Cost of gate-checking a stroller...

[mickeyfan0805]

Has anyone gate-checked a strolle since the new baggage policies went into effect? It used to be that gate-checking a stroller was free and did not count against your count of checked bags. Is that still the case or has this changed? If anyone has flown with Airtran or Northwest and done this, I'd appreciate the input. TIA.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I'm wondering this as well.

 

[bumbershoot]

I can't find a thing on AirTran's site, and would just call them.


On Northwest in their Special Luggage section:

Infant and Child Items
Northwest accepts certain infant and child items in addition to normal luggage allowances.

***
Strollers: One fully collapsible umbrella-style stroller may be carried onboard, in addition to the carry-on luggage allowance. Strollers are only allowed on board the aircraft if approved storage space is available.

Northwest also accepts child carrier backpacks and strollers as checked luggage. Each item may be checked in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance. When these items are checked as luggage, all excess, oversized and overweight charges will apply.



OK well that's not helpful either, b/c it's either "carried onboard" or checked....frustrating!

 

[Mom2m&k]

We recently flew on Southwest and I was able to gatecheck a stroller and two carseats with no problem. That was with checking 3 bags. I am not a fan of the new fees!

 

[bear74]

We recently flew on Southwest and I was able to gatecheck a stroller and two carseats with no problem. That was with checking 3 bags. I am not a fan of the new fees!

good to hear as we are flying SW in Sept.

 

[fireworks fan]

We flew Midwest Airlines this week with a stroller, and gate checked it for free. No problems!

 

[squirrel]

I talked to AirTran and was told I could gate check the stroller and it's free. Something about it being a mobility device.

 

[disneybridetobe]

I e-mailed Air Tran the other day, and this is the response I got:
"Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; however, any other items would be subject to excess luggage fees (i.e. portable crib high chair...etc.). Traveling with an infant, you are allowed more than the normal one carry-on item in order to travel with baby related items such as diapers, baby clothes, blanket, etc. We recommend that you carry on more than ample supplies of baby care items in the event that your flight is delayed. Security requirements prevent us from retrieving checked luggage from the cargo stowage."

Woohoo!

 

[mickeyfan0805]

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the responses.

 

[mikehn]

Enjoy the free gate check while it lasts.

 

[Frankiesmom]

Flew Delta last month and gate checking stroller and car seat was free; both items did not count against my Ds's ticket- they put a baagage sticker on it that said baby item. Hope this helps!

 

[all4fun]

found This website that gives info for most of the major airlines: http://www.expedia.com/daily/edit/alerts/Feb2008/baggage_fees.asp

hth

 

[Henlady]

In order to gate check a stroller, does it HAVE to be an umbrella stroller?
DD was planning to use DGS's standard stroller. It collapses to maybe 16inches in thickness.

 

[DbleTheFun]

We flew continental in May, shortly after the baggage allowance change, and travelled with our MBUD (For those who know Double Strollers, this thing is like a tank... super big and bulky... but worth lugging with us)...It was gate checked and we had no problems or questions from anyone.

 

[Pstecker]

I flew Airtran and gate checked my standard sized Graco stroller and a car seat and had no problems at all and all were free.