Heads Up on gate checking large strollers.

[deegack]

Every place I have gate checked a stroller it was brought out to the waiting area not in the jetway. They are stores under the plane with the rest of the gate checked items. Carry On bags have to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. How exactly is that a danger in an emergency? They are no more a danger than a laptop or DVD player or book.

 

[cindianne320]

I guess next time I travel, I will have to check the larger stroller, and bring an umbrella on the airplane. Silly to bring 2 strollers for 1 kid, but we couldn't survive the airport without the little one, and Disney without the big one!

 

[maxiesmom]

I guess next time I travel, I will have to check the larger stroller, and bring an umbrella on the airplane. Silly to bring 2 strollers for 1 kid, but we couldn't survive the airport without the little one, and Disney without the big one!

Could you maybe just use a kiddie leash at the airport? That way you wouldn't end up with 2 strollers in your room taking up space. Or do you have connecting flights you need to hussle to?

 

[arniniVT]

I would have to add my voice to the list of you got to be kidding.

This past year we ditched our umbrella stroller for a city mini, and it sure looks like it will weight too much. We have a 2.5 year old and she is very short, so we can't have her "running" all day just to keep up with everyone. As many people will attest, taking long walks with an umbrella stroller on some of less maintained parts of wdw results in too many jammed wheels. Our maclaren was fine for some things but not all, and with another little one soon to be on the way, the idea of bringing another stroller just for the airport seems silly.

I would say they might want to change their policy, in AA's defense I have seen people leave strollers not folded up near the entrance to the plane. Maybe the policy should say you need to fold up your stroller and also enable the lock on it so it does not open up.

BTW I am new to the forums, but been reading the dis for years.

 

[LaurenLC]

The more I think of this the more irritated I become...... Gate checking a stroller is a heck of a lot less of an inconvenience to people than the fools that bring full-size suitcases on as carryon bag and then spend 10 minutes in the aisle trying to cram the bag in the overhead bin.... How about AA gets their money from them first and then deals with the strollers!

 

[arniniVT]

Every place I have gate checked a stroller it was brought out to the waiting area not in the jetway. They are stores under the plane with the rest of the gate checked items. Carry On bags have to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. How exactly is that a danger in an emergency? They are no more a danger than a laptop or DVD player or book.

The more I think of this the more irritated I become...... Gate checking a stroller is a heck of a lot less of an inconvenience to people than the fools that bring full-size suitcases on as carryon bag and then spend 10 minutes in the aisle trying to cram the bag in the overhead bin.... How about AA gets their money from them first and then deals with the strollers!

Totally agree, the people that have HUGE suitcases, how do they ever get them past checkin and it not like they are in first class.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I'm not sure what you would call a full sized suitcase, but a large suitcase would never make it through the x-ray scanner at security, let alone be allowed to be brought aboard as a carry-on.

 

[arniniVT]

I'm not sure what you would call a full sized suitcase, but a large suitcase would never make it through the x-ray scanner at security, let alone be allowed to be brought aboard as a carry-on.

True, bad description on my part.
It would seem to be the bags that may fit the width requirements but are way too long, but still fit in the scanner.
I know they are suppose to check for those things, but the last 2 flights I was on, the bags seemed way to big for the "carry" on size.

 

[SueM in MN]

Every place I have gate checked a stroller it was brought out to the waiting area not in the jetway. They are stores under the plane with the rest of the gate checked items. Carry On bags have to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. How exactly is that a danger in an emergency? They are no more a danger than a laptop or DVD player or book.

Where the strollers are delivered probably depends on the airline and possibly the airport.
Every flight I have been on, the strollers were delivered to the door of the plane.

I would have to add my voice to the list of you got to be kidding.

This past year we ditched our umbrella stroller for a city mini, and it sure looks like it will weight too much. We have a 2.5 year old and she is very short, so we can't have her "running" all day just to keep up with everyone. As many people will attest, taking long walks with an umbrella stroller on some of less maintained parts of wdw results in too many jammed wheels. Our maclaren was fine for some things but not all, and with another little one soon to be on the way, the idea of bringing another stroller just for the airport seems silly.

I would say they might want to change their policy, in AA's defense I have seen people leave strollers not folded up near the entrance to the plane. Maybe the policy should say you need to fold up your stroller and also enable the lock on it so it does not open up.

BTW I am new to the forums, but been reading the dis for years.

I agree with the problem off not folding the strollers.
I think many people don't think about it and leave their strollers unfolded. I have also seen folded ones that open up as the baggage handlers are trying to carry them down them up or down the stairs for loading.
And, some, even folded are much bigger than my DD's narrow adult size wheelchair. I take her wheelchair partially apart and fold it as much as possible after she is on the plane. So, I am busy at the gate for a while and see strollers being dropped off at the gate (in fact, some people are so oblivious to anything but getting onto the plane, that I am sometimes trapped by a line of strollers, many left unfolded. But, some are so big even when they are folded that they make my DD's unfolded wheelchair look small.
I imagine that the policy change probably came from complaints from the baggage handlers because of the akwardness and weight of carrying the large strollers up and down the steps to the gate.

