{"id":6338,"date":"2022-09-01T04:35:39","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T04:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mommyinstinct.com\/?p=6338"},"modified":"2022-09-01T04:35:45","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T04:35:45","slug":"best-stroller-for-plane-travel-the-one-and-only-ultimate-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mommyinstinct.com\/best-stroller-for-plane-travel-the-one-and-only-ultimate-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Stroller For Plane Travel \u2013 The One And Only Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you booked plane tickets for your family\u2019s trip? It will be the first time ever your little one gets to be on the plane, and of course, the first family trip together.<\/p>\n

The hardest work (book the flights and pay for them) is done, now you need to prepare for the trip.<\/p>\n

Passports, IDs, clothing, wet wipes, diapers, burp cloths, etc. You name it.<\/p>\n

Wait a second. How are you going to carry your baby during transit and possibly wait for a couple of hours for the flight? You plan to take the stroller with you, but do you have to check it in? Or can you carry it as carry-on luggage?<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve come to the right place. <\/p>\n

While there are many guidelines on plane-travel strollers, it can be surprisingly difficult to find articles with the most up-to-date information on Google.<\/p>\n

The good news is we\u2019ve done the legwork for you. Below, you\u2019ll find the freshest information from airline guidelines to the best stroller for plane travel.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n

Flying with a stroller<\/h2>\n

Do you need to check it in or have it carry on?<\/h3>\n

\"best<\/span><\/p>\n

Depending on your stroller\u2019s size and weight when completely folding and the maximum carry-on size, which varies from airline to airline, you might have to check in your stroller.<\/p>\n

The general rule of thumb is that if your stroller can be folded completely, it is possible that you can have it as a carry-on. However, there is no guarantee so you must check whether your stroller is likely to fit the plane cabin.<\/p>\n

Below are the cabin sizes for more than 50 major airlines. Make sure you double check the sizes again in their websites as they might change the rules at any given time.<\/p>\n

Cabin sizes for 50+ major airlines<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Airline<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/th>\n

cabin size<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/th>\n

maximum weight<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

American Airlines<\/td>\n56 x 36 x 23 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alaska Airlines<\/td>\n55.8 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delta Air Lines<\/td>\n56 x 35 x 23 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\nWeight restrictions on specific routes only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
United Airlines<\/td>\n55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Emirates<\/td>\n55 x 38 x 20 cm22 x 15 x 8 in<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AeroMexico<\/td>\n55 X 40 X 25 Cm21.5 X 15.7 X 10 In<\/td>\n10 Kg22 Lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hawaiian Airlines<\/td>\n55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\n11.3 kg25 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Qantas Airways<\/td>\nCarry-on:56 x 36 x 23 cm22 x 14.2 x 9 inGarment bag:60 x 11 x 114 cm23.6 x 4.3 x 44.9 in<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Southwest Airlines<\/td>\n61 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm24 x 16 x 10 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Virgin Atlantic<\/td>\n23 x 36 x 56 cm9 x 14.2 x 22 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air Canada<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air China<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 20 cm22 x 16 x 8 in<\/td>\n5 kg11 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air Europa L\u00edneas A\u00e9reas<\/td>\n55 x 35 x 25 cm21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air France-KLM<\/td>\n55 x 35 x 25 cm21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 in<\/td>\n12 kg26 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air India<\/td>\nBoeing & Airbus aircraft:55 x 35 x 25 cm22 x 14 x 10 inATR aircraft:40 x 30 x 15 cm16 x 12 x 6 in<\/td>\nBoeing & Airbus aircraft:8 kg18lbsATR aircraft:5 kg11 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aer Lingus<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 24 cm21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aeroflot<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 25 cm21.5 x 15.5 x 9.8 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air New Zealand<\/td>\n118 cm46.5 in linear<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allegiant Air<\/td>\n55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
All Nippon Airways (ANA)<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 25 cm22 x 16 x 10 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Asiana Airlines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 20 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austrian Airlines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in<\/td>\n8 kg18 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Avianca & TACA<\/td>\n55 x 35 x 25 cm22 x 14 x 10 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
British Airways<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\n23 kg51 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brussels Airlines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in<\/td>\n12 kg26 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cathay Pacific Airways<\/td>\n56 x 36 x 23 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\n7 kg<\/p>\n

