Gate Checking Stroller / Scottevest / CARES

[A388]

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker and second time poster Great site, great people, great advice!
I have three questions and thought I'd economically place them in the one thread. I hope that this is ok!

1. STROLLER
We're booked on Dec 19th to go SYD-MEL-LAX. I know that our bags will be checked through at SYD T3 to LAX. Checking in at T3 in October I overheard that QF doesn't gate check strollers at T3 and that the couple needed to take it to the bulky items belt. Is it possible to do this (check-in stroller and bags) in SYD and collect only the stroller at MEL for our four hour wait with Jnr A388 and gate check the stroller as normal, or is it difficult to have checked-in bags tagged through to LAX but stroller only to MEL? I hope that this question makes sense!


2. SCOTTEVEST
I've read lots of positive reviews on the Scottevest Travel Vest and was wondering if many of you have them here? With the AUD strength at the moment I am seriously thinking of buying one. I noticed one on the Australian ebay site for a good price at the moment as well (usually they only appear on the US site). Ordering from Australia would help with my patience issues as well, plus getting it through finance (Mrs A388

3. CARES Restraint
Jnr A388 is two and his previous three US/Canadian trips he has been able to utilise the basinettes. This year he has his own seat and I was contemplating getting the CARES restraint. QF now specifically mention it as pre-approved on their OS. Once again have any members here found it useful?

Thank you in advance for your help. I hope that I haven't asked too much!

 

[Princess Fiona]

I don't have any recent experience of strollers but in response to your questions I'll give you my opinion based on past experience.
1. I don't think you will be able to get a stroller checked separately thorough from SYD-MEL. I have been able to gate check a stroller at T3 but have not seen it again until final destination.
2. Can't answer sorry
3. The ordinary seatbelt has always been fine for our toddlers ( now grown ) unless you are doing a lot of traveling I would spend the money on books, toys and dress ups for Jnr A388.
Happy travels !

 

[TheInsider]

Hi everyone,


1. STROLLER
We're booked on Dec 19th to go SYD-MEL-LAX. I know that our bags will be checked through at SYD T3 to LAX. Checking in at T3 in October I overheard that QF doesn't gate check strollers at T3 and that the couple needed to take it to the bulky items belt. Is it possible to do this (check-in stroller and bags) in SYD and collect only the stroller at MEL for our four hour wait with Jnr A388 and gate check the stroller as normal, or is it difficult to have checked-in bags tagged through to LAX but stroller only to MEL? I hope that this question makes sense!

They can easily just do the stroller from SYD-MEL it's called 'short tagging'. And the other bags can be sent through to LAX..
Just remember if you want to re-check in your stroller you'll need to once again check-in at the counters at MEL.
If you just left it for the stroller to go all the way through you wouldn't have issues of going through security, re-checking in etc etc.

 

[Princess Fiona]

They can easily just do the stroller from SYD-MEL it's called 'short tagging'. And the other bags can be sent through to LAX..
Just remember if you want to re-check in your stroller you'll need to once again check-in at the counters at MEL.
If you just left it for the stroller to go all the way through you wouldn't have issues of going through security, re-checking in etc etc.

Thanks I knew someone would know more than me ! I personally wouldn't bother with the hassle of re-checking , security etc unless traveling with a child alone and no free hands.

 

[A388]

Thank you QFCSA and Princess Fiona for you replies.

Based on your advice I think that I will just check the Stroller in with all the luggage in SYD and let Jnr A388 pre-burn some energy in MEL before the leg to LAX! Between the both of us we should be able to keep him contained! Thanks also for the advice regarding the CARES Restraint. We're still working out whether to get one or not. Any other member advice on the CARES Restraint would be very welcome

Is there any members who own a Scottevest? I've checked out the OS and they look fantastic and that one I mentioned earlier is still on Ebay Australia. I think it ends very soon so any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone again! -A388