Life Alongside Lauren

Everything you need to know about flying British Airways with kids

Whether it’s your first time travelling with British Airways with kids, or you just need some information. I have put together all the basic info you need to know before flying on BA.

British Airways is the largest UK airline based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations. British Airways flights operate to and from London City, Gatwick and Stansted airports. As well as it’s home hub London Heathrow Terminals 3 & 5. Voted the best airport terminal in the world six times since opening in 2008 (Skytrax World Airport Awards). Terminal 5 offers a seamless airport experience with stylish shops, restaurants and luxurious lounges.

*This blog post is for informational purposes only. For specific questions on travelling with British Airways, please click here or contact the airline directly.

In This Blog Post

Flying BA when pregnant

For your and your baby’s safety, you cannot fly after:

  • the end of the 36th week if you are pregnant with one baby
  • the end of the 32nd week if you are pregnant with more than one baby.

We recommend you carry a letter or statement from your Doctor or Midwife confirming:

  • Whether your pregnancy is single or multiple.
  • Your expected due date.
  • There are no complications with your pregnancy.

The letter should be dated as close to your travel date as possible and covers you for your entire journey (outbound and return). Provided you do not require any medical care during your trip.

It is not necessary to complete our medical form.

Other considerations for travel during pregnancy:

  • Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance coverage in case of preterm labour abroad.
  • Some countries have entry restrictions for non‑national pregnant women. Check with the local consulate or embassy if you’re in any doubt.

Flying BA with a newborn

Newborn babies must be at least 48 hours old and have been born without any complications before they can travel with us. If you plan to fly soon after your baby’s birth. Please check with your treating doctor if it’s safe for both you and your baby to travel.

If you had a Caesarean section or other surgery was needed during or after the birth. You can travel  10 days after with medical clearance from our Health Services. We would advise that your treating doctor approve your travel first.

Flying British Airways with an infant under two years old

British Airways will always try to sit families together where possible. When you travel with an infant (on your lap), you can choose a seat for yourself and everyone in your booking, free of charge (up to a party of nine). Subject to availability, one person in your booking can choose a carrycot/seat position.

If you don’t choose a seat in advance, BA will select suitable seats for you before the flight. When you are travelling with children under 12 years will always be sitting next to a responsible adult in your party.

If you’d like to book a separate seat for your infant (under 2 years old), contact British Airways directly and they will arrange it for you. However, please note that this cannot be booked online.

British Airways infant baggage allowance

If you’re travelling with an infant (under 2), you’ll be able to bring one extra nappy bag for them for in-flight essentials. However, this is different if you have paid for a plane seat for your infant. They will be booked as a ‘child’ and are given the same baggage allowance as an adult.

Infants also get a free checked baggage allowance which includes one standard 23kg bag in the hold, for all cabins. This does not apply when you and your infant are on a hand baggage-only (Basic) fare, where there is no free checked bag allowance.

In addition, each infant can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare:

  • Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller)
  • Car or booster seat
  • Baby back carrier

If you’re travelling from London Heathrow Terminal 5, check in at their dedicated family zone located in Zone E. They offer easy access to oversize baggage belts for car seats and pushchairs, as well as a child-friendly waiting area.

Flying British airways with children over two years

If you don’t choose a seat in advance, BA will select suitable seats for you before the flight. If you are flying British Airways with kids under 12 years will always be sitting next to a responsible adult in your party. Any children travelling who are over 12 years may be seated separately if not rebooked. You can pre-book seats to avoid this.

Baggage allowance for children flying with British Airways

British Airways offer kids (aged 2-11) the same hand baggage allowance as an adult. They also will have the same free checked baggage allowance as you, which will vary depending on the cabin that you’re travelling in.

In addition, each child can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare:

Onboard facilities

You’ll find changing tables in the bathrooms so you can comfortably change your baby on board.

British Airways strollers, bassinets and car seat policies

Taking a car seat on british airways.

You can take the car seat on board the plane if you’ve booked a seat for your infant or child and intend to secure the car seat into it. Alternatively, your car seat must be checked into the hold as one of the two free essential extras allowed for children. Even on a hand baggage-only (Basic) fare.

If you’ve booked a seat for your baby or child, you can bring your own single piece car seat as long as it meets airline safety regulations. Please note that two-part car seats (a seat and separate base) are not suitable for aircraft seats.

  • The age/weight of the child is in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The width of the car seat should be no more than 43cm (17 inches) to ensure it fits in the aircraft seat.
  • The child in the car seat must face the same direction as the aircraft seat to which it is secured.
  • The aircraft seat belt buckle must not lie over any part of the frame or under the structure of the car seat after tightening.
  • The frame of the car seat must be metal or plastic/polycarbonate material.
  • The car seat harness must secure the lap, torso and lower body, but does not need to have five individual straps.

Only compliant car seats or  approved seat comfort devices  are permitted for use onboard. Any device that obstructs the floor or attaches to the seat to restrict its movement are not allowed.

Taking a Pushchair/stroller on British Airways

Walking distances from arrival terminals to baggage collection vary across airports and some may be longer than others. To help you with the journey, BA offers a service that returns your pushchair back to the aircraft door at certain destinations.

There are strict parameters on the size of pushchairs, so please check below if your pushchair qualifies for this service –

  • It must be a single-piece, slimline, fully collapsible pushchair.
  • Maximum dimension size including wheels: Height 38cm Length 117cm Depth 38cm
  • If your pushchair is within the dimensions  it will be tagged with an orange Return To Aircraft Door label, with your customer information included, before being placed in the hold. You can then collect it on arrival at your destination. Please contact the cabin crew for assistance.
  • If your pushchair is bigger than the dimensions  it will not be delivered to the aircraft door on arrival. Instead, you can collect your pushchair on the baggage carousel in the baggage hall at your destination, along with your checked baggage.

Please note, the above service is not offered at all destinations, so please ask at check-in whether aircraft pick-up is possible.

Requesting a Bassinet on a British Airways flight

On our long haul services, BA provide carrycots and infant seats free of charge for babies up to 2 years old, weighing under 12.5 kg (27.5lbs). These can be used during the flight when the seat belt signs are off. If you’ve chosen a carrycot seating position, your crew will offer you a carrycot or infant seat for your baby, subject to availability and aircraft type.

British Aiways Carrycots Our specially designed carrycots are only for infants up to 6 months old, weighing no more than 8kg (17.5lb), so your baby can sleep in comfort in the best seat on the flight. You can bring your own  CoziGo carrycot cover  to lessen distractions from light and movement. 

British Airways Infant seats Infant seats can be used by little ones from birth up to 24 months, who weigh no more than 12.5kg (27.5lbs). These seats are secured onto the carrycot position by the cabin crew and are adjustable to two positions: reclined or upright. For infants under 6 months, the seat should always be used in the reclined position. For infants over 6 months, either position can be used.

What sleep devices, leg rests and ride-on suitcases do British Airways allow?

Sleepers and leg rests and extensions on british airways flights, ride‑on suitcases   on british airways flights.

British Airways have teamed up with Trunki, a brand known for kids’ ride-on suitcases and travel accessories. They have created an adorable British Airways Trunki:  Amelia the Aeroplane.  It’s the ultimate travelling companion for globe-trotting tots. Designed to be used as hand baggage, kids can pack Trunki with all their favourite belongings while parents keep them in tow.

British Airways baby and children’s meals

British Airways offers a range of nutritionally balanced children’s meals. The child’s meal is suitable for children who are able to eat solid food and are available on long haul flights. BA also have a ‘Feed Kids First’ policy means that your little ones are happy, so you can enjoy your own meal in peace.

You can order your child’s meal  at least 24 hours before you fly , which you can do using  Manage My Booking . Go to ‘Special requests’ and under ‘Special meals’ you’ll find the ‘Child meal’ option.

Bringing baby food with you

BA do carry some tinned baby food on long haul flights, but recommend you bring your own un-opened baby food, sterilised bottles and any other equipment, in your hand baggage. Unfortunately, they are not able to sterilise bottles or provide sterilised water on board.

Children’s in-flight entertainment

When travelling British Airways with kids, little ones can get creative in the clouds with their free Skyflyers activity pack, including a fun eye mask, paw print socks, crayons and a postcard to send home from your holiday.

Collect yours at the Family and Club World check-in zones at Heathrow Terminal 5, Gatwick and London City. Just ask a member of our staff.

BA also offer a massive selection of children’s movies, cartoons and games onboard the seatback entertainment screens.

If you found this post useful, why not check out some related posts on  destinations  or other  airlines

Everything you need to know about flying British Airways with kids

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10 best cabin-approved strollers for easy travel

Looking for a lightweight, cabin-approved stroller? After rigorous, in-depth testing and feedback from real parents, we’re confident that our pick of the best compact plane-approved strollers are fit to fly.

By Tammy Jacks | Last updated Apr 29, 2024

Best cabin-approved strollers

While taking family trips and spending time with loved ones is always exciting, the planning, packing and organising beforehand can be daunting, especially when it comes to navigating busy airports and flights with little ones in tow.