15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

China Eastern Airlines<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
China Southern Airlines<\/td>\n115 cm45 in linear<\/td>\n5 kg11 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EasyJet Airline<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
El Al Israel Airlines<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\n8 kg17.6 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Etihad Airways<\/td>\n40 x 50 x 25 cm15.7 x 19.7 x 9.8 in<\/td>\n7kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eurowings<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in<\/td>\n8 kg18 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EVA Air<\/td>\n23 x 36 x 56 cm9 x 14 x 22 in<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ethiopian Airlines<\/td>\n23 x 40 x 55 cm9 x 15.7 x 21.7 in<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finnair<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\n8 kg18 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Frontier Airlines<\/td>\n61 x 40.6 x 25 cm24 x 16 x 10 in<\/td>\n15.9 kg35 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Garuda Indonesia<\/td>\n41 cm x 34 cm x 17 cm16 x 13.4 x 6.7 in<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hainan Airlines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 20 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in<\/td>\n5 kg11 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iberia<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Icelandair<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 20 cm21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Airlines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 25 cm22 x 16 x 10 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
JetBlue Airways<\/td>\n55.9 x 35.5 x 22.8 cm22 x 14 x 9 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Korean Air Lines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 20 cm21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 in<\/td>\n12 kg25 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kuwait Airways<\/td>\n56 x 46 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lufthansa<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.6 x 15.7 x 9.1 in<\/td>\n8 kg18 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Norwegian Air Shuttle<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.6 x 15.7 x 9.1 in<\/td>\n10 kg22 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Philippine Airlines<\/td>\n115 cm45 in linear<\/td>\n7 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in<\/td>\n8 kg18 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Singapore Airlines<\/td>\n115cm45 in linear<\/td>\n7 kg15.4 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Spirit Airlines<\/td>\n56 x 46 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\nUndisclosed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Swiss International Air Lines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in<\/td>\n8 kg18 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thai Airways<\/td>\n56 x 45 x 25 cm22 x 18 x 10 in<\/td>\n6.8 kg15 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Turkish Airlines<\/td>\n55 x 40 x 23 cm21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in<\/td>\n8 kg17.6 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source:<\/em>Upgraded points<\/a><\/p>\n

What are the rules for bringing a stroller on a plane?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Airlines<\/strong><\/th>\nRules<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n

American Airlines<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cEach ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller. Only small, collapsible and light strollers (up to 20lbs\/9kgs) can be checked at the gate. Any stroller that weighs over 20lbs\/9 kgs, is too large or is non\u2212collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter.”<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Delta Airlines<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cChildren\u2019s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Southwest Airlines<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cCustomers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance. Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, (and) an optional Southwest-branded reusable car seat\/stroller bag is available for purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for a $15 one time fee.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

United Airlines<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 \u201cUnited accepts one stroller and one car seat free of charge for each child, including children under the age of two traveling on an adult\u2019s lap and infants traveling internationally on 10 percent of an adult fare. If requested by the customer, United can check strollers at the departure gate. United is not liable for damage to strollers. Customers cannot purchase excess valuation for strollers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Air Cana<\/a><\/a><\/a>da<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cSmall strollers: <\/strong>Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small collapsible umbrella type strollers. A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in) is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight. <\/p>\n

Large strollers<\/strong>: Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in and will count as one piece of baggage toward the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Large strollers are also subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

JetBlue<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cIf possible, strollers should be folded down. If it doesn\u2019t fit through the x-ray machine, the TSA officers will find other ways to screen it. JetBlue will courtesy gate check<\/a> strollers, but please be aware that strollers are not covered for damage if checked. JetBlue assumes no liability for loss, damage or delay.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Alaska Airlines<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cWe will transport your child\u2019s stroller free of charge as checked baggage. You can check these items with your other baggage, or wait until you reach the gate area.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

WestJet<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cStrollers are permitted at no charge under the checked bag allowance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

AeroMexico<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cOne stroller, bassinet or baby carrier up to 44 pounds (20 kg) or 45 inches (1.14 m) is permitted at no extra charge.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Spirit Airlines<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cWe will happily check one stroller for no extra cost at the ticket counter. You may also check these items at the gate. We\u2019ll have them waiting for you in your arrival city when you get off the aircraft.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Frontier<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cA stroller may be checked free of charge when traveling with a child.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Volaris<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cTake your baby in a stroller to the aircraft entrance, and you will receive it at your destination.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Hawaiian<\/strong> Airlines<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cYour stroller must be checked-in if it is: non-collapsible, or weighs over 50 lbs. Strollers are free to check, they may be checked at the gate using a claim-at-gate tag, if preferred.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Allegiant Air<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cYou may check a stroller as checked baggage at the time of check-in at the ticket counter or gate check it during boarding. There is no charge for checking or gate checking one stroller per fare-paying passenger. Gate checked strollers will be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft during the flight and delivered to the gate or passenger loading bridge upon arrival at your destination.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Virgin America<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u201cVirgin America will accept assistive devices and certain other devices at no additional charge, including strollers. Virgin America will not assume liability or responsibility for fragile or unsuitably packaged items, including strollers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source:<\/em> TSA<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Can you use your too-big-for-carry-on stroller until you board?<\/h3>\n

\"best<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, you can. Have it gate-checked. <\/p>\n

Almost all airlines have gate-checking service for customers who arrive late at the airport and don\u2019t have time to check in their luggage, or for customers who exceed the maximum weight for carry-on luggage.<\/p>\n

