Originally Posted by
GBeckman
JMHO, but I would NOT check the carseat unless you have no other choice. By doing so, you run the risk of the airline losing your luggage, and suddenly you have to find a rental seat or borrow one from the airline at your destination, which I definitely would not want to do. Who knows what kind of seat you may end up with or what shape it may be in? Not to mention the hassle of the ordeal! Of course, there is still the possibility that your seat could get lost/damaged by gate checking, but I think the likelihood is significantly less. Keep your seat with you as long as you can, and if your flight isn't full, you may even be able to take it on board with you.
This is a good point. We had to check [booster] seats when we took the
older kids (ages 3 and 7) on an international trip a couple of years ago,
but I was willing to do a short drive (to go get replacements) without them
if necessary. As for the infant seat referenced above, we were en route
to my parents' house, and they have some seats too, though it would have
been less convenient for them to have to meet us instead of us taking a
cab which we'd planned.
I guess I multiplied risk by outcome and decided that the known PITA of
carrying the seat all the way to the gate with three kids, outweighed what
might have happened with lost luggage. But your point is a good one
nonetheless.
--LG