Car seats - do they count as a checked bag

[ITRADE]

I've heard that they're considered assistive devices and that car seats checked in at the front counter do not count towards the first or second checked bag fees. This question relates to a passenger who is NOT an infant and is ticketed as a regular passenger.

Can I get a confirm on this?

Thanks

 

[flybynite]

Child car seats are not included in the carry-on count.
Bring it with you to the gate. Use it on the plane if it's approved for aircraft use. Should you decide not to use it....and I would encourage you to....we'll gate/valet check it. At no charge.

As far as I know, we don't charge a fee to check them at the front counter. There is no indication on our web site that we'd charge a fee if checked.

 

[UPNAWAY]

According to the US Airlines web site you get one "extra" item at they gate per baby/toddler that can be a stroller or a car seat. My sister-in-law had 2 car seats and 1 stoller she planed on checking 1 car seat and one stroller at the ticket counter. That would have cost here $30. instead she can take it all through security and let them gate check the stroller and 1 car seat and carrry on the other. But if she would have just checked them for convience like in the past they would have cost.

 

[ITRADE]

Not sure if its approved for airplane use, but the plan was to check it at the counter up front...

 

[flybynite]

Don't forget the child is ticketed and is allowed 1 plus 1 small item carry-on too.

 

[BoeingBoy]

but the plan was to check it at the counter up front...

I wouldn't be surprised that it counts as a checked bag then. Personal assistive devices are exempt from the carry on limit but I can't find anywhere that says they're exempted from checked bag fees. I'd gate check it instead of checking it at the ticket counter.

Jim

 

[tadjr]

You can check a car seat or stroller at the counter without charge. You must have an agent check it for you though. If you add it to your bag count on the kiosk it will charge since it cant distinguish the difference between a bag or car seat. Check your bags and then when the agent comes to tag them tell them you also have a car seat you need to check if you want to get rid of it. Or you can take it to the gate to check and claim in the jetway at the destination.
Also, not sure if you're still Preferred, but Star Gold and higher get 3 bags to check free too. If you still are Star Gold, you can check it on the kiosk if it doesnt exceed your 3 bags and be done with it and not have to have an agent do it separate for you.

 

[ITRADE]

Thanks tadjr. The agent at DCA confirmed that no charge for car seat. She did ask when I purchased the ticket as the system was conflicted. Apparently since it was a BoA cert, the ticket cleared on July 9, but the ticket was acquired on July 6, so the July 6 date was applied.

 

[Phoenix]

Child car seats are not included in the carry-on count.
...

Another brilliant move by the castle.. missing this very important revenue stream. 🙄 Charging for car seats could save the airline from another bankruptcy.. or at least allow management to increase their golden parachute.. and maintain their esteemed reputation.