How do you gate check a stroller?

[Bete]

Sorry, we never have done this and I thought this board could help me understand this better. We need the stroller for as long as we can keep it.

Can we get the gate check tag for the stroller if we do curb service?

I do understand we have to go through security and stroller has to be checked.

Are you allowed to keep the stroller for a while before boarding? or do you need to do the gate check when you get to the boarding area right off? I want to make sure the stroller makes it on the plane.

Do you do the gate check at your boarding gate where the steward is located? Do you have to do it some place else?

Once in the Orlando airport how long does it take to get the stroller back? Am I correct that you get the stroller as you leave the plane, right?

I need all the guidance you can give.

 

[purplekicks]

I don't think you can do that at curb service. Just take it with you through security.

Get a ticket from the counter at the gate.

When you get ready to board, leave your stroller in the area right before you get on the plane. It will be there when you get off the plane at your destination.

I was there yesterday and I was one of the last ones off and it was waiting for me when I deplaned.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Sorry, we never have done this and I thought this board could help me understand this better. We need the stroller for as long as we can keep it.

Can we get the gate check tag for the stroller if we do curb service?

I do understand we have to go through security and stroller has to be checked.

Are you allowed to keep the stroller for a while before boarding? or do you need to do the gate check when you get to the boarding area right off? I want to make sure the stroller makes it on the plane.

Do you do the gate check at your boarding gate where the steward is located? Do you have to do it some place else?

Once in the Orlando airport how long does it take to get the stroller back? Am I correct that you get the stroller as you leave the plane, right?

I need all the guidance you can give.

Check your regular luggage at the curb. Keep your carryons and your stroller. Take them through security and to the "gate." Ask the ticket agent at the gate counter for a stroller check tag. Take it with you down the jetway to the plane and leave it next to the door (There will be others there too). A runway worker will grab it, put it under the plane. Upon landing, a new worker will grab all the strollers with the appropriate tags and bring them back up to the same area just outside the door. It depends on how many there are and where yours ended in the pile as to how long it will take (less than 5-7 minutes usually)

HTH!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Sorry, we never have done this and I thought this board could help me understand this better. We need the stroller for as long as we can keep it.

Can we get the gate check tag for the stroller if we do curb service?

I do understand we have to go through security and stroller has to be checked.

Are you allowed to keep the stroller for a while before boarding? or do you need to do the gate check when you get to the boarding area right off? I want to make sure the stroller makes it on the plane.

Do you do the gate check at your boarding gate where the steward is located? Do you have to do it some place else?

Once in the Orlando airport how long does it take to get the stroller back? Am I correct that you get the stroller as you leave the plane, right?

I need all the guidance you can give.

As others have said be sure to get a gate check tag for the stroller. I do believe that is how the arriving airport knows which ones to pull and send up to the jetway versus which ones to send to large item pickup or thru to baggage claim depending on how the arriving airport works.

My two biggest suggestions would be to fold the stroller yourself before leaving it. Not all of the workers are 'great' at folding them and better to do it yourself than risk having it broken.... JMHO! Granted even if they break it, the airline would be responsible, but it won't help you meantime. And the other is don't be in a big hurry to be one of the first off of the plane. They do their best to bring medical equipment such as wheel chairs, ECVs and the strollers up to the jetway as quickly as possible, but it does take them a little bit of time to get them up there. So if you don't want to have to stand there waiting for it, take your time deplaning.

 

[NotUrsula]

If you do not fold your stroller yourself before leaving it at the end of the jetway, it may or may not be folded for the flight. I've seen ramp workers sling a stroller into the hold fully open, and then toss more strollers on top of it. Failing to fold it yourself is asking for a broken stroller.

Also, bring a bungee cord and secure it around the stroller when it is folded, so that when the ramp worker picks it up, you won't run the risk of having him accidentally grab the fold release and open it up again. ((Better yet, use a stroller cover (I use a sleeve) to cover the upholstered areas; there is often a lot of dirt and grease on surfaces in the hold, even in the gate-check compartment if there is one. Any stroller cover you use should say that it is a stroller, and that it should be delivered to gate; otherwise it may not be obvious that it is a stroller, and it may be sent to the carousels.))

If you have a travel system and will not be using the carseat on board the aircraft, check the stroller and the carseat separately; do NOT leave them linked together in transit; the latch is almost guaranteed to break if you do. (Also, most infant carseat bases are NOT useable on board aircraft, because aircraft seatbelts buckle in the middle rather than on the side. Best advice re: carseat bases is not to bring them on the trip at all; any infant carseat sold in the US can be installed in a car using only the seatbelt.)

One last thing: I *strongly* advise removing the stroller's hood and any plastic trays or cupholders before leaving for the airport (put them in your checked baggage.) If left attached, the plastic components in those removable parts will very often crack during handling, because temperature extremes in the hold of the aircraft can temporarily render them very brittle.

 

[Bete]

Thanks to all. I appreciate the advice and I will use all the suggestions.