Are airlines responsible for damaged car seats?

Airlines are technically not responsible for damage to checked car seats (or strollers either) under their contracts of carriage. This is why it is so important not to fly with expensive baby gear! As with many things in air travel, however, employees do have some flexibility to address grievances.



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If it is damaged, let the airline know. If you aren't satisfied with the outcome from the baggage claim office in the airport, I would also write a letter to the airline and let them know what happened. Don't hold your breath, but you may at least get a voucher toward a future flight for the inconvenience.

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The quick answer is: we don't recommend checking your car seat. The likelihood of damage is very high regardless of how you package it not to mention in most airline fine print, they aren't responsible for damage! Your best options for traveling with little ones is to bring the car seat with you on the plan.

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Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection division.

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When a passenger is injured in-flight, the airline is usually liable. Additionally, when an airline employee was in some way negligent and a passenger was injured as a result, then the airline may be liable.

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What are airlines' responsibilities when they damage your baggage? Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control during transportation (subject to maximum limits on liabilities).

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American Airlines Each ticketed customer is allowed one stroller and one car seat to be checked free of charge. However, if you have one stroller and one car seat, only one of them can be gate checked. Strollers over 20 lbs must be checked at the ticket counter.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers. If your flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

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In the United States, airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled. Compensation is required by U.S. law only when certain passengers are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold.

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According to the DOT, airlines are not required to provide money or other compensation when flights get delayed, regardless of how late they are. However, when a “significant delay” takes place, passengers may receive refunds for seat selection fees or checked baggage fees.

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Besides suing in small claims court you can also file a complaint against an airline with the DOT. The DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (ACPD) reviews and responds to consumer complaints against airlines.

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Generally, yes you can sue an airline in small claims court. The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”), which is a federal agency that regulates airlines operating in the U.S, even publishes a Consumer's Guide to Small Claims Court.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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Flight attendants check that seatbelts are fastened the old fashioned way - by looking and confirming each passenger has correctly fastened them. There is no indicator anywhere around each seat which indicates as such.

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