Checking a stroller at the gate - how do I protect it?

[AngieWin]

Checking the stroller from our travel system. The last 2 times I have checked a stroller, it has come back with huge chunks of foam out of the handle. I make sure the stroller is locked and closed. All removable parts are off.

What have you done to keep your stroller safe? It is probably too big for a bag, and with a layover/switching flights, alot of hassle. Is there something I can wrap around the handle to keep it safe?

 

[HGD24]

We used an unpadded stroller bag. If nothing else, to keep the stroller from getting dirty and to make it easily visible to the airline staff retrieving it from under the plane.

http://www.target.com/Gate-Check-Um...rowse=0&index=target&rh=k:stroller bag&page=1

There is a padded bag that you could get, but I think it would be too bulky to use for gate checking.

http://www.target.com/Childress-Pad...rowse=0&index=target&rh=k:stroller bag&page=1

 

[AmyBWV99]

Stoll-Air makes zip on handle covers I think the most expensive one is $20. We have used bags and some times that doesn't even amke a difference.

 

[Pumbaa_]

i just came home Monday from Orlando. While we were waiting for our flight i watched a flight land and the gatechecked strollers sent up a conveyor belt to the top

well i watched one reach the top, no person and then roll down the ramp stairs . Luckily, it only tumbled about 4 stairs, but...

I saw the people later and the stroller loooked fine. but I can see how they can get damaged

 

[NotUrsula]

Normally I advise removing the hood and any cupholders and/or trays (putting them in checked baggage), and also bungee-cording the stroller closed, if not covering it altogether, so that it is protected from rain and grease, and also will not accidentally unfold.

However, you have a specific issue, and only a specific remedy will do. Foam handles are NOTORIOUSLY vulnerable to getting slashed if they come into contact with the corners of metal objects. Even bumping along next to the zipper on a suitcase might do it, but the odds are that in the past the problem has been coming into contact with a wheelchair.

I think that the best strategy is to bandage the handle. Use an ace bandage, and tape the ends of the bandage with duct tape. If you wanted to be extra-careful, you could use the foam that is made to insulate water lines; it is split and can be slotted on and taped. You can get that at any hardware store for a couple of bucks.

I personally use a ripstop sleeve that I made myself, that leaves the handles and wheels of the folded stroller exposed, so that it can be rolled behind me down the jetway. My stroller has umbrella handles (not foam), so I put kids' socks on them, held on by plastic zip-ties.

 

[baby1038]

We always use this bag with our stroller. It is big enough for your travel system stroller.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4698054

 

[all4fun]

Stoll-Air makes zip on handle covers I think the most expensive one is $20. We have used bags and some times that doesn't even amke a difference.

That is pretty cool that a company makes a cover for the stroller handle. I googled it: You can look it up on stroll-air.com under products.

What I have done to combat this specific problem is to take hand-tearable 3M packaging tape (bought it at Target) and a few sheets of bubble wrap bought at the dollar tree. I wrapped the handles w/the bubble wrap and tape after getting to the airport gate. I just put the small roll of tape and the bubble wrap sheets in a zippered pock on the stroller hood. I used hand tearable tape so I don't need any cutting device to cut a piece off the roll.

I bring extra bubble wrap in the luggage for the return trip.
hth

 

[jmann]

The 2 times we gate checked our stroller we simply took a large clear garbage/recycling bag and just before getting on the ramp put the stroller in and tied the top. Both times no problem. The bag does not offer much protection but keeps the stroller clean.