Airlines Rules For Travelling With A Stroller: What You Need To Know

Introduction

Air journeys with your loving baby alongside a stroller becomes one of the potential concerns for the parents. Strollers are used in the air journeys and this is where the airline policies make a decisive difference. Bringing a stroller on board is the right offered to the air flyers, or the parents on the domestic or international trips. Parents often find baby strollers to be an essential lifesaver and comfortable utility item in case of long air journeys and the layovers.  

Are Strollers Allowed on Flights?

Strollers, especially small sized and collapsible ones are allowed on the flights. 

Types of Strollers Allowed by Airlines

The baby stroller should be light in weight, collapsible, fairly compact and easy to carry are considered best for air journeys.  More importantly, the stroller should also have durability, with added comfort and great maneuverability.

Airline Rules for Carry-On vs. Checked Strollers

Airlines rules for compact and folding strollers allow them to be used as the carry-ons, provided they come with size criteria for overhead bins. Strollers are generally checked for free and do not come against carry-on limits. A carry-on stroller should adjust to the specific requirements of the size. Big size strollers that do not fit as carry-on items are loaded as checked strollers. According to the FAA, the carry-on stroller fitting in the overhead compartment should be of dimension 28 x 22 x 10 inches after folding it.  

Airline Rules to Keep in Mind

• Packs the strollers and car seats in the protective bags to prevent any dust accumulation and physical damage
• Strollers and car seats need to be FAA approved and should fit closely with airplane seat dimensions
• Strollers should be small enough to fold quickly get easily adjusted in the overhead compartments
• Check the stroller at the curbside or ticket counter and a luggage tag is then attached to the checked item
• Get the label attached to the stroller at the check in gate 

Gate-Checking a Stroller: How It Works

Gate checking means when the passenger simply hands off the stroller as s/he nears to the boarding gate before stepping to the airplane.  Instead of sending the stroller through the baggage claim, the stroller will be returned to the passenger at jet bridge soon after deplaning.  In case of the regular checked baggage, the passenger needs to drop off right there on the ticket counter and subsequently retrieve the stroller at baggage claim. 

Weight and Size Limits for Strollers on Major Airlines

Weight and size limits are put on the strollers when the passenger travels on the major airlines. Typical maximum dimensions for the strollers are 22 inches wide or less. The limit of weight is 50 pounds. But the passenger should check and conform with respective airlines.  

Fees and Charges for Strollers (Domestic & International)

Generally, the domestic and international airlines do not constantly charge fees for bringing baby strollers on planes. However, policies are likely to vary by airline with respect to stroller transportation. Large sized strollers will be checked on the entry in the gate and not on the ticket counter.  There is absolutely no fee for the collapsible strollers, but a fee is charged by the airline for big and specialized strollers.  The fee and charges for strollers vary between $25 and $100. It is mandatory for the passengers to make the confirmation of the fee with a specific airline, for the reason that policies vary between the domestic and international air journeys. 

Tips for Travelling Smoothly with a Stroller

• Use the stroller’s basket for storing wipes, snacks, toys and diapers
• The stroller should have effective suspensions to absorb shocks on cobbled and bumpy alleyways or roads
• Bring weather gears such as mosquito net, or sunshade or rain cover and use it as and when required
• Prevent the stroller tip over by not hanging the heavy bags on the stroller’s handles
• Let your baby take a nap in the stroller while on long outings

Best Practices for Packing and Protecting Your Stroller

• Keep the stroller clean, manageable and compliant with respective airline;
• Select only the collapsible and compact stroller 
• Clean the baby stroller before boarding the flight in order to prevent food crumbs, dust and particulate matter
• Utilize the stroller travel bag to protect the stroller from possibilities of scratches while managing roughly
• Append the name tag with details of the contact information for preventing any mix-ups

Conclusion

Think of keeping your baby comfortable and well protected during your air journey and even at the airport terminal. With the help of a baby stroller, parents will have a leading edge to make their babies travel in light comfort and bypass all other challenges.  

FAQs

Q: Do airlines allow strollers for free?
A: Most airlines let you check one stroller and one car seat for free when traveling with children.

Q: Can I take my stroller through airport security?
A: Strollers being checked at the gate must be scanned under X-ray. Passengers can carry their child through security.

Q: What type of stroller is best for air travel?
A: Lightweight, collapsible, compact strollers with durability, comfort, and easy maneuverability are ideal for flights.

Q: Are double strollers allowed on flights?
A: Yes, passengers with two children can carry a double stroller. Strollers under 20 lbs (9 kg) can be gate-checked. Car seats over 16 inches may not fit in aircraft seats.

Q: Do airlines provide stroller bags or covers?
A: Most airlines offer stroller bags for safe transport, either at check-in or at the gate, depending on airline policy.

Q: Can I use my stroller until boarding?
A: Yes, gate-checked strollers can be used until boarding. Larger strollers must be checked at the ticket counter and retrieved at baggage claim.

Q: Will my stroller come out at baggage claim or the gate?
A: Gate-checked strollers are returned at the jet bridge after deplaning. Regular checked strollers come out at baggage claim.

Q: Are there special rules for international flights?
A: Many US airlines require strollers to be gate-checked for international flights. No cost is charged for gate-checking.