So an update on the car seat situation. Had 2 diametrically opposed experiences.

We showed up wanting a plastic bag for the car seat. The CLT counter people were awful. Completely indifferent, disinterested & short. Not exactly rude, but clearly could not have cared less & made no effort to hide it. Didn't try to explain anything, make a recommendation for the future, etc. Them not having bags anymore was secondary to their unsympathetic attitude at this point. They did let us check the car seat, but as the face of the airline they would never draw any empathy from me. They tossed the seat in a tub & dispatched us.

The counter crew at AVP were nothing but pure all-stars. Very engaging, outgoing, friendly, & they went down to the United counter to borrow a bag for the car seat, and were genuinely happy to do so. They mentioned something about them always working well with *A partners. There were plenty of pax checking in & they were busy, but still their attitude rocked & made the CLT counter personnel look embarrassing.

Big thanks to everyone who responded.