Which travel stroller is suitable for air travel?

You don't buy a travel stroller for the pleasant rides, but for the annoying moments: the line at the gate, the baggage carousel, the stairs to the platform. In those moments, what matters is different than with a regular stroller.

The folded size is the determining factor

Whether a stroller is allowed in the cabin depends on its dimensions when folded. Each airline has its own size requirements for carry-on luggage, so measure your stroller and compare it to your carrier’s requirements. Don’t rely solely on the term “travel stroller”; that doesn’t tell you whether it meets the size limit.

You don't really notice the weight until you're on your way back

On the way there, you lift it once. On the way back, you do that with a tired child, a bag, and a delay. A lightweight stroller that you can carry with one arm makes all the difference—it’s more than just folding down a few centimeters.

Fold it up with one hand, in a single motion

There's a line behind you at the gate. A stroller that requires two hands and three steps will cause you the most stress there. Practice using it a few times at home before you leave, including unfolding it.

A shopping bag isn't a luxury

If the stroller does have to go in the cargo hold, it goes through the regular baggage process. A bag protects it from dirt and damage, and makes carrying it through the terminal much more comfortable. The Air Buggy comes with its own carrying bag; the Luxe Easy² is the lightweight alternative.

What to Take Care of in Advance

Be sure to mention the stroller when you book, check your airline's size restrictions, and ask if you're allowed to use it all the way to the gate. Almost all airlines allow this, but it saves you from having to argue at the counter.

Read more in " Taking a Stroller on a Plane " and " Strollers That Fold Up Quickly."