I can see both sides - the parents who want the stroller as long as possible and the handlers who have to move them around.

 

[maxiesmom]

The more I think of this the more irritated I become...... Gate checking a stroller is a heck of a lot less of an inconvenience to people than the fools that bring full-size suitcases on as carryon bag and then spend 10 minutes in the aisle trying to cram the bag in the overhead bin.... How about AA gets their money from them first and then deals with the strollers!

I think they should do both! Enforce the baggage size rule, and limit the size of gate checked strollers. Though I think 20lbs may be a bit small for a decent stroller. I can see how, with some of the suv sized strollers out there now, size can be a problem.

 

[gtpoohbear]

FYI-
We were unlucky enough to be flying the day after they started this nonsense. I don't know what the official policy is, but they would not gate check anything besides umbrella strollers, regardless of weight. Ours is well under 20 lbs and was still taken away, by some rather rude ticket agents who were not at all apologetic. We have an infant so an umbrella stroller wouldn't be an option anyway. We were furious and will not be flying AA again anytime soon. Traveling with little ones is hard enough as it is!

 

[Schmeck]

Every place I have gate checked a stroller it was brought out to the waiting area not in the jetway. They are stores under the plane with the rest of the gate checked items. Carry On bags have to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. How exactly is that a danger in an emergency? They are no more a danger than a laptop or DVD player or book.

Picture everyone on the plane, trying to get overstuffed bags situated, a pile of strollers at the gate, and families trying to get the kids, diaper bags, and carryons all at the same time. Now, there's a fire in the aft kitchen, or someone has a heart attack, and how is help going to get past all that crap? Or how about when its debarking time, and the ramp is full of strollers, and someone needs to get by?

 

[deegack]

Picture everyone on the plane, trying to get overstuffed bags situated, a pile of strollers at the gate, and families trying to get the kids, diaper bags, and carryons all at the same time. Now, there's a fire in the aft kitchen, or someone has a heart attack, and how is help going to get past all that crap? Or how about when its debarking time, and the ramp is full of strollers, and someone needs to get by?

how is my backpack diaper bag any different than a college students backpack? or your laptop bag? If there was an emergency procedures would be followed. I imagine if it was a fire we would all be told to place our carryons on the seat and exit. A medical emergency to take the nearest seat. And like I said, every time I have travelled with my daughters stroller it met up outside the jetway. Saying strollers and diaper bags are dangerous is just ignorant and playing the blame game.

 

[Sheepdog23]

just thought of one thing. Those of you with older kids who still need to be wheeled around... try a trunki!!! my dd has used hers since she was 2,5 and loves it. Well worth the money since it entertains them while waiting for the flights. She still uses hers and is 6. I am getting one now for ds.

Check out this link.
www.trunki.com

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'm glad to hear it. Make them check those darn things as baggage. It's bad enough having to wait on all the people trying to stuff bags in the overhead bins, then pull them out at the end, without having to deal with someone and a damn stroller. I wish the airline would make you check everything but laptop bags or backpacks.

all of those "damn strollers" are deposited at the end of the jetway before you even board. They in no way inconvenience you, find another target for your misdirected ire.

I have to agree that this really doesn't affect other passengers unless you are blocking the jetway trying to fold up one of these monstrosities. I don't understand why people don't travel with lightweight strollers in the first place.

Obviously you don't have children, and are therefore uneducated about strollers. Many people don't travel with lightweight strollers because they are cheap, prone to breakage, uncomfortable for both the child and adult that has to hunch over to push it, do not provide adequate sun protection, and are not feasible at all to use for infants. Not that it is any of your business what type of stroller I chose to bring on vacation.


Saying that gate checking a stroller causes potential safety risks is absurd! Most moms can maneuver a stroller out of the way a lot faster and with more accuracy that the average person dragging wheelie luggage. Also by the time the majority of people board the strollers are folded and tucked out of the way in the corner of the jetway. They will not impede people entering or exiting the plane for emergencies.

I can understand AA requiring that all strollers be folded (which I think was a requirement before the new policy anyway) and maybe requiring a travel bag so that they don't accidentally unfold, but saying that only umbrella strollers be gate checked is crazy.

I travel alone frequently with my toddler, there is no way we could make it through the airport without his stroller, and I am not going to buy a cheap umbrella stroller just the privilege of flying AA. I have a hard enough time trying to get him and our luggage to the airport, there is no way I'm going to add a second stroller to the mix. This is an irresponsible policy that unfairly targets children. I'm going to write a letter of complaint, and I strongly suggest that every other parent takes the time to write also.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Wow. Well. Can't say I'm surprised.

