Yikes! My wife is taking our 7mo old on his first plane trip to see his grandma this weekend.

She's planning to take the entire 'travel system'. That is, the big stroller along with the infant carrier, as well as a car base. It's a Graco Quattro Pro Snugride something or other.

She's hoping to gate check both the carrier and stroller but is not sure if Southwest will let her.

I'm concerned about the whole idea:
1. is she going to be hassled at some point?
2. is the stroller going to be damaged (or the infant carrier if she can't gate check it)?

Is this a bad idea? Suggestions?