Strollers and Flying

[SheenaXena21]

We will be going in November and flying Airtran down and United back. We were just going to buy a small stroller when we got down there, but I just read on the website:

The stroller may be gate checked just before boarding the plane and will be returned to the aircraft jet way upon arrival at your destination. Car seats and strollers may be checked free of charge; any other items are subject to standard baggage fees (i.e., portable crib, high chair, etc.).

~AirTran
and

Strollers may be checked to your final destination without a fee, in addition to your normal baggage allowance. Children can be transported in their stroller throughout the airport. However, strollers must be checked at the gate. The stroller will be delivered to you at the aircraft door upon request at your connecting city or destination.

~United

I'm not an idiot or anything, I've only flown 3 times. I just want to be reassured. She has one of those larger strollers that's part of the Graco travel system, but we're not bringing the car seat. It's easy to fold and open up.

Back to the airline quotes, does this mean that I don't have to pay $25-30 to check the stroller, like normal checked luggage? i wont be suprised with a fee when I get to the airport?

Can someone relate their experience doing this?

I'd rather take that stroller than buy a crappy one or rent one from Disney.

Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!

 

[may_baby06]

i have seen strollers of all sizes be checked at the gate for free. We always gate check ours with AirTran and never had a problem. You should be fine with yours.

 

[chesterpdt186]

they stow the strollers below the plane and retrive them right before you depart the plane. You will find them right outside the door to the plane.
Their is a regulation that allows for you to have a stroller checked at the Plane for free.
This does not count if you check the Stoller with your bags.

I have done this probably 4 times now (2 round trips ) southwest and airtran

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

they stow the strollers below the plane and retrive them right before you depart the plane. You will find them right outside the door to the plane.
Their is a regulation that allows for you to have a stroller checked at the Plane for free.
This does not count if you check the Stoller with your bags.

I have done this probably 4 times now (2 round trips ) southwest and airtran

You CAN check your stroller with your luggage for free on Airtran. I take our stroller for use in the parks, not the airport so I have it in the box. I emailed Airtran and specifically asked if I could check my stroller in the box with my luggage for free. They wrote back and said it was free as long as nothing else is in the box with the stroller. I am taking my printed email with me to check-in just in case!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Just an FYI, I always gate check my stroller vs checking it at the counter. I find it takes less abuse!

 

[SheenaXena21]

Thanks everyone!!! This takes a load off my mind.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Thanks everyone!!! This takes a load off my mind.

On the same note I know that car seats are also free to check. Do booster seats qualify as "car seats"? We are taking ds's booster seat and it would be nice to just check it in a bag rather than take up a bunch of space in the suitcase!

 

[Native NYer]

We always gate check our stroller so we can use it in the airport.

 

[kaytieeldr]

On the same note I know that car seats are also free to check. Do booster seats qualify as "car seats"? We are taking ds's booster seat and it would be nice to just check it in a bag rather than take up a bunch of space in the suitcase!

No. If you can fit it into a regulation-sized carry-on, you can bring it on the plane that way.

 

[MommyBryn]

Yep, gate checking is free. We only ever fly United and always gate check our stroller.