For a more seamless and stress-free journey, it’s always a good idea to have a lightweight, cabin-approved stroller with you for those long walks to the boarding gate and/or luggage pick-up area. But juggling the needs of both you and your children when travelling is tricky enough without the added concern of whether your trusty stroller will meet airline requirements. 

The good news? We've taken the guesswork out of the equation. Through meticulous research, we've compiled a list of the best cabin-approved strollers that can be taken on a plane as hand luggage . 

Compact, narrow and lightweight, these nifty strollers are designed with the jet-setting family in mind. Their ability to effortlessly fold into a compact size makes them a practical choice for navigating busy airports and cramped aeroplane spaces. Imagine the convenience of strolling through security, knowing that your cabin-approved companion is ready to be stored overhead, leaving you with one less travel worry.

How we tested the best cabin-approved strollers

To select the best cabin-approved strollers, we took a multifaceted approach. 

First, we tapped into the wealth of wisdom shared by parents on the Mumsnet forums , seeking genuine product recommendations from those who have hands-on experience with cabin-approved strollers.

We also prioritise real-world testing, so the cabin-approved strollers on our list have been rigorously tried and tested by real parents who put them through their paces in various travel settings.  

We consulted trusted organisations like Which? for their lab test results, relying on their expertise to evaluate the strollers' performance under controlled conditions and spent hours scouring countless online customer reviews from top retail sites. 

We even chatted with parents at parks and school pick-ups to understand their preferences and priorities when it comes to selecting a cabin-approved stroller.

Lastly, we checked the baggage allowance requirements of all major airlines and consulted the International Air Transport Association's passenger baggage rules to ensure that the cabin-approved strollers on our list met the necessary criteria for hassle-free air travel.

For more information, be sure to check out our guide to travelling with a pushchair or lightweight stroller .

Here are the best cabin-approved strollers for 2024.

Best cabin-approved strollers at a glance  

Best overall cabin-approved stroller: Babyzen Yoyo² | Buy now

Best budget cabin-approved stroller: Joie Pact Pushchair | Buy now

Best cabin-approved stroller for newborns: Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe | Buy now

Best quick-fold cabin-approved stroller: Didofy Aster 2 | Buy now

Best stylish cabin-approved stroller: Cybex Coya | Buy now

Best all-terrain cabin-approved stroller: Micralite ProFold | Buy now

Best pull-along cabin-approved stroller: Silver Cross Jet 3 | Buy now

Best cabin-approved stroller for toddlers: Joolz Aer+ | Buy now

Best lightweight cabin-approved stroller: Cybex Libelle | Buy now

Best cabin-approved stroller for storage: Bugaboo Butterfly | Buy now

Babyzen Yoyo²

Cabin-approved on most airlines

Turns and ​manoeuvres easily

Ultra-light and comfortable

Can purchase a newborn kit to be used from birth

Assembly is tricky

Storage basket is too small for a baby changing bag   

Handlebar doesn’t extend

Price: £450 | Age range: Birth (with newborn pack) to four years | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, with the newborn pack, otherwise it’s world-facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 52 x 44 x 18cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read the full Babyzen Yoyo review

The Babyzen Yoyo² with its newborn pack, which includes a comfortable 2.5 cm mattress that lies completely flat, head support, a foot cover and a pop-up canopy with two different opening positions, is a game-changer for travel as it has a remarkably compact fold that can be stored in the overhead locker.

Notably, airlines like Virgin Atlantic recognise its efficiency, listing it as an acceptable hand luggage option. In fact, out of all the cabin-approved strollers on our list, the Yoyo² comes out tops for the smallest compact fold (along with the Cybex Coya which has the same dimensions). 

The sturdy canopy, while not extending as far forward as some competitors, still offers enough protection and is made from durable materials along with the rest of the stroller. Although the seat reclines with ease, it needs two hands and maintains a slight angle in the upright position. Nevertheless, the soft, cushy seat and padded harness straps prioritise your child's comfort and safety. Despite its limited recline, parents find their little ones nap soundly, attributing it to the ample cushioning.

Ease of use is a highlight, evident in the Yoyo²’s user-friendly brake system and upgraded features. The leatherette handlebar replaces the original version’s foam one, providing a luxurious touch, and a safety strap adds an extra layer of security during walks. The Yoyo²'s buckle system simplifies operation with a single push button.

Furthermore, the stroller's enhanced suspension system across all four rubber wheels ensures a smoother ride for your child. However, the undeniable standout feature remains its nearly flat fold, making it the most straightforward choice for hand luggage among all the strollers we tested. However, if you choose the Babyzen Yoyo² with bassinet , bear in mind that the bassinet is a harder shell and doesn’t fold down with the stroller like the newborn pack does, but needs to be unclipped when folding down the stroller.

Read next: The best lightweight buggies

Good value for money

Super lightweight (only 6kg)

Glides over uneven terrain

Easy to unfold with one hand (in six seconds or less)

Storage basket is large enough to fit a backpack

The seat maintains a notable angle even in the upright position

Price: £136 | Age range: Birth to three years or 15kg | Max weight: 15kg | Weight: 6kg | Parent-facing option: World-facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 56.5cm x 52.5 x 24cm

The Joie Pact stroller stands out as a budget-friendly yet feature-rich cabin-approved stroller for parents. Its lightweight design ensures agility in tight spaces, and it comes with a custom carry strap and bag, which is ideal for travel. The all-weather canopy, with UPF 50+ sun protection and water resistance, offers ample protection in various weather conditions.

Noteworthy for its lie-flat position and multi-position recline, the Joie Pact prioritises child comfort. The peekaboo window, removable bumper bar and adjustable calf support all contribute to ease of use.

Designed for diverse terrain, this lightweight, cabin-approved stroller features locking swivel wheels and four-wheel suspension for a smooth ride, even on bumpy surfaces. The single-step brake ensures quick stops in busy areas. 

In essence, the Joie Pact balances affordability with functionality, making it an attractive option if you’re looking for a versatile, well-equipped stroller to take on holiday .

However, keep in mind that although it folds in seconds, it doesn’t fold completely flat and may feel a little clumsy to carry without the bag. The footrest is also quite small, so although this stroller is suitable for children up to the age of three, your little one’s legs may dangle off the edge of the stroller a little as they grow taller. 

Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe

Has an adjustable handlebar

Newborn nest mode option for 0-6 months

Large wheels make for a comfortable ride

Mesh windows for added airflow

Heavier than other strollers in this category

Some reviewers say it’s hard to access the brake when the seat is fully reclined

Fiddly to fold and unfold

Price: £370 | Age range: From six months to four years or 22kg | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 8.3kg | Parent-facing option: No, world-facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with the car seat adapter | Folded size: 54 x 44 x 25cm  

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our Ergobaby Metro+ review

Approved by all airlines, the Ergo Metro+ Deluxe may not be the lightest cabin-approved stroller on the market, but its thoughtful design and comfortable features make it a top choice if you’re looking for both functionality and comfort when you’re travelling. Whilst it’s not the quickest to fold and unfold because it involves a few steps, it’s still very compact and easy to carry once folded, which makes it a good choice for holidays .

One standout feature that sets the Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Stroller apart is the adjustable handlebar with numerous height settings to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s wider than many other stroller handlebars, ensuring a better grip on longer walks.

Distinguishing the Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe from its standard counterpart, the Deluxe version comes equipped with a durable wind and rain cover, along with a conveniently foldable cup holder – although keep in mind that larger cups and water bottles may fall out. 

Enhanced comfort features include upgraded ergonomic, machine-washable padding on the seat and more durable fabric on the canopy, with 22% more space in the storage basket below, as well as a large storage pocket at the back. It’s also made with plenty of mesh windows for added ventilation. The addition of a sturdy bumper bar finished with vegan leather adds a touch of luxury, although some users have noted that it's tricky to remove.

This cabin-approved stroller’s three-point harness is simple to click and unclick and its adjustable footrest is sturdy, with the newborn nest mode feature integrated into the side panels, which allows for easy lifting and securing with clip buttons. This stroller also offers a full flat recline and nest mode, making it suitable for infants aged 0–6 months. To use the newborn nest mode, simply remove the newborn nest side panels from the Velcro pouches on the sides of the footrest, then lift the footrest and clip the side panels to the stroller, creating a secure space, which resembles a bassinet for your little one.    

However, a notable downside is that you have to remove the canopy, bumper bar and seat to make space for a car seat if you decide to take one, which might be cumbersome and/or time-consuming when travelling.

Read next: The best umbrella strollers and pushchairs

Didofy Aster 2

Folds and unfolds in seconds

Canopy extends further than other strollers

Has a large adjustable foot rest

Lie-flat feature from birth

Comes with a large storage basket

Easy to manoeuvre

Bumper bar doesn’t swivel

Five-point harness can be fiddly to adjust in a hurry

Price: £199 | Age range: From birth to four years or 22kg | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size: 55 x 47 x 27cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Didofy Aster 2 review

This award-winning, British-designed cabin-approved stroller is another favourite amongst families who love to travel. Weighing in at 6.2kg with the carry handle and shoulder strap, the Didofy Aster 2 is not just travel-friendly but incredibly convenient, and it’s accepted as hand luggage by most airlines.

