AirTran out of Flint with a stroller

[MichiganMomto4]

I emailed airtran about gate checking an umbrella stroller and they haven't responded.

Has anyone done this?

If not out of Flint then out of anywhere?

I need to know if they'll charge me, and how much, or if I'll have to check the stroller.

TIA

 

[cbrfan]

We always fly out of FNT and have gate-checked a stroller numerous time. It's no problem and no charge. Just go to your gate and tell the agent that you need a gate-check tag. Tag your stroller and take it down the jetway. An employee will take it from you just outside the cabin door. You'll need to collapse it yourself, though.

 

[kristenrice]

I would also recommend a padded bag to store it in. Many times, the strollers are just tossed (literally) in with other luggage. Wheels and canopies have been damaged when they are gate checked and you wouldn't want to start your trip with a broken stroller.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

Awesome, thank you to both of you!

I'm still wondering if they'll charge me. If so, I guess that's fine unless it's outrageous. I know we have one free checked bag each but people who bought tickets after us don't.

I'll have to ask DH if we have a bag to put it in.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Generally, no charge. The airPORT doesn't matter, it's whatever an airLINE's policy is - and afaik, AirTran gate checks strollers free. Just remember to get the gate check tag when you arrive at the gate, NOT when boarding starts.

 

[cbrfan]

Generally, no charge. The airPORT doesn't matter, it's whatever an airLINE's policy is - and afaik, AirTran gate checks strollers free. Just remember to get the gate check tag when you arrive at the gate, NOT when boarding starts.

You may very well not find an employee at the gate when you get there. The employees at FNT do pretty much everything. You'll probably see the person who checked you in out loading your bags on the plane. An agent will show up at the podium a few minutes before boarding starts and you can get the gate-check ticket then. So don't be worried if it's almost time to leave and you don't have your ticket.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

cbrfan - You're making me laugh! Is that same person the pilot, too?

Now I have visions of Air Green Acres

This will be our first time out of Flint (see, I didn't even know it was FNT). We were originally booked out of Metro but they changed our flights and that wasn't good so we switched to Flint. Time wise, we are about 45 minutes from both. Everyone I've talked to in my neighborhood says the northern airport is so much easier than Metro - I'm excited for that (although I was also sort of looking forward to DTW's new terminal but oh well).

Thanks again for the help!

 

[cbrfan]

cbrfan - You're making me laugh! Is that same person the pilot, too?

Now I have visions of Air Green Acres

This will be our first time out of Flint (see, I didn't even know it was FNT). We were originally booked out of Metro but they changed our flights and that wasn't good so we switched to Flint. Time wise, we are about 45 minutes from both. Everyone I've talked to in my neighborhood says the northern airport is so much easier than Metro - I'm excited for that (although I was also sort of looking forward to DTW's new terminal but oh well).

Thanks again for the help!

You think I'm kidding?? I haven't seen one flying the plane yet, but I've seen them do just about everything else! I think you'll like FNT. Small, easy to get in and out, security has been really fast and friendly whenever we've gone through. Definately my airport of choice!

 

[vandort]

You guys are too funny!!!

I checked a stroller on Airtran out of Flint in August. No problem at all. You actually can use your stroller all the way up to the plane. I bought a bag at Babys-R-us to put the stoller in (to keep it clean).

 

[vandort]

By the way, you'll love Bishop airport. It's so much nicer than Detroit metro. If you park in the economy lot, the bus picks you up at your car. They help you with your luggage and then give you a ticket with the location of your car to put in your wallet to make your return easy. Everyone is very nice at this airport. They seem to go out of their way to be very customer friendly.

 

[vandort]

By the way, you'll love Bishop airport. It's so much nicer than Detroit metro. If you park in the economy lot, the bus picks you up at your car. They help you with your luggage and then give you a ticket with the location of your car to put in your wallet to make your return easy. Everyone is very nice at this airport. They seem to go out of their way to be very customer friendly.

 

[disney's daughter]

I agree. We always fly out of FNT airport....Nice, easy, simple and quick.

 

[peemagg]

I fully agree about Flint being a great airport! Won't fly out of anywhere else if I can help it!

This past January (2008) we gate checked 3 strollers with no problems and no cost (we flew Airtran). We even got our gate check tags at the check-in counter before we went through security. Everything was great!

By the way MichiganMomto4 we must be neighbors so to speak. I live also about 45 minutes either way to both airports. I prefer heading more north than south anyday! Flint also charges less for parking.