having to check carseat when flying?

this week we are off to visit FIL in florida and he bought us tickets (but not one for DS ) so we wont be using a car seat on plane but will need it for the car after. How do you suggest wrapping the car seat up so it doesnt get damaged when checked?

TIA

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

If you can, just carry it with you through the airport and gate-check it when you board the plane. I've done that several times with strollers and car seats and they are right there when you get off, never had an issue.

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

thanks! has jet blue let you do this?

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

We flew Delta over the winter to Utah and since it wasn't a packed flight they gave us a seat for DS and I brought the car seat on the plane with us. If we didn't have the seat it would have been gate checked. We purchased a car seat travel bag at BRU for like $25 adn were going to use that but got lucky both ways and got a seat for DS and his car seat. Maybe call ahead and see if it is an option.

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

We just flew to Fla. via Jet Blue a couple of weeks ago. We "gate checked" the carseat and full size stroller. It was great. We took it right to the gate. When we got off the plane they were waiting for us at the door!! The only thing I recommend is that you put the carseat in a bag. They sell them at BRU and BBB. Thank goodness we did because the bag had black grease like marks on it. Better on the bag than on the stroller or carseat. Have a good time!!

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

Re: having to check carseat when flying?

We bought gate check bags from BRU for our carseat and stroller.

We checked our carseat with our luggage though (for free) because we didn't want to lug an extra thing through the airport (we had large carry ons since we were taking a 5 hr flight).