“They’re easy to push, easy to fold—and, in fact, light enough to transport in an airplane’s overhead storage compartment.”
When my son was stroller age, we did not have today’s world of travel strollers yet. You either dealt with having to gate check your fashionably large, SUV-size, standard stroller or you went with a cheaper, and purely functional umbrella stroller that doesn’t mind being handled roughly. However, those of you who have small children today are in luck because there are dozens of tiny, collapsible, one-handed lightweight travel strollers that can be carried on your shoulder with an infant or other bags, will fit in the car’s trunk, and can even be taken on a plane. Travelling With Stroller Airplane.
For over two years, I’ve been putting these strollers through their paces in our test facility, but other parents on our team use them (and their children) to travel the globe to help you decide on the best travel stroller for your next journey. However, the needs of each family are going to vary and what makes the ultimate travel stroller should be durable, easily portable, easy to maneuver, lightweight, and worth the investment. Further, it has to be comfortable to be in and easy to handle once you get to the intended location.
For You: lightweight travel strollers, compact stroller for airplane, best travel stroller
Top Stroller Brands for Air Travel
Babyzen YOYO²
UPPAbaby Minu
Mountain Buggy Nano
Gb Pockit
Is a Travel Stroller Worth It?
A travel stroller can significantly increase the efficiency and convenience of your vacations. “Because families need to carry extra snacks, clothes, and other supplies while traveling with kids, a portable stroller can help lighten the overall luggage load,” says Betty Choi, M.D., a doctor, author, and mother of two from California. “If a stroller folds easily and feels light, it may help conserve your energy for carrying all of the other important things.”
To be tiny, folding, and light, many travel strollers forego storage space, extra comfort elements such as leg rests or huge canopies, and technical features such as shock absorbers.
Can You Take a Travel Stroller on an Airplane?
Many of the tiny strollers on our list are also promised to fit into overhead bins, which is a pleasant alternative for those of us who dread arriving at our destination only to find our much-needed stroller ripped and wrecked. If you choose to bring your stroller as a carry-on, it will count as a bigger item. We tested the strollers on this list in an area the size of a regular overhead bin, however bin sizes differ by airline. Airline policies differ, so always ask (and ask again!) before flying. Still, bring a storage bag in case the flight is overbooked and you are asked to gate check anyhow.
Best Baby Stroller
Bloomingdale’s Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller
“Joolz Aer+ Stroller”
Why We Like It:
When asked to describe her experience with the Joolz Aer+ stroller, our lab tester simply said, “WOW!” She was impressed by how easy it was to construct (just two minutes) and liked the overall look. Even when laden with a 25-pound sandbag or a squirmy kid, this stroller glides effortlessly. We could turn bends smoothly with one hand, and the wheels offered superb shock absorption. Perhaps her greatest compliment to this stroller was how easy it was to fold up. With the Joolz Aer+, you won’t have to worry about how quickly you can fold up your stroller before boarding a flight or taking the Disneyland tram.
Portability: Not only was this very simple to fold one-handed in the lab, but our real-world testing parent can’t stop telling us how much she likes this feature. She even impressed all of the nurses and patients at the pediatrician’s office with a demonstration.
What Parents Say
“We were in and out of the car every weekend with this stroller over the summer, and it couldn’t have been easier to transport and load. Folding it in five seconds as your car is double-parked dangerously close to oncoming traffic is the nicest sensation in the world. — Claire, mother of a one-year-old.”
But Take Note of Baby Stroller
This stroller has plenty of positives, but it is expensive. Priced at $449, the Joolz Aer+ may be a great contender for your baby registry so that a group of friends or family members can pitch in on it together.
The Details Travelling With Stroller Airplane:
Size open: 32.7 x 17.7 x 41.5 in
Size folded: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 in
Weight: 13.4 lbs
Age range/weight limit: 6 months to 4 years
travelling with stroller airplane
The Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller folded up on the grass
travelling with stroller airplane
How to Use Travel Strollers Safely
While strollers are generally safe to use, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reminds parents that injuries can happen when they’re not used correctly. When choosing a travel stroller, the AAP recommends parents take the following precautions:
Safety Standards: Buy a stroller that was manufactured in the past few years. If it was manufactured before 2014, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission to determine if it has been recalled.
Seatbelt: Always secure your child according to the manufacturer’s directions by using a safety harness, preferably a five-point harness.
Break: Before using your stroller, ensure that any removable wheels are securely attached. When parking the stroller, always use the brake to prevent it from rolling away. Travelling With Stroller Airplane.
Dr. Hunter advises parents that travel strollers are safe for infants as long as they adhere to the manufacturer’s height and weight limits. “It’s safe for babies to use a front-facing reclined stroller when they are about 3 months old,” Dr. Hunter informs me. “They can be seated in a more upright stroller around 6 months.” You should also avoid allowing children to sleep in strollers, especially those under 4 months old because they are more likely to suffocate.
Storage: “Make sure the stroller doesn’t tip over when you hang items on the back,” advises Dr. Hunter. You can accomplish this by storing heavy objects (such as diaper bags, handbags, or backpacks) in the storage basket under the seat. Avoid hanging anything off the handlebars to prevent the stroller from tipping over.
International Travel Considerations with a Stroller
Things to Keep in Mind
Traveling internationally with a stroller requires additional planning.
Customs and Immigration: Be prepared for additional screening when arriving at international destinations. You may need to fold your stroller again for security checks. Travelling With Stroller Airplane.
Different Airline Policies: International airlines may have different rules for checking strollers. Review the airline’s policies before you leave.
Public Transportation: If you plan to use buses or trains at your destination, check if they are stroller-friendly.
FAQs about Traveling with Stroller Airplanes
Can I bring my stroller on the airplane?
Most airlines allow you to bring a compact stroller onboard, but it will likely need to be gate-checked.
Do I need a stroller bag for air travel?
While not required, a stroller bag is highly recommended to protect your stroller from damage.
What is the best stroller for air travel?
Popular options include the Babyzen YOYO² and UPPAbaby Minu, known for their lightweight and foldable designs.
How can I make stroller travel easier?
Choose a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller, and consider bringing a baby carrier for added convenience.
Conclusion
Traveling with a stroller on an airplane doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By choosing the right stroller, packing strategically, and knowing the ins and outs of security and airline policies, you can make the journey smoother for you and your little one. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, preparation is key.
External Link:
For more detailed information on airline policies, check out the TSA’s official guide.
