Anyone allowed to actually gate check their regular stroller on American?

[txmom2boys]

I heard that American changed their stroller policy for large, non-collapsable strollers over 20lbs. However, I have seen several reports that AA is not allowing anything but an umbrella stroller.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Umbrella strollers can be gate checked, all others should be checked at the counter, still free of charge.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Last time I gate checked my stroller with American they lost it! The last night of our vacation it was delivered to our hotel. How do you lose something that is checked at the gate?

Anyways, what PP said is the correct new policy for AA.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Last time I gate checked my stroller with American they lost it! The last night of our vacation it was delivered to our hotel. How do you lose something that is checked at the gate?

Anyways, what PP said is the correct new policy for AA.

Easy. You do not load it on the plane. Happens all the time. If it is a choice between on time departure and loading gate checks. Well.......

 

[brockash]

Umbrella strollers can be gate checked, all others should be checked at the counter, still free of charge.

The wording on the AA site, says that umbrella strollers can be taken on the plane and stored in the overhead bin, and that other collapsible strollers under 20 lbs. can be gate checked, but all others are to be checked at the counter. I think OP is asking about the collapsible strollers under 20lbs. I haven't traveled with AA since the change, but I'd be interested to know as well. It seems from their website that as long as the stroller is under 20 lbs. and collapsible, that you'd be able to gate check it.



ETA: From the AA website:


Stroller Acceptance For a Ticketed or Lap Child
Stroller Type Features

Umbrella Stroller


AA highly recommends using this type of stroller
May be taken onboard the aircraft as long as it fits in the overhead bin
Exempt from carry-on allowance and baggage charges
May be checked at the gate

Fully Collapsible Stroller Weighing Less Than 20 lbs.

May be checked at the ticket counter
May be checked at the gate
May not be carried on the aircraft
Exempt from baggage charges

Large Stroller or Non-Collapsible Stroller or Heavy Stroller Weighing Over 20 lbs.†


Strongly discouraged to avoid damage. Facilities were not designed to accommodate these types of strollers
May be checked at the ticket counter†
May not be carried on the aircraft
Exempt from baggage charges

Please note: American is not responsible for damage to any stroller not properly packed in original packaging.

†Effective June 1, 2011, large, jogging, non-collapsible strollers, or those over 20 lbs will no longer be accepted at the gate and therefore must be checked at the ticket counter. There is no charge as long as a child or infant is traveling.

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/childrenTraveling.jsp#strollerdisclaimer

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Umbrella Stroller

AA highly recommends using this type of stroller
May be taken onboard the aircraft as long as it fits in the overhead bin

It is ridiculous that AA recommends putting an umbrella stroller in an overhead bin. Even if you could fit it in lengthwise, it would take up a whole bin! I would be pretty mad to have to gate check a carry-on because a stroller was in an overhead bin.

I have to add that I have never seen anyone try and bring an umbrella stroller onto a plane.

 

[brockash]

It is ridiculous that AA recommends putting an umbrella stroller in an overhead bin. Even if you could fit it in lengthwise, it would take up a whole bin! I would be pretty mad to have to gate check a carry-on because a stroller was in an overhead bin.

I have to add that I have never seen anyone try and bring an umbrella stroller onto a plane.

Delta made me once (I've only flown with an umbrella stroller once.) I tried to get the ticket to gate check it and they said I had to take it on the plane and store it in the overhead bin. When I got on the plane, before I even got to my seat; a flight attendant took the umbrella stroller and stored it at the front of the plane (I think their coat closet?)