Make sure you tell the clerk when you are checking in that you\u2019d like to keep your stroller until you board and have it gate-checked, because some airlines and airports may have specific restriction rules to access strollers inside the boarding area.<\/p>\n

Can I ask for support from the airlines?<\/h3>\n

Traveling with a baby can be daunting. And some airlines (fortunately) understand this.<\/p>\n

Some airlines offer courtesy airport strollers, where you can borrow the strollers for arrival and transit.<\/p>\n

Below are some airlines that provide courtesy airport strollers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Airlines provide courtesy strollers<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/th>\n

\n

At which airports<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

All Nippon Airways<\/td>\nNarita<\/p>\n

Kansa<\/p>\n

Chubu Centrair Intl<\/p>\n

Kamatsu<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

<\/span>Emirates<\/span><\/td>\nDubai Airport (Terminal 3)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Etihad<\/td>\nAbu Dubai (Terminal 3)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gulf Air<\/td>\nBahrain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Airlines<\/td>\nNarita<\/p>\n

Kansa<\/p>\n

Chubu Centrair Intl<\/p>\n

Kamatsu<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Qantas<\/td>\nCanberra<\/p>\n

Cairns<\/p>\n

Sydney<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Qatar<\/td>\nDoha<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source:<\/em>Flying with a baby<\/a><\/p>\n

How to know if your stroller is ok to carry on?<\/h3>\n

Have your stroller completely folded and check the dimensions to make sure it fits your airlines\u2019 guidelines. Some items like cup holders, wheels, etc. might need to be removed so that you can make them even more compact.<\/p>\n

What to look for in the best stroller for plane travel<\/h2>\n

\"best<\/span><\/p>\n

Size of the stroller<\/h3>\n

Depending on the destinations, airports and airlines, you might be allowed to use your own stroller inside the boarding area and take it as your carry-on luggage.<\/p>\n

If your goal is to bring your own stroller as a carry-on, make sure the size of your stroller is small enough when folding to fit the over-the-head cabin on the plane.<\/p>\n

Weight of the stroller<\/h3>\n

To fit the stroller into the plane cabin, your stroller cannot exceed the carry-on luggage weight limit. <\/p>\n

The general rule for carry on luggage is 15 lbs or 7 kgs.<\/p>\n

Also remember that you are not bringing the stroller alone but other essentials for your baby as well (diapers, wet wipes, bottles, etc), so the lighter, the better. <\/p>\n

Ease folding the stroller<\/h3>\n

Having an easy folding mechanism is always a priority with strollers but particularly so with a travel stroller for the plane.<\/p>\n

You will probably feel the pressure to collapse the stroller quickly after boarding the plane and you will be doing it in a confined space. You will also need to do this when going through airport security, and possibly when getting in taxis at the airport.<\/p>\n

A one-handed folding mechanism is ideal for ease of use when traveling with kids.<\/p>\n

Read more: <\/strong>Best breast pump for travel<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Travel while breastfeeding without baby<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Best stroller for domestic and international plane travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nGood for carry on<\/th>\nWeight<\/th>\nFolding<\/th>\nBest feature<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gb Pocket+ All Terrain<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n9.5 lbs<\/td>\n2-step<\/td>\nMost compact<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Summer 3Dmini<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nNo. Gate-checked<\/td>\n11 lbs<\/td>\n2-step folding<\/td>\nCheap<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Evenflo Gold Otto<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nNo. Gate-checked<\/td>\n18 lbs<\/td>\nSelf-folding<\/td>\nSelf-folding<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Babyzen YOYO2<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nYes for most airlines<\/td>\n13.6 lbs<\/td>\nOne-handed folding<\/td>\nGood for big families<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Baby Jogger City Tour 2<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nYes for most airlines<\/td>\n14 lbs<\/td>\nOne-handed folding<\/td>\nEasy to steer<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ergobaby Metro+<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\nYes for most airlines<\/td>\n21.6 lbs<\/td>\nTwo hands fold<\/td>\nDurable<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Gb Pocket+ All Terrain<\/h3>\n

<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

Size<\/h4>\n

The GB Pocket stroller is extremely compact. In fact, of all the strollers I\u2019ve researched, this is the smallest stroller when folded: only 13.4 x 7.9 x 16.5 inches. With this ultra-compact, it is good for carry-on. Some parents shared that with some planes, they could even fit the GB Pocket stroller under the seat!<\/p>\n

Weight<\/h4>\n

This umbrella stroller is only 9.5lbs, makes one-handed pushing and steering effortless.<\/p>\n

Ease of folding<\/h4>\n

The Gb Pocket features a 2-step folding mechanism and it can be carried via the attached handle. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, this stroller is good for babies from 6 months up to 55 lbs. You can even convert it into a travel system, to attach an infant car seat to it using adapters so that you can bring your even younger babies to the trip.<\/p>\n

If you care most about the compact feature, this is the best stroller for plane travel for you.<\/p>\n

What we like<\/h3>\n