The standout feature? It unfolds and folds itself in seconds with a simple click of a button (also known as the MagicFold feature), which is perfect for navigating busy airports or assembling the buggy on the fly. In her review of the Didofy Aster 2 , Mumsnet editor and mum of two Rebecca says, “The one-handed MagicFold is a breeze to use, and not only does it take up less space than our existing pram, the Aster 2 is also incredibly easy to manoeuvre outdoors and in shops, restaurants and crowds.” However, if you’re planning park walks on slightly muddy ground, this stroller’s wheels aren’t large enough to roll over that type of terrain or tufts of grass. 

The UPF 50+ waterproof canopy provides excellent sun protection, while the easily released bumper bar adds to its user-friendly design.

Designed with practicality in mind, the compact Didofy Aster 2 boasts a flip-flop-friendly brake and puncture-free tyres for all terrain, plus a large storage basket that’s easy to access. Remarkably good value for money, it includes premium-quality fabric. Plus, it comes with a rain cover and a durable footmuff that clips on effortlessly. We also like the sturdy five-point harness that ensures your little one's safety with easy adjustments. The lie-flat recline feature is also a bonus, however it’s worth noting that it’s a bit tricky to toggle and needs both hands to recline. 

For added versatility, the carrycot adapters are easy to attach (carrycot sold separately), and won’t interfere with the quick fold or ability to store this stroller in the cabin. Overall, this compact stroller strikes the perfect balance between premium features and affordability, so you can enjoy all the features of a cabin-approved stroller without breaking the bank.

Super compact and lightweight

Stylish frame and fabric

Comes with raincover

No flap to cover the mesh panel on the canopy once extended

The upright seating position is a little too reclined

The leg rest is short

Price: £540 | Age range: From birth to four years or 22kg | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6.6kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size : 52 x 44 x 18cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Coya review

The Cybex Coya is a cabin-approved compact stroller that’s accepted on all airlines and effortlessly blends flair with functionality. Honoured with the German Design Award Special for 2023, this sleek ride ensures your little one travels in both comfort and style.

Much like its counterparts on our list, the Cybex Coya boasts a quick-fold frame for on-the-go ease, though you should note that it may require both hands and unlike the Yoyo2, which folds with the seat inwards, the Cybex Coya folds with the seat facing outwards. While this doesn’t affect the overall compactness of the fold, the seat could get scuffed easily when lifting and storing in the overhead locker or when taking it in and out of the boot. The sturdy carry strap is a bonus though as it ensures compactness, with an integrated fold lock for added security. 

When it comes to the look of this stroller, you’re spoilt for choice. The frame is available in rose gold, matt black or chrome, and it can be personalised further with machine-washable fabric covers in various shades including Pale Blush, Nude Beige, Jewels of Nature and Spring Blossom Light. You also have the option of choosing exclusive design collaborations like Rockstar, Wings, We The Best or One Love.

Enhancing both style and functionality, the stroller features a wide and sturdy leatherette handlebar with chic stitching, providing optimal grip. The generous storage basket underneath can carry up to 5kg, while a mesh window behind the seat back ensures ventilation on warmer days.

Like their innovative car seats, the Cybex Coya has a one-pull harness system, to ensure your little one is secure on the move and, although it doesn’t come with a four-wheel suspension, the Cybex frame absorbs most ground forces, promising a relatively smooth ride.

Read next: The best toddler car seats

Micralite ProFold By Silver Cross

Easy one-hand fold  

Stands upright on its own once folded

Handles most terrain well

Has a good size storage basket

Extra-large extendable canopy that offers full coverage

Some reviewers say the brake is difficult to access

Low handlebar can’t be adjusted

No instructions on how to put the raincover on

Price: £165 | Age range: From birth to around three years or 15kg | Max weight: 15kg | Weight: 7kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size: 51.5 x 44 x 24 cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Micralite ProFold review

The Micralite ProFold is a small, agile cabin-approved stroller that meets cabin baggage allowances for British Airways, Jet2 and EasyJet. Its versatility extends to car boots and train storage, ensuring convenience on the go whatever your mode of transport. Suitable from birth, it boasts a near-flat recline and one-pull seat adjuster for personalised comfort.

The lockable front wheels and a superior suspension system with spring coils allow for easy navigation on various terrain. In fact, this stroller has one of the best suspensions out of all the strollers we’ve tested. Day-to-day, our parent tester, Adele, noted that the ProFold “Pushed easily one-handed, managing dips in the road and pavements with no issue, and taking hills and uneven grassy surfaces in its stride.”

This nimble stroller is also packed with plenty of features including a convenient back pocket for your phone, keys and purse, extendable canopy with a mesh panel and a removable bumper bar. Plus, it comes with an adjustable footrest that can be moved down for older children- but it’s worth noting that it can feel a little stiff to adjust and takes two hands. The storage basket is on the smaller side too, so not ideal for carrying a large backpack, or heavy groceries. 

The standout feature of the Micralite ProFold, however, is the built-in bamboo fabric bassinet system that resembles a footmuff, although it comes with the stroller. It works by expanding over the footrest and secured with Velcro straps for additional warmth and storage for things like blankets. It’s also a handy little feature for older children as it stops your child’s feet from getting in the way of objects as you walk. 

Silver Cross Jet

Cabin-approved for most airlines

Can be pulled along like a mini suitcase

Made with sustainable, crease-free fabric

Folds incredibly small

Comes with a dust cover and raincover

Some say it’s a little flimsy and may topple when hanging heavy bags on it

Has a small storage basket underneath

Price: £280 | Age range: From birth to around three years or 15kg | Max weight: 15kg | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size: 55 x 30 x 20cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Silver Cross Jet review

An upgrade from the 2020 model , the Silver Cross Jet 3, which was launched in 2022, is a sleek and stylish cabin-approved stroller that features jet black fabric and leatherette detailing.

Two notable improvements on this latest model include a faster folding mechanism and a genius magnetic buckle system, a unique feature among compact strollers. Folding flat in seconds with upgraded one-motion fold technology, the Jet 3 unfolds effortlessly by flicking the unlock lever and pulling the handlebar sides.

In terms of performance, the Silver Cross Jet 3 delivers a smooth push and a comfortable seat, ensuring an enjoyable travel experience for both parent and child. The exclusive magnetic buckle system truly sets the Silver Cross Jet 3 apart, as it’s so easy to open and close without making any adjustments, and seamlessly locks in place.

We also like that this lightweight stroller has a full lie-flat recline for newborns, with an adjustable footrest for added comfort. The built-in newborn nest also offers a safe and enclosed space, although its cover is smaller compared to some competitors. Notably, the Silver Cross Jet 3 is compatible with various car seat brands, adding to its versatility as a travel system.

The extra-large UPF50+ canopy is made with an extra flip-out visor for added protection. And if you’re looking for a stroller with plenty of airflow, this one is it with a back flap with a magnetic piece for adjustable ventilation and large peekaboo window with a magnetic flap to close.

The only downside of this compact stroller is its small storage basket, which can only hold contents of up to 5kg and can only be accessed from the front. Not ideal if you need to carry a lot on the go.

Read next: Best baby carrier backpacks for travel

Ultra-lightweight frame

Extendable sun canopy

Roomy seat for older children

Doesn’t recline fully

Only suitable from six months

Bumper bar sold separately

Price: £429 | Age range: From six months (unless used with separate carrycot) to around five years old or 22kg | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 6kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size: 53.5 x 45 x 21.5cm

Tested by parents: Read our full Joolz Aer+ review

Boasting a larger, more plush seat than the original Joolz Aer, the Joolz Aer+ caters well to babies aged six months and above. The enhanced storage basket now supports extended weight capacity, ensuring ample space for all your essentials. The wheel design has undergone improvements, promising a smoother and more enjoyable pushing experience.

Without a doubt, this compact stroller’s standout feature is its remarkably quick, one-handed, one-second fold, which means you're ready to roll in minutes. Neatly folding without protruding fabric adds to the overall sleek design. With this stroller, you also get a carry strap and travel bag, which makes the Aer+ a great portable option that’s approved by all airlines.

The extended canopy, complete with a mesh window, offers excellent protection and a cosy spot for on-the-go naps. Impressively, the Joolz Aer+ features one of the tallest backrests among strollers, making it an ideal choice for older children seeking a comfortable ride.

We also love that there’s easy access to the storage basket underneath and a user-friendly foot brake that locks both rear tyres securely. For families on the move, the option to attach a footboard ride-along accessory offers additional flexibility.

While the Joolz Aer+ shines in many aspects, note that additional purchases, such as the carrycot or car seat adaptors, are necessary for newborn suitability. Overall, the Joolz Aer+ presents a winning combination of style, comfort and practicality, ensuring a delightful strolling experience for both parents and children alike.

Cybex Libelle

Ultra-lightweight (the lightest stroller on our list)

Simple two-step fold

Good-quality design

Only reclines at a 30- to 40-degree angle

Canopy doesn’t extend

Wheels are a small for rougher terrain

Price: £225 | Age range: From six months to around four years old or 22kg | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 5.9kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size: 20 x 32 x 48cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Libelle review

The Cybex Libelle earns its spot as the lightest cabin-approved stroller, accepted by most airlines on our list, tipping the scales at a mere 5.9kg. It boasts one of the most compact folds in the market, achieved effortlessly by pushing in two buttons on the handlebars.

