Checking a Brand New Stroller

[Autumnslight]

I'm buying a brand new stroller for our Disney trip in a few weeks. I don't need to use it beforehand, and I'm planning to check it with the rest of our luggage. Can/should I just take it to the airport still in it's original box, and check it like that? I was thinking it might be easier that way, but I'm not sure if there are any downsides to doing that.

 

[Tara]

1. Take it out first and make sure it's in working order so you don't get an unpleasant surprise when you arrive.

2. Put it back in the box and bring some packing tape with you to seal it up because they might want to see what's in the box. They usually have their own tape, but I wouldn't take any chances.

A possible downside would be having to pay to check it. You could also take it with you through security and gate check it for free. I don't know if you could leave it in the box in that case...they might not allow it, not sure. (But they would allow you to put it in a carrying case, so logically I don't see a problem with the box, but logic doesn't always apply. )

 

[Autumnslight]

I don't think I'm going to leave it in the box. I realized it would need to be assembled after being taken out of the box, which isn't something I want to deal with. Plus, it wouldn't fit back in the box after being assembled.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Dry run putting it together, then see if it oes in the box. I would try it, or get a carry bag for it. They will give you a plastic oversize bag like a car seat is handled. I would avoide a gate check because....a dear friend took her Peg Prego gate checking on the way home. It was broken, looked like a giant stated on it. The airport would not repair/replace because it was gate checked. If it had been checked luggage they old address the damages.
Her trip insurance did take care of it.

 

[rdevine10]

I would be careful checking a new stroller too. I also had a brand new stroller get trashed from a gate check home on an international flight from the Caribbean. I was so angry! The airline would not give us anything for it. I was glad it happened on the way home though as we needed it for the vacation!

We have traveled many other times with strollers and such without issue. My Maclaren always did fine with airplane travel, and my high end combi (which was very flexible did too). The less durable (more rigid built ones) did not do well, in my experience.