Gate Check Stroller -- Need bag?

[JulieRobin]

I have never traveled by air with my two young kids. Each will have a stroller (Mac Volo) and I plan on checking the strollers at the gate. What is your experience with gate checking strollers? Should I put them in a stroller bag?

We can't wait for our trip to Disney World October 2008!

 

[MaleficentFan]

I'm not speaking from personal experience (dd's first flight will be next month) but I will tell you what all of my friends with small children told me... get the stroller bag. Apparently they aren't exactly delicate with the gate checked items, strollers included. My best friend watched them drag hers across the tarmac. The bag won't protect it from all damage but will keep it from getting too beat up. I purchased one for our first plane ride based on those tales of woe!

 

[kim929]

I've gate checked my carriages before and never had a problem.

 

[Mulan2]

I've gate checked my umbrella strollers many times. Only one time did they break the canopy off. I didn't use a stoller bag.