What's sad though...is parents bring their big stroller because they need it...and feel rushed to get it emptied out and collapsed and on the jetway to be stowed under the plane that they don't get it locked properly, hence a gate-checked stroller opening during flight (or upon being unloaded). Perhaps if airlines allowed a bit more time for families to board and get things settled, AA wouldn't have had to put this policy into effect.

 

[*Seanaci*]

all of those "damn strollers" are deposited at the end of the jetway before you even board. They in no way inconvenience you, find another target for your misdirected ire.



Obviously you don't have children, and are therefore uneducated about strollers. Many people don't travel with lightweight strollers because they are cheap, prone to breakage, uncomfortable for both the child and adult that has to hunch over to push it, do not provide adequate sun protection, and are not feasible at all to use for infants. Not that it is any of your business what type of stroller I chose to bring on vacation.


Saying that gate checking a stroller causes potential safety risks is absurd! Most moms can maneuver a stroller out of the way a lot faster and with more accuracy that the average person dragging wheelie luggage. Also by the time the majority of people board the strollers are folded and tucked out of the way in the corner of the jetway. They will not impede people entering or exiting the plane for emergencies.

I can understand AA requiring that all strollers be folded (which I think was a requirement before the new policy anyway) and maybe requiring a travel bag so that they don't accidentally unfold, but saying that only umbrella strollers be gate checked is crazy.

I travel alone frequently with my toddler, there is no way we could make it through the airport without his stroller, and I am not going to buy a cheap umbrella stroller just the privilege of flying AA. I have a hard enough time trying to get him and our luggage to the airport, there is no way I'm going to add a second stroller to the mix. This is an irresponsible policy that unfairly targets children. I'm going to write a letter of complaint, and I strongly suggest that every other parent takes the time to write also.

I understand what you are saying about cheap umbrella strollers. However, if researched well enough, there are smaller full-size strollers that are under 20 pounds and fold just like a cheap umbrella stroller. Sure, you may have to buy an extra sun shade for it. But, it'd do the same job as any truly full-size stroller that's over 20 pounds. My stroller of choice has been, always will be is the Graco Ipo. I had my research cut out for me when I was pregnant with my son 4 years ago (I was driving a 2 door hatch back honda civic and there was no way a traditional full size stroller was fitting in the back). So, I researched and found the Ipo; I could hook his carseat to it as an infant as well. And it folded compactly like an umbrella stroller. Once he was out of his infant seat, it even reclines for napping. Plus, the handles are tall enough that my 6 foot husband had/has no issues pushing it. The only thing we had to buy extra for it was a stroller shade (shadybaby.com). Add all the prices together and I have a stroller that costs as much as a regular full sized stroller, yet travels easily without hassle.

 

[gdaneowner]

I use a Joovy ultra-lite tandem stroller for my boys who are 1 and 3. We have traveled with this stroller a few times, and it fold easily, has a latch to secure it closed and only weighs 11lbs! It is an awesome stroller. For being a tandem (sit/stand) it is a great travel stoller. The younger one sits in the front, and the older one can sit or stand in the back. Win/Win..

 

[deegack]

This will probably lead to people bringing two strollers. A smaller umbrella for the airport and a larger one to check. There is no way I am getting through an airport with a two year old, a car seat (for the plane) and a carry on or two. It's just not physically possible without wheels.

 

[Schmeck]

how is my backpack diaper bag any different than a college students backpack? or your laptop bag? If there was an emergency procedures would be followed. I imagine if it was a fire we would all be told to place our carryons on the seat and exit. A medical emergency to take the nearest seat. And like I said, every time I have travelled with my daughters stroller it met up outside the jetway. Saying strollers and diaper bags are dangerous is just ignorant and playing the blame game.

Since I do not have a laptop, I do not have a laptop bag on flights, LOL!

Everytime I have travelled, the strollers are right outside the little bend in the ramp where it meets up with the plane. Assuming the things you have assumed is ignorant, IMO. I have been on a plane when there was a minor medical issue during a debarkment, and it was near impossible for anyone to move to get out of the way for the assistance to reach the person in the middle of the plane. People were in the middle of getting their overstuffed carryons down from the overhead bins, someone even dropped one and it popped open. Luckily they had the straps done up inside and only a few things fell out.

I'd love it if they put all the strollers out in the actual airport, not on the ramp. Sadly, the airlines I have flown, or at least the airports I have used, do not have this policy. We all stand there, or try to squeeze by and not trip over the diaper bags and backpacks as parents put the kids in the stollers right in front of the only way off the plane. It's just a big 'duh' in my book.