Gate Checking a Stroller

[Disfan1968]

Flown plenty of times, but now only me second time with my little ones (5 & 4). Last time we went to Disney with them, we rented a stroller. This time, we are taking our own. We have been advised to gate check our stroller as checking it like a bag opens you up to very rough handling of the stroller apparently. Again, though I have flown before, I have never actually gate checked anything. We are flying Southwest. Here are a two questions...

1. Where do they actually put the stroller when you fly?
2. Is there a charge for this that I should be aware of? If not, why not? Seems incredible that anyone would do anything "for free" any more.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ZeroMyHero]

We usually fly Southwest and they have always gate checked our stroller for free. The stroller goes in with the baggage but it's usually one of the last items in. The stroller was waiting for us when we got off the plane, so we were able to just grab it and go. YMMV.

 

[luvmy2babies]

We fly Southwest and it is free to Gate Check baby items. From what I understand items that are gate checked are the very last things to go in the area with checked items and with Southwest they also have items you can check through that are handle with care items checked separate from luggage. Same general area; just separated. Not sure how accurate it is; but I’m told gate checked items go with those things.

As to why they don’t charge, I’ve never asked. I’ve never had to pay to gate check a stroller though. Not on Southwest or any other airline. Just be sure to go to the counter at your gate as soon as you get there or there’s a worker there to let them know you need to gate check it. They give you a tag for your stroller.

Usually when we land we wait a while to get off because we are near the back of the plane; so the stroller is there when we get off. We did have to wait once. There were a lot of strollers on the flight and ours just happened to be one of the last two they brought up.

 

[Disfan1968]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, folks.

 

[SassyCat]

We are flying southwest with our six month old next week. We are gate checking our stroller - so they just bring it up where you exit the plane?

 

[Disfan1968]

We are flying southwest with our six month old next week. We are gate checking our stroller - so they just bring it up where you exit the plane?

Based on some of the PP's statements, it seems so.

 

[luvmy2babies]

We are flying southwest with our six month old next week. We are gate checking our stroller - so they just bring it up where you exit the plane?

Yes, get a tag for it at the counter near your gate. Keep it with you and after the worker scans your boarding pass, push it all the way down the walkway to the entrance to the plane. Off to the right there will be a small space. You'll likely see other strollers there too. Fold it and leave it there and proceed on to the plane. When you land and exit the plane they will bring it up to that space. YMMV on whether they unfold it or not. But you get it right there and go.

 

[ArielRae]

As to why they don’t charge, I’ve never asked.

They don't charge for your basic baby items needed. Items like Strollers, Diaper bags and even bassinets and foldable playards are usually free to bring with you but check your airline.

From Southwest Airlines
Strollers and Child Restraint Systems (CRSs) or Car Seats

• Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.
• The stroller and CRS or car seat allowance applies to any type of stroller (umbrella, full size, jogging stroller, etc.) and CRS or car seat.
• The Customer may check the stroller and CRS or car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate.
• Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, CRSs or car seats. (An optional Southwest-branded reusable car seat/stroller bag is available for purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for a $15 one time fee.)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

They don't charge for your basic baby items needed. Items like Strollers, Diaper bags and even bassinets and foldable playards are usually free to bring with you but check your airline.

Please note that something like a Pack 'N Play is not usually accepted as one of your free checked baby items (usually strollers and car seats).

 

[puffkin]

Yup, most important thing is to get it tagged at the counter before you try and board. I just do this right away when we get to the gate. Then just fold it at the bottom right before getting on the plane and they take care of it. I've never had to wait for it at my destination, they always bring them right up. Over 20 RT flights with our Maclaren stroller and never a single issue with gate checking it.

Usually when you take an Orlando flight there are tons of gate checked strollers. We took a Miami flight once and gate checked it and the people behind us were so upset that we just left it there (no one was standing there). The guy was so upset he told the flight attendant and she calmly assured him it was perfectly acceptable and people do it all the time.

 

[teddygurl28]

I would suggest getting a bag for it if you can. it still gets put under the plane and tossed around a good deal. I bought a stroller bag for my stroller and its used it for 1 RT boston/ft myers and the bag already has holes and scuff marks. had I not had the bag- those damages would have been on the stroller. and as above mentioned most do not charge for the gate check. just get your ticket as soon as a gate agent appears so its not a hassle later

also listen on the plane for the announcement on where gate checked items will be. the majority of the time it will be on the walkway from the plane. however there are some occasions that they are brought to baggage claim (although MCO im sure does the plane walkway)

 

[Kathryn777]

I agree, put it in a bag. We gate check our stroller and it has taken quite a beating

 

[SassyCat]

Thanks everyone for the info

 

[VbChristy]

I also agree on the bag. The items get a little dirty. I like the protection of the bag. We use the red gate check bags. If yours is a double stroller, I don't know if those are made by that brand. Have fun!

 

[lucyddr]

All you need is a tag at the gate and you are set! We gate checked our Bumbleride Indie Twin through Southwest last year. The frame was very slightly warped, but it was easily "fixed" when we put our heavier child in his seat. We didn't use a bag as we just didn't care to deal with one and it wouldn't protect the cloth anyway.

 

[momtohms]

I gate check our stroller or collapsible wagon every time we fly (I've been on probably 20 flights with a stroller since having kids at least) and it's super easy. Like the others mention, I just get a tag at the counter at our gate, and collapse it right at the end of the jetway by the door that leads to outside. They come and get it and load it under the plane with the other gate checked stuff and it's there waiting (and often set up!) when we get off. We've never had an issue with anything being damaged or missing and I've never put it in a bag.

 

[Crystal824]

We just gate checked our stroller with southwest yesterday. We bought a bag to carry it, and used the stroller in the airport. Once we got to the gate, we disassembled the stroller. Our bag requires that the wheels be removed and asked or a tag. You carry the stroller down to the plane and leave it right as you board. When you arrive, the stroller is waiting for you right as you deplane. This was the first time we have done this, but it was easy.