Originally Posted by
ILovetheReds
If your bag gets gate checked it will be treated as though you checked it at the gate. It will end up on the baggage claim belt at IND not MDW. That is probably what will happen if they gate check a car seat as well since you wouldn't have any use for the item during a layover unlike a wheelchair or stroller.
Definitely not true regarding the car seat. The gate agent will ask you where you want to to claim it. Just request at the gate at MDW. They will print a bag tag with MDW and stick one of those yellow "claim at gate" tags on it. I have done this many times recently (because I use the seat to transport the child at the connecting airport since I have those wheels you can attach).
Also, if there are empty seats on the flight, you can use the car seat on the aircraft for the infant instead of gate checking it.
My advice is to ask the GA about empty seats before boarding starts and get the gate check done then if needed. It takes them a little while to process, so if you try when you board, you'll get pulled out of line and end up boarding much later than your number.