Recaro performance booster and airline mishandling

Hello....I recently posted here for advice on upgrading to booster seats for my husband's car. We just purchased 2 brand new Recaro performance boosters. I think it may have been on this website where I also read to keep box for airline transport. This was our first time flying with both kids, and we kept boosters brand new for trip. The airport representative checking our bags made us collapse box and just use their clear bags.

Both seats now are completely beat up. There are holes in fabric and most importantly, the seat flops straight open when carried. Is the recaro booster supposed to do that when working safely? The airline also lost a bag (being recovered) and the baggage representative said we should not have been told to destroy our boxes. I think we may be able to make a claim for new seats.

However, if seat is supposed to flop open flat & we didn't notice because it is brand new seat to us, that the damage may be more cosmetic. Is a booster seat under same rules as infant seat in terms of being banged around causing it to be less safe?

I would love any wisdom before pursing this issue with the airline. I have my original receipt as the seats are literally just a week old. I haven't even registered them yet, as we removed from boxes before driving to airport. Thank you!

If there is visible damage to the seats they need to be replaced. A Recaro booster shouldn't flop like that.

Unfortunately, this is a risk when checking seats. It is usually better to carry on a backless for booster aged kids instead.

I hope your claim works out.

Hi there.

Recaro has complicated crash replacement policies, so you'd have to call them to know if they're concerned or not.

The seat flopping back is not abnormal. Many boosters do it, and Recaro states in the manual to make sure you don't use the seat as a backless, since a lot of people see that happen, remove the back, and use it as a backless booster.

Another option for you for travel would be to remove the backs from the bottoms, and store them overhead, puzzled as best as you can in the overhead bin. That way they're never out of your sight and you don't have to worry about them (I use a folding high back booster for travel that goes in the overhead bin, in the past I've also used a backless booster stored overhead).

Wendy

thank you both for your replies! I thought it would be good for new seats checking them because we were planning to use original boxes for flight, but vetoed by the gate agent. The baggage claim person from the same airline said the box was perfect idea, and that the agent should have allowed it. It was our first time flying with both kids & we didn't put up a fuss when told to collapse the boxes and use there bags (my lettuce gets more protection at the grocery store).

I will call recaro tomorrow and see what they say about safety of seat now holding flat rather than seated position. I will likely pursue the claim and consider it a lesson learned about air travel. My older child is definitely old enough for a backless option. However, he is extremely squirmey & enjoys the headrest and cup holders despite his small, 9 year old age. My 7 year old is off the charts small & not yet 40 pounds. I thought we would be OK with boosters in original, new packaging, but I will replace hers out of pocket if necessary. .

Thank you again!

Thank you again for your time!