The stroller itself is remarkably streamlined, with a spacious seat – but it only reclines to 30 to 40 degrees, making it less desirable for longer naps. Nevertheless, the wide padded straps ensure extra comfort during use and we like the convenient one-pull harness for secure and quick fastening. While the small umbrella-style adjustable leg rest adds a touch of flexibility, the lack of a dedicated footrest may be a drawback for some users.

The front wheels come equipped with suspension in the forks, contributing to a smoother ride, particularly suitable for city walks and theme parks like Disney World or Disneyland Paris . However, due to its smaller wheels, the stroller may feel a bit flimsy on rougher, undulating terrain. The storage basket is also a bit of a letdown only capable of carrying up to 4kg but is wide enough to hold some basic essentials.

A bonus, however, is that this compact stroller comes with a cleverly designed weatherproof travel bag and sturdy shoulder strap that sits comfortably without being cumbersome. We think this thoughtful addition enhances the stroller's portability and convenience.

Read next: Best car sunshades for babies

Bugaboo Butterfly

Has a rigid, sturdy frame

Folds quickly and easily with two buttons

Comes with detachable and washable seat covers

Storage basket can hold up to 8kg

Slightly heavier than other compact strollers

Handlebar isn’t height adjustable

Carry strap is a little short for taller people, sitting just underneath the armpit

Price: £419 | Age range: From six months to around five years or 22kg | Max weight: 22kg | Weight: 7.3kg | Parent-facing option: No, world facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes, with car seat adapters | Folded size: 45 x 23 x 54cm

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Bugaboo Butterfly review

Launched in 2022, the Bugaboo Butterfly seamlessly combines convenience and functionality. With a simple one-handed fold, this compact stroller is a breeze to use, as it simply clicks into place when folded with the seat inwards. Unlike the Bugaboo Dragonfly , this stroller meets IATA requirements, which means the folded dimensions are compatible with the requirements for carry-on luggage and is accepted by EasyJet, British Airways and Emirates.  

Surprisingly spacious for such a compact stroller, the seat provides ample room despite its tiny fold. The ride itself is comfy for kids as the seats recline has a locking lever, which is great to keep it in place as your little one naps.

Designed for durability, the wheels feature a raised middle rim, effectively slowing down wear and tear on the tyres and reducing the drag factor as you push the stroller. Plus, this stroller boasts four-wheel suspension, ensuring a smooth journey on all terrain.

While the footrest serves a dual purpose as a carrying handle, it's worth noting that its width may not be as accommodating as a dedicated footrest.  But for parents, the extra-spacious storage basket is a standout feature, with an extended spring-loaded lip that facilitates easy access to your belongings. Impressively, it can hold up to 8kg, accommodating baby changing bags , travel backpacks and loose baby essentials

Versatility is a key feature, as the Bugaboo Butterfly is compatible with a variety of baby car seats . It also comes equipped with a four-panel, waterproof canopy featuring an extra-large mesh window for enhanced ventilation.

Read next: The best car seats to take on the plane

What is a cabin-approved stroller?

For a stroller to be ‘cabin approved, where it’s allowed to be placed in the overhead lockers as hand luggage, it needs to neatly fold within the dimensions specified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA): 56cm in length, 45cm in width and 25cm in depth. Plus, it must be fully collapsible and weigh less than 10kg. However, since airline rules may vary, it’s a good idea to double check with the airline you’re travelling with before your trip.

If your pushchair fails to meet carry-on restrictions, it will be labelled and placed in the aircraft's hold for the duration of the flight.

What are the typical features of a cabin-approved stroller?

Airlines often have specific dimensions and weight limits for items that can be brought into the cabin (more on this below), including strollers. But typically, strollers that have the following features should be allowed to be brought on the plane as hand luggage:

Compact: Effortlessly folds into a compact size to fit within carry-on limits.

Lightweight: Manufactured with lightweight materials for easy handling, ensuring you travel without the bulk.

Easy foldability: Should have a simple one-handed fold and unfold feature.

Airline-approved assurance: Should be thoughtfully designed to meet airline size and weight criteria.

Fully collapsible: Should collapse easily, allowing you to tuck it away effortlessly when not in use.

Weight limit: Must weigh less than 10kg, aligning with airline guidelines.

Swift manoeuvres: Engineered for smooth navigation in tight spaces, ensuring comfort for both you and your little one. 

Read next: The best 360 spin car seats

What should I look for when buying a cabin-approved stroller?

When buying a cabin-approved stroller, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your travel needs:

Size and foldability: Look for a stroller that’s compact and easily foldable. It should meet the dimensions specified by airlines for carry-on luggage.

Weight: A lighter stroller makes transportation and handling more convenient.

Age bracket: For little ones from birth to six months, the stroller should be stable, robust and supportive with a fully reclining seat or bassinet as the lie-flat position is the most ergonomic position for newborns. The bassinet must be able to fold down with the stroller to make it suitable for cabin luggage. If you’re looking for a compact stroller for your older child, consider the age and weight limit, plus the overall size of the stroller and footrest. 

One-handed fold/unfold: Opt for a stroller with a one-handed fold and unfold feature for added convenience, especially when you have your hands full.

Airline compliance: Check that the stroller complies with the carry-on regulations of the specific airlines you frequently travel with. As we’ve mentioned, airline restrictions vary.

Durability and quality: Invest in a stroller made from durable materials to withstand the rigours of travel. Quality construction ensures longevity.

Manoeuvrability: Consider the stroller's manoeuvrability, especially in crowded spaces like airports. Swivel wheels and easy steering enhance ease of use.

Comfort features: Look for a stroller with features that provide comfort for your child, such as adjustable recline, a sunshade and adequate padding.

Handlebar height: Some strollers come with a fixed handlebar height, but if you’re particularly short or tall, it might be worth considering a stroller with adjustable handlebars.

Storage space: Check for storage compartments or baskets to accommodate essentials like nappies, snacks, and small items you may need during your travels.

Additional travel features: Some strollers come with travel-specific features like a travel bag or cover, which can be beneficial for protecting the stroller during transit.

What are the carry-on, hand luggage size limits by airline?

Some of the most popular airlines carry-on hand luggage restrictions are:

Qantas (international): 56 x 36 x 23cm (strollers need to weigh less than 7kg to be allowed on board)

easyJet : 56 x 45 x 25cm (strollers fit in the large bag category)

Emirates : Any size allowed (stroller needs to be fully collapsible)

Jet2 : No strollers in the cabin, only in the hold

Virgin Atlantic : Allows GB Pocket+, Silver CrossJet and BabyZen YoYo as hand luggage

British Airways : No strollers in the cabin, only in the hold

Tui : No strollers in the cabin, only in the hold

Ryanair : 55 x 40 x 20cm (fully collapsible strollers are allowed on board)

However, it's important to note that airline specifications vary and they may undergo changes. Therefore, it's crucial to check the hand luggage rules specific to your airline before you fly.

About the author

Tammy Jacks has 15+ years' experience in the publishing industry, enjoying a long and fruitful career as Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa. She later went on to become Assistant Editor of the popular South African parenting title Living and Loving, and has written for numerous lifestyle publications including Oprah Mag SA, Health Intelligence, Your Family Magazine, Longevity, and pharmaceutical company Clicks Clubcard Magazine, as well as edited books for popular fitness influencers and health professionals.

Tammy is a distinguished researcher and writer in the field of child safety, with a notable focus on the critical domain of travel systems including car seats and strollers. Her extensive expertise and commitment to child safety have made her a trusted authority in providing comprehensive insights and guidance to parents and caregivers looking for the right stroller for their children. As a mum to an eight-year-old, Tammy has personally tried and tested numerous buggies and strollers over the years, across all age categories.

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All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust – brands can’t pay to be featured in our articles.

We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist.

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British Airways Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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British Airways Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

Table of Contents

British airways carry-on allowance, british airways checked baggage allowance, additional/excess baggage fees, exclusions and waivers, can i prepay for baggage, credit cards that reimburse you for checked bag fees.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

British Airways utilizes a pretty classic baggage allowance system, dependent on cabin class.

Fees for additional luggage per piece depend on when you purchase your baggage allowance, your cabin class, and lastly (at times), whether you’re flying out of Gatwick/Stanstead or any other route.

The British Airways baggage policy can get a little confusing at times — we hope our guide clears things up a bit!

1 handbag/laptop bag: FREE 1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions:

  • Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)
  • Standard carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy:

  • 1 additional cabin bag is permitted for items required during the flight
  • Up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Stroller Check Policy:

  • 1 stroller per child can be checked at the gate free of charge.
  • A small, fully collapsible stroller (with maximum dimensions of 46 x 15 x 15 inches/117 x 38 x 38 cm (when collapsed)) can be taken to the gate and picked up outside of the destination gate on arrival.
  • A stroller that collapses down into a carry bag can be taken on board in place of your standard carry-on bag , providing it does not exceed the maximum carry-on bag dimensions.
  • Larger strollers checked at the gate will be available for pick up at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall.

