Stroller Question for first-time Parents

[HookedOnDiz]

I'm sure this is the place to get the best information on this topic... my wife and I have been to Disney many times before, but next month will be our first trip with a baby (he will be 2 months).
If we bring our own stroller, what is the process for getting it on the plane? Check it as a piece of luggage? I have seen references to gate-checking the stroller... could someone explain exactly what that means? We have a Graco travel system stroller that allows the infant car seat to snap into the stroller... will airlines also accept the car seat as part of the stoller?
As you can see we are a little confused... any advice would be welcome...

Thanks!

 

[~Czarina~]

Checking it at the gate means that you have the stroller up until the time you actually board the plane. Last time we did that we had the stroller up until the time we stepped on the plane. We folded up the stoller and the flight attendant took it at the door. That was very helpful. When we exited the plane in Orlando (we had a direct flight) the stoller was open and outside the actual plane door. We got to put the baby right in it and take it down the little tube thing. (Sorry, I can't think of what it is called.)

As far as booking the carseat, I really don't know. You are going to have to wait for another person to answer that.

Good luck and take plently of cute pictures of baby!

 

[jel0511]

Gate checking the stroller gives you the advantage of rolling your stroller right up to the end of the jetway and leaving it there to be stored under the plane. It will be there upon your landing at your destination. You have to get a gate check tag from the attendent at the gate prior to boarding. They will accept the car seat portion of the stroller, make sure you get two separate gate check tickets then. You'll have to fold up the stroller, which will mean removing the car seat portion, which will have to be stored separetely from the stroller. You can't bring the car seat carrier on the plane, unless you've purchased a seat for your child.

 

[~Czarina~]

JETWAY! Jetway was the word I was looking for. My father is a pilot and I have been trying to think of it since I posted. I was hoping to ask him when I saw him tonight but you saved my sanity! Thank you Lori!

 

[spr0m]

The wife and I used to book the window and asile seats when we only had one child ,the middle seat is the last to be sold so most of the time we lucked out and were able to put the baby it the carry car seat in between us for free. As long as the seat is empty they don't care. Even if you didn't have kids this is a good way to get some extra room and in the event someone does get the middle seat you won't have any problems switching with them.

 

[Kuffam]

Just a warning, you'll have to take the baby out and break down the stroller and send it trough the x-ray at the security checkpoint.

 

[BevS97]

is this new? I have never had to put my stroller through the x-ray, it has always been hand checked with my dd in it. I wouldn't have though some of the larger Graco style strollers would fit through the x-ray machine

Bev

 

[jel0511]

I believe if the strolelr will fit through the x-ray machine, they will require it to be placed through. Since 9/11, we've always had to put our stroller through, but it's a Pliko and folds up rather compactly and fits through with no problem. If your stroller will not fit, they will allow a hand search and wand it, but they now require you to remove the child and walk through the metal detector holding the child if they are unable to walk through. If they can walk independently, they have to walk through themselves.

 

[HookedOnDiz]

Thank you to everyone who responded... you gave us some great tips

I started reading the DIS boards while planning our honeymoon and now I'm here planning a trip with our first child... I expect that before I know it I will be hunting for tips on traveling with two kids... its nice to know I have a dependable group of people to seek advice from... thanks again!