Car seat travel bag - necessary or not?

[gizmosmama]

I'm flying (domestic) with LO next week and taking the car seat (Maxi-cosi Pebble). I'm concerned about it getting thrown about in the hold. Is it worth getting a travel bag for it? I've found a Diono one for £18 but it's just a thick bag, not padded or anything. Can anyone who has been there, done that reassure or recommend please?

Surely they secure the stuff in the hold?

I've always wondered this.

BumpAndGrind I would have thought so but you see the way they throw the suitcases sometimes!

Has anyone had a car seat come out damaged? Or has anyone flown loads with theirs and never had a scratch?

We have flown a million times with car seats and never had them in a bag. They do get bashed about a bit, but unless you buy a hardcover a bag will not prevent any damage. Our have always come out fine.

We always get them security wrapped at the airport - this seems to keep them relatively undamaged, clean and dry