I’ve become something of an expert on navigating airports with little ones in tow. Let me share what I’ve learned about flying with strollers to make your next family adventure smoother and more enjoyable.
Why Bringing Your Stroller When Flying Makes Sense
When my twins were just 10 months old and my oldest was barely four, my husband got an unexpected work opportunity in Hawaii. What was meant to be a business trip quickly turned into our first major family vacation. I remember the moment I realized I’d be flying with strollers and three small children by myself for the first leg of the journey—talk about baptism by fire!
That trip taught me that while flying with strollers adds an extra item to manage, the benefits far outweigh the hassle. Airports involve miles of walking, unexpected delays, and overtired children. A good stroller provides:
- A familiar, safe space for your child amid the chaos of travel
- A place for naps during layovers or delays
- Storage for diaper bags and other essentials, freeing up your hands
- A way to move quickly through massive terminals when connecting flights are tight
According to a survey by the Family Travel Association, families with young children rank having appropriate gear like strollers as one of the top factors contributing to successful air travel experiences. As both a mom and midwife, I couldn’t agree more!
Understanding Airline Stroller Policies
Before you even pack your bags, it’s essential to understand that not all airlines handle strollers the same way. Most major carriers allow:
- Free checking of strollers at the ticket counter
- Gate-checking strollers, allowing you to use them until boarding
- Some airlines permit small, collapsible strollers to be brought onboard (though this is increasingly rare)
When flying with strollers, I always recommend checking the specific airline’s policy before booking. My daughter Emma once worked for a major airline and shared that policies can change with little notice, so confirming details 48 hours before your flight is a smart move.
Choosing the Right Stroller for Air Travel
Travel Stroller vs. Everyday Stroller
One of the most common questions I get from new parents in my midwifery practice is whether they should invest in a separate travel stroller or bring their everyday model.
The answer depends on several factors:
- Length and frequency of travel: For our annual family vacation to visit grandparents, our everyday stroller worked fine. When we started traveling monthly for my husband’s job, a dedicated travel stroller became essential.
- Age and needs of your child: Younger babies might benefit from familiar surroundings, while toddlers may adapt easily to a simpler travel model.
- Your destination: Consider where you’re going and what type of terrain you’ll encounter once there.
When my youngest was still an infant, I discovered that flying with strollers meant different considerations than traveling with my older, walking children. Infants need more support and often more storage for supplies.
Features to Look for in Travel Strollers
If you decide to invest in a dedicated travel stroller, look for these features:
- One-handed, compact fold: When you’re juggling passports, boarding passes, and children, being able to collapse your stroller with one hand is invaluable.
- Lightweight construction: Every pound matters when you’re lifting it onto security belts or navigating stairs.
- Durable wheels: Airport floors and tourist destinations can be rough on stroller wheels.
- Reclining seat: For naps on the go.
- Storage space: Sufficient but not excessive—you want convenience without bulk.
My personal revelation came with a 12-pound stroller that folded small enough to fit in some overhead bins. While most airlines still required gate-checking, that compact fold made moving through security and tight spaces much easier.
Preparing Your Stroller for Air Travel
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines for traveling with children and their equipment. Here’s what you need to know when flying with strollers:
Before You Leave Home
- Clean your stroller thoroughly: Remove crumbs, toys, and items from all pockets and compartments.
- Tag it clearly: Attach identification with your name, phone number, and email address.
- Take photos: Document the condition of your stroller before travel in case you need to file a damage claim later.
- Practice folding and unfolding: Even if you do this daily, airport stress can make simple tasks difficult.
- Consider a stroller bag: These protective covers can prevent damage during handling.
I learned the importance of the stroller bag after watching my expensive jogging stroller come out on the baggage claim conveyor belt with a cracked cupholder and scuffed frame. That $25 travel bag would have been worth every penny!
At the Airport
Navigating the airport efficiently is key to stress-free travel with children:
- Arrive early: Add at least 30 extra minutes to your usual buffer time.
- Use curbside check-in when possible: Less walking with all your gear.
- Pack an easily accessible “stroller kit”: Include a small tool for emergency tightening of loose parts and a compact rain cover.
During security screening, be prepared to:
- Send the stroller through the X-ray machine if it fits
- Request a manual inspection for larger strollers
- Remove your child and all belongings from the stroller
When my third child was a toddler, she had a meltdown during security screening because I had to take her out of her comfortable stroller. I started preparing her days before travel by practicing the security routine at home, making it into a game. It worked wonders!
Gate-Checking Your Stroller: Tips for Success
The Gate-Check Process
The most popular option when flying with strollers is gate-checking, which allows you to use your stroller all the way to the aircraft door. Here’s how to make it smooth:
- Request a gate-check tag at the check-in counter or gate: Some airlines prefer you get these tags at check-in, others at the gate.
- Attach the tag visibly: Make sure staff can easily see it.
