Flying with a Stroller

Traveling with young children can be quite daunting and part of that has to do with all the gear that they require, a stroller being one of those items. Knowing which stroller to choose, what options you have, and what you might need to consider are all so important to helping you make the right choices when it comes to flying with a stroller. This guide will cover everything you need to know about flying with a stroller to help you make the best decision for you. 

Types of Strollers for Travel

Traveling with a stroller can make navigating airports and destinations much easier for parents with young children. However, not all strollers are best suited for air travel. Let’s look at the best types of strollers for flying, key features to look for, and the pros and cons of various options.

Types of Strollers for Air Travel

When starting to look at strollers, it can get overwhelming quite quickly. It feels like you need 10 different strollers to do all the things you need. Of course, this isn’t realistic for parents. Especially when considering purchasing a travel pram specifically for air travel as, unless you plan to travel often, this may not be realistic for you either. 

Lightweight Strollers: Best for all around travel

Lightweight strollers, usually under 20 pounds, are designed for easy travel. These strollers are compact, foldable, and maneuverable, making them ideal for parents looking for convenience while flying with a stroller.

Pros of Using a Lightweight Stroller When Flying:

• Easy to fold and carry, great for small space storage like in the trunk/boot of a car or under the table at a cafe.
• Generally airline-friendly, with many models able to fit in overhead bins.
• Perfect for navigating crowded spaces and narrow aisles, like in shops in Europe!

Cons of Using a Lightweight Stroller When Flying:

• Often lacks features like ample undercarriage storage or full recline.
• Less sturdy than full sized strollers making it harder to maneuver on surfaces like cobblestones or unpaved surfaces.
• Comfort might be limited for long outings, especially on uneven surfaces since they often lack sufficient suspension, shape and cushioning, etc.

Umbrella Strollers: Best for budget and travel

Umbrella strollers are foldable, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them a popular option for parents flying with a stroller. They are often used as a inexpensive, secondary travel stroller due to their compact design.

Pros of Using an Umbrella Stroller When Flying:

• Super compact and folds easily, ideal for gate-checking.
• Affordable and widely available, making them a budget-friendly option.
• Fits seamlessly in car trunks, taxis, and public transport.

Cons of Using an Umbrella Stroller When Flying:

• Very limited storage space, if any at all.
• Minimal reclining options, which may not be ideal for long trips with infants or toddlers.
• Struggles on uneven surfaces like airport sidewalks and cobblestone streets.

Full-Size Strollers: Best for comfort

Full-size strollers offer more comfort and durability than lightweight or umbrella strollers. They are suitable for parents traveling with infants or toddlers on longer trips where comfort and extra features are essential. Plus, nowadays, most full-size strollers offer adapters to accommodate car seats.

Pros of Using a Full-Size Stroller When Flying:

• Comfortable for naps and long outings, with better padding and recline options.
• Ample storage for bags and travel essentials, ideal for longer trips.
• Sturdy design, better for handling rough terrains at the destination.

Cons of Using a Full-Size Stroller When Flying:

• Bulky and heavy, making it hard to manage on transport or in smaller spaces.
• Typically requires checking at the gate or counter, increasing the risk of damage.
• Often have multiple pieces making breaking them down to check or stow in a car much more effort. 

Travel Systems: Best for convenience

Travel systems combine a stroller and a compatible infant car seat, allowing seamless transfer between car and stroller. While convenient for traveling with infants, travel systems tend to be heavier and bulkier. The line between full-size stroller and travel system has almost rubbed away entirely and the two categories have merged into one with most companies offering adapters for their full-sized strollers making them travel systems. Always best to make sure your stroller accommodates your specific car seat if you intend to use it as a travel system though.

Pros of Using a Travel System When Flying:

• Offers ultimate convenience when moving between car and stroller without disturbing your baby.
• Provides an all-in-one solution, reducing the need for separate gear.

Cons of Using a Travel System When Flying:

• Too large for overhead bins, which means checking it at the gate or counter is required.
• Heavy and difficult to maneuver in small spaces, making it difficult on transport. 
• Travel systems are bulkier, making them more difficult to manage in small shops or small restaurants.
• Not ideal for long amounts of time where baby will stay in the car seat longer than recommended.

Best Stroller Features for Flying with a Baby

When flying with a stroller, certain features make travel more manageable. Here are the top things to consider:

• Weight: A lighter stroller (under 20 lbs) is obviously much easier carry but also less work to push around all day. It can also make navigating stairs easier at your destination. 
• Foldability: One-hand folding strollers mean you can hold your baby while folding.
• Overhead Bin Compatibility: If you plan to carry your stroller on board, make sure it meets the size requirements for overhead bins. Taking a stroller on board can mean you don’t have to check it and risk it being damaged or checked to a final destination. 
• Undercarriage Storage: Choose strollers with sufficient storage space for diaper bags, toys, snacks or anything else you might need.
• Recline and Comfort Features: Look for padded seats and multiple recline positions to ensure your child can nap comfortably.

