Can You Gate Check a Car Seat? Essential Flying Advice
Key Takeaways
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Gate checking means that you keep your item with you in the airport through security and all the way to the gate. At the gate counter, you’ll be given a tag that you’ll attach to your item and leave on the jet bridge just before you enter the plane.
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Gate checked items are picked up in the same place upon arrival, on the jet bridge just outside the plane’s doorway.
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Gate checking is offered at no cost by all airlines for car seats and strollers.
When it comes to airline travel with little ones, it can all feel a little overwhelming to navigate. After all, babies come with a lot of gear so choosing what to take and what to leave at home can be super stressful. And then, of course, whatever you do take has to be schlepped through the airport … and you’re a parent, not a pack mule.
One of the biggest questions revolves around the car seat. You’ll almost assuredly need one, regardless of your destination, but you’ll also want to make sure it arrives undamaged.
Booking your baby their own ticket and using the car seat on board is an obvious solution, but there’s another option, too. Gate checking items like car seats and strollers can be a great option for parents looking to streamline the travel process.
What You Need to Know About Gate Checking a Car Seat
So, what is gate checking? Gate checking is a service airlines provide allowing you to stow items in the cargo area under the plane with the rest of the checked luggage.
Except, instead of checking your item at the ticket counter just inside the airport entrance, you check it on the jet bridge just before entering the plane itself.
For parents who utilize a car seat as part of a travel system with their stroller, this allows you to use your stroller through security and the concourse, stow it for the plane ride, then have it returned to you as soon as you disembark at your destination.
Is Gate Checking Allowed?
All airlines allow some form of gate checking. Parents can typically gate check a car seat and one stroller per child at no cost.
You’ll want to check with your airline carrier for specific guidelines; some have a weight limit on strollers that can be gate checked, requiring them to be checked at the ticketing counter instead.
Any items that are gate checked are returned to you in the same place you drop them off. This means that, rather than having to go all the way to the baggage claim area upon arrival, your car seat and/or stroller are waiting for you on the jet bridge as soon as you step off the plane itself.
What Are the Guidelines for Gate Checking a Car Seat?
Gate checking is a relatively simple process that remains fairly standard across all airlines. While you’ll want to check with your specific airline carrier to verify any unique requirements, the following guidelines can be broadly applied.
Stop at the Gate Counter to Tag Your Item
When you get to your departure gate, make sure to stop at the counter. The agent on duty will give you a tag to affix to any items you plan to gate check.
This helps the grounds crew identify gate checked items from regularly checked baggage, assuring that your items are waiting on the jet bridge for you upon your arrival.
Consider a Car Seat Travel Bag
A car seat travel bag protects your car seat from damage and debris during transport. They’re quick and easy to use, and given the amount of contact between a baby and their car seat, most parents prefer to use them.
Have Your Items Ready to Store At Drop Off
Strollers need to be collapsed and car seats in their travel bags (if you’re using one) when you leave them on the jet bridge.
If you’re going to be traveling solo with your baby, consider using a hands-free carrier like an Ergo or the Bjorn so you’re not overwhelmed at the drop point.
Pros and Cons of Gate Checking a Car Seat
If you’re trying to determine if gate checking your car seat is right for you, it can be helpful to weight the pros and cons against your unique needs and situation. Factors like budget, if you’re traveling solo, and how much luggage you are transporting in general can all play a role.
Pros
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You have your car seat and stroller until the last possible minute before boarding and at the first possible opportunity upon disembarking, making it easier to travel through the airport itself.
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Gate checking can help you avoid damage during transit over checking your items at the ticketing counter.
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Traveling with a lap child saves the cost of an extra ticket, making it a more budget friendly option.
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The process is free for baby gear and fairly consistent across all airlines, simplifying the experience.
Cons
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Airline and child safety experts agree that using an FAA approved car seat in its own airplane seat is the safest way for children to fly.
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If you’re traveling solo, tagging all of your gear and having it collapsed and ready for storage at the gate while also managing your carry-on items and baby can be stressful.
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Gate checked items are still stored in the cargo area of the plane, meaning items could get damaged or lost in transit.
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Depending on how busy the ground crew is upon landing, you may have to wait on the jet bridge for your items to be brought up to you.
Alternatives for Gate Checking a Car Seat
If you don’t want to gate check your car seat, there are a few other options available to you. You can use your car seat on board the plane, you can check your car seat in at the ticket counter, or you can choose to rent a car seat at your destination.
You Can Use Your Car Seat On Board
Experts agree that the safest option is to have your child in their own seat in an FAA approved car seat.
You’ll need to purchase a ticket to guarantee a seat (check with your airline for child fares) if you plan to utilize this option.
Some airlines will allow you to use your car seat in an open seat if the flight isn’t full, but that will depend on availability.
You Can Check Your Car Seat at the Ticket Counter
If you know you want to bring your car seat, but you don’t want to have to tote it all the way to the gate, you can check it in at the ticket counter before you pass through security.
You’ll want to secure the car seat in a travel bag if you choose this option so that it’s less likely to be damaged in transit.
With a ticket counter check in, you’ll collect your car seat at the baggage claim with all other checked luggage.
You Can Rent a Car Seat for Use at Your Destination
If you don’t want to bring your car seat at all, you could choose to rent a car seat at your destination.
Most rental car companies offer this add-on for a fee and some cities even offer Ubers with car seats available.
Keep in mind that this may result in using a car seat that you’re unfamiliar with, so there may be a learning curve on correct installation and usage that you’ll need to plan for.
Fly Safely with Your Children with Orbit Baby
Orbit Baby understands how to simplify air travel for parents of little ones. Our car seat is FAA approved for use on all airlines and installs easily with the seatbelt.
If you prefer to gate check, our travel bag is a necessary accessory to keep your car seat protected from damage or debris during travel. Whether you choose to gate check your car seat or use it on board, Orbit Baby makes a great travel partner.
