Another data point on this. R/T IAD-ORD. On the IAD->ORD leg I was able to gate check a carseat without any fuss. On the return, the GA started by refusing to gate check the car seat, stating UA's policy was strollers only. "You don't need it when you get to the gate." This is true, but I had no other checked baggage and if something happened to the car seat we would be stuck at the airport. I asked the GA to look at my boarding pass again - I'm 1K and traveling in first. He then agreed to do it "I'm NOT doing this because you're 1K, I'm doing it because you're in first. But you should know this is against United's policy."

I see UA's perspective on this, but it's still too much risk. I have a good friend who had their car seat lost by UA. He had to leave his wife and kids behind and go buy a new seat and then come back to the airport to pick them up. UA wouldn't compensate him, because they eventually found the mission seat and delivered it to him. Then he ended up with an extra seat at his destination, and had to carry both of them back with him on his return.

I think UA should reconsider this policy. Missing luggage can be dealt with. A device that you need for safety immediately upon your arrival should be allowed to be gate checked.

A