Bringing a Stroller on a Plane: Here's How to Do It Without Any Hassle
Flying with a child almost always means bringing a stroller along. The only question is how far it will go—and what condition it will be in when it resurfaces on the other side.
Below are the most important points to keep in mind. Please note: Each airline has its own size and weight restrictions, so always check them when making your reservation—the rules below are general guidelines, not a guarantee.
You can almost always go all the way to the gate
Most airlines let you use the stroller all the way to the gate. You drop it off there, and you'll get it back after the flight at the gate or at the baggage carousel. This is called "gate delivery."
This is usually free and doesn't count toward your baggage allowance. However, the stroller will go through the regular baggage handling process, with all the bumps and scrapes that entails. A cover protects it from dirt and damage.
The real bonus: a stroller that’s allowed in the cabin
Some compact strollers fit in the overhead compartment when folded. That way, you don't have to check it, it won't be stuck among the suitcases, and you'll have it right at hand when you get off the plane.
Whether that's allowed depends on the folded size and the airline. Two things are important here: how compact the stroller becomes, and how quickly you can fold it up while there's a line behind you.
The Air Buggy is designed for exactly these kinds of travel days and comes with its own carrying bag. The Luxe Easy² buggy is a lightweight alternative that folds up compactly.
Four Things to Take Care of in Advance
- Be sure to register the stroller when you make your reservation. With most airlines, you can do this online, and it helps avoid any confusion at the check-in counter.
- Check the folded dimensions. Compare them to your airline's carry-on requirements, not to a general guideline.
- Practice folding it. Not at the gate, but at home. Use one hand, because your other hand is occupied.
- Be sure to bring a cover. Even if the stroller is allowed in the cabin, you may still be asked to check it on a full flight.
Car seat or stroller: which one should you bring?
At your destination, you'll often need both, but bringing both with you is a hassle. If you rent a car, you might want to consider renting a car seat there and just bringing the stroller.
If you mainly get around by public transportation or on foot, a compact stroller with a carrying bag is usually enough.
Arrival and Onward Travel
One thing that’s often overlooked: at your destination, the stroller also serves as your “sleeping spot on wheels” during that first hectic day. If you’re heading to a hotel or campground, it’s nice if your child can doze off along the way while you take care of the luggage.
If you're staying somewhere at your destination that doesn't have a crib, consider bringing a pop-up travel crib. It fits in the checked baggage allowance for most airlines and saves you a hassle upon arrival.
In a nutshell
You can almost always bring your stroller right up to the gate, and there’s usually no charge. If you don’t want to part with it, choose a stroller that folds down small enough to fit in the cabin—and check the size requirements with your airline before you book.
