Stroller at the Airport Question

[lpandorf]

I am not sure what to do with my stroller at the airport or which one to take through the airport. I am taking DD 6 and DS 3 for 5 days wk before Thanksgiving. We are flying and taking magical express to WL. I would love to have my Joovy Caboose stroller at the parks and also have a stroller at the airport. Should I put my son in the Caboose and go through the airport with him in it to the terminals? It is a bit of a walk through airport to terminal so would be really nice to have. Then what do I do with it? Leave it at gate and they give it to me after I get off plane? Or should I check the Caboose stroller with luggage and just put him in an umbrella stoller at the airport? Is the Caboose too big to wheel through the airport. I was thinking about the Caboose at the airport so I'd be able to take it to parks on day 1 as we arrive at noon and plan to go right to MK and realize with ME I won't get until later in the day. But not sure how it would work and if too big to keep with me.
Thanks so much!
Lisa

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, you can "gate-check" your stroller. Keep in mind, there's a small but existing chance that it could maybe might possibly be damaged - so I wouldn't take a big expensive stroller.
At any rate, while you're waiting for the plane, see the Gate Agent (the person or two behind the counter right at the gate) and let them know you need to gate check the stroller. They'll give you a tag to put some basic information on and attach to the stroller along with instructions on what to do

 

[Mersmom98]

I took my dd through the airport when she was about 8 months old but I used an umbrella stroller. They made me check it at the gate. So, I don't know what a caboose looks like but you'll probably have to check it at the gate. They have strollers for rent at the parks, so that's always an option for at least your first day.

 

[Perditamarie]

Having a stroller through the airport is wonderful! You can easily gatecheck it -- we have gate checked a double and a single a few times and had no problems. I think the stroller will definately be handled better than if checked with regular luggage. It is a pain through security checks, but very handy to secure your child and use as a luggage trolley for carryons. When you arrive, the stroller is usually waiting for you as you exit -- very handy when you are trying to navigate through a crowd.

 

[JennyW]

We have the Joovy Caboose and I plan to gate check it. To protect it, we'll wrap it in two blankets, and I made a ripstop bag (they sell the material at fabric stores) to put it in. I plan to heavily label it "stroller - gate check" so it doesn't end up at the carousel, since we're doing ME and won't be at the carousel.

jenny

 

[utilidor]

I think gate checking is actually safer than checking at the counter. The luggage handlers will take it right at the end of the ramp and then load it in the plane. In Orlando, the luggage handlers usually have the strollers setup and ready to go right off the plane. Very very helpful when you're juggling 2 kids and a carseat!

I agree that the only pain is getting the stroller thru security. You need to fold it down and put it thru the x-ray machine.

Also, the JetBlue agents in Boston will walk around the gate area prior to boarding and give you your gate check tag. You don't even have to ask - they know.

 

[lpandorf]

Thank you everyone for the helpful informaton. I am very happy to know I can gate check the stroller. I'd really like to have it with me so I can put my son and carry on in it. Plus I will have it with me when I get to parks for the day. Everyone is so helpful on these boards and I appreciate all the responses.

Lisa

 

[sticker231]

We gate checked a double and single during our last trip. I have to agree it is really a pain to have to get the kids out and fold up the stroller for the security check, but you can keep them in the stroller until boarding. It is probable handled better since it is taken right down to the cargo area.