Checking Strollers

[Disfan1968]

Our kids will be 5 and just 4 when we head down this August. We rented a (BOB Duallie) double stroller last summer which was a side by side beastie, and we really didn't like it as it was too cumbersome on all levels. We have a Britax double stroller at home where the occupants sit one on top of the other that we would like to bring this year (picture attached). So, for those that have flown with strollers... I guess you just check your stroller with your bags at the airline counter, yes? Can I also ask, do you duct tape the dang thing up so it won't fly apart in transit risking additional damage? Any input on this would be appreciated.

 

[FencerGirl]

You can gate check your stroller. You'll have to fold it to get it through security, but then you'll have while you wait at the gate.

 

[BellsFam]

I gate checked it both times... It's right there when you get off the plane! I have a slim stroller (when folded) I got a Babies R Us travel bag for it. Slips in the bag once folded, less scratches to the frame, etc.

 

[disney world dreamer]

Our kids will be 5 and just 4 when we head down this August. We rented a (BOB Duallie) double stroller last summer which was a side by side beastie, and we really didn't like it as it was too cumbersome on all levels. We have a Britax double stroller at home where the occupants sit one on top of the other that we would like to bring this year (picture attached). So, for those that have flown with strollers... I guess you just check your stroller with your bags at the airline counter, yes? Can I also ask, do you duct tape the dang thing up so it won't fly apart in transit risking additional damage? Any input on this would be appreciated.

NO!
do not check it at the airline check in counter with your bags.
GATE CHECK IT.
i don't know an airline that won't gate check a stroller for free.
and this way you know your stroller is not literally being thrown around.

 

[Disfan1968]

NO!
do not check it at the airline check in counter with your bags.
GATE CHECK IT.
i don't know an airline that won't gate check a stroller for free.
and this way you know your stroller is not literally being thrown around.

Ah OK. I am flying Southwest so I'll check into that. I have flown many times but never gate checked anything before. Just your basic carry ons and checked bags for me. This is the first time I have traveled with a stroller. So when you gate check, where do you pick up your checked item? We'll be utilizing MDE for our transportation and our checked stuff will be sent along to our rooms for us.

 

[disney world dreamer]

Ah OK. I am flying Southwest so I'll check into that. I have flown many times but never gate checked anything before. Just your basic carry ons and checked bags for me. This is the first time I have traveled with a stroller. So when you gate check, where do you pick up your checked item? We'll be utilizing MDE for our transportation and our checked stuff will be sent along to our rooms for us.

i've gate checked a stroller on southwest before.
its free.
you just talk to the gate agent about it and they'll give you a tag to put on it and they'll put it on the plane for you and then when you get off the plane it will be sitting right on the jetway for you along with other people's strollers/wheelchairs/carry on items that didn't fit in the overhead bin.

 

[kenny]

Just get your tag at the gate as pp mentioned. You take the stroller on to the jetway and fold it rebefore you step on to plane. You'll see other strollers sitting there

You'll pick up on jetway right after you exit plane.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I know you're flying Southwest, but keep in mind some airlines (American) limit the size of gate checked strollers.

 

[Disfan1968]

Thanks folks for helping with this. We will most definitely gate check.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

The concept of gate checking and handling the stroller better is not true. I've had one damaged, I've had a dear friend have her Preto destroyed gate checked. If she had checked it at the counter the airline would replace, but she gate checked. Thankfully she had trip insurance which did replace it. I had a wheel chair once on US Air damaged as gate checked, but they did replace that. So check with your carrier if they will be responsible for an expensive item gate checked.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I have seen gate checked stroller thrown in hold just like checked bags while waiting for our plane. from what I have seen gate checking does not get different handeling

 

[wdwrich]

I have seen gate checked stroller thrown in hold just like checked bags while waiting for our plane. from what I have seen gate checking does not get different handling

True, but gate checked items tend to get less handling as they are already at the aircraft when checked. Items checked at the counter must travel further and get handled more than items that are gate checked. The chance for damage is therefore somewhat less for gate checked items.