Taking a car seat on a plane

(To take them by hand you need to have a kid in it!)

Nope nope nope.
Its okay if you are taking them in the cabin (you can with some kinds) but if you check it in you could ruin the shock absorption without ever knowing as it may still look externally fine.

We took 2 with us when we went to Majorca -cheaper than hiring them. My son wrappped one in black plastic bags, but the other one went uncovered, both were fine, there and back and were used for a considerable period after we came home. Go for it!

My problem would still be that there might be unseen damage done to the seat, this might only come to light in an accident.

Thanks for all the replies. The parents have decided it's worth a try and they are prepared to pay any extra baggage fee so I'll probably take it with me.

They are free if you have an infant, not sure if you will face a charge on your own.

Have never had a problem with putting one through with buggy and cases.

May well be a charge if just luggage - with no infant checked in.

Yes, several times and just last month. Never had any issues and not been charged.

I wouldn't do it, not if you think about the way they throw things around. You wouldn't necessarily know if it was damaged as such damage wouldn't show. Charity shops won't take them, not even unused ones, because you cannot see if they have been damaged.

Think my daughter took a car seat short haul a few years ago, it was ok, but there’s always a risk of damage I suppose. Not sure why you need to take a car seat, surely she has one. Not my business of course. Enjoy your trip.