Strollers

[tinawv]

Does anyone know if you are allowed to take a stroller on the plane? Does it count as one of the luggage pieces? We fly out this Friday, and my husband said that strollers can be taken without any problems. I not so sure.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jpolak]

We have flown on JetBlue and SouthWest and both let you roll the stroller right up to the plane. They give you a gate check for it. As you board the plane you fold it up and leave it right outside. When you arrive it is there waiting for you (must be magic) as you get off. Have fun

 

[cleo]

Every airline I've flown (most of them!) allows you to bring your stroller just the way jpolak describes. You wheel it down the ramp to the plane, fold it up, they tag it and you're done. Then, when you exit the plane it will be sitting on the ramp waiting for you to pick it up.

Easy, huh?

 

[Nank]

We are going to check ours like luggage. I hope it makes it.

 

[addicted2disney]

Nank.. if you are worried about your stroller making it, why dont you do what the other posters said.... stroll it right up to the plane, and then you have it as soon as you get off. If you still check it like luggage, make sure its not going to come unfolded while they are throwing it around with the luggage. Maybe even put it in some kind of bag ( like a golf bag if its an umbrella stroller) or even a garbage bag. Might protect it from at least getting too dirty!

 

[MareSINY]

Just make sure to get a gate check when you get to your gate. It's usually an orange tag that they wrap around the stroller handle. You have to have a gate check before you can check it at the gate.

 

[mjmcca]

I did this in June with no problem I checked a booster seat as luggage and gate checked the stroller. It was easier because the kids didn't have to walk as much and i could keep better track of them at the airport.

 

[CleveRocks]

Different airlines/airports are going to have different color tags -- they're not always orange. But the overall point is important -- make sure you tell the gate agent you want to gate check the stroller, and do it well before the flight leaves. There is some paperwork involved, and you don't want to leave it until the point when you're in the jetway and about to board the plane. (NOTE: DON'T bother telling anyone at the ticket counter that you want to gate check the stroller. They'll act like they don't care and just tell you to tell the gate agent when you get to your gate.)

If you can picture a jetway, at the very end of it, by the plane entrance, the jetway gets wide and round, which leaves lots of room for you to pull over to the side and not block others from getting by. It's here that you fold up your stroller, and you leave it there. A ramper (airport luggage handler) will use the external door on the jetway to come inside and get the strollers. He'll take them outside and load them into the cargo hold, the very last cargo to be loaded, because it's "last on, first off."

After your plane lands, exit the plane as usual but then pull over to the side once you're inside the jetway. Wait there for a ramper to bring your stroller up. They'll just leave them on the floor or against the wall, it's not like they call your name and wait for you to claim it.

Since you're flying to and from Orlando, believe me there will be several other passengers doing exactly the same thing as you.

I obviously don't know your exact situation, but I can't imagine there's any benefit to checking the stroller as you would your regular luggage. One of the great advantages of gate checking a stroller is that you can actually use the stroller within each airport, coming and going. Use it to wheel the kid, the carry-ons, whatever. It's very convenient.

ENJOY!

-- Eric

 

[tinawv]

Thank you all for the information. I feel a lot better now knowing what to expect.

Less than 24 hours to go.