- Know when to collapse it: Some airports want it folded before boarding begins, others just before you enter the jet bridge.
- Remove valuable accessories: Detach cup holders, parent organizers, or special cushions—these small items can easily get lost.
- Fold it yourself: This ensures it’s done correctly and reduces the chance of damage.
I’ve seen too many parents struggling at the last minute to fold an uncooperative stroller while a line forms behind them. Practice makes perfect!
Protecting Your Stroller During Gate-Check
My oldest stroller survived 17 flights over three years because I took these precautions:
- Use a gate-check bag: Either a manufacturer-specific one or a universal model.
- Secure loose parts: Use velcro straps to keep wheels locked and frames tight.
- Apply fragile tags: Ask for additional “fragile” stickers at the gate.
- Take a photo: Snap a quick picture of your tagged, bagged stroller before handing it over.
Retrieving Your Stroller After Flying
Planeside Pick-Up vs. Baggage Claim
Airlines handle stroller return differently:
- Planeside pick-up: Your stroller is brought to the jet bridge as you exit the plane.
- Baggage claim delivery: Your stroller goes to the regular baggage claim area.
For connections, always confirm where you’ll get your stroller back. On a particularly chaotic connection through Chicago with my twins, I discovered our stroller had been sent to baggage claim instead of the gate. Navigating to our next flight without it was challenging, to say the least!
What to Do If Your Stroller Is Damaged
Unfortunately, damage happens. If your stroller returns with issues:
- Document immediately: Take photos before leaving the airport.
- Report to airline staff: Complete damage forms before exiting the airport.
- Get a case number: Ensure you have proper documentation for follow-up.
- Know your rights: Most airlines are responsible for repair or replacement of damaged items.
When my favorite travel stroller came back with a cracked frame after a flight to Denver, I was prepared with “before” photos and immediately filed a claim. The airline covered the full replacement cost within two weeks.
Alternatives to Bringing Your Own Stroller
Rental Options at Your Destination
Not keen on flying with strollers? Consider these alternatives:
- Baby gear rental services: Companies like BabyQuip or similar local services deliver clean, quality equipment to your hotel or rental.
- Hotel amenities: Many family-friendly hotels offer complimentary stroller loans.
- Destination theme parks: Places like Disney World offer daily stroller rentals.
For our trip to San Diego, we skipped flying with strollers altogether and rented a double stroller from a local company. It was waiting at our hotel when we arrived—an approach I often recommend to new mothers in my midwifery practice who feel overwhelmed by travel logistics.
Babywearing as an Alternative
For younger babies or short trips, babywearing can eliminate the need for a stroller:
- Airport benefits: Hands-free movement through security (no need to remove baby from carrier in most cases).
- Boarding ease: Much simpler than folding and checking a stroller.
- Comfort for baby: Keeps them close and calm in overwhelming environments.
When my youngest was four months old, I wore her through the airport while pushing my toddler in a small umbrella stroller—a combination that worked perfectly for our family at that stage.
Age-Specific Considerations When Flying with Strollers
Newborns and Infants (0-12 months)
For the tiniest travelers:
- Consider a travel system: Being able to move a sleeping baby from stroller to plane without waking them is priceless.
- Bring extra protection: Weather shields and sun canopies are essential.
- Prioritize full recline: Newborns need flat surfaces for safe sleep.
As a midwife, I always remind new parents that infants under 6 months particularly benefit from the familiar comfort of their regular stroller during travel.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
The wiggle years demand:
- Secure harnesses: Those newfound escape skills will be tested in exciting airport environments!
- Durable construction: Toddlers are hard on equipment.
- Snack trays: Keep those little hands busy during waits.
My third child could escape any stroller except one with a five-point harness—a feature I came to consider non-negotiable for travel strollers after one heart-stopping moment in Atlanta’s airport.
Multiple Children
Traveling with siblings? Consider:
- Sit-and-stand options: Great for a toddler and preschooler combination.
- Lightweight double strollers: Look for tandem models that fit through standard doorways.
- Ride-along boards: These attachments let older siblings stand while younger ones ride.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Journey Smoother
After countless flights with my own five children and years of advising new parents, my best advice for flying with strollers is to prioritize simplicity. The perfect travel stroller isn’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-laden—it’s the one that makes your specific journey easier.
Remember that travel days are not typical days. Routines will be disrupted, meltdowns may happen (from both children and adults!), and things rarely go exactly as planned. Your stroller should be a helpful tool, not another source of stress.
Pack your sense of humor alongside that stroller. The flight will end, you’ll reach your destination, and those travel challenges will become family stories you’ll laugh about in years to come—I promise! After all, I still chuckle about my first solo flight with three under four, when I emerged from the family restroom with a backward shirt, mismatched shoes on my twins, and somehow still managed to make our connection with two minutes to spare.
Safe and happy travels to you and your little ones!
