In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about checking a car seat as baggage. We’ll examine each major U.S. airline’s policies and procedures, with regards to checking a car seat. Also, we’ll explain, step-by step, how to prepare your car seat to be checked and what you need to do at the airport.
Why Check a Car Seat?
If you’re traveling with a child and will be renting a car at your destination, it’s important to have a car seat for them to use. While some car rental agencies may offer car seats for rent, these are often expensive and may not meet your child’s specific needs. Bringing your own car seat ensures that you have a seat that is properly fitted for your child and meets all safety regulations.
However, lugging a car seat through the airport can be cumbersome and exhausting, especially when also traveling with young children and other luggage. Checking your car seat as baggage can make the process much easier, allowing you to have your car seat with you at your destination without having to carry it through the airport.
Check Your Airline’s Car Seat Policy
It’s not often that there’s consistency among airlines with regards to a specific policy but traveling with car seats as checked baggage is one of them.
Some general rules:
- All airlines allow you to check at least 1 car seat per paying passenger, at no charge.
- You can check your car seat at the check-in counter, and in most circumstances, at the gate. Some airlines allow only one item per paying passenger to be checked at the gate. So, if you are planning to check a stroller and a car seat as checked baggage, you will have to check one of these items at the check-in counter.
- If your car seat isn’t packed in a protective bag or box, airlines won’t accept liability for any damage or loss that may occur during transit. Certain airlines may not accept the car seat unless it is appropriately packaged.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines accepts car seats as checked baggage for free. You have the option to check the car seat at the ticket counter or at the departure gate.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant allows you to check 1 car seat at no charge. You can check the car seat at the check-in counter or at the gate. The airline allows you to check both a car seat and a stroller at the gate.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows you to check 1 car seat at no charge. It can be checked at the check-in counter or the gate.
If you are traveling with a car seat and a stroller, you can only bring one of these items to the gate. The other will have to be checked at the check-in counter. However, if your stroller weighs more than 20 pounds (9 kilograms), it has to be checked at the counter.
Delta Air Lines
Delta accepts car seats as checked baggage at no charge. You can check the seat curbside, at the check-in counter, or the gate.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier allows you to check car seats as checked baggage, for free. The seat can be checked at the check-in counter or at the gate. However, the airline requires the car seat to be packed separately in a protective bag upon check-in.
Hot Tip: If you turn up for your Frontier flight and have forgotten to pack your car seat in a protective bag as required by the airline, head over to the Southwest counter. This airline sells car seat bags for $17.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines allows you to check your car seat at no charge. You can check this item at the check-in counter or at the gate. You can check both a car seat and a stroller at the gate.
JetBlue
JetBlue will accept car seats as checked baggage at no charge. You can check the seat at the check-in counter or at the gate.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest allows you to check 1 car seat at no charge. The car seat can be checked, curbside, check-in counter, or at the gate.
If you haven’t packed your car seat in a protective bag, Southwest has reusable car seat bags available to buy at the check-in counter, for $17.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit permits you to check a car seat at the check-in counter or at the departure gate, free of charge.
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country accepts car seats as checked baggage at no charge. You can check your car seat at the ticket counter or at the gate.
United Airlines
United allows you to check 1 car seat per child that you’re traveling with. The seat can be checked at the check-in counter or the gate, at no charge.
How to Pack a Car Seat for Checked Baggage
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack a car seat for checked baggage.
1. Inspect the Car Seat
Before preparing to pack the car seat for checking, make sure it’s safe for travel. Examine the car seat for any damage, such as cracks, frayed straps, or broken parts. If you notice any defects, don’t use the car seat. You can contact the manufacturer to replace or repair the car seat.
2. Use a Car Seat Travel Bag
A car seat travel bag is an essential accessory for packing a car seat for checked baggage. Many airlines require your car seat to be packed in a protective bag. It is designed to protect the car seat from damage and scratches during travel. Look for a sturdy and durable travel bag that fits your car seat.
3. Clean the Car Seat
Cleaning the car seat before packing it is crucial. Remove the cover and straps and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Vacuum the car seat to remove any crumbs or debris. You can use a mild soap and water solution to clean the plastic parts of the car seat. Allow the car seat to dry completely before packing it in the travel bag.
4. Disassemble the Car Seat
Disassemble all removable parts of the car seat before packing it in the travel bag. Remove the cover and straps and pack them separately. If the car seat has a detachable base, remove it and pack it separately. Also, remove any accessories, such as cup holders or toys, and pack them separately. Disassembling the car seat reduces its size and weight, making it easier to pack and carry.
5. Pack the Car Seat in the Travel Bag
After disassembling the car seat, place the main body of the car seat in the travel bag. Use the padding or cushioning provided with the bag to protect the car seat from damage. If the car seat has a detachable base, pack it separately in the same bag. Pack the cover and straps separately in another bag or wrap them in plastic to keep them clean.
6. Secure the Travel Bag
Once you have packed the car seat in the travel bag, secure the bag using zippers or straps. If the bag has a lock, use it to prevent unauthorized access. Also, attach identification tags to the bag with your name and contact information. This will help the airline to contact you in case your bag gets lost.
7. Check in the Car Seat
When you arrive at the airport, go to the check-in counter, and inform the airline that you have a car seat to check in. The airline will give you a baggage claim tag to retrieve the car seat at your destination.
Alternatively, you can gate-check the car seat at the departure gate.
8. Pick Up Your Car Seat
After you land, go to the baggage claim area to pick up your car seat. It will likely come out with the oversized baggage or special items. Make sure you inspect the car seat for any damage before you leave the airport.
Final Thoughts
If you are going to check a car seat as baggage, remember these essential points:
- Consider buying a car seat travel bag to protect your car seat during the flight.
- Check your airline’s policy before you fly to avoid any surprises.
- Arrive at the airport early to allow plenty of time to check your car seat.
- Inspect your car seat for any damage before you leave the airport.
Remember to always check your airline’s website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and policies.
