Southwest Stroller Checking

[kteesmumma]

We are bringing a stroller for our 4 year old while we are in the parks. He normally does not use a stroller, but just in case he gets tired or overheated while in the parks. I am not sure if we should gate check in, or if we should just check it with our regular baggage. Any thoughts?

We will be using ME and will not be going to the parks the first day we arrive so no need to have it ASAP when we get to Disney.

We brought one last year and just checked it with our regular luggage (did not use a bag, we just used rope and tied it so that it wouldnt fold open) and had no issues with damage or stains. But I wasnt sure what Southwest rules are in regards to strollers and bags.

 

[DonnaL]

It's been awhile since we've taken a stroller with us since our grandson is now almost 10, but, according to the SWA website you can check a stroller free of charge in addition to the 2 bag limit per passenger. A word of caution.... the last time we took a stroller (a beautiful, expensive jogging stroller) we flew Delta and gate checked it since we had a two hour layover/change planes in Atlanta and thought we should have it in the airport since our grandson was only 2 at the time. First leg of trip from our home airport to ATL went fine with the gate checking.......the gate check from ATL to MCO not so good......we got to MCO and our practically new stroller was destroyed......one side of frame was completely broken and the other side bent completely.....obviously was just thrown into the cargo area at the gate in ATL and something very heavy shifted onto it. It took me almost 4 months to get reimbursed from Delta in order to get a new stroller....not to mention the fact we needed to also rent a stroller for the parks while at WDW. That was the last time we flew Delta......we've been faithful SWA customers ever since.

 

[AnitaDisneyVacation]

We always fly SWA. When our DDs used a stroller, we just gate checked it - very easy and no hassle. I personally would prefer to do that to eliminate any worries of damage, loss, or theft during the trip.

Whenever we gate checked the stroller, it was waiting for us on the gangway when we arrived at our destination. Really convenient.

 

[kteesmumma]

We always fly SWA. When our DDs used a stroller, we just gate checked it - very easy and no hassle. I personally would prefer to do that to eliminate any worries of damage, loss, or theft during the trip.

Whenever we gate checked the stroller, it was waiting for us on the gangway when we arrived at our destination. Really convenient.

Thanks...just not sure I want to be worried about pushing/carrying a stroller through the airport.

 

[1tufgt]

Thanks...just not sure I want to be worried about pushing/carrying a stroller through the airport.

I would suggest to get a stroller check in bag just to keep it clean which is what we did last Sept. and will be doing this Oct.

As far as dealing with it through the airport it really isn't that big of a deal. The only time consuming part is folding it up and putting it through the x-ray machine but after that it's no biggie.

Just so you know the process once you get through security just make your way to the counter by your gate and get a "gate checked" tag to put on your stroller. Once your begin to board the best thing is to have the stroller ready to be dropped off at the end of the jetway right before you enter the plane to avoid holding up the line and drop it off and continue with your boarding.

Lastly it should be in the same location once you depart the plane and into the terminal unless your in the 1st few rows I would gave the ground crew a few minutes to unload all the gate checked items but we've sat near the front rows 8 - 10 and and the stroller was ready for us when we got off.

Overall it's not as big as a hassle as it can be but if your doing a stroller along with a car seat it gets more interesting.

 

[puffkin]

We always gate check even though DS5 no longer needs a stroller most of the time. We take ours for the same reasons you mentioned.

I like to gate check because:
1. Less risk of damage/loss.
2. We fly later at night usually and he has fallen asleep on the plane so it is nice to have that to throw him in to get through the airport
3. Going through the security line and in the rental car garage we make him sit in it as long as possible to keep him contained and safe.
4. Place to throw bags/carryons, snacks etc when roaming around the airport.

 

[kteesmumma]

Now I am on the search for a Stroller bag. I am gonna try our local freecyclegroup