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy or 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and frst class fares and must adhere to max dimensions of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm). Check the airline’s baggage calculator for your accurate allowance.

Hand Baggage Only/Basic: 0 bags included

Economy: 1 bag included (51 pounds/23 kg)*

Premium Economy: 2 bags included (51 pounds/23 kg)

Business: 2 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

First: 3 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

Children and infants (aged 2 to 11 with a booked seat): Same allowance as an adult plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

Infants under 2 years: 1 bag (51 pounds/23 kg) plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

*2 bags included (23kg) for economy flights:

  • Flights  to/from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria
  • Flights  between  Europe and Japan
  • Connecting  between  India and U.S./Bermuda/Canada
  • Connecting  between  Islamabad and U.S./Canada
  • Journeys  originating in  Kuwait to the British Airways network 
  • Journeys  originating in Saudi Arabia to U.S./Bermuda/Canada
  • Journeys  originating in  Shanghai to London Heathrow 
  • Journeys originating in the United Arab Emirates to U.S./Mexico/Canada 

British Airways no longer publishes additional baggage charges on its website and advises passengers to use its baggage calculator tool as the fee varies by route. Below are example fees from searches that we’ve run using the tool.

Economy Hand Baggage Only (Basic)

Euro Traveller (Plus and Plus Flex)

Premium Economy

World Traveller Plus

  • Purchased Online/In Advance: £130/$170/€150
  • Purchased at the Airport: £155/$200/€180

Business and First Class

Club Europe

  • Purchased Online/In Advance: £70/€85
  • Purchased at the Airport: £80/€95
  • Purchased Online/In Advance: £80/€95
  • Purchased at the Airport: £95/€105

Club World and First Class

  • Purchased Online/In Advance: £120-£130/$170/€140-€150
  • Purchased at the Airport:£140-£155/$200/€150-€180

Excess Baggage Fees

  • Overweight Fee: 51 to 70 pounds ( 23 to 32 kg) £65/$100/€75
  • Oversized Fee: British Airways’ website states — “You can take larger items of up to 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in) as long as they weigh no more than your permitted baggage weight allowance. If the bag weighs more than your allowance, you will be charged extra at the airport. No bag can weigh more than 32kg.”

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to British Airway’s policy .

The extra allowances apply:

  • In any travel class for everyone on your booking as long as you as the qualifying frequent flyer is traveling on the booking
  • Only on British Airways flights, except for hand baggage only (basic) fares and group rate bookings

Executive Club Gold/Oneworld Emerald : 1 additional free checked bag in any cabin class (excl. hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

Executive Club Silver/Oneworld Sapphire : 1 additional free checked bag but maximum of 2 bags per person when traveling in economy (excluding hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

British Airways does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online.

Passengers need to log in to their booking on the British Airways website to do this.

Unfortunately, the British Airways Visa Signature ® Card does not offer free checked baggage as a benefit, but you can use one of the Capital One cards below to knock out some of your checked bag fees when flying British Airways. Simply use your Capital One miles to pay for your travel statement charges (e.g. baggage fees) within 90 days of purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Capital One Miles

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
  • Limited elite benefits
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

  • No annual fee ( rates & fees )
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
  • Ability to use transfer partners
  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can my suitcase weigh on british airways.

When flying British Airways, all checked bags must not exceed 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy passengers and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class passengers. Bags that are heavier than these standard allowances will be subject to excess baggage fees. Standard carry-on baggage cannot weigh more than 51 pounds (23 kg).

Is luggage included with British Airways?

Luggage is included with British Airways on all fares apart from its economy basic fare (hand baggage only). The standard allowance is 1 bag (50 pounds/23 kg) for economy (apart from selected routes which allow 2), 2 bags for premium economy (50 pounds/23 kg each), 2 bags for business class (70 pounds/32 kg) and 3 bags for first class (70 pounds/32 kg).

How big can a carry-on bag be for British Airways?

British Airways allows passengers to bring 1 standard piece of carry-on that must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 51 pounds (23 kg). An additional personal item can be brought onboard that cannot be larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) with the same weight allowance as a standard carry-on piece.

How much is excess baggage on British Airways?

Excess baggage fees for British Airways depend on the route. If your bag exceeds the standard baggage allowance weighing 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg) then you will be subject to a fee of $100. Baggage heavier than 70 pounds (32 kg) will not be accepted by British Airways. Baggage that is larger than the standard checked baggage allowance of 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) is permitted up to 75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm) and BA states that it currently waives the fee but this might come into effect at some point in the future.

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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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How do you pack a stroller for air travel?

Avoid an airport nightmare with these essential tips

Silvercross Jet travel stroller

Let’s be honest. Travelling abroad with babies and toddlers is rarely relaxing. Whether it’s the availability of snacks in duty free, an urgent need for the toilet in a ridiculously long customs queue or a meltdown on the world’s busiest escalator or concourse, it’s impossible to guarantee that your time in the airport will go smoothly. But there’s one thing you can plan and control: how you pack your pushchair.

We’re not talking about how you tether a teddy or stuff the changing bag, but how you pack this most cumbersome but critical bit of holiday kit. After all, you don’t want to find you can’t carry your stroller onto a plane at the last minute, or even worse, spot the mangled wreck of your buggy on the baggage carousel, leaving you to navigate the train/underground/buses sans wheels in an unfamiliar city. Quelle nightmare!

How do you pack a stroller for air travel: Important considerations

The first thing to do is check out our guide to the best strollers for travel , and then consider something that’s more important than how many swimsuits to pack, or which gelato flavour to plump for … whether your stroller will go in the hold or not.

There are pros and cons to both options. Sure, you’ll be able to keep hold of your child and stuff more easily if you take your stroller to your seat, but folding a buggy in the aisle while wrangling an over-excited or whining kid into a tight space is no mean feat. 

Some airlines only allow a single piece of hand luggage so you’ll have to keep your passport etc. somewhere else (which can be a pain) and if your buggy is heavy, you might want to avoid stuffing it into an overhead locker full stop. 

However, if you have a dinky stroller and feel confident travelling light and negotiating the overhead storage easily, you’ll be wheeling your kid past everyone waiting at the door of the aircraft or for baggage reclaim.

The first thing to do when considering whether to keep your buggy in the cabin or not, is whether your buggy will fit into the limited space, and the only way to know is to check with your airline. Lots of buggies are designed to squeeze in overhead lockers, but airlines can have unusual requirements and very strict weight limits, so it’s worth checking to avoid a panic at the gates. 

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Hopefully, this is a decision you can make at home, so you can prepare, but there is always a chance that there might not be room to stow your stroller in the overhead lockers, so if you have a protective case, it might be worth packing, just in case your buggy has to be put in the hold.

How do you pack a stroller for air travel: Packing for the hold

If you think your buggy is too big, or simply choose to put it in the hold, you’ll need to check it in or hand it over when the board the plane. For example, British Airways lets you drop and pick up your pushchair at the aircraft door, which means less time without your child’s trusty steed in the airport.

This means it’s worth being super organised with what you pack (and need for the cabin) in advance. For example, lots of airlines only allow one carry-on bag, so it’s not very useful to have essentials scattered about the buggy, with only a handbag to put them in at the last minute. It’s worth planning ahead and having an ‘entertainment’ bag for kids to keep them busy on the flight (and in the event of any dreaded delays) as well as all your essentials like passports and money.

Once you’ve got yourself organised, you might want to spare thought for your buggy. Not all luggage is handled carefully and if you’ve invested in a swanky stroller you hope to keep for a while, or use for multiple kids, it’s worth protecting. Some buggies come with protective bags for air travel, and it’s also possible to buy them separately. 

Another big consideration is labelling your buggy. If you have a popular model that might end up with others on a luggage carousel or collection point, you’ll want a distinctive label. We suggest having a few in case one gets torn off, and bright colours will help you spot yours easily.

While people who carry their buggies on board might be able to skip baggage reclaim or waiting for staff to bring their stroller to them when they get off the plane (airports’ and airlines’ approaches differ!) most airlines offer early boarding to families with small children board earlier. This means you’ll have to get the gate earlier than you otherwise might, but allows you to skip the worst of the crowds, settle down before things get hectic and take things in and out of the overhead lockers five times before take-off and swap seats to settle arguments about who gets the window. No amount of planning can avoid this (probably).

How do you pack a stroller for air travel: Packing for hand luggage

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again: Measure and weigh your stroller before you get to the airport! You don’t want that panic of having to change your plans last minute (possibly with an angry toddler in tow) if your pushchair is 10cm too big.

If your buggy came with a shoulder strap or protective bag, it’s worth digging them out so you can carry it on board easily, and protect it if there’s no room in the cabin and your stroller suddenly has to be put in the hold.

Strollers usually have to go through security and you and may need to be folded up. You’ll definitely need to lift them into an overhead locker or fold them into a small space on the plane, so we recommend giving yours a good clean before you go and get rid of any debris, which might slow you and other passengers down. Similarly, it’s best to pack really carefully so it’s easy to access your passport, tickets, toiletries bag, kid’s changing stuff or entertainment bag. You don’t need to tell us how much stuff you need to carry as a parent!

