Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with children can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to navigating busy airports. One of the key considerations for parents is whether to bring a car seat and, if so, how to transport it. While some parents opt to bring their own car seats for peace of mind, others prefer to rely on rental companies or use alternatives such as travel vests or slings. For those who choose to bring a car seat, there are several options: using it on the plane, checking it at the gate, or checking it with the rest of the luggage. Each option has its pros and cons, and it's important to be aware of potential issues such as damage or loss. Checking policies and preparing items in advance can help ensure a smoother journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car seat checking options | Check at the ticket counter or gate |
| Car seat checking charges | Free at most airlines |
| Car seat protection | Plastic bag provided by some airlines |
| Car seat bag | Bring your own bag for protection |
| Car seat collection | Research collection points and process |
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What You'll Learn
Car seats can be checked at the ticket counter or gate
If you plan to check your car seat at the ticket counter, you will need to bring it to the same place you check in your luggage. This will allow you to be hands-free as you navigate through the airport. However, there is a higher chance of your car seat getting damaged by TSA. When you check in your car seat at the ticket counter, it will be available for pick up in the baggage claim area.
If you plan to use your car seat before boarding, you can check it at the gate. The gate agent will carry your car seat from the gate to the airplane baggage compartment. If you check items either at the ticket counter or gate, get your luggage tag for them straight away. Even if you’re not boarding any time soon, attach your luggage tag to your items as soon as possible.
Some airlines will wrap your car seat in a giant clear plastic bag if you choose to check your car seat when you check your luggage. However, this option is not available at all airports or from all airlines. It is recommended to bring your own bag to protect your car seat from grease and grime.
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Airlines may wrap car seats in plastic bags
When checking in a car seat at the airport, some airlines will wrap it in a giant clear plastic bag. This is to protect the seat from grease and grime, although it will not prevent structural damage. This option is not available at all airports or from all airlines. It is recommended to bring your own bag for the car seat, just in case. Some good options include the backpack-style padded J.L. Childress Ultimate Car Seat Travel Bag, or the J.L. Childress Car Seat Bag, which has some padding and backpack straps for carrying.
If you are checking a car seat, you can either check it at the airport baggage counter or at your gate. If you plan to check it at the gate, remember to check with the gate agent when you arrive. The agent will give you a checked bag tag to put on the car seat or any bag you plan to put it in. You can then drop off your car seat at the boarding ramp exit door right at the entrance to the plane. If you check a car seat at the ticket counter, it will usually be returned at baggage claim. Gate-checking is a good option if you are concerned about potential damage to the car seat, as it will be handled less. However, there are no guarantees that it will not be damaged.
It is worth noting that every U.S. airline allows you to check a car seat free of charge when travelling with a child. Car seats are typically treated as mobility aids and do not count towards your luggage amount. However, when travelling internationally, some airlines may charge you for the car seat, and it may count towards your luggage limit.
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Car seats may be treated as carry-on luggage
Car seats can be treated as carry-on luggage, but it is important to check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat. If you are carrying a car seat through the airport, it is advisable to have a stroller that the car seat can attach to, making it easier to navigate the airport.
Some airlines will wrap your car seat in a clear plastic bag if you choose to check it with your luggage, but this option is not always available. It is a good idea to bring your own bag to protect your car seat from damage or grease. You can purchase inexpensive "Gate Check" bags, or a padded bag with wheels for extra protection, like the J.L. Childress Car Seat Bag.
If you are checking in your car seat, it is worth noting that some airlines will allow you to check it in for free, while others may charge you. It is recommended that you research and call the airline to find out how and where you will collect checked items after landing. You should also take photos of your items before the flight in case they are returned damaged.
If you are travelling with a child, most airlines will allow you to check a car seat and stroller for free. However, it is important to detach any unnecessary elements, such as toys and straps, to make it easier to stow away and reduce the likelihood of damage or losing items.
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Car seats can be used on the plane
Secondly, you should check that your CRS can be secured properly in an airplane seat. You can do this by reading the user's manual. If your CRS cannot be installed properly, you may be asked to check it as baggage. When installed, the CRS must face forward or aft, according to the instructions on the label. This is based on the child's age, weight, and height, and whether they meet the parameters for rear-facing or forward-facing for that particular car seat.
Thirdly, you should check that your CRS meets the necessary safety standards. In the US, car seats are self-certified by the manufacturer to meet federal safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates car seats based on ease of use. Your car seat must also meet FAA-approved child safety seat specifications. Most rear-facing and forward-facing car seats meet FAA approval, but you should check your car seat for language confirming this. Look for a sticker that says, in red lettering: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Foreign seats can be used as long as they are labelled as meeting the standards of a foreign government or the United Nations.
Finally, you should be aware that some airlines will wrap your car seat in a giant clear plastic bag if you choose to check your car seat with your luggage. This option is not available at all airports or from all airlines, so you may want to bring your own bag.
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Car seats may be damaged or lost
Car seats can be checked at the airport, but they may be damaged or lost in the process. While checking a car seat at the airport baggage counter or gate is a simple solution, it does come with some risks.
Firstly, car seats can get damaged during air travel. Checked luggage can get jostled around, and an oddly shaped car seat can easily be damaged, making it less safe and effective for children to use. Even when placed in a car seat bag for travel, a car seat may still be returned bent, shredded, or mangled. To minimise the risk of damage, you can wrap your car seat in bubble wrap, place it in a large box, or put it in a large plastic bag to keep it dry and hopefully free from scrapes. Some airlines will also wrap your car seat in a giant clear plastic bag, but this is not available at all airports or from all airlines, and it does not prevent real structural damage. For more protection, you can use a padded bag with wheels, such as the J.L. Childress Car Seat Bag, or a large cardboard box like the ones used for shipping.
Secondly, there is a risk of your car seat being lost. If the airline loses your car seat or it is visibly and seriously damaged, you should not leave the airport baggage area. Instead, find the airline's baggage desk and file a claim on the spot, providing information from the luggage tag and a photo of the damage. You can also try filing a claim with your travel insurance.
To reduce the risk of damage or loss, you can buy a cheaper car seat specifically for travel or bring a folding car seat and stick it in the overhead bin. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket for your baby and bring the car seat on board the plane, allowing your child to sit in their car seat during the flight. However, this option may not always be feasible due to budget or logistical constraints. Ultimately, the decision of whether to check a car seat at the airport is a trade-off between convenience and the risk of damage or loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can check a car seat at the airport. Car seats can be checked at the main reservation desk or at the gate.
This depends on the airline. Some airlines will allow you to check a car seat for free, while others will charge a fee.
Car seats can get damaged during transit. To protect your car seat, wrap it in bubble wrap or place it in a box or bag.
Yes, you can bring a car seat on the plane. However, you may need to purchase a separate ticket for your child to guarantee they have their own seat.
Bringing a car seat on the plane ensures that it will not get damaged. It also keeps your child safe and comfortable in a familiar seat.
