WestJet Rewards - Baby Seat Policy

I'm planning to travel to Florida with West Jet via YYZ in April. We'll be taking a 6 month old as lap baby. I know you can't use the baby seat on the plane, if the seat isn't purchased.

But what does WJ do with the seat? Some airlines treat it as carry-on in the overhead others keep it upfront near the stewardess area. I'd like to avoid checking it in at all costs (gate-check included).

You will have no option before you board the plane but to gate check the car seat. They will not bring it in the plane as the overhead compartment won't be big enough. Even if the seat beside you will be empty, you will not be able to bring the car seat in to use it there unless you had paid for it. Question though, why are you so hesitant to gate check the car seat?

If you're concerned about the seat getting dusty or dirty, lots of guests ask the customer service agent to wrap it up in a large see through plastic bag to help protect it. You could also do the same. There is nowhere on a B737 to place it in the cabin unless you do purchase a seat for it (although it doesn't hurt to ask the customer service agent in your originating city AT CHECIN IN ONLY if there's the possibility of using it in the cabin for your domestic flight to YYZ only free of charge, IF there's room in the cabin and guest relocations don't have to take place as the seat has to placed only on a window seat).

Thanks for the help. The baby seat in question is actually a infant carrier, so with the handle folded they tend be the same size as a carry-on.

Regardless I know the 737 are a smaller plane. I prefer not to gate check since the last time the seat came out pretty damp and dusty on landing. Plus the baggage handlers tend to bang them up pretty well.

Might just rent one from Hertz when I get down there.

Might just rent one from Hertz when I get down there.

Odds are it will be in worse shape than one you bring with you! I wouldn't trust a car rental seat - they may have been in an accident and you would have no idea.

I'd "risk" the bagsmashers taking care of it if it's wrapped in a plastic bag - you can even put "fragile" stickers on it.

The general rule to use the seat on board is direct domestic flights only with no connections based on seat availability which will be determined at the gate. Other than that the car seat will be gate checked. The CSA would even gladly provide you with a bag to put the seat in. But as always, check with the CSA when checking in, keep in mind that you may not have an infant in an unpaid car seat if you are traveling to the US. Do ask if there is a possibility that the agent can block the middle seat so it won't be available to web or kiosk check-in.