How do you pack a stroller for air travel: Bon voyage

Once you’re all packed and ready to go, it’s just a case of trying to avoid any nasty surprises. Planning ahead when it comes to packing up your stroller and bags will really help. It’s worth remembering that if it’s your first time travelling with a buggy and baby it might feel a bit daunting, but it’s a rite of passage a lot of parents go through and doing it gets easier.

So, take a deep breath, buckle up for a (possibly) wild ride if there’s a delay and try to enjoy the experience. Bon Voyage!

Liked this?

  • Now check out the  best travel strollers  for product recommendations are more information

A journalist with 10 years experience, Sarah specialises in Science and Technology, writing for the BBC, national papers and consumer magazines, including T3, of course. Sarah has reviewed a range of products for T3, from children’s electric toothbrushes to water bottles and photo printing services. There's nothing she can't become an expert in!

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Have Baby Will Travel

Gate Checking Your Stroller When Flying with Baby

Instructions on how to gate check a stroller and a list of all the airline stroller policies

How to Gate Check a Stroller

Looking for gate checking stroller tips?

This seemed really complicated to me before I actually did it. But honestly, it’s nothing. Depending on your airline, your stroller simply needs to fold.

**CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF THE DIFFERENT AIRLINE GATE CHECKING STROLLER POLICIES**

When you check in with your luggage, tell the counter person that you want to gate check your stroller. They’ll either give you a tag to affix, or they’ll put it on your stroller themselves. If your stroller needs to be folded in two pieces (I’m looking at you, Bugaboo ) you’ll get two tags – one for each part.

I don’t necessarily believe you need to purchase a lighter stroller specifically for travel. However, some airlines (like American Airlines , for example) have re-jigged their gate-checking policies so that only light ones may be gate checked.

gate checking a stroller

Gate Checking Stroller Info: Before You Board

Gate checking stroller info: boarding.

If you’re lucky, your airline will still offer pre-boarding for families with young children. When the time comes, simply push or carry your stroller toward the entrance to the plane. Fold it, and leave it with the tags showing for the baggage handlers. Put it just off to the side at the end of the jetway. Depending on your destination, this is where you should find it when you arrive.

Easy, right?

Below is a list of most airline’s gate checking stroller policies, and any notes that i can add from personal experience…, airline gate checking stroller policies:.

Table of Contents

Air Canada Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small collapsible umbrella type strollers… A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in) is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight. Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in. They will count as one piece of baggage toward the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Large strollers are also subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.

**NOTE** We’ve taken two round-trip flights with Air Canada and a stroller, once with our Peg Perego , once with our UppaBaby Vista . For either flight, no one asked about the dimensions of our stroller, nor the weight, only that it folded.

Air France:

You can transport a foldable stroller and car seat in the hold at no extra charge. Some strollers may be accepted in the cabin, subject to space availability. Depending on the type of stroller, the following size limits apply.
• Small foldable stroller:* dimensions cannot exceed 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm / 5.9 in x 11.8 in x 39.4 in • Other foldable stroller: this replaces your child’s hand baggage allowance and once folded, its dimensions cannot exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm / 21.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in.
Please note: strollers must be packed in a carrying case that covers the stroller fully. In addition, for security reasons, some airports may have to deny access to strollers inside the boarding areas.

Air Transat:

One stroller and one car seat accepted free of charge Compact, foldable strollers that do not exceed our standard carry-on dimensions (23 x 40 x 51 cm / 9 x 16 x 20 inches) may be taken into the passenger cabin in lieu of a regular carry-on bag Please ensure that checked equipment is properly wrapped/secured for transport to prevent loss or damage. At most airports, passengers can use strollers up to the boarding gate. Upon arrival, strollers are delivered to the baggage arrivals area (except in Orlando, where they are delivered to the gate).

Alitalia Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

Remember to attach a label to the stroller with your full name, address, and telephone number. Strollers are sent free of charge to all destinations and for all travel classes when traveling with a child up to 11 years of age. For flights served by Alitalia, arriving and transiting passengers can request at check-in to have their strollers returned to them at under the aircraft or at the gate.

American Airlines:

-Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge -If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate -Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter

British Airways:

When it comes to pushchairs, the size is all important if you want to be able to collect your pushchair at the aircraft door on arrival. If you have a small, fully collapsible and lightweight pushchair/stroller (with maximum dimensions of 117cm x 38cm x 38cm/46in x 15in x 15in when the pushchair is collapsed), you will qualify to take this right to the aircraft door and collect at the aircraft door at most airports. Please arrive at your departure gate no later than 45 minutes before departure time, and prepare to pre-board the aircraft. The staff will put your pushchair into the hold and will do all possible to return it to you at the aircraft door. All other, larger pushchairs, including double and multi-piece pushchairs can be taken to the departure gate, however, on arrival you must pick up these larger pushchairs at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall. Please be aware that walking distances at airports can be long, and if you bring a pushchair that does not fit within the criteria to be collected at the aircraft door, you should be prepared to transport your child to the baggage carousel by another method. Many parents find slings useful to carry their baby whilst keeping hands free for baggage.

Delta Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage. Therefore, they can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.
JetBlue will courtesy gate-check any of the following: strollers, car seats, child carriers/backpack carriers, booster seats, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches. If you chose to check any of these items (at the check-in counter or gate-check), it will not count as one of your checked bags. There is no fee assessed. There is no limit to the number of assistive devices a customer may transport as carry-on or checked baggage, within reason. Additionally, this courtesy is extended regardless of whether the customer is traveling with the infant/child or is meeting the infant/child at their destination.
On all KLM flights, you can take one collapsible stroller/buggy per child. You can check in the stroller/buggy as hold baggage at no extra charge or hand it in at the gate so it can be put in the hold. The stroller must have a protective cover, but it may not contain any additional baggage.

Lufthansa Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

You can keep your buggy or pram with you until just before boarding; it will be handed back to you immediately after landing.

Porter Airlines:

When travelling with infants and small children, a collapsible stroller and a car seat are accepted at no charge in addition to your checked bag allowance. You can choose to check these items at the check-in counter.  Or bring them with you to the gate where they can be accepted as GatePorter items. Porter will Gate Check them for you. For your convenience, GatePorter items will be returned to you at your arrival gate.
Your stroller must be checked if it is:
• Non-collapsible • Weighs over 50 lbs

We have flown Porter with a baby , and it is a very baby- and toddler-friendly airline.

Qantas Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

To make your time on the ground easier, most mainline Australian ports have strollers. They are available for you to use once you have checked-in your own personal stroller. Staff will be on hand at the boarding gate ready to collect the stroller and to further assist you with pre-boarding the aircraft.
You can carry 2 items of baby equipment free of charge per child. This can be 1 pushchair plus one of the following items: car seat or booster seat or travelcot. On arrival at the airport the 2 free items of baby equipment can be tagged for travel at a Bag Drop Desk. They close 40 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time Children’s pushchairs can be used up to the aircraft steps and after landing the pushchair will be available at the aircraft steps (provided local conditions permit this).

Southwest Airlines Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance. The stroller and CRS or car seat allowance applies to any type of stroller (umbrella, full size, jogging stroller, etc.) and CRS or car seat. The Customer may check the stroller and CRS or car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, CRS’s or car seats. An optional Southwest-branded reusable car seat/stroller bag is available. Purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for a $17 onetime fee. Bag dimensions are 42”X20.5X12.5”.

We have flown Southwest with a baby and stroller and gate checked our Uppababy Vista without issue… Well, except that it got damaged on its first SW flight but not the second…

Spirit Airlines:

We will happily check one stroller and one car seat per child for no extra cost at the ticket counter. If you are traveling with two children, you are more than welcome to check a double stroller instead. You may also check these items at the gate. We’ll have them waiting for you in your arrival city when you get off the aircraft.

**NOTE – This is most surprising to me since Spirit charges for pretty much everything, including carry-ons !

Sunwing Airlines:

Parents are allowed one courtesy item such as a stroller, playpen, or car seat. This is in addition to their own luggage allowances.

**NOTE – We’ve flown Sunwing with a baby several times, with no issues with gate checking a stroller…

Thomas Cook UK Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

A child younger than two years of age on arrival back into the UK, who will be travelling on your lap, may bring three of the following items free of charge: 10kg baggage allowance, a stroller/pushchair, a travel cot or a car seat (checked in to the hold). If all four are required, one item would be part of any pre-purchased hold baggage weight allowance on the same booking. Please remember that an infant does not have a hand baggage allowance. However, the accompanying parent/guardian is able to take infant food for consumption alongside their own hand baggage allowance. If an Infant has been booked in a seat, the 10kgs baggage allowance no longer applies. A stroller or pushchair and car seat are still available for carriage free of charge. All other items would need to be part of any pre-purchased weight allowance on the same booking. A hand baggage allowance of 6kgs would apply if a seat has been booked. A stroller or buggy can be taken to the boarding gate. It will then be taken to load into the hold. It must be completely collapsible and we would recommend having a protective cover, but may not contain any other items.

