Flying SW - Stroller Question

[MindyMouse76]

We are flying Southwest from PHL for our trip. We decided to bring our umbrella stroller with for DD4. Since she is 4, we really don't need the stroller for the airport etc. It is the Chicco Red kind that comes with a bag for it that I plan on using. It is going to be safe to check-in the stroller instead of doing gate-check? I can just see it underneath heavy suitcases and getting broken. I wanted someone elses thoughts. It will just be nice to check it in and not have to worry about it.....

Thanks...

 

[Coconuts]

This probably won't help you but I'll tell you our experience. We never checked a stroller, we gate checked ours. On our last trip, DD was 4 and we brought the umbrella stroller through the airport and then checked at the gate. It was helpful if DD got tired and wanted a ride at any point(heaven forbid they have to walk more than 20 feet) or if we were trying to walk faster and she couldn't keep up. Quite frankly, I would be worried that my stroller would be crushed too.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I have flown about 20+ segments with my umbrealla stroller, I have gate checked it every time. I love my stroller and will never check it at the counter! I am afraid of a handle or wheel getting bent.

I have a carry bag from Buy Buy Baby (padded umbrella bag by JL Childress). It is very long and you can shove in it other things that doesn't fit in your luggage! With the airlines being so strict on 50 pounds every little but of 'free' space helps!

 

[Tara]

I have flown about 20+ segments with my umbrealla stroller, I have gate checked it every time. I love my stroller and will never check it at the counter! I am afraid of a handle or wheel getting bent.

I have a carry bag from Buy Buy Baby (padded umbrella bag by JL Childress). It is very long and you can shove in it other things that doesn't fit in your luggage! With the airlines being so strict on 50 pounds every little but of 'free' space helps!

I've only checked a stroller one time, and that was when I packed my Maclaren Quest in the original packaging (just like it came to me from the shipper) and took it with me on a trip to my sister's to give it to her to use with her baby. And even that made me nervous!

OP, if you can manage, I'd gate check it - think of it as a luggage cart for one of your carry-ons.