Gate checking stroller with Southwest?

[1tufgt]

What is the procedure for gate checking a stroller with SW?

Do we need to get a tag for the stroller when checking in our baggage? Also when we do start to board do we wheel the stroller down the breezeway before we fold it up or do we do that at the door?

This our first time flying with a kid so please excuse the newbie questions.

 

[zurekgirl]

Its pretty easy. When you get to your gate, go to the counter there and ask that they tag your stroller for a gate check. When you board take the stroller down to the breezeway to the last "curve" before the door of the airplane, fold it and leave it there. Then board the plane. When you get to where your going, get off the plane the stroller will be in the same place. You may have to wait a a few minutes but they'll bring it up to you.

Again its all pretty easy.. The tough part is flying with a young one

 

[1tufgt]

Its pretty easy. When you get to your gate, go to the counter there and ask that they tag your stroller for a gate check. When you board take the stroller down to the breezeway to the last "curve" before the door of the airplane, fold it and leave it there. Then board the plane. When you get to where your going, get off the plane the stroller will be in the same place. You may have to wait a a few minutes but they'll bring it up to you.

Again its all pretty easy.. The tough part is flying with a young one

Thanks for the information. That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure.

I'll probably have my wife carry our DD and fold up the stroller before we head down the breezeway to make things easier.

Yeah i hope she's good and the DVD player keeps her occupied. Good thing it's only a 2 hr flight.

 

[bumbershoot]

What I like about having something gate-checked is that you don't have to scramble to get off the plane. In fact, if you scramble, you'll just feel silly and be in the way, as you wait there for them to bring up the item. So we just hang out in our seats, relaxing, watching all the rush-rush people go by, then slowly saunter off the plane.

Just don't forget to get that gate check ticket from the gate agents (not those right there at the door to the gate, but at the counter at the gate)!

 

[NotUrsula]

Make sure that you SECURELY latch the fold mechanism when you leave it on the jetway; if it comes open it is likely to get broken.

Also, before you head to the airport, remove any and all clip-on toys and snap-on trays or gadgets. Plastic gets brittle in the cold temperatures in the hold, and often will snap if handled roughly, so your best bet to protect it from damage is to remove it and put it in your checked baggage for the trip.

 

[ssawka]

Make sure that you SECURELY latch the fold mechanism when you leave it on the jetway; if it comes open it is likely to get broken.

Also, before you head to the airport, remove any and all clip-on toys and snap-on trays or gadgets. Plastic gets brittle in the cold temperatures in the hold, and often will snap if handled roughly, so your best bet to protect it from damage is to remove it and put it in your checked baggage for the trip.

I suggest getting a "Gate Check Stroller Bag" because the stroller will get quite dirty under the plane.

 

[1tufgt]

Make sure that you SECURELY latch the fold mechanism when you leave it on the jetway; if it comes open it is likely to get broken.

Also, before you head to the airport, remove any and all clip-on toys and snap-on trays or gadgets. Plastic gets brittle in the cold temperatures in the hold, and often will snap if handled roughly, so your best bet to protect it from damage is to remove it and put it in your checked baggage for the trip.

Thanks for the suggestion, that's what were planning on doing since like you said there are snap on trays that we will just pack into our check in luggage so it doesn't get broken. Also I bought some velcro to keep it secure since the latch isn't that great at holding it together.

I suggest getting a "Gate Check Stroller Bag" because the stroller will get quite dirty under the plane.

Hmmmmmmm, that's a good idea. Well I just bought one from amazon. Had to get the standard one since this stroller doesn't fold like a umbrella. Hopefully we get it before we leave Monday. LOL