United Airlines Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

United accepts one stroller and one car seat free of charge for each child, including children under the age of two traveling on an adult’s lap and infants traveling internationally on 10 percent of an adult fare, charged at the time of infant ticketing (it is usually less expensive to purchase the infant ticket in advance). If requested by the customer, United can check strollers at the departure gate. United is not liable for damage to strollers. Customers cannot purchase excess valuation for strollers. Note: Wagons and similar products are not considered strollers. Customers who bring them to the airport will need to check them as part of their checked baggage allowance before passing through security.
You’re welcome to bring one fully collapsible pushchair and a car seat, in addition to your free checked baggage allowance. Car seats can be used onboard (in Economy only) if they meet the necessary requirements. Pushchairs can be checked in or used up until the boarding gate, after which they will be put in the hold. Once we land we’ll have your pushchair ready outside the aircraft doors, whenever possible. However, at some destinations you may have to reclaim it at the baggage hall, due to local customs restrictions.

WestJet Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

When travelling with an infant, you may check in a car seat and stroller at no additional charge. A playpen may be substituted for either a car seat or stroller.

**NOTE – We’ve flown WestJet with baby several times, and other than the fact they don’t have milk on board, have had really great experiences with them – our strollers too!

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125 Responses to Gate Checking Your Stroller When Flying with Baby

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We’ve found that no matter which stroller we take (the Vista or our cheap-o umbrella stroller) it’s super-handy to bring a carrier (Ergo for us) for getting off the plane and to our bags.

Our home airport, Vancouver International (YVR) always delivers gate-checked strollers to the baggage area (which means clearing customs without the stroller if returning from an international trip).

We’ve also had to tote our luggage across Toronto’s Pearson airport when on flights connecting to the US (since baggage needs to be claimed, and re-checked for the international leg).

Though one thing I’ve found is that despite some horror stories, our strollers have always been treated kindly on airlines all over the world – discount carriers included.

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These are great tips for traveling with a stroller on a plane. Several comments mention concerns about damage to your stroller, even if gate-checked, or differing airline policies on what you can check and what you can’t. One alternative to flying with your stroller is to consider renting one from a local parent at your destination. Stroller Solution is a peer-to-peer marketplace for parents to rent or buy strollers from local parents, to try products before purchasing or to make travels more simple. For more information, visit http://www.strollersolution.com .

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Definitely a good idea to pack a lightweight carrier – they don’t take up much room and are worth their weight (ha!) in gold when necessary!

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This is a very timely post for me since I’ve been wondering how exactly to work the whole “flying with a stroller” issue. Thanks for the great info! I’ve been concerned about taking a nice stroller along for fear of damage, but I feel a bit better about it after reading your post. Taking a carrier onboard is also a great idea that I hadn’t thought of!

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I have always rented strollers and gear at my final destination point and put my little one in a carrier or back pack carrier through the airport..

Renting is a great option, but at some point while we’re en route I’m usually grateful for a “baby jail”!

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We’re going through this very dilemna right now. We are travelling united from yvr thru ord to mco. We have a 3 year old and a 1 month old. We won’t be bringing any carseats, as we are renting car and seats on the otherside.

The quandry is whether to rent a stroller for wdw, or, bring our own. And if we bring our own, should it be the bob, or the joovy double strollr?

United has told me that as long as its with 35″ x 33.5″ folded it is good to go for skycheck. The bob when folded and wheels off fit this. Barely.

Bring the Bob. Seriously. We loved our Joovy but it was a great ride to/from a destination. And if you’re not bringing car seats, I doubt your 1 month old could really ride in it yet.

If the Bob fits the limits (and I seriously doubt they’ll check anyway) you’ll be grateful for it as you know both kids are comfy in it, and you won’t want to wear your baby all the time as it will be quite hot.

Of course you can rent strollers there – not sure on prices. The ones Disney rents at the park would be a decent ride for your toddler but not appropriate for the baby. I’d go for a proper double if I were you!

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Disney´s strollers sucks!!!

Dirty, sticky and smelly.

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We have travelled extensively in Europe with our three children, and i would like to suggest if you are going to Europe, or will be travelling within Europe, that you take the smallest umbrella stoller you can find, (that can recline for when baby falls asleep). We have encountered countless problems in getting our stroller back at the gate upon landing, as is often promised ahead of time, as there will suddenly be “no ground staff available” to bring your stoller to the gate, which in my opinion is when you most need it, to get sleeping baby/ toddler through the airport along with your other belongings and/ or children. (Esp. if you are travelling alone.) I even met a mother on the plane who had no stroller at the gate for baby and had a 8 hour wait between flights… and a toddler. I don’t know how she was going to manage. We have had this problem with reputable airlines, in France, Spain, and Germany… the exception for us has always been KLM which is very family -friendly. In three years of travelling back and forth to Canada with them we never had a problem. Now in Spain, we find many times there isn’t even pre-boarding for families with young children. I would suggest trying to get the flight attendant to put your stroller right in the cabin, as that way you’re guaranteed its appearance upon landing. Hope that helps.

I have definitely heard this about Heathrow, and the pre-board is hit and miss with pretty much every airline these days!

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So glad I ran into this post! We are flying twice this summer with our son who will be 16 and 17 mos while traveling. I’ve traveled before with a Kolcraft Universal Carrier/infant seat combo and also an umbrella stroller and had no problems. This time, however, I think we’ll use his car seat with a Go-Go Kids travel system as we’d like the car seat with us. I’d prefer being able to have him in his seat for the flights, but we weren’t able to buy the extra fare (I know all about the safety), so my question is if anybody has recent experience checking a car seat at the gate with either US Air or United (or if it’s easy to get an extra seat for him last minute with those airlines), what should we expect? Thanks!

I haven’t gate-checked a car seat with either of those airlines, but I’m sure it would not be any more difficult than gate-checking a stroller. Try to make sure all straps are secured, and for a more elaborate seat, a travel bag probably wouldn’t be a bad idea. Good luck!

Sorry I just saw this comment now! You should be ok gate-checking the car seats – fingers crossed for extra seats on board but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Also, if there is an extra seat on board, they will likely make you pay for it.

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Thanks for this. I’ve been scouring the Alitalia website and found nothing about what is permitted and their employees have told me something different each time I’ve asked!

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Hi, we’re going to orlando this Oct and was concern about taking our double baby jogger city mini stroller. Don’t know if we can check it in at the gate or have to be baggaged. Have anyone use this stroller using gate check-in going to Orlando with no problem and damage to the stroller. I have two small children and going to Disney World for sure would need this stroller as renting at Disney is soooo expensive and kids will not last long with so much walking. Any advice is greatly appreciated on what is the best way to take along this stroller. Also I was thinking of purchasing the double stroller bag from J.L Childress, would you recommend to buy this and use it? Have anyone have experience with the stroller bag or can recommend one for double stroller (City mini).

Many thanks

The City Mini is remarkably compact (especially when folded) for a double stroller, but it is entirely up to the airline if they will allow you to gate check it. Do you know who you’re flying yet? I saw a woman gate check one of the full-sized (massive) double jogging strollers once, and JetBlue didn’t bat an eye.

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I will be traveling alone with my 2 children 1.5 and 3.5. I M trying to decide if I am going to bring my single Britax Bagile or my baby trend double jogger. I have already called the airline (United) and they said it was fine to gate check either. My concern is fitting the double jogger through the jetway door and other does throughout the airport.

Hi Sandra! The jetway is fairly wide, so your double stroller should not be too much of an issue. Airports are fully accessible, so doorways are typically larger to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. So even though your double jogger might be wide, you should be ok. Another option if your 3.5yr old is a good walker is to bring a cloth carrier for the toddler (so long as they’re not over the weight limit) for quick jaunts when your older one needs to be strolled. Hope this helps! Take care, Corinne

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Hi I’m heading to ElSalvador with my 11 month old next week. Would you recommend that I bring my umbrella stroller AND mec backpack carrier? I was hoping to get away with gate checking them both. I will bring my Gemini carrier but I thought it might be too hot for ElSalvador and that’s why I want to bring the mec carrier. Any thoughts?

Hmmm – how long will you be gone for and how do you expect you’ll get around the most? It would certainly be handy to have access to both, but not if the hassle of transport would outweigh the benefit!

Thanks for the reply! We’re only gone for a week and we aren’t doing any serious tours or hiking. Just going for surfing, the beachand local/small towns. We’ll have access to a car as well. I’m inclined to try to gate check the two items and hope for the best! Great site-I’m happy I found it!

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We’re travelling with a 4 month old and have an UppaBaby Vista and will be using the bassinet portion. Does that class as fully collapsible? What are the views on what it counts as? Thanks!

Hi Ali! I think you’ll need to check your stroller as two pieces, which is usually fine. Double check with your airline just to be on the safe side…

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For those considering renting car seats at their destination… please DON’T!!! You have no idea what the history is on the seat. No way of knowing whether it was replaced after a collision, no way of knowing whether the straps have been washed, no way of knowing whether it was dropped down a 20 foot flight of stairs etc. If it’s a choice between the two, take your car seat and gate check that, then rent a stroller on the other end. It’s a pain in the airport to drag the car seat but not worth the safety issue on the other end with a seat that has an unknown history!

