The process of figuring out airline policies regarding baby equipment can be a bit confusing! The idea of flying with a stroller be a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. Be assured that if know the procedure it’s simple to follow the guidelines of each airline and you’ll become an expert at flying with strollers within a matter of minutes!
In general, when traveling with a child, it is possible to carry strollers on planes as airlines recognize that you’ll require them once you reach the airport. The method of storage used for your stroller when you travel is different between airports and airlines. It would be great to have a uniform approach across all airlines and airports however it’s not the scenario.
Can You Take a Stroller on a Plane?
Every airline has its own rules regarding strollers that are allowed on planes however, in general, you are allowed to take strollers on planes.
It takes away the stress of purchasing or renting the stroller you want to use on your way to your destination if that option is available. You’re used to your regular stroller, and you’re not tempted to risk making a new purchase. It’s also not necessary to fret about bringing it home or waiting to have it delivered.
There are a variety of alternatives when you are preparing to take the stroller with you on your flight:
Gate Check Stroller
A gate-checked stroller allows you to keep it in your bag until the time you board your plane. It is expected that you fold your stroller near the bottom of the runway which will allow it to be taken off the plane. Most of the time the stroller will be returned to the same location when you reach the airport.
Check Stroller with checked baggage
If you take a stroller to the check-in counter through the cash register, you’ll be treated as checked baggage. The attendants load the stroller onto the plane together with suitcases.
Before you can take strollers on airplanes you should know everything possible about this procedure and let’s go over the various methods for taking baby strollers on planes.
Putting a Carry-on Stroller in Overhead Compartment
A stroller that can fit into the overhead bin of the plane means that you’ll be able to keep it in a safe place throughout your trip. This is particularly useful when traveling with a child who will need to stay in the stroller while at the airport!
A carry-on stroller can also be useful if you’re traveling with a car seat because you can leave your car seat in the stroller until you have to fold the stroller before taking off for the airport.
The ideal strollers for plane travel for airplane travel to take on the plane are compact easy to fold, and their folded dimensions are in line with the requirements of size for storing the stroller inside the overhead compartment of the aircraft.
How To Check a Stroller
You have two options for checking the stroller. You can take it out with your baggage when you get to the terminal. This means you won’t need to think about your stroller until you reach your destination. The workers load it onto the plane together with the baggage, and then you take it to the baggage claim carousel upon landing.
If you’re going to use the stroller for getting to the airport, you can take it with you until you board your plane. A flight attendant can provide the stroller with a label or tag to attach to the stroller.
In general, a stroller will be part of the two baby gear pieces which are included in your baggage allowance that is free to check.
Checking a Stroller With Luggage
You can place your stroller and luggage at the kiosk for luggage at the curb and the ticket counter. The airline staff treats it as baggage and provides you with tags to put on the item to allow you to claim it at a later time.
Take note that your stroller could be located at the baggage carousel or the luggage counter. It’s likely to be at the oversized luggage counter.
If you own a bigger stroller that folds in two parts, request an individual luggage tag for each of them. It isn’t a good idea to lose one of them which would render the stroller useless when you get there.
Even if your stroller folds can fold into a compact size, you can use it as baggage.
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Gate Checking a Stroller
If you’re taking a stroller with you to the airport, chances are you’ll need it when waiting to board the plane. This is why you don’t want to take your stroller to the airport with baggage, only to have to carry your infant along with your carry-on bag throughout the airport.
Strollers designed for use on airplanes are small, yet they provide an incredibly comfortable and safe seat for your baby. In addition is that you don’t need to carry them around, which means you can carry your luggage or buy your child drinks or snacks.
The best strollers for travel on aircraft, whether taking it with you or checking at the gate, are those that have one-hand folding, as it is possible to fold the stroller as well as hold the child while you do it.
For a long time, parents have flown with strollers, usually selecting the best lightweight stroller for tall toddlers to travel by air. The umbrella strollers are ideal due to their lightweight. lightweight, fold compactly and can be gate-checked.
It’s recommended that you purchase an airport check-in label immediately after you’ve found your flight. You’ll have plenty of time to connect it to your stroller so that you’re ready to put away the label as soon as you take off. Sometimes, the gate attendant does not have the labels, and you’ll need to stand away and then wait to find one.
It is possible to gate-check strollers while you’re getting on the plane. Once you’re ready to board your plane, you’ll fold your stroller and put it away in the middle of the jetway close to the entrance to the plane.
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