Stroller Question at the Airport

[lrodk]

I can't decide if I should check my stroller at the baggage check-in(in which case I'll place it in a box)or take it with me to the gate. Does anyone know if the strollers checked in at the gate are stored any differently than those at baggage check-in? Would my stroller be safer at the gate vs underneath with all the other luggage? Or are strollers checked in at the gate placed below with everything else anyway? We'll be flying Delta if that makes a difference.

 

[dbail2]

We always took our stroller right up to the plane they take it and you pick it up at the same place when you land. It is right there outside the planes door. Very convient. They just ask you to fold it up.. They also put a tag on it at boarding...

 

[SueM in MN]

We gate check a wheelchair all the time, so I feel like the queen of gate checking.
From what I have been told from various airlines we've traveled on, gate checked items are placed on the plane last and are the first off. In all our years of travel, we have had DD's wheelchair damaged once. An antitipper bent. Those are little bars at the back of the wheelchair and it would take a lot to bend them since they are meant to take the full weight of the wheelchair and prevent it from tipping backwards.
I have also read posts from people whose gate checked strollers got bent. To prevent that, fold your own stroller and make sure it is secured shut. Make sure that canopy or anything else that is loose is also secured. Some people have posted that they put the strollers in bags even when they gate check.
Ask for a gate check tag when you first check in. They may give you one then or tell you to get it from the gate agent. The gate check tags usually have several choices of where you would like to have your stroller delivered (gate or baggage at final destination or connecting flight.) Make sure the appropriate one is checked. If you have enough time between flights, you can have the stroller delivered to the gate when you land for your connecting flight. We are usually the last people off our flights and often see strollers obediantly waiting at the gate for people who are already gone.

 

[THE RAT]

We flown Delta last May and had my DS stroller we walk it right up to the gate. and when you get off the plane it's right there for you.I'm pretty sure they put them right were baggage goes.

 

[jasmine206]

Agree with all the previous - definitely take the stroller right up to the plane - they'll tag it at the gate and will be waiting for you when you step off! Works great !