Checked luggage fees

[Anonymous]

I'm travelling to Ft. Myers with my 3 month old. I plan to hold her in a Baby Bjorn during the flight and will need to check my car seat and snap 'n go. I'm flying AirTran, which seems exceptionally passenger unfriendly. Should I expect to have to pay the checked luggage fee for the car seat AND stroller if I check them curbside? I am less than thrilled at the prospect of paying $100 round trip to transport this stuff.

That actually begs another question: does anyone know whether a newborn traveling in a parent's lap counts as a passenger for the purposes of determining how much luggage you can bring?

[Anonymous]

I do not think that a child counts as carry on - but I would recommend that you try and limit the amount that you carry on when you have a child that you are traveling with. It is just too difficult to manage everything.

It would also recommend that you do not check the stroller - rather bring it to the gate and have it gate checked.

[Anonymous]

The number of bags is based on the number of seats you buy, not the number of passengers, so unless you buy your newborn a seat she isn't entitled to any additional bags. However, the last time I flew with my daughter (in August) most airlines (I don't know about airtran) were not counting carseats or strollers toward the luggage allowance, & were instead still allowing those on free. Some airlines have their policy posted on their websites.

[Anonymous]

Air Tran sucks. We traveled with them in July 2008. We had to pay extra (both ways) not only for oversize luggage but also an extra piece - that is 4 charges - I can't remember what the total was but somewhere around 60-100$. The suitcase which was not deemed oversize has never been oversize on any airline before. The reason for the large bag was to carry a portable eating chair. For the price we paid, we could have bought a new one and tossed it at the airport.

Go Southwest when you can, they do not charge extra.

Just a reminder - Air Tran sucks, use another airline if you plan on carrying luggage.