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Best lightweight airplane travel strollers make getting through the airport and on to the airplane a lot easier. There’s usually a lot of things to be packed when traveling with a baby, but if you plan to walk during your trip, it makes sense to pack a stroller (car seat travel system). Carrying a baby is an option but a stroller makes walking so much easier.
Introduction
When travelling with kids, you have the option of carrying the baby in a carrier or take that massive stroller system that you already own, or take a lightweight stroller.
Frequent fliers would agree that its really nice to have a lightweight travel stroller. While you may be allowed to store a very compact travel stroller in an overhead bin on a plane, technically most travel strollers do not fall within the carry-on luggage required size dimensions. It is much more likely that you will be asked to gate check a travel stroller.
A stroller that folds into a super compact size can easily fit in overhead bins on planes, fit under the table at a restaurant, and fit on a train’s overhead compartment.
Various Options to Take the Stroller/Car Seat in the Airplane
Here are the various options to check your baby gear:
- CHECK ON THE PLANE: Check in your gear (stroller/car seat) along with your luggage/bags. You can just trust that they will arrive when you land at the destination.
- CHECK AT THE GATE: When you leave your stroller at the gate, you can be sure that it is getting on your plane (in case you’re worried that the stroller may get lost). Same goes for the car seat. Many parents prefer to bring the gear through the airport and check it at the gate.
- CARRY IT ON: Depending on the type of stroller/car seat you have, you may be able to carry a car seat on the flight. You do get tiny umbrella strollers nowadays that fit in the overhead compartment (in most cases, you will be asked to check your stroller at the gate).
Tips:
Even if the airline doesn’t provide a tag for your stroller, it’s a good idea to have your own label with your name, address and contact number on the stroller/car seat, in case of loss.
Most airlines do not count a checked stroller or car seat against your checked luggage allowance, but do call the airline in advance to check on its rules.
Best Baby Strollers for Airplane Travel
Getting onto the airplane with a baby can be challenging; while there may not be a perfect solution for flying with a baby, these small strollers can make the travel a lot more comfortable. With features like one-hand fold, compact size that fits in a backpack, these strollers will fit in your plane’s overhead compartment.
Also Read: Best travel stroller reviews here.
Lots of manufacturers now make ultra-compact folding pushchairs, which they claim to be cabin luggage-approved. However, you should definitely check that wit the airlines. Different airlines have different luggage policies, so you should ideally check when booking.
Having said that, if you really want a stroller that you can carry along with you in the aircraft, choose an ultra-compact folding pushchair and also check with the airline to be sure it is permitted.
Parents would any day prefer a lightweight baby stroller unless they want to haul two kids or want an all-terrain or jogger. Most of these strollers fold down small enough to fit into the overhead compartment or slide under an airplane seat. These little strollers is what you need when traveling with your baby or preschooler. These are lightweight and compact which makes it a breeze to fold them and stow in the airplane overhead compartment (or in the car trunk).
Lightweight Travel Stroller for Airplane: Features
Here are some of the most desirable features in a stroller that is suitable for air travel.
- Lightweight: The lighter the better – without giving up too many features. Most are around 12 lbs, but some go as low as 10 lbs.
- Collapsible: It should be easy to collapse and it is nice if it can stand on its own.
- A Five Point Harness: Keep your baby secure with a 5 point seatbelt harness that ideally converts to a 3 point as they grow.
- Option to Recline: It is nice if your stroller has a reclining option for naps. Please note that only strollers that recline to flat are suitable for newborns (some let your add a baby bassinet or infant bucket car seat to the stroller).
- Large Shade Canopy: An extendable or adjustable sun canopy is a nice feature if you are visiting somewhere hot and sunny.
- Air Vents: It is also nice if the stroller has an option to zip open an air vent to keep your child cool in hot weather.
- Large Storage Basket: A large storage basket under the stroller can be quite useful to keep all baby stuff
- A Stroller Carry Strap or Carry Bag: allows you to sling the stroller over your shoulder. Likewise, to protect your stroller when gate checking it, you may want to invest in a stroller carry bag.
Source: pintsizepilot
Its always a good idea to check the stroller policy, in case you plan to bring a stroller. Not all airlines will allow stroller checking at the gate and many will not give access to your stroller during layovers. Many airports have courtesy strollers that you may use while at the airport.
Checking your stroller as luggage has its advantages – it gives you the peace of mind that it is safely packaged and won’t arrive at your destination as a broken stroller. Products that most parents find helpful at the airport are strollers, baby carriers (baby wearing) and a Trunki (tow-able luggage).
Airline Stroller Policies Around the World
Make sure to check the airlines’ travel rules for jet-setting with a stroller. Stroller Policies of major airlines around the world:
- Aeromexico
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- EVA Air
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Malaysia Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- SWISS
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta
- Etihad
- Frontier Airlines
- Qantas
- Southwest Airlines
Useful Links
- Top Tips for Handling Strollers During Air Travel
- Making Family Travel Easier With Car Seats and Strollers
StrollerBoards is a family managed website with me (Ben) and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing baby travel gear. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical solutions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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