FAQs About Flying with a Stroller

Can I take a stroller on the plane?

Yes, many airlines allow you to bring a compact stroller on board, provided it fits in the overhead bin. Check with your airline for specific size requirements.

What’s the best stroller for flying internationally?

This depends on the length of your trip and the infrastructure at your destination. For a trip to much of Europe, a lightweight, foldable stroller might be a good option. But for travel in the US and Canada, you may prefer to have a travel system to move more seamlessly from car to stroller. 

Should I gate check or check my stroller?

Gate checking is often more convenient since you can use the stroller throughout the airport, but it still carries a slight risk of damage. You also risk it being mistakenly checked to the belt meaning you won’t have it to use through your destination airport as you will need to pick it up at baggage claim. It’s always best to verify with an airline agent before deciding to gate check. 

Comparative Chart of Stroller Types

Popular Travel Stroller Brands

When choosing a stroller for air travel, it’s helpful to know which brands consistently receive high marks from traveling parents. Here are some of the top travel stroller brands that stand out for their compact designs, ease of use, and travel-friendly features. Please note we have not personally tested all of these. 

Check with your airline in advance but most airlines will allow you to check a stroller for free. To do so, once you arrive at the airport, go to the check-in counter. There they’ll tag the stroller and place it with other checked items. You can also check in, get boarding passes, move seats, check other bags, etc whilst there. 

Stokke Babyzen YOYO: Compact and Airline-Friendly

**We do not nor have we ever owned or used a Stokke YOYO. These are simply our observations.**

Key Features and Benefits:

The YOYO is widely regarded as one of the best strollers for flying due to its ultra-compact fold, which allows it to fit in most overhead bins. Weighing only around 13 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and comes with a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry when folded.

Why It’s Popular Among Traveling Parents:

Parents love the YOYO for its smooth ride, multi-position reclining seat, and the option to use it with a car seat adapter, making it suitable for infants as well as toddlers. Its high-quality build and compatibility with airline carry-on policies make it a top choice for frequent travelers looking for a reliable and stylish option.

Cons:

This stroller is one of the more expensive travel strollers on the market and may not be feasible for many families, especially those not traveling often.

GB Pockit: The World’s Most Compact Fold

**We do not nor have we ever owned or used a GB Pockit. These are simply our observations.**

Key Features and Benefits

Known for holding a Guinness World Record for the smallest fold, the GB Pockit collapses down to fit in a backpack, making it incredibly easy to bring on board or stow in the car. Weighing about 10 pounds, it’s one of the lightest options available and a top choice for parents flying with a stroller.

Why Parents Love It

The Pockit offers a quick fold mechanism, a lightweight frame, and impressive portability, which makes it ideal for families traveling with limited storage space. Its compact size and minimalistic design allow it to be easily stored in overhead bins, making it perfect for those who prefer an in-cabin stroller.

Cons:

• Minimal padding and recline options, which might not be ideal for infants or naps.
• Limited storage capacity, which can be challenging for longer trips or with multiple accessories.
• Not designed for rough or uneven surfaces, limiting its usability in certain destinations.

Joie Parcel: Lightweight and Ready for Flights

**We do not nor have we ever owned or used a Joie Parcel. These are simply our observations.**

Key Features and Benefits:

The Joie Parcel combines durability with a lightweight design, perfect for air travel. Weighing just over 13 pounds, it has an easy one-hand fold, making it convenient to manage through security and boarding.

Why Parents Love it:

With its compact fold, adjustable calf support, and multi-recline options, the Parcel offers both comfort and functionality. It’s compatible with infant car seats, allowing parents to seamlessly transition from car to stroller. Designed to compact fold, the Joie Parcel is perfect for parents looking for a hassle-free travel stroller. It’s price point is also one of the more manageable being priced to compete as an additional, secondary stroller rather than a primary or travel stroller. 

Cons:

• Limited storage space under the seat, which might be restrictive for parents needing extra room.
• Handlebar height may not be adjustable, which can be uncomfortable. 
• May not fit in the overheard compartment.

Other Notable Brands for Air Travel

• Mountain Buggy Nano: Known for its compatibility with car seats and compact fold, the Mountain Buggy Nano is often praised for its versatility in airports and on flights. This is one of the strollers we have personally used and have our honest review here. 
• Joolz Aer: This stroller features an ergonomic design and a one-handed, quick fold, making it easy for parents traveling solo. It’s lightweight and compact enough to carry on.
• Silver Cross Jet: The Silver Cross Jet offers a sleek design and cabin-approved size, making it suitable for families looking for an elegant yet travel-friendly option.
• Ergobaby Metro+: This stroller combines compact size with extra padding and comfort, making it perfect for flights with infants who need more support.

Key Features of Travel Strollers

Some features are better than others, that’s just the truth. What works for you, might also not be what works for someone else! Brands also don’t necessarily know best. So it’s best to know what you might want to look for in a travel stroller before you go off of someone’s recommendation because you may prefer something else!

