flights as is (unless you are taking a serious red-eye flight). But 2 seats (one for you and one for DH) is the answer, and you'll just put your LO on your lap.

DD did great with our flight to Seattle, WA (from Baltimore, MD) with a layover in Atlanta, GA.

but definitely check with your airline and if possible, pay for the upgrate to business class if you're flight is more than 2 hours long... its soooo worth it for the extra space with a LO, diaper bag, etc. Nursing in coach is kinda tough if your on the end or by the window.

bluewalrus · November 2008

We have always been able to gate check our car seat on Southwest.

Since we're always lugging lots of stuff, we have this car seat carrier:

https://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/jlc/jlc2100.html

My DH wears it on his back (or I wear it when I'm traveling alone) and it keeps our hands free. It also prevents the car seat or its straps from getting beat up on/in the plane.

almipo · November 2008

We've been able to gate check both our car seat and our snap-n-go stroller on both Continental and US Air. The airlines take absolutely no responsibility for any damage done to checked carseats or strollers, so if possible, I wouldn't check a really nice stroller or carseat. We haven't had any trouble, but you never know. When you get to your gate, ask the gate agent for a gate check tag...you just put that on your carseat and when you get on the plane, you leave the carseat right next to the plane door. When you get off the plane at your destination, your stuff will be right next to the plane door (sometimes you have to wait a few minutes for it).

dieselmonkey · November 2008

a word of caution about flying with your LO as a "lapchild".

The?FAA?does recommend that all children fly seated in an approved child safety seat but it does not MANDATE the use of child safety seats on airplanes. ?When turbulence hits,?parents cannot hold and protect a child seated in their lap against the g-forces of a jet flying at 500 mph.

?

https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?contentKey=1966?