car seat/buggy on plane - what is the done thing?

[WibblyPigRocks]

Car seat is a light one, buggy is more of a stroller bought just for travel - but how does this work in the airport? When do I have to check them in? Do they count as part of my bags' weight?

The car seat is checked in but you can keep the buggy with you untill you get on the plane, you then just fold it down and give it to a baggage handler who will put it in the hold.

Buggy's don't count as part of your weight allowance and most 'normal' airlines let you take the car seat for free as well - you might have problems with Ryanair though as they might charge you for an extra peice of luggage - they didn't with mine but that was over a year ago. Who are you flying with?

check one, take the other to the door of the plane, don't usually check, though some low cost airlines will only let you take ONE item for each child. Easyjet also state one item, but I managed to take both and wasn't charged.

We are flying with Thomas Cook.

I'll double check with them, but thanks for advice. I'm so excited but also nervous!!

WibblyPigRocks - what pushchair are you taking? I am really worried that my Maclaren is too big.

We take our MacLaren on planes, up to the gate as a pp suggested, and it's always one of many!

It won't be too big...

We took two car seats with us - no, we didn't check them in as luggage - we brought them ionto the cabin and the DC sat in them on their seats IYSWIM. We checked with the airline first and then confirmed the day before that it would be ok. It was good - gave the kids extra height.

Best thing was, as we were emigrating, that we got to bring our car seats over free, rather than paying for them to be shipped, or paying excess baggage. Would be useful too if you are hiring a car at the other end.

Buggy - you can take it right up to the gate, then the flight attendants will take it for you and give it back when plane lands. Doesn'ty count as luggage allowence, but do always check first.