Traveling with little ones can be stressful, especially when trying to balance out the items in strollers. One of the most common questions parents have is, ‘Can you take a stroller on the plane?’ Yes, but there are a few things to know. Every airline has its own policy, and how you carry your stroller on the trip may depend on the type.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know, including what types of strollers are permitted on a plane and how to navigate airport security and gate checking. In fact, we’ll also share tips for making travel with a stroller as easy as possible. We have practical advice based on your previous experiences, if it’s your first flight or if you just want to brush up on a few things.
Can You Take a Stroller on a Plane?
Well, you can take a stroller on a plane! Parents can usually take a stroller when flying with babies or young children, but the rules change depending on the airline and the kind of stroller. Generally, you have two options: You might check your stroller with your luggage, or you may gate check it, either way you can use the stroller up until you board the plane.
Gate checking is one of the most popular since it’s convenient — you leave the stroller at the plane’s entry, and it’s kept for you all through the flight. Once you land, a stroller will be waiting for you at the gate, for you to be able to use it again. Foldable strollers may also be checked, and some airlines allow smaller, foldable strollers to be carried on board as carry on items.
In fact the weight and size limits varies by airline so you should check your airline policy prior to traveling. By planning ahead you’ll know exactly what to expect which makes your trip a lot easier and stress free.
Airline Policies on Strollers: What You Need to Know
Each airline has their own rules when it comes to bringing a stroller on a plane. Mostly, you can bring one stroller for free on an airline if you are traveling with a baby or toddler. But how and when you can check it depends on the size and type of stroller.
Small, collapsible strollers can be carried on board of some airlines, but all strollers often though checked either at the gate or with your checked luggage. The main reason to gate check is because parents can use the stroller until you get on the plane, and get it back as soon as you exit.
Here are a few general guidelines based on popular airlines:
- American Airlines: Gating for free allows strollers weighing under 20 pounds to be gate-checked. Strollers larger than what the airlines allow must be checked as luggage.
- Delta Airlines: You can also check the stroller as checked baggage or at the gate with no additional fee.
- United Airlines: As with other airlines, strollers can be checked at the gate with no additional charge or checked as baggage.
Airlines may also have such restrictions as to size and weight limits as well as double strollers or larger models. Also, when traveling with an airline outside the U.S., their rules may be different than those of the airline in the U.S., so you should always check with the airline before your flight not to get any surprises last minute. Ahead of the time for your journey, you will be prepared and save time and stress, and your stroller will have been carried smoothly throughout.
In fact, many airlines also help families traveling with young children by offering early boarding or priority handling of strollers. These perks can further simplify the process for parents, so enquire with your airline to see if there may be any special arrangements made for them.
What Types of Strollers Are Allowed on a Plane?
1- Umbrella Strollers
They are lightweight, compact and easy to fold. One of the reasons that many people choose an umbrella stroller over a full size stroller for traveling is that it is frequently allowed to be gate checked or even brought on board as a carry on. Their small size and convenience are preferred by most airlines. They’re great for navigating through busy airports and no trouble to get in to on the plane.
2- Lightweight Strollers
Lightweight strollers are a bit sturdier than umbrella strollers, and provide a little more comfort and portability than umbrella style strollers. Still small enough to gate check, they make an attractive package for air travel. Airlines generally charge nothing for these, though they tend to be less sturdy and support, and less comfortable for long journeys.
3- Full-Sized Strollers
For your child, full sized strollers offer extra comfort and some nice features, but since they are a bigger size they usually have to be checked with your luggage rather than gate checked. Some airlines may let you gate check if they are under restrictive size and weight limits. If you want extra storage space or features but also need to think about how they’ll be handled when you fly, these strollers are great.
4- Double Strollers
A double stroller can be useful if you’re traveling with two children. While these provide more room for you, they’re also cumbersome enough that you’ll probably have to check them rather than gate-check them. Double strollers can be a hassle, so make sure to check first with your airline about specific policies on double strollers. Additionally, you want to make sure you know weight and size limits, just in case you run into a snag at the airport.
The right stroller choice for your travel trip can go a long way to the experience. Larger strollers may offer more comfort, but will be a lot harder to manage at the airport, while smaller options are much easier to handle.
How to Gate-Check a Stroller: Step-by-Step Guide
One of the easiest (and way less heavy than a suitcase) ways to travel with your stroller when you fly is to gate-check it. This means that you can use the stroller until the last minute before you board, making your airport experience less complicated. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to gate-checking your stroller:
Step 1: Inform the Airline at Check-In
If you’re going to gate check your stroller, just tell the airline staff who check you in that you’re doing that. For the most part you will get a tag to attach to it. That tag ensures the airline staff knows to put your stroller somewhere to store, and bring it back to you when they return you to the gate.
Step 2: Use the Stroller Until Boarding
You can walk the airport with your stroller. It’s easier to manage your child and your bags with you, through the gates, through security. As long as there aren’t any things in there (bags, instructions, accessories), you should have no problem gate checking.
Step 3: Gate-Check Before Boarding
When you get to the boarding gate, tell the airline staff you’re gate checking your stroller. Before you step onto the plane, you’ll leave the stroller. It will go into the back of the plane and they will hand it back to you at the gate when you land.
Step 4: Retrieve Your Stroller After the Flight
When you land, you’ll usually see your stroller waiting for you on the other end of the plane. If items aren’t available immediately, ask staff where it will be dropped off, some airlines bring gate checked items to baggage claim.
Gate checking your stroller is a breeze and keeps the stroller with you until you drop it! That’s especially useful for parents with very young children when the stroller will fit right up to the plane and then back when you arrive.
