Graco snugride 40 click connect on Southwest

[Morey24]

Hi,

I will be flying Southwest and the only car seat I have is the Graco snugride 40 click connect. Their website does not recommend a car seat wider then 16 in and I believe the snugride 40 is about 17.5 inches. My son is 8 weeks and 9 1/2 pounds. Has anyone used this particular car seat? Would I be able to gate check the stroller as well that accompanies the click connect car seat? Thank you in advance.

[aeormsby]

You may need to raise the armrest, but the seat should fit fine. We used to fly with our Britax Marathons and they were at least 18" wide.

Yes to gate checking the stroller also, get a gate check tag when you get to the gate.

I'd practice installing the seat baseless before your trip, it should be very easy on the plane with the buckle above the seat and just pulling the tail to tighten. But knowing how to get it tight in the vehicle at your destination will be helpful (assuming you won't be taking the base with to use at your destination). Also, know where the sticker is on the side of the seat (and in the manual) stating that it's approved by the FAA, usually they don't ask but it did happen a couple of times. Also having the manual showing that the seat must be installed RF in case you get a flight attendant who thinks it would be better to FF (although with a LO that young hopefully they won't even bother you about that).

ETA - also, the carseat must be installed in the window seat so that it doesn't block anyone from exiting in an emergency. If you look through some of the other posts here you'll find more good advice about traveling with babies & carseats and an FAA print out that can be handy to bring with (I never took it but it has the statement about allowing carseats to be installed RF. The one time I was questioned about installing a seat RF I just said that's the way she rides in the car and they didn't say anything else).