worried about checking our car seat on southwest

We’re flying Southwest soon with our little one, and I’m already stressing about the car seat. We’ve got to check it because there’s no way we’re lugging it through the airport, but I keep hearing horror stories about airlines tossing car seats around like they’re gym bags. A friend told me her car seat came out with a huge crack after a flight, and now I can’t stop picturing us landing, exhausted, only to find our car seat busted. I mean, what are we supposed to do if that happens? Rent some random seat at the last minute? I feel like we’re stuck—either risk it and hope for the best, or try to gate-check and pray it survives. Has anyone actually had their car seat broken by Southwest? Or is this just one of those things people love to complain about? I wish there was a way to guarantee it comes out in one piece, but it feels like such a gamble. Traveling with a toddler is stressful enough without this extra worry! #travelwithkids #southwestairlines #parentingstruggles #Travel