Traveling With A Stroller Can Be Stress-Free!

When you’re traveling with children you want to make everything as smooth as possible. Taking a stroller along is an easy way to keep your kids and belongings wrangled. There are a few things you should know about traveling with a stroller before you head out to the airport.

Strollers Travel Free

All airlines will accept strollers and car seats at no cost to you, although they do each have their own guidelines. You can check the guidelines out for the top airlines here. We do recommend placing your stroller inside a duffel bag or large plastic bag. This helps to keep the parts together, prevent anything from getting lost or damaged and reduces the chance of getting caught on airline equipment. The Hamax Storage Bag is perfect for this purpose. It has four handles on the outside and the canvas is water resistant. Using the storage bag will keep your stroller/trailer looking nice for years to come.

Check Through or Gate Check Your Stroller

Think about whether to check your stroller when you check your bags or to keep it for walking through the airport before arriving. You should take your children’s routines into consideration, as well as their ages, how much carry on luggage you are traveling with and how large your stroller is. If your family is traveling during nap time it might be wise to keep your stroller so the kiddos have somewhere comforting and familiar to rest their heads. If your children are older and your stroller is more for walking during your trip than in the airport checking it with your luggage may make more sense.

Some airlines do have restrictions on the size and weight of items that can be gate-checked. You can find the regulations on strollers for the 15 most traveled airlines in the US compiled here. Also, keep in mind the process of going through security. If you are traveling on a heavy travel day, keeping the stroller may make standing in security lines easier for both you and the littles. The stroller will be treated just like any other luggage when going through the security point. If the stroller does not fit through the airports’ x-ray machine it will be visually and physically inspected by a TSA officer.

How to Gate Check Your Stroller

So you’ve decided to use your stroller while roaming through the airport – great idea! When you arrive at your gate, you’ll need to get a gate check tag from one of the attendants. We recommend doing this shortly after arriving at your gate. The closer it becomes to boarding time, the busier the flight attendants will be.

You’ll need to tag each item separately, so the attendant may ask how many pieces your stroller is. They will also want to know what your final destination is. Don’t worry, your stroller will come back out when you arrive at the next airport whether it is a connecting flight or your final destination. The flight attendants just don’t want you to have to repeat this process when trying to catch your connecting flight if you have one. If they don’t ask, or don’t put down your final destination, repeat this process for the next flight as well. You should receive a claim stub – make sure to hold on to this as you may need it to pick up your stroller as you exit the plane.

Before you board and/or as you walk down the bridge you’ll need to get your stroller ready to go into the cargo hold. This means folding it at a minimum and putting it into your Hamax Storage Cover for safekeeping. You’ll want to start gathering up your loose items such as jackets and extra diapers well in advance. This way you are ready to fold the stroller at the airplane door. We recommend practicing so you are well prepared to do this quickly and efficiently. Leave your stroller in the circular space at the end of the jet bridge where the workers can easily access it. Depending on how large the flight is, there may be several other items waiting to be gate checked as well.

Where Do I Pick Up My Stroller When Getting Off The Plane

You’ll likely pick up your stroller in the same circular area of the jet bridge as you depart the plane. If you are sitting towards the rear of the plane, it may even be waiting for you when you get off – otherwise, you’ll need to wait for it. If you are flying with more than one adult, we recommend having one person wait for the stroller. The other should take the munchkins into the airport where there are seats, bathrooms, and snacks available.

There may be some differences depending on if you are flying within the US, or on international or smaller flights. In the US most airlines follow the same procedures. If you are arriving in a foreign country they may have different guidelines. You should ask before boarding the plane to be sure of where to find your stroller.

It seems silly, but don’t forget your stroller! Once you leave the jet bridge and/or terminal area you will not be allowed back in. If it happens, don’t panic, you’ll just need to find an agent and wait for them to go retrieve your stroller.

Pros of traveling with a stroller

• Can use the cargo space in the stroller as a way to carry your extra carry on items
• Plenty of storage space for diapers and other items
• Can be comforting and familiar for your child

Cons of traveling with a stroller

• Will need extra time at check-in and gate to store away properly
• May need to inquire and get extra information from your airline before the flight
• Need to find elevators which can be hidden

Travelling with kids can be stressful, but traveling with a stroller doesn’t have to be. Once you get the process down you’ll feel like a pro and wonder why you ever stressed about it in the first place.