What to do if the airline damages your car seat?

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.



If you discover your car seat is damaged upon arrival in 2026, you must file a "Property Irregularity Report" (PIR) at the airline's baggage service office before leaving the airport. This is a critical legal step; if you leave the terminal without a claim number, most airlines (especially low-cost carriers like EasyJet or Spirit) will summarily deny your claim, citing that the damage could have happened in your car or home. Take clear, high-resolution photos of the damage and the baggage tag still attached to the seat. Because car seats are safety devices, many manufacturers state that a seat is "crashed" and must be replaced if it has sustained a significant impact or structural cracks. Ask the airline for a "loaner" seat if you need one to drive home safely, though be aware these are often basic models. Under the Montreal Convention or domestic DOT rules, the airline is liable for the "fair market value" of the item. If they refuse to pay for a full replacement, check if your travel insurance or the credit card used to book the flight offers "Baggage Damage" protection to cover the gap.

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According to the US Government, they are but it's not always the case. It depends on the airline and its regulations. I highly recommend you before booking your flight checking the airline's policies.

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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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Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.

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For every baby or young child: you can take up to two of the following items free of charge - pushchair, travel cot, car seat. These items can all be taken to the boarding gate or aircraft door as appropriate.

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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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For domestic flights, if an airline damages your bags, the maximum an airline will be responsible for is $3,800.00. Airlines may pay more than the limit but are not required to do so. International flights are governed, for the most part, by a treaty called the Montreal Convention.

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Air travel isn't always fun. Things go wrong. And while you're unlikely to get compensated because a summer thunderstorm made your plane late, it's often worth complaining to the airlines and seeing what you can get for your travel inconveniences.

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