Traveling with your little cute baby on a plane can be quite stressful but if you bring a stroller it may help avoid at least the hassle of the airport.
though; there are some points you need to know before heading to the airport with your stroller.
Here is the short answer:
You can take a stroller on board the airplane. However, there are certain restrictions. For instance, if you’re flying within the United States with any airline, you will need to gate check in the stroller before boarding. Also, you cannot take any liquids inside your stroller.
There are few situations when you can take a fully foldable stroller on board, if the space is available on the flight, but you will have to first ask the airline staff.
Read on to know more about taking strollers or even a double stroller on planes, what size they should be and we also provide some of the new and best strollers in the market.
Let’s dive right in.
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Take a Stroller Through The Security Checkpoint
You can bring a stroller through the security checkpoint on any airport without any issue, however the regular screening process will be applied for your stroller.
Here is what the TSA stated on their website.
- Place all carry-on baggage such as children’s toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
- Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray.
- Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
- Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.
Kim asked the TSA on Twitter if her 3 month old could stay in the stroller while going through the security checkpoint.
The TSA customer service replied that infants must be removed from strollers and carried through the security checkpoint. The stroller must be folded and placed in the X-ray belt for screening.
In addition to the stroller you can also take other infants necessities, like infant snacks, an approved FAA car seat.
Generally airlines and airports are helpful when traveling with infants, they allow them to bring the most necessary items.
Take a Stroller On Board
Sometimes you can bring a stroller on board free of charge if there is a fully collapsible stroller, but it depends on the airline and if there is space available.
You can ask at the check-in counter the airline staff if space is available, otherwise you will need to check your stroller at the gate.
But you still take other other items like a child restraint system and a diaper bag.
Gate Check In Your Stroller
Most of the time you will be required to gate check in your stroller free of charge, some airlines will require a proof of age in order to gate check your stroller for free.
When you check in your stroller at the boarding gate it will be delivered to you at the aircraft door at every point of your trip.
And when checked in at the baggage counter, your stroller will be delivered at the luggage carousel at your final destination.
This passenger asked United if they can take this Bugaboo stroller twin to the gate, and the United customer service replied that they will be able to bring the stroller to the gate and then check it there.
Airlines Rules
| Airlines | Stroller Policy |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Each ticketed passenger is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate |
| Southwest | People traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System or car seat per child free of charge |
| Delta | You can check in the stroller at gate free of charge |
| Jetblue | You can gate check your stroller for free once you’re ready to board the aircraft. |
| United Airlines | You can gate check your stroller for free once you’re ready to board the aircraft. |
| Frontier Airlines | If you’re traveling with little ones and taking a stroller you can take it to the gate but it must be checked from there. |
| Alaska Airlines | You can bring your stroller on Alaska Airlines free of charge as checked baggage. you can choose to check your stroller at the gate or with your regular checked baggage at the check in counter. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Strollers are good to go, non collapsible strollers must be checked in. |
| Spirit Airlines | Spirit allowed one stroller per child to be checked at the gate free of charge. |
| Air Canada | You can check in your stroller free of charge at the gate, Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small collapsible umbrella type strollers. large or bulky strollers has to be checked in at the baggage counter. |
| British Airways | A small fully collapsible and lightweight pushchair/stroller will qualify to take to the aircraft door and collect it at the aircraft door at any airports. |
Do Strollers Get Damaged On Planes?
I don’t think that nothing will prevent things from breaking or even being lost during the transportation process.
And the best solution is to not travel with an expensive stroller and to use a collapsible stroller with a bag.
I checked Twitter and found that there are already some people who have previous situations with different airlines.
And here are some airline responses.. The customer service is responsive and understandable, the only thing is that it may take longer for the damage to be compensated.
Can You Bring a Stroller On a Plane Without a Baby?
Yes you can bring a stroller without a baby, but it will be counted as a normal luggage allowance.
The airline luggage rules will be applied, if you are traveling with a small stroller, make sure that you protect it using a cover or bag.
Can You Carry a Stroller In International Flight?
When traveling with a baby, Most airlines do not have problem taking a stroller to the gate, and most of them they won’t count it as part of your luggage allowance, so you can choose if you want to check in your stroller at the check in counter or take it to the gate and leave it to the airline staff before you you board the plane.
Our Recommendations
| Items | Details | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
 | Kolcraft – Cloud Plus Lightweight Easy Fold Compact Travel Baby Stroller – Slate Grey | View |
| Kolcraft – Cloud Plus Lightweight Easy Fold Compact Travel Baby Stroller – Slate Grey | View |
 | Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 Double Stroller Features Bench Seat and Standing Platform Options, Gotham | View |
 | Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller, Blue/Black – Lightweight Infant Stroller | View |
 | Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller, Phantom, 50 Pounds | View |
Final Thoughts: Can You Bring Lighters On An Airplane?
You can take a stroller on a plane when traveling with a baby free of charge providing that they are not too heavy. You can freely take the stroller and check in to the gate.
It’s always better to avoid traveling with your expensive stroller, because most of the time you will not be able to take it on board, and sometimes your stroller will not be handled carefully.
People also ask:
- Is a Car Seat Considered a Carry on?
- How to pack a car seat for checked baggage?
- Does Doona Fit In Overhead Compartment?
