$100 to check a car seat on United?!

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NatesMamma

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #1

Am I figuring this right??

We're planning to check our spare seat (a TFP) and use CARES for DS on the plane. The TFP is going to remain at Grandma's house at our destination in order to prevent us from having to constantly fly with 2 carseats. The TFP is going to go on the plane in a sturdy packing box. I do realize there's a risk of the seat not getting to our destination at the same time we do, but we'll have a relative grab something inexpensive from Walmart and meet us at the airport if that happens.

Now... I'm checking United's website and see that carseats ship free, BUT all oversize/overweight fees apply. Oversize baggage is anything in excess of 62 linear inches, and the box we have is 71 linear inches. So this means we'd have to pay $100 (the oversize fee) in order to check this seat?

WWYD? Pretty sure we can't even use the beastly TFP on the plane-- it would never fit width-wise, right?

 

Brianna

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #2

Can you pack the headrest in your luggage and cut the box down?

 

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NatesMamma

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #3

Well, duh- I never even thought to cut the box down... That might work! I know the box is a little big, not sure by how much. Thanks.

 

1mommy

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #4

Could you gate check it with the box? I don't think they charge you anything on oversized gate checked items?

 

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NatesMamma

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #5

Maybe, but I'm getting twitchy thinking about making it through 3 airports with two kids, our carry-ons, DD's CCO, and a heavy, beastly box!!

 

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NatesMamma

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #6

Frick. Measuring quickly, it looks like 67" is the smallest I can cut down the box and still fit the seat inside. And that's w/o the headrest.

 

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NatesMamma

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #7

Maybe cutting down the box, using a hand truck, and gate checking is our only reasonable option? :scratcheshead::thumbsdown:

 

1mommy

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #8

Check out UPS Rates? Have your relative buy a cheapo seat but long lasting at the store (like a sureride on sale?) or just a scenera if your kid would fit?

 

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NatesMamma

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #9

Well, poo. I'm not really seeing any way around lugging the TFP through the airports. I really want to take it with us, and I'm not going to pay $100 and risk its not arriving at our destination on time.

Hopefully I can get it to bungee securely on our luggage cart, and then I'll use it on the plane. Looking at some old posts, it *should* fit FF on the plane. CARES will go into luggage to be used on the return trip. Bummer. I HATE flying with 2 car seats. Hopefully this will be the last time we need to do that!

Thanks again for the suggestions!

 

rachelandtyke

Well-known member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #10

We've flown with our TF and haven't had any problems with it fitting - I don't think it takes up less room than the TFP when ffing.

 

Qarin

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #11

I strongly suspect they would not charge you the oversized baggage fee (as long as the car seat is the ONLY thing packed in that box- they really don't like seeing people claiming a free checked car seat and packing it with a bunch clothing and stuff), but really, I think using it in flight is the safest plan all around, even though it's not fun.

 

hkllgg

New member

• Jul 31, 2013

• #12

When are you going? I would just ship it UPS to wherever, and have them bring it to the airport. Thats what we do with golf clubs, lol. MUCH cheaper.

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Aug 1, 2013

• #13

I would use it on the plane.