checking stroller on airplane

[henry72]

We leave on Wed for WDW. We are taking 2 strollers though really only need both for the parks and not at the airport. I am planning on gate checking our nicer stroller (MacClaren Volo) and was trying to decide what to do with the other one (cheap umbrella stroller). Would it be safer to gate check? I think it would be easier to check it with the regular luggage but worried about how it would hold up. Has anyone checked their stroller rather than taken it to the gate?

 

[Claudine877]

I think it would be easier to check the larger one with your bags as it would stand up to more handling; but the little one, probably not so much. Why not just gate check both? The airlines are used to it. I actually bought a gate check bag for our double umbrella stroller from overstock that I'll use to gate check so it will hopefully stay a little cleaner.

 

[henry72]

I was trying not to lug 2 strollers through the airport but guess I will have to get use to it since we will have 2 in WDW.

 

[millerette]

I'd also like to add that the gate check bags for strollers are so nice! We have one that we bought for our Chicco liteway umbrella stroller. It keeps it clean and has our name on it. You might be interested. :0) Have a fun trip!

 

[tjmw2727]

If you don't want to deal with the umbrella stroller through security etc I would take a chance with checking it as luggage. Just make sure it will stay shut - use a stroller bag or even a luggage strap or bungee coard to keep it folded. Take off any extras and either take off the sunshade and pack it or secure that tightly. If you are using DME and tag it remember you won't have it until approx 3 hours after check in at the WDW Resort.

Worse come to worse and it dosen't make it - stop at walmart and spend another $12-15 and replace it

OTOH I would not check the expensive stroller, I would gate check it. I would follow the same rules as above before you gate check it. Damage can occur if the stroller opens and the luggage handler doesn't know how to close it (some are tricky !). Take off any extra's and make sure the stroller is securely closed - we used a bungee

 

[kmb584]

If it were me I would...

• Check the umbrella stroller
• Gate check the more expensive one

A gate check bag isn't required but I can't imagine traveling without one. They keep the strollers from getting banged up, dingy and dirty. I'd opt to get 2 GC bags as they sell them in different sizes.

The reason as to why I'd check the cheap umbrella stroller is because, well, it's cheap. If damage occurs it can be easily replaced to the tune of $15. I did that once and my stroller can back a mangled form of its one self. From that point on I use gate check (we travel with 1 stroller) for DD's stroller which I then place inside of a gate check bag and tie it up as much as I can. Her strollers have returned to the jetway in pristine condition ever since.