gate checking a stroller?

[MagicPrincess]

How do you protect your stroller when you gate check it?
I'm nixing the idea of an umbrella stroller- too small for DD!
I'd rather her be comfy.
Thanks!

 

[carone0318]

The only thing that I would suggest is that you fold up your own stroller and if you are bringing the big ole' stroller, if it has one of those trays in the front for baby, that you remove it, so it doesn't come off and get lost. I would also take off the tray up top that you would put drinks in. Empty everything from the cargo area underneath too. I've lost sunglasses and trays, learned the hard way. That's about all I can offer.

 

[MagicPrincess]

Well, I don't think that my trays come off unless I use a screwdriver?
Would I still need to do this?
I plan on putting it in a large plastic bag, too!

thanks for the advice!

 

[castlegazer]

You really don't need to put it in a large plastic bag and it may not work to do so - you will be wheeling the thing up to the door of the plane where you will then fold it up and leave it resting (you must already have attached the gate check tag to the stroller you will get from the gate agents). People will be filing past you as you do this and you don't have a heck of a lot of room. I have not had an issue with the stroller getting harmed or ruined so I am not sure I would feel a need, even if I felt it was feasible, to place it in a plastic bag. If you do place it in a bag, I will bet, but I am not sure, that they will insist that it is clear so they can see through it. If your trays do not come off without a screwdriver, then no, you do not have to remove them. The baggage handlers simply set the strollers to the inside of the baggage compartment - they don't fling them into the back of the airplane and when you land they simply pull them out and set them back where you left them, right at the airplanes door area when you exit the plane and before you go down the gangway.

Gate checking strollers is the next best thing from slied bread. Its wonderful that the airlines allow this.

 

[MagicPrincess]

thank you!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

We gate check a wheelchair all the time, which is the same process. Most gate checked things don't get damaged, but damage is possible. Things can move around in the baggage section and some of the baggage handlers are not exactly gentle. People have posted about their gate checked strollers gettting bent and we have had some damage to DD's wheelchair over the years (and wheelchairs are a lot more durable and hard to damage than strollers are). Here are some gate checking hints.

1. Mention when you check in for your flight that you have a stroller to gate check. Depending on the airline, they may give you a gate check tag right then or tell you to get one at the gate.
2. Don't wait until boarding to get your gate check tag. If you are getting one at the gate, ask for it well before they start boarding.
3. Some gate check tags have only one choice. Some have several choices for where to get your stroller back: the gate or baggage claim at your final destination or at a transfer city if you don't have a direct flight. Make sure you know where it's marked to go. If you have a tight connection, you may not have enough time to wait for it at the gate and may want to send it thru to your final destination.
4. Make sure the gate check tag is in a secure and easily visible spot.
5. Fold up the stroller and fasten it so it will stay securely folded. If you don't fold it, the baggage people will (and they may not know what needs to be unlocked before folding).
6. Fasten seatbelts and remove anything that is easily removed (especially things that stick out or might get caught).
7. Although most people don't put their strollers in a bag or anything, one person made a sleeve to go over her stroller. I think she made it out of canvas and she made it open on the top and bottom so she could still roll it and the handles stuck out the top.
8. The last thing to remember is to pick up your stroller. We are usually the last people off the bus and we often see strollers waiting at the gate for people who forgot to pick them out. It takes a few minutes for them to get the gate checked things out and I think some people are just thinking about getting off the plane and totally forget about it.
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[MagicPrincess]

thank you for your great tips!