Flight w/Car Seat Question

[ides]

O and I are flying out tomorrow to Abq to apt and car hunt. I am planning on checking his carseat since I dont want to drag it through the airport and through a connection. I'm flying United and after much digging I discovered that its free to check car seats and strollers. I want to check it through in its box but I have one concern. The car seat box is 3" larger than their bag size requirement which would make it oversized which is a large fee. Does this matter? Would it still be free even if its technically oversized? I've scoured the web for a phone number or an answer and I can't find either. Anyone know the answer?

[SuzySunshine]

I think all car seats are oversized regardless of how you check them and they're still free. Do you have a car seat bag? I would think the box would get beaten up pretty badly...

[DCJenn]

Don't bother w/ the box- the bags that they provide are SUPER thick plastic.

J.

[ides]

I don't have a bag and I don't have time to go buy one. They actually give you plastic bags to wrap them up in? Is this all airlines? I was going to use the box since I figured it would protect it best since it was shipped to us in it and I won't need it afterwards. The seat hasn't been used yet but I've taken it out and examined it, read the manual, etc.

[DCJenn]

Oh yeah- they have HUGE bags that can fit just about anything in it- and they'll put a baggage tag on it an away it goes! Delivered to you w/ the luggage- some airports have a section for oversized bags- skis, golf clubs, etc and they'll deliver the car seats there.

J.

[Momo]

what DCJEnn said. I did both of ours that way when we moved out here.

[alison]

We checked in dd's car seat like that (airport plastic bag) and the handle broke. It was an infant seat. It wasn't a huge deal, bc we were no longer using the handle to transport her.

I'd bring it in the box and then if they say no, then put it in a bag.

Just my one negative experience!

[ides]

Thanks. I am a little worried about it getting damaged. I decided to bring it in the box and I added some cushioning inside the box around the seat as well as taped the hell out of the box. I think it will be okay. At least we are leaving early so if there is an issue we will have time to tear it out and put some of the stuffing into my suitecase (some sheets I was bringing) and toss the rest (plastic air filled packing bags).

[DCJenn]

Truly, I've never had a problem- and that includes flying to Russia w/ a stroller/car seat.

J.