Carrying Strollers Through Security: TSA Rules and Tips
Navigating airport security with a stroller is easier than you think, at least for these few TSA rules and tips to follow. Here’s how to make the process as smooth as possible:
TSA Screening for Strollers
You will have to send your stroller through the X-ray machine when you arrive at the security checkpoint. Fold if small enough and put it on the conveyor belt. TSA officers may need to hand inspect it if it is for strollers larger than 16″ x 45″ x 28″. You still have to take your child out of the stroller, and as well remove any items from the stroller.
Walk Through the Metal Detector
You will then walk through the detector with your child after your stroller has been inspected. As you pass through the scanner, your infant may be asked to be held by you. TSA officers may do an additional screening for safety reasons, should something trigger an alarm.
Pro Tip: Allow Extra Time
If you’re traveling with a stroller, allow extra time for security lines, they can be unpredictable. It will help the process if you are already ready to fold and unfold your stroller quickly. You can even remove any bags, toys or accessories ahead of time to make things run smoothly.
To be fair, TSA screening might seem like an extra hassle, but, if you’re prepared, the process is usually quick and easy. We know you want your child to stay comfortable, and not have unnecessary delays at security, so we’ve mapped out a set of these simple guidelines to help you!
Can You Bring a Stroller as a Carry-On?
Not all the time can a stroller be brought on as a carry on but in some cases, it’s possible. If you have a compact, small stroller like an umbrella or lightweight one, some airlines will allow you to bring it with you in the form of carry-on items. But it’s not widespread, and it’s best to check your airline’s specific policy before assuming that you can.
Size and Weight Restrictions
Carry-on items typically have strict size and weight limits, as there are strict size and weight limits for carry-on items for airlines. A stroller is considered a ‘carry-on’ if it doesn’t take up too much space in front of you or above you in the overhead bin. The most likely ones to fulfill these requirements are umbrella strollers, but not all airlines will let you take them. Of course, it’s good to call your airline ahead of time to make sure it’s ok to bring your stroller as a carry-on.
Alternative Options
Gate-checking is a convenient alternative if your stroller is too big to carry with you. With this you can use your stroller through the airport and have it checked at the gate prior to boarding. If it doesn’t fit in the carry on, you’ll get it back at the gate when the plane lands, this makes it ideal for larger strollers that don’t check as a piece of carry on.
For many, it sounds appealing to bring a stroller as a carry-on, but not always right and often not permitted by airlines. To keep your stroller in good shape during your flight, double-check sizes and weight limits and prepare for the possibility of dropping it off at the gate.
Best Practices for Traveling with a Stroller
Preparing a bit and using some basic best practices will make it much easier to travel with a stroller on the road. Whether it’s your first time flying with a little one or you’re a seasoned traveler, these tips will help ensure a smooth experience with your stroller:
Selecting the Right Stroller for Travel
If possible, try to choose a lightweight and compact stroller. They are easier to get through crowded airports, and most airlines will help them and for some, you can even gate check or even carry them on board. Umbrella strollers are easy to fold, small and most airline requirements are met.
Label Your Stroller
It’s a wise policy to label your stroller with your contact information before heading to the airport. Anytime you have to gate check it, this is really useful so the cart doesn’t get mixed up with other strollers. Your simple luggage tag with your name, phone number and flight details will serve the job.
Pack Essential Items Separately
When a stroller features stroller gate checking, be sure to take any bags, toys, or other items out of it first. During the flight, you will not have access to the stroller, so stuff necessary things like diapers, snacks, and toys in your carry-on bag.
Practice Folding and Unfolding
When it comes to strollers and airport security or at the boarding gate, speed is a factor. Practice folding and unfolding your stroller at home so you can quickly and easily do it when you have to. It will not delay and won’t make the process for you and others make them smoother.
When it’s stroller and diaper time, pick the right stroller, prepare before you go, and use these best practices, traveling with a stroller doesn’t have to be stressful. Small steps can go a long way in helping to keep your journey with your little one as hassle free as it can be.
Conclusion:
If you’re well prepared, it doesn’t have to be complicated when the situation demands traveling with a stroller. By knowing what type of stroller works best, what airline policies are, and how you gate check it, you can ensure your journey is a little smoother. Whether you bring a lightweight umbrella stroller or a full-sized model, using these tips will make airport travel a breeze.
Make sure to be checking them out before your flight, check your specific rules to your airlines, and actually practice folding it first. If you can get yourself and your little one (and their stroller) prepped for travel, it’s a pain-free process. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Can I Bring a Double Stroller on a Plane?
And yes, most airlines will allow you to take your double stroller, but double strollers are usually a bit larger than a single stroller and are typically checked with your luggage or gate-checked. Of course, to avoid any hassle, it’s important to see if the airline has any size and weight limits ahead of time.
2- What Happens if My Stroller Gets Damaged During the Flight?
However, if your stroller gets damaged while on the flight, you should report the same to the airline’s customer service desk immediately, when airlines have damaged items, they generally have such policies in place: repair, replacement, or compensation, depending on the situation.
3- Can I Use My Stroller in the Airport After Security?
Yes, once past security, you are allowed to continue to use your stroller until you gate check it. Just make sure not to put anything in the stroller before it’s taken away.
4- Are There Size Restrictions for Strollers on Planes?
There are rules for each airline, but most will let you gate check or check any stroller that meets the airline’s size and weight requirements. Umbrella or lightweight, smaller strollers are easier to handle and usually acceptable.
5- Can I Check a Stroller and a Car Seat for Free?
When traveling with a child, most airlines permit free stroller and car seat checks. However, always check this with your airline; policies can vary.
