how do i take a car seat on a plane?

[wildpatch]

no baby, as it's a present. i thought mothercare would deliver it in a box. but the box it came in is too big, andit was rattleing around itn it. didnt seem tohave any packaging of its own, except a plasitc bag.
so how do i tak eit ?

You can get it checked in and tagged and then you take it to outsize baggage where they put it in the hold. It's actually surprisingly easy (for a change!)

but wont the plastic bag get torn, and damage the car seat?
should i wrap it in layers of bubble wrap?

we took our buggy on holiday
no wrapping - got put in the hold (was collected at the plane steps)
no damage at all

Yes, I think you should take the plastic off and let it travel as it is. I have taken my car seat on the plane about 5 or 6 times and it has never been damaged. Should be fine

Can you not take it in the box as oversized luggage. As you have no baby with you you may have to include it in your own luggage allowance or be prepared to pay more.

Hulabay is right, if you are not actually travelling with a baby/child it is very likely to be considered part of your own luggage allowance. Which means if you are travelling with BA, who now only allow one oiece of hold luggage, you have a problem. Check with the airline.

called ba today.
they say i am only allowed one piece of baggage. and the safest option is to find a bag big enough to put it into. it didnt come with a box. so that's not an option.
i can always take clothesf or myself in hand luggage as i have a suitcase considered small enough for hand luggage, but i wont be able to have a purse as well.
do they WANT people to pack bigger suitcases?
i have barely anything i need to take with me. a couple of bras and knickers. thats about it. no clothes, not even a toothbrush! but i have to take this sodding big bag just to accomodate their one piece of luggage allowance.

That is rubbish. Perhaps you could make up an imaginary baby that's travelling with you! Take a small doll in a sling and pretend it's a newborn.

Joking aside, that is crap, I'm sorry for you. Will they let you pay a bit extra for more baggage allowance, like they do when bags are overweight?

panickypatch

Think you're stuffed with regards to the car seat tbh with you. You're likely to end up paying dearly to transport it.

BA have become very strict when it comes to baggage weights. These rules came into effect at the end of September.

Where are you flying to?. The destination is important as if you are for instance flying long haul BA can charge up to £120.00 for excess baggage!. Their minimum charge is £30 as it is. Only one suitcase weighing 23kg max is allowed in economy class and restrictions re the amount of hand luggage also apply (one bag per pax). That is not BA's fault though.

Can you take it back to Mothercare and get a refund then actually buy one as a gift in the country you are going to IYSWIM?