Stroller on Plane??

[famfab5]

I'm sure this is a silly question but I haven't flown in 20 yrs!! We are bringing a stroller for our 5 year old but will only need to use it in the parks. Do we check it or do we take it with us on the plane? It is a chicco caddy in its own travel bag...

Thanks,

E.

 

[clkelley]

You can "gate check" it which means your child can stay in the stroller all the way through the airport (you have to fold it and let it run through the security scanner), then as you board the plane, it will be loaded underneath. When you get off the plane at your destination, it will be delivered back to you in or near the jetway.

 

[Jestocost]

Not familiar with that model, but unless it's one of the very small umbrella strollers you won't be able to take it on the plane. You do have two choices, however. If you won't need it and/or don't want it for the airport, you can check it at your departure airport and have DME take it to your resort or collect it yourself in Orlando. If you'd like to use it at the airport, you can check it at the gate as you are boarding the plane and collect it at the gate as you get off of the plane in Orlando.

 

[famfab5]

Thanks for your replies!

He doesn't normally use the stroller so we wouldn't be using it in the airport. Is it better to gate check it or check it with luggage or does it not really matter?

 

[clkelley]

I would check it with luggage UNLESS you are using DME and will be going to the parks shortly after you arrive that day. It will be several hours after you arrive that your checked luggage arrives in your room.

So, if using DME, going to the parks right after checking in, gate check it.

If not going to the parks right after checking in, or not using DME, then check it with regular luggage.

 

[Robin Hood]

We have 2 kids so we always gate check it. Much easier to push the kids than drag them. Plus we have a small bucket under neath our stroller so it can carry things such as DVD player, pillow, backpack full of stuff. Also I'd rather check it at the gate instead of it going through the behind the scenes luggage check. We have a more expensive model so that is the main reason.

To gate check the stroller you go to the gate counter and request a stroller tag which you fill out and then they attach it to your stroller. When it is time for you to board the plane you push the stroller to the plane door, fold it up and leave it parked against the wall. someone will come up and actually carry your stroller to the luggage loading area. When you depart the plane either your stroller will be waiting for you or just wait a few minutes for someone to bring it to you.

 

[famfab5]

Excellent information, thank you!!

 

[loveysbydesign]

We gate checked ours last time and it was very convenietn but a wheel got broken. it was still usuable since it was 1 of 4 wheels on the back of the stroller. My ? is can you put it in a stroller bag and still gate check it or does it have to be out of a stroller bag? We're trying to avoid damage next time around!