One-Handed Folding Mechanism

A one-handed fold makes handling luggage and a child easier, allowing parents to quickly fold and store the stroller while juggling other items. I’ve found this particularly tricky when going through security with a stroller or when preparing to board (when I’m either preparing to gate check or carry on board to pop in an overhead bin). 

Brands That Offer One Handed Fold:

YOYO+, Joie Parcel, and Joolz Aer are examples of brands that include one-handed fold features.

Undercarriage Capacity

Ample undercarriage storage lets parents keep essentials like diapers, toys, and snacks within reach, reducing the need for extra bags. Travel strollers can often save space and weight here as larger storage capacity often adds weight and bulk, which can impact how easy it is to lift or store the stroller. But this often means parents are unable to stow much at all. 

Overhead Bin Compatibility

Being able to stow your stroller in the overhead bin means you can keep the stroller within reach for faster deplanning.  The alternative being waiting at the end of the jet bridge for your stroller to be removed from the hold and brought to you. It also reduces the risk of damage to your stroller. 

Limited space means some airlines may restrict this option though, and it can take up room that other passengers need. I’ve personally also found that trying to carry the pram on board along with my bags, a baby, and whatever else can be a bit cumbersome. 

Strollers that offer overhead bin compatibility 

Models like the Babyzen YOYO+ and GB Pockit are specifically designed to fit in airplane overhead bins, offering convenience and quick access.

Durability and Weight

Lightweight strollers are easy to carry, but heavier strollers often provide more stability and durability—important for long trips and rougher terrains. 

Maneuverability

Highly maneuverable strollers help parents navigate crowded spaces with ease, making airport check-ins, security lines, and boarding faster and more convenient. It can also make squeezing into tiny shops, restaurants, etc possible. This has been key for us around Europe. 

The smaller wheels on travel strollers can make maneuverability worse, however often meaning wheels get caught on uneven surfaces. Not ideal on cobblestone. 

Pros and Cons of Travel Stroller Features

Checking a Stroller

Not to be confused with gate checking. 

What to Expect When Checking a Stroller

The stroller will go with regular luggage, and you’ll pick it up at baggage claim after arrival. You will not be able to use the stroller in the airport on either end of your journey so you will either need to carry your child, have them walk, or have another means of getting them through the airport. 

Pros of Checking a Stroller

• Less to Carry Through the Airport – Checking the stroller means parents don’t need to manage it through busy airport corridors.
• Avoiding Damage from Overhead Bins – Avoids potential damage from cramming into tight spaces in the cabin.

Cons of Checking a Stroller

• Risk of Damage or Loss – Checked items can sometimes be damaged or lost, and strollers are no exception.
• Unable to use in airport – You’ll have to drop the stroller before security and wait for your stroller at baggage claim. 

Gate Checking a Stroller

If you want to use your stroller in the airport, but it is not compatible in the overhead bin or if you don’t wish to bring it on board, you may wish to gate check it. This means you can bring it through security and hand it to the ground crew at the aircraft. Then, when you get off the airplane at your destination, you simply wait for the ground crew to bring it up to you before leaving the area just outside the airplane door. 

Process of Gate Checking a Stroller

At the gate, inform the attendant you’d like to gate check the stroller. They’ll provide a tag, and you can use the stroller until just before boarding, where you’ll leave it at the aircraft door. Have your stroller ready for folding before boarding begins, and attach any covers to protect it.

At your destination, disembark the aircraft and wait just outside the aircraft door (either in the jet bridge or at the bottom of the stairs if using air stairs to board). 

Pros of Gate Checking a Stroller

• The convenience of using the stroller in airport. Gate checking lets you keep the stroller with you for easier navigation right up until boarding and gives it back as soon as you disembark meaning you can use it on both ends through the airport as well as for any layovers. 

Cons of Gate Checking a Stroller

• Handling at the gate can still lead to some wear or damage. 
• If not promptly retrieved, the stroller may be delayed upon arrival. 
• There are also times when gate checking is not an option. It is best to double check with the airline and the gate agents prior. 

Taking a Stroller On Board

Some airlines allow compact strollers in overhead bins, but policies differ, so always check ahead.

If you can bring one on board though and have a compact stroller compatible with overhead bin storage, then it is as straight forward as it sounds! You will need to fold down the stroller prior to boarding but will then put it in the overhead bin in the same way you would stow your carry on luggage. 

Pros of Bringing a Stroller On Board

• You can retrieve the stroller right away without waiting for gate delivery.
• Avoids potential handling damage by keeping it within your reach.

Cons of Bringing a Stroller On Board

• Overhead bins are shared, so space is limited, especially on busy flights. For this reason, some airlines have started to ban travel strollers from being brought on board, requiring they either be gate checked or checked at the counter.
• It can be cumbersome to try to carry a folded travel stroller as well as your child along with any other bags you have on board to get to your seat.