Anyone ever checked a child seat as baggage on an airplane flight? Any problems with damage? How did you package it to insure it arrived safely?

I see Delta's site says you can check a child seat and it doesn't go toward your luggage total. I am planning on packaging in a Marathon box, so it is quite large.

Thanks!
Arlene (btw, this is my dd's old seat we are taking to cousin, she is over 40# and in a Husky and booster)

I checked Maya's FP Safe Embrace on a two leg flight, just open, no bag or box, and got it back in the same condition it was in. Maybe not the smartest thing, but I was travelling alone, and on the flight down she had a seat, but some reason there wasn't a seat on the way back, and I couldn't lug a 19mo, our carry on, a car seat, and what ever else, yk? Of course, I had no stroller with me, since I thought I couldn't manage a stroller & a carseat- in hindsight the stroller would have been awesome to have!

Done it twice for my kiddos and doing it again next week. We don't put it ina box - they put it in a big bag (on Southwest) - never had any problems with the car seats - though I was worried the first time we checked it in - they were perfect - not even a scratch. Last year my son's car seat didn't get off the flight with us and was returned (delivered to our house) a week later - but it was still in perfect condition. Oh and when his car seat didn't show up the airline gave us a loaner car seat to use till his came in.


Monica

We always do it. We just use the bags they supply at the airport.

I've done this probably a dozen times at least. *LOL* (We used to fly a lot when we lived in Alaska.)

Only once did we have one damaged and it wasn't in a bag. Definitely take advantage of the free big plastic bag (if you don't use the box) and have them put it in there. Otherwise, it could get caught on any number of moving belts, etc, or if it's raining it may be wet when you get it back (I know it would dry eventually, but that would totally be a pain when you're traveling - BTDT).

A box would protect it really well I'm sure. :)

Oh, and if she sits in a sling or stroller, those are REALLY worth it to have with you, especially if it's a big airport.

Have a great trip! :D

Thanks ladies ;). I am so glad to hear your stories.

Thanks again!
Arlene

Hi, Arlene!

I'd HIGHLY recommend using the big cardboard box. There's more of a chance that because it's so big they won't sling it around like they do our luggage. It's not worth it to get to your destination and find that your car seat is damaged and unusable. :)

Oh, and DEFINITELY think about an umbrella stroller...it'll make you life SO much easier!

Have a great trip!

we checked my sons britax marathon no box when we went to CO. All of our luggage came out the other end quite damaged. My car seat had some kind of equipment attached to it. For the trip back we got it a protective carry bag because while my luggage was cheap my car seat was not.

Just pack it well and you should be fine.

julie

Julie,

Did they pay to replace your Marathon?? Or did they say it was not covered because it wasn't packaged?

Thanks!
Arlene

We've checked in our Cosco Alpha Omega in twice. I bought one of the carseat bags and it was fine.

Originally posted by arlene
Julie,

Did they pay to replace your Marathon?? Or did they say it was not covered because it wasn't packaged?

Thanks!
Arlene

My luggage was all damaged, my car seat was fine. It had some kind of hook attached to the seat cover but it was unscarred.

Hahaha replace anything? No bought new luggage for my birthday.

julie