For those who have gate checked a CARSEAT?

[Anonymous]

Jumping on another posting about gate checking a stroller, I'm wondering about gate checking a Carseat. What did you cover it in? We have a Marathon, which is huge. Do I just use black trash bags or is there something better to keep it clean and protected? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Are you sure you want to GateCheck it? We just flew Northwest last month, and the agent recommended checking it with our regular luggage. There was no charge (at that time - things may change!).

We ordered a bag to cover it in, and that worked well. We have the Radian65 though, and they actually sell a specific bag for it.

But, Buy Buy Baby sells other car seat bags at their store that might work for the Marathon.

The agent I spoke to on the phone before we left said he didn't think a trash bag was a good idea (that was our first thought also). He also recommended using the box that the seat came in. We didn't have ours, but that could be a good option if you don't want to get the bag.

[Anonymous]

I gate checked my roundabout 5 times no problems. Never covered it or anything. Just made sure I secured all the straps with a big rubber band. No problems!

[Anonymous]

We used a heavy duty black garbage bag. So glad we did, because the bag itself was filthy when we got it back - can't imagine how the car seat would have looked!

[Anonymous]

why would you gate check as opposed to using it on the airplane?

am I missing something?

[Anonymous]

When we have checked our Marathon or stroller in the past, we use the large stroller bags provided by the airlines. You can ask for one when you are checking the rest of your luggage. That said, I think we are going to buy a bag for it because the Marathon suffered some cosmetic injuries to the cover. But just cosmetic, nothing structural. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

They sell a canvas car seat bag at Babies R Us. We covered our Graco in it when we gate-checked with the Snap and Go stroller frame. It was waiting for us when we got off the plane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why would you gate check as opposed to using it on the airplane?

am I missing something?

I'm wondering this too--why not use it on the plane, or if it's not needed, check it with the rest of the baggage so you don't have to carry it through the airport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why would you gate check as opposed to using it on the airplane?

am I missing something?

I'm wondering this too--why not use it on the plane, or if it's not needed, check it with the rest of the baggage so you don't have to carry it through the airport.

We've done it when flying with a lap child. Either:
(a) your baby is young enough to still use a snap n' go so you keep the carseat in the airport to use as a stroller,
(b) there is a chance there will be an empty seat next to you on the plane, so you bring the car seat, but then the plane winds up full and you have to gate check it, or
(c) you think the car seat is likely to be slightly better treated if gate checked v. regular checked.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- Thanks all for comments. I'll make the trek out to Babies R Us this weekend to get a cover.

As for the questions about why not just use the car seat on the plane -- I've been going back and forth on it. We have twins and on a recent flight, trying to carry the car seat plus diaper bag plus 18 mo baby to row 15 was near impossible. The flight attendants on one flight were less than helpful, even saying that I should check the carseat next time since it's too heavy for her to help me with - ugh! So I think we're going to try the CARES harnesses and pray the kiddos will stay in their seats. Also, I'm planning on gate checking so there's less chance on the seat being thrown around by baggage handlers.

Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

i bought an extra large car seat bag from babies r us for 19.99. i stuffed a lot of other baby stuff in with the bag too to free up luggage space.