Stroller question...

[disneygal922]

Hi everyone! We are taking our daughter for her first visit. We check into BCV on 2/2. She will be 6mo. Originally we were going to bring our own stroller but with American Airlines gate check policy, I fear they will make us check it with the bags. I've also heard horror stories about gate checking strollers (with any airline), wheels breaking, seats tearing and stained. Seeing as we will be using this stroller for another 2 years or so, I hesitate to bring it along. We are highly considering renting one. They have 4 types, all which are very different than our Graco Click Connect. Does anyone have any opinions on the City Mini, the BOB, the City Elite, or the Mini GT? We will have our Ergo for queues and whatnot but want a stroller so she can nap and look around. Thanks in advance!

 

[twinboysmom]

I would rent a citi mini. Near full recline, huge canopy, great fold, and very easy push around the parks. The gt is a slight bit beefier, not necessary for an infant, the elite even more so, and the bob (I have one and love love love it) has the bulkiest most difficult fold.

 

[tourguide81]

If I was going to rent, yes, I'd rent the city mini, too. We love, love our double one.

that said, what has changed w/ the gate check guidelines that you are worried about? I've never had an issue gate checking our strollers - and I've done it 5 or 6 times. Both single and double.

 

[disneygal922]

Thank you both!

If I was going to rent, yes, I'd rent the city mini, too. We love, love our double one.

that said, what has changed w/ the gate check guidelines that you are worried about? I've never had an issue gate checking our strollers - and I've done it 5 or 6 times. Both single and double.

Apparently back in 2011 or 2012 American Airlines revised their gate check policy and now strollers need to weigh less than 20lbs. I've read some reviews saying some airports were very lenient and didn't weigh them. Others said they were forced to weigh their stroller. I think it depends on the agent and airport honestly. According to Graco's website, our stroller weighs 23lbs...

 

[tourguide81]

Thank you both!



Apparently back in 2011 or 2012 American Airlines revised their gate check policy and now strollers need to weigh less than 20lbs. I've read some reviews saying some airports were very lenient and didn't weigh them. Others said they were forced to weigh their stroller. I think it depends on the agent and airport honestly. According to Graco's website, our stroller weighs 23lbs...

Hmm. I'd call the airline to confirm and see what they say. I don't think I've flown AA in the last few years. Even if it has to be checked, it's still a free baby item, right? I would rather have my stroller than pay to rent one. But I also like having it in the airport. If I couldn't do that, I'd see the temptation in just renting it.

 

[JillianLeigh]

If you're really worried about your stroller getting damaged, rent. I've gate-checked two different strollers 4 different times, and I've never had a problem with the size of the stroller.

My big guy (Britax B Ready) came out fine every time, minus some black scuff marks on the fabric, which washed off with a little elbow grease and magic eraser

My lightweight stroller (The First Years "Ignite") had one wheel snapped off of the front and completely busted. I didn't even realize it had been broken until I was pushing my 15 month old son across the terminal to baggage claim and it fell off. Seemed as if the someone had tried to put it back on to hide the fact that it broke. I talked with American Airlines immediately, and the guy working the desk had no sympathy and simply said that they don't cover damages to strollers. Ever.

You can also buy cheap gate check bags specifically designed for strollers at places like Babies R Us. I use one when I have to check a car seat. It wouldn't protect a stroller from large damages, but from dirt and probably and tears.

 

[irky416]

I love our City Mini. My friend has a BOB and it's so bulky and hard to fold compared to the City Mini.

You could buy a bag to put the stroller in if you really want yours, though, and that might help with any small damage, like tears or marks on it. We've gate checked a stroller in a bag 4 times and haven't had any problems yet (*knock on wood*).

 

[bostonminnie]

We love our Citi Mini and used it on our last trip in June. The sun shade covers most of the baby and it folds up super easy. Have fun!

 

[englishteacha]

You could buy a lightweight stroller like an Ignite and gate check in a bag. However, the Childress brand gate check bags are about 1 inch too short for the ignite. Some of the handle sticks out. You could still use it and it still ties tightly. Maybe slide a pillowcase over the handles before tying the bag to prevent scuffs. We just got our Ignite this week and I happened upon one of the gate check bags at a local discount store for $5. I think the wheels can be removed and then it may fit completely; you'd need to make sure the wheels were secure somewhere though. I only tried the bag to see if it would fit. I've never used it to gate check.

 

[MrsSilvaStrat]

We have a Citi Mini double that we bought after we rented one in WDW. So, I too am torn about gate checking vs. renting. Should I put the "miles" on a rental? Not to mention avoiding any damage to my own. I'm with you OP, not sure which is best either, but I am probably leaning toward the rental. It's a great affordable option. The only issue is successfully getting the twins from the plane to the Magical Express in an orderly fashion

 

[rillsung]

We have gate checked and regular checked (as a free baby item) strollers and carseats many, many times in the past 7 years. We've only had a couple of very minor problems. We did invest in travel bags for the strollers and carseats but have not always used them. I also don't think I've flown AA in the past few years so I can't speak directly about my experience with them.

 

[dunningdisney]

Years ago, we have gate checked many times, without any problems. Possibly another option would be to purchase a small reclining stroller when you get to Orlando. (not sure how much you would be paying for a rental)

 

[disneygal922]

Thank you so much everyone! You have all been very helpful! I think we are going to rent a City Mini. Now I just need to decide on a company. lol.