Stroller in airport

[poohluvrs]

Can you carry on an umbrella stroller (we'll have 2 for our 2 little ones) or is it easier to check them? thanks!

 

[coach's wife]

I called the airport last month and asked them about the stroller issue. The lady I talked to (at United Airlines) said it would not be a problem to bring it on the plane as long as it folded up easy and compact. She did add that I should be prepared to take everything out of the stroller and lift the padding up to show that nothing was hidden.
Just call the airline your traveling with to see what they say.

Good Luck!

 

[QueenGoblin]

Whenever we had our umbrella stroller with us we were allowed to check it at the gate. It was a lifesaver since we had the stroller up till the moment we boarded the plane, and then it was waiting for us on the ramp on the way off the plane. I know we did this on a SW flight, and I think on a USAir flight as well. I think it is pretty standard procedure. You just fill out a little gate check tag to put on it at the gate.

 

[bnorm27]

Gate Checking is the way to go! I will be gate checking two strollers on Monday on Jet Blue.

 

[puffkin]

Gate check it. People do it ALL the time, especially on Orlando flights.

 

[all4fun]

Unless it folds up as small as a carry on bag they will not allow you to board with it, but you can gate check it. That is what we do. Just make sure you tell the gate agent prior to boarding that you have a stroller you are checking and they will give you a special tag to put on it so it doesn't get lost. When you board, leave it - folded - by the plane door on the jetway. They will stow it underneath and bring it back out and put it on the jetway when you arrive at your destination. They will also put it on the jetway at your layover airport (if you have a layover) unless you specify you don't want them to do that. hth.

 

[Nanu57v]

We plan on gate checking, too.

 

[norcalmouse]

When you go thru most security screenings, the stoller needs to
be walked around the metal detecters, so this can be a hassle if
you don't have another helper to deal with that while you
deal with the kids. Also be sure to be on the outside security
lane and don't be bashful about asking for assistance.
FWIW this is based on my experience in California
and Hawaii, your TSA experience may differ.

 

[poohluvrs]

wow, thanks everyone, its our 1st time travelling as a family & the advice helps!
Now, the carry on activities to keep the litle ones happy, thats another story! agh!

 

[blessedby3]

Definately gate check. The way they throw that luggage around I was afraid that my stroller wouldnt be the same once we got there. I didnt want my Volo crushed or abused by the handlers or other luggage pieces. I didnt even need the stroller in the airport because our DD was 7, but I gate checked it anyway so I didnt have to worry about it getting messed up.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

They won't let you bring the stroller ON the plane. But they will let you bring it to the gate. There, they will tag it and check if for you! You just bring it to the entrance of the plane, fold it up and leave it there. Then, when you land, it will be waiting for you!

 

[alloyd1170]

I gate check ours. It is a blessing to have in the airport. If we dont have a tight connection, I use it like a luggage cart (strap my carry on bag in it). Plus it allows the kids to burn off some energy by walking (and hopefully they nap on the plane). If we have a tight connection, the kids go in it and we move much faster!

At security you do need to remove everything from it and fold it up. Same goes for gate checking (be sure to get a gate check ticket/stub before boarding, and be sure you have id on it somewhere). Fold it up when you leave it since not everyone knows how to. When you get off the plane, it will be right outside the door, still folded up (unless you get really lucky and they open it for you, but be sure to check that its locked in place). Sometimes you do have to wait for them to bring it up, so dont leave the gangway or tarmack until you have your stroller. Just stand to the side to let others walk by, and send the rest of the family inside the airport so it doesnt get congested.

alison

 

[Mrsduck101]

Does anyone bag their stroller before gate checking it? I have a stroller bag and I was planning on using it even though I am gate checking. I guess I would have to bag it and have my dh carry it to the plane door? We usually drive so this is new to me.