Check in car seat in original box
Oct 17, 2014, 4:02 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 66
Check in car seat in original box
I want to check in a Britax B-Safe infant car seat in the original box, will AS allow this? The box is huge, the dimension is 27.5 x 17.5 x 24.5 inches.
Alternatively, I can buy a cover but I've read that the car seat might not be safe after the rough handling from checking in.
Alternatively, I can buy a cover but I've read that the car seat might not be safe after the rough handling from checking in.
Oct 17, 2014, 5:02 pm
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2001
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Are you traveling with a child? If so, you can check it for free.
If not, I would expect to pay the $75 oversized bag fee.
If not, I would expect to pay the $75 oversized bag fee.
Oct 17, 2014, 8:22 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MFR
Programs: Alaska MVP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 714
Hmm, if that really works then from now on I'm packing in car seat boxes! 
But seriously, kids' car seats are tough. AS baggage handlers are very unlikely to harm them. I've checked ours "loose" many times and my kids are still kicking.
But seriously, kids' car seats are tough. AS baggage handlers are very unlikely to harm them. I've checked ours "loose" many times and my kids are still kicking.
Oct 18, 2014, 1:57 am
#4
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Every get off a plane in Orlando? People have trouble finding "their" car seat.
They put them in a big heavy plastic bag, no problems yet for our grandkids (but they usually have them sit in them on the plane because that's more comfortable for the smaller ones).
They put them in a big heavy plastic bag, no problems yet for our grandkids (but they usually have them sit in them on the plane because that's more comfortable for the smaller ones).
Oct 18, 2014, 3:26 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 66
I'm travelling with my 4 year old and 5 months lap infant. I'm gate-checking a stroller but I don't think I can handle another car seat with 2 little ones in tow, especially if I have to stuff the car seat into the bag. I read reviews of the car seat bags and it's really not easy to stuff an irregular shape item into an irregular shape bag.
Folks at the car seat forum seems to think that the car seats could be structurally damaged without external cracks because car seats are considered not usable after any accidents.
Folks at the car seat forum seems to think that the car seats could be structurally damaged without external cracks because car seats are considered not usable after any accidents.
Oct 18, 2014, 3:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 51
I'm travelling with my 4 year old and 5 months lap infant. I'm gate-checking a stroller but I don't think I can handle another car seat with 2 little ones in tow, especially if I have to stuff the car seat into the bag. I read reviews of the car seat bags and it's really not easy to stuff an irregular shape item into an irregular shape bag.
Folks at the car seat forum seems to think that the car seats could be structurally damaged without external cracks because car seats are considered not usable after any accidents.
Folks at the car seat forum seems to think that the car seats could be structurally damaged without external cracks because car seats are considered not usable after any accidents.
). If you try to bag them backwards it can be tough but if pay attention it's not bad. Take one kid out and have him sit in the car while you bag #1. Repeat. When seats are bagged then kids can get out. If you're lucky you'll find a cart nearby. Otherwise one bag on the back and one dragging on wheels. I suppose a car seat could get damaged, but I think people get carried away about it. Having a properly fitted and installed seat is the part people don't do correctly. Or, people buy a good seat and think about things like invisible damage but then put their kids in there with a winter coat on.
Oct 18, 2014, 4:23 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
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The agent puts the car seat into the bag for you.
But if they can see you are traveling with the child, maybe they would treat the boxed seat the same as the bagged seat, and not charge you?
But curious, how are you getting the child to the airport if not sitting in the seat?
But if they can see you are traveling with the child, maybe they would treat the boxed seat the same as the bagged seat, and not charge you?
But curious, how are you getting the child to the airport if not sitting in the seat?
Oct 20, 2014, 10:50 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AA 2MM, DL D360
Posts: 125
I used this bag: http://www.amazon.com/Childress-Ulti...t+bag+backpack
It is really nice - functions also as a backpack so you can lug them around hands-free. The other bonus is that they are big and sturdy enough that you can pack all sorts of other kid-related stuff in them like diapers, toys, etc.
I personally haven't ever worried about the potential for the carseats to get damaged during transit. I'm sure it could happen, but the risk that they'd be damaged beyond use is small. The manufacturer and all of the safety experts will warn against it (because they have to! imagine the liability if they didn't.) but seriously, I just don't think it's that much of an issue.
It is really nice - functions also as a backpack so you can lug them around hands-free. The other bonus is that they are big and sturdy enough that you can pack all sorts of other kid-related stuff in them like diapers, toys, etc.
I personally haven't ever worried about the potential for the carseats to get damaged during transit. I'm sure it could happen, but the risk that they'd be damaged beyond use is small. The manufacturer and all of the safety experts will warn against it (because they have to! imagine the liability if they didn't.) but seriously, I just don't think it's that much of an issue.