​How to gate check a car seat and stroller when traveling with kids

Family travel can be exceedingly rewarding. However, when you have to tow car seats and strollers through various airports around the world, the entire process can seem overpowering. Unfortunately, when traveling with little ones, car seats and strollers cannot be avoided. Even if you have a beastly stroller, don’t be fooled into leaving yours at home. 

If you have not done it before, however, you may not necessarily know what to do. To look like a pro here is how to gate check a car seat and stroller when traveling with kids:

Get a tag for your gear
All gear, whether car seats or strollers, must have a tag for their final destination. Tags are usually given and written by gate agents and are typically looped on whatever gear you have. Alternatively, you can also check your gear with your other luggage but ensure to wrap it with protective covering for
safety.

Get your stroller through security
You will have to check your gear through security’s X-ray screening
machines. Some airports designate certain queues for families with
children and gear so be sure to call your airport ahead of time to find
out.

Check your stroller at the gate
Arrive at the gate early so that you can board your stroller or get any
assistance you might need. Once your equipment is tagged properly and
your group is called to board ensure that you drop off your equipment at
the bottom of the jetway where the loading crew can access it easily.

Stow away your car seat or stroller
If your flight is not full, you may get the opportunity to carry your
stroller on board, which you can store in the overhead compartment. If
you purchased a ticket for your baby, you can install the car seat on
the plane but ensure to ask help from the flight attendant to ensure it
is done correctly.

Connecting flights
As long as your stroller or car seat is tagged properly, it will be dropped off
after boarding your connecting flight where it will be retagged at your
next gate with the correct information.

Baggage claim
At the end of your flight, your stroller (that you checked at the beginning) should be out with the rest of your luggage.

Smart tips for flying with a baby

Like everything else that you do whenever babies are involved, traveling with a child requires a little of foresight and planning to get it right. Traveling with your baby in tow can be a particularly good bonding experience for both mummy and baby. However, sometimes shifting your child and all the gear that comes with baby travel can be more difficult than it needs to be.

The good news is that the more that you travel, the better you will get, so don’t give up just yet even if you have had bad experiences in the past. To help you out, here are smart tips for flying with a baby:

Book your flights in the morning if you can
Mornings are usually great for babies so if you can, try and book your flight for very early in the morning. Not only will morning flights be priced lower, you will also have fewer lines to deal with, which will make the process more straightforward.

Ask if the flight is full first before buying a seat
Do not buy a seat for your baby until you make sure that your flight is full. Often times, you might discover an empty seat that you can use free of charge. If you are traveling during peak season, you may have to pay for a seat that will allow you to install your car seat and ensure that your baby is buckled in safely.

Pick aisle and window seats
If your baby is still an infant, which means that you will have to carry him or her in your arms throughout, pay for aisle and window seats. People generally tend to stay away from middle seats because they are restrictive and uncomfortable. If you are traveling with a partner, you can travel in the aisle and window seat, which might leave the middle one empty for your seat or carrier.

Avoid the last row
Avoid picking seats in the last row as you may be trapped if the person sitting in front of you reclines their seat. This can be uncomfortable if you flying for a long distance or if you are carrying your child in your arms. The same logic can be applied to seats at the front of an exiting row.

Pick a window seat
If you are still breastfeeding, pick a window seat that will give you privacy during breastfeeding. Windows are also great for distracting older kids, which will give you a chance to decompress and relax.