Gate Checking Stroller Question

[LilMommyBug]

So I will be gate checking a stroller and I have some questions.

1.) When we get to the gate we go and get a gate check tag right?

2.) I bought one of those red bags that say GATE CHECK on it - when do I put the stroller in that bag? Before we walk down to the plane or what? I'm assuming it will annoy less people if it's already in the bag when we walk down so that we don't cause a backup.

3.) Where do I put it when I get to the plane? Just sit it at the door? Will there be someone there to take it?


Sorry for all of the questions - I haven't flown in 8 years & the last time I flew I didn't have kids, so I'm a newbie.

 

[sevans89]

1) Yes. The gate agent will give you a tag to attach to your stroller. Or, in your case the gate check bag you have for your stroller.

2) I would put the stroller in the bag before heading down the ramp to the plane. There isn't too much room down there to maneuver and people will be coming up quickly behind you.

3) You leave it at the end of the ramp right where you turn to go into the plane. Ask the gate agent who gives you the tag if you're not sure.

Have a good trip!

 

[readytogotodisney]

We got our gate check tag when we checked in for our flight from the airline. And yes I would definitely put your stroller in the bag before you walk down the jetway, I wouldn't want to hold up that line. Sometimes there is someone there to take it right away, but if not go ahead an just lay it there next to plane door, there will probably already be other strollers there.

When you get off the plane, it may or may not be there at first. The grounds crews are usually very good about getting it off the plane and onto the jetway quickly, but if you're one of the first off the plane you may beat them there. Just hang tight and it'll show up.

 

[LoveKermit]

My experience is all from O'Hare, but....

I get the tag at the gate. I have learned to mark "stroller" on the back as my Maclaren bag makes the stroller look like golf clubs and while it is checked at the gate, it has not always made it to the jetway at the destination (neither O'Hare or MCO, but other places). It went to baggage claim.

To go to Orlando, the gate agents are ready for strollers. At O'Hare they want the strollers before boarding begins. I believe it's the same when I have left Orlando. You are not handing it in as you get on the plane for these flights with lots of kids. Other flights and smaller airports we have surrendered it upon boarding, but not these.

I would say what you bought is almost more like a luggage tag (and I'd have something with your name/address on it anyway) because, in the end, I think the airlines prefer to use their tags.

MCO is superfast with stroller delivery to the jetway. I'm always impressed.

 

[DCbride]

You will love the gate check bag. Mine is so dirty- glad that it is the bag and not my stroller that is so marked up!

 

[WhitGB]

I second the red gate check bag. Mine too is so dirty and actually got ripped on the last flight to MCO. Hard to believe that my stroller could have taken that beating and surrived. I don't know what kind of stroller you have but my McClaren fits great.

I too pack it up before going down the jetway and just drop it off at the end. Make sure you take the gate check ticket and place it on the red bag, they have a tendency to try to attach it to the stroller, not knowing you have a bag.

Good Luck and have fun.

 

[kaytieeldr]

When you get off the plane, it may or may not be there at first. The grounds crews are usually very good about getting it off the plane and onto the jetway quickly, but if you're one of the first off the plane you may beat them there. Just hang tight and it'll show up.

Please wait in your seats!!!

If you gate-check something, PLEASE allow the ground crew time to get to the gate-checked items. It's not always just strollers, but even if it is - twenty parties all standing in the jetway waiting for their strollers to come up go a long way toward preventing the rest of the plane from unloading.