So you are buying a new seat at your destination? Because it is absolutely not safe to check a carseat, you have no idea how they will treat it (people often get them back ripped, cracked, broken, drenched! or otherwise ruined) or if you will even get it back....just like luggage is lost, so can your car seat be lost....then where would you be?
The easiest solution really is just to use the carseat on the plane. i see you are pg, so you are probably concerned about hefting it around..will your dh be with you to carry it? Or can you throw it on a stroller to cruise through the airport?