Just a small stroller toting dilemma

[acornell2]

I just got the BEST stroller for our trip.....CHEAP! It was a demo that someone had and never used. I don't even think it has seen the sidewalk! It is a 3 wheel stroller with a swivel wheel on the front. I love it so much that I am planning on getting rid of my travel system AND jogger when we get home.

OK, enough bargain celebrating and on to my dilemma. I really would like to put this thing IN something for the plane trip. It has some cables (for the brakes) and parts that I would hate to see getting broken on the plane. What can I get to put the stroller in so it doesn't get trashed on the plane? It is still kind of chunky when folded up (like a jogging stroller), and I don't have time to order anything before we go. Any suggestions from creative folks or seasoned travellers??? I have never travelled far with 2 small kids, so everything is making me nervous...

Thanks!!!

 

[bjakmom]

Here's what I used on my last trip - I pick up those heavy clear plastic under-the-bed storage bags (I have found them at Marshalls or TJMaxx -type stores). The one I just found for this trip zips on 3 sides and the bottom wheels hang out (which I think is good, because the luggage guys like to be able to wheel them)- I will secure it to the stroller (it's wider than the stroller- and as I mentioned, not long enough to completely enclose the bottom wheels) with either a luggage strap pulled tight or some bungee cords(will be trying both tomorrow to see which works better). It has a rope handle that I will need to attach the gate check tag to and carry it down to the plane with (obviously I will need to pack it all up before I get to the end of the runway- can you imagine me trying to do all of that at the entrance to the plane with a 3 year old in tow?! ). At least it will protect most of the stroller from any rips, pulls, or rain - and they will be able to see that it is a stroller right away and not send it to luggage (which is what they did the time I put one in a solid bag, even though it had "baby stroller" painted in large letters all over it ). So anyway, that's my plan!

 

[SarahKate]

We put ours in a couple of black garbage bags, this was a recommendation by the person I talked to at Southwest. This is a cheap option. We took 4 bags all together. Before we gate checked it, we put 2 bags on it and then wrapped packing tape around it so it was secure. The other 2 bags we used on the way back. Didn't have any problems with damage to the stroller. I think they throw gate checked stuff towards the top so there's a better chance that it will fare well.

 

[blessedby3]

We always gate checked ours so they just put it in the bottom of the plane after everyone boards. This way I felt it was safer and we have never had a problem. I would never check it as luggage because they throw things around so much from the conveyer belts to the trams and back on the belts to the plane.

 

[SaraMc]

do you have a pack n play? will it fit in its carrying case if your not bringing it. sleeping bag?

 

[Nanu57v]

Second the gate-check, but what about one of those over-sized duffel bags you get from the army-navy store? I could fit comfortably in one, so I think a jogging stroller would.