Does it cost extra to check a car seat?

Question

My husband, my 2 month old son and I are traveling to Alaska next week. We did not purchase a third seat as my child is considered a "lap child". However, we are going to need his car seat for the rental car when we reach our destination.

My question is this, is a car seat considered "extra luggage" when checked? As in, if both my husband and I bring one piece of checked luggage do we have to pay the extra fee for checking the car seat as well? I have heard that air lines make exceptions with the checked luggage policy for car seats, but I don't know. I looked at the airline's website (North Western Airlines) and they weren't really clear on this.

If not we will just use one suitcase and check the car seat in lieu of the other one, but we would like to avoid this.

Answer 1

I would actually take the carseat with you to the gate.  A few things could happen:

1.  There may be an empty seat near you and you can put the carseat in it for no charge and use it if you'd like for your child

2.  They will gate check the carseat, along with a stroller, meaning you drop it off as you board the plane and it's waiting for you there when you get off.  Traditionally airlines don't charge for gate-checked items like carseats and strollers.  That may be changing now, but haven't seen NW airlines charging for bags yet, so I bet they won't charge for that.

If you do decide to check it as regular baggage, it usually counts as part of your baggage allowance and you'd be charged if it is over your allowed pieces.

Answer 2

Wehad this same issue when my daughter was a month old last year. We used air tran, and were allowed 2 checked bags each. Not sure what airline you're using, but check the website and see how many bags.

And also, those guys loading and unloading the planes are pretty rough with the baggage. We bought a ziplock BIG BAG. For an XXL bag, it was about $5 at Target, and the ENTIRE car seat fit into it. Nothing was lost or broken.

Answer 3

see what department stores are avaiable in alasks... might be cheaper to puchase a cheaper car seat while there.  Or call the local hopstial.  I know our hospital will rent them to you.  how this helps.  Yes i believe a car seat will be considered luggage...\\