Should you gate check a car seat?

If the flight winds up being full, you can gate-check the seat. DO gate-check the carseat if it's not possible to bring it on board and use it for your child. Items that are gate-checked have less opportunity to be mishandled and are much less likely to be missing when you land.



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You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.

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Gate checking can help protect your stroller when flying. But there are other benefits to pushing your stroller through the airport. It makes navigating to your gate easier if your little one is secure. Just make sure to let them burn off some energy before boarding if you want your toddler to sleep on the plane.

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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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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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Strollers can be checked at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the ticket counter. A stroller may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit. This is based on space availability; space guaranteed only with the purchase of a ticket for the infant).

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There are two main reasons why flight attendants pester people to keep those seats up—to keep injuries to a minimum during a crash and to clear the maximum amount of space for a quick exit. The science is pretty basic, as explained by Brian Manning, a flight attendant for Mesa Airlines.

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Ask the gate agent for help. If your flight isn't completely full, the gate agent may be able to make last-minute adjustments to the seating chart to allow you and your companion to sit next to one another.

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If you're traveling with a 2-year-old, they do need their own seat on the plane. Once you're on board, you can certainly hold your toddler on your lap if needed.

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Children aged between 6 months and 2 years must sit on an adult's lap, unless a seat is purchased. In this case, a car seat may be used if necessary.

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