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Thanks so much for the info!!! We are travelling for the first time with our 23mnth old and I was in limbo about the rent verses bringing a car seat and stroller . I don’t like not knowing the condition of the car seat and eeewww germs!!! we are bringing both. its important to me that my some have the best and safest time ever on his first trip to Disney! ;0)

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Hey! I will be flying from Seattle to Houston with my 3 month old daughter. I will be bringing my baby jogger city mini and my car seat. Do I need to check in both, will I get charged for the car seat/stroller? will be flying United, This is my first time flying with a baby and I am so nervous!

Don’t be nervous – just be prepared! Try to gate check both items – and maybe look into getting a travel bag to protect the car seat. Certainly you can gate check your stroller, and I honestly doubt they will charge you to gate check the seat. Try to figure out a way you can transport both through the airport – maybe use the stroller to carry the seat and put baby in a carrier just while you’re in transit.

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Stay away from American Airlines as they are strictly enforcing the 20lb stroller policy

Thanks for the heads up, James!

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would u be able to still check it in ?? if its more then 20 pounds?

Depends on the airline. Make sure to check with yours beforehand.

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We are travelling with twins and last time I simply could not walk from the plane to the baggage area, where they now deliver the prams. I heard that is now security and no-one could help with bags because they are personal belongings nor with the babies. I asked for a wheel chair and not possible for the babies, nor any special assistance. I need to travel overseas again and I am almost leaving my babies behind because I simply cannot manage. Does anyone have a solutions – i.e. any help from the plane to the baggage area please? There is a company (Dimond Air that could help for about £200 each!!). Thanks

Hi Tania! Can you reach out to the airport to see what assistance can be offered? We just returned home on Thursday from a trip, and I noticed airport personnel waiting at the end of our jetway for a passenger that required assistance. How old are your twins? Is there a way you could “wear” one and carry the other? Or perhaps if one’s in a car seat, attach one of the wheelie things to pull one and wear the other? Keep us posted, I’d love to hear how things work out. Good luck!

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Hi, I am in a similar situation. I have set of twins who will be 22 months at the time of travel. Also have a 5 year old. I will be flying out of Canada by WestJet to Montreal then will be going international from there using Qatar airways. On my return its Qatar airways to Montreal again and then Air Canada to Calgary. It would be around 1.5 days of travel back and forth. I was wondering if I should purchase a double umbrella stroller for the twins or I have a double Combi stroller. Will I be able to take the stroller to the aircraft or do I have to check in. Fortunately, for the most of my trip I am travelling with my friend and her family, except on my way back from Montreal to Calgary. Any advice would be good. Thanks

Hi Sobia! If you have the budget, then a lightweight double will definitely be worth it. I’m not sure of the weight/dimensions of your current stroller but if it folds down compactly, you should be fine to take it right to the aircraft. Good luck–let us know how it goes!

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This is a great post – so helpful, thank you!!! I’m going to try to gate check my bugaboo frog for my 4 month old from YYZ to Milan, with car seat.

Thanks, Christina – have a great flight and let us know how it goes!

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I had the Bugaboo. I always checked it in its big old travel bag and used a cheap lightweight stroller in the airport. Much easier!

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Very informative & thorough post!

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Just before a month i bought some accessories for the stroller like travel bag, handles and extra adjustable wallet which make it more usable i hope i will able to uninstall by own before checking.

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I want to know if the radio flyer wagons for kids are allowed to take on a trip?

Hi Flakita!

My guess is they would probably charge you extra to check the wagon–I doubt very much they would allow you to gate check it. Certainly if a wagon is your preference you could probably rent one depending on your destination, or there’s this folding wagon that might work? Good luck!

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I plan to gate check in two car seats (4 yr old and 3 yr old) on Hawaiian Airline. To get those two carseats around the airport, I was going to haul them on the collapsible wagon (your link above). Have you seen or know that has done that successfully.

Hi Kay! I have not seen anyone do that, but it’s a great idea!

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Hawaiian airline doesnt let you gate check wagon or stroller wagon and you have to pay fee when you do checked in. They just dont count whatsoever wagon as stroller .sigh….

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Any chance that Babytrend Wagon Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon PLUS, Ultra Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085291FRV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_FGVVM2TF9JYWZN3JMP6Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 pass on it? I can be at cargo area but not sure if they will charge anything (I will fly AA)

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Any advise regarding taking a stroller and car seat on a Quantas international flight?

I would double check with Qantas what their policy is, but I’m certain they would allow you to gate check both.

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I’m travelling to Mexico with my 2 yo and 6m old. I have both the baby jogger city select and chariot double stroller. I would like the chariot but not sure if the plane will allow it. Any advice on which would be better plane wise and destination wise. Thanks.

Hi Heather! Whether you can bring the chariot depends on your airline. I saw parents with the huge bike trailer strollers on JetBlue and no one batted an eye.

Honestly I’m not sure just how sticky they are about the weight requirement. Worst case scenario is they make you check it as baggage, which kinda would be the worst case scenario. Air Canada has a similar weight limit, which my stroller excited by a couple of pounds, and it was never weighed. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help!

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Hi! I will be traveling alone with 2 small children, one is 2.5 yrs old and the other is 11 months old, from a small airport in Europe where you take a bus to the plane to a large European airport, with final destination being a very busy airport in the states (2 legs). I would love to take our BOB Duallie (for airports and also for our time in the U.S.) but am afraid of being able to manage a toddler and a baby who isn’t walking yet AND a large double stroller (besides the odd looks I will get in the small airport, in particular). Actually, I would have to put baby down to fold up any stroller, umbrella or gigantic. I’m just trying to imagine how all of this is going to play out, and can’t visualize a solution. Baby is also quite heavy and so keeping her in my Beco carrier too much is not an option. Plus I can already envision my 2.5 yo cackling madly as he races away from me were I to depend on him walking as we try to get from one gate to another. I will have the Beco with me but really, really feel like I need a stroller to keep things under control. Any suggestions on helping me keep this from being a travel nightmare? 😉 Thanks so much in advance!

If it’s at all possible, I’d see if you can get your hands on a smaller double stroller. It is possible to travel with a Duallie, but since you’ll be on your own with the weird connections, I think a more lightweight double would do the trick and would be less work. Sorry but I did a little chuckle at your description of your son cackling as he runs away from you! I have one of those 🙂

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So for American airlines you can not take a jogging stroller at all?? I have a trip coming up soon and my kiddo feels very comfortable in his stroller and so do I just because it’s very compatible and easy to push. It weighs maybe 22 lbs, but I thought that even thought it weighed more than the limit it can be checked at the gate and put under the plane! I don’t know this is all very new to me. This will be my first trip ever with my little boy. So I am just asking questions just to be sure. I wanted to buy a new one but my son did not like it he was very uncomfortable when I placed him in it and he started to cry. Once I put him back in his original stroller he was happy. Oh gosh I guess I will have to buy a new one. I hope not !

22lbs is very close to the limit. So long as it’s not bulky and folds down, you should be ok. Don’t stress!

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I am travelling from Toronto to Delhi, India with Jet airways and it is my first time traveling with my 5 month old infant. I have 2 questions, if you can kindly help me please

1. I was wondering if I can bring both my Uppa Cruz stroller and my Graco car seat? Tell them it’s a 2 piece stroller? My daughter is traveling on my lap in jet airways.

2. It’s a long 17 hours flight, I was wondering from your opinion whether it’s safe for my daughter to travel such long flight and if you know people who have traveled in long hours plane with infant?

Thank you very much!

You should be fine with the stroller frame + car seat combo, but do consider getting a travel bag to protect your seat. That is indeed a very long flight. Your baby is young enough to still fit in a bassinet (if your airline has them) so definitely call in advance and see if you can reserve a bulkhead/bassinet seat. Even if there’s a fee you might find it’s totally worth it. Good luck!!

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I was googling “flying with stroller” and your blog post came up .

I’m looking to travel mid December from San Diego to Toronto without my husband and with my daughter (who will be 4 months old) .

I have the Uppa Baby Vista 2015 model – I would like to bring the frame with the Uppa baby Mesa car seat snapped into the frame to use while in the airport, and of course while I’m traveling . .

I Looked up aircanada policies / and the stroller frame is over the weight limit itself – not including the car seat.

It will fold up, but id have to remove the car seat first . .

Would this be considered one piece , or two ? Do you think they will check it at the gate? Should I be worried about it being damaged ?

I’m very nervous about traveling with her so young, by self -and not knowing what to expect with the whole stroller situation .

Any advice would be appreciated .

Ps – I plan on her sitting with me in my seat in the plane , and will bring her ergo baby carrier

Thank you !

Hi Krysten! My best guess is they won’t give you an issue about either. They will tag your car seat and stroller separately, and you should have no issue in gate checking both. I couldn’t see any weight restrictions for gate-checked strollers on Air Canada’s website. I think you’ll be ok with just the Vista frame. Our Vista flew several times but was damaged after one flight when the foot rest was used to lift it by the baggage handlers. If you bite the bullet and get a carry bag that should remedy that situation. If at all possible, a padded bag to gate check your car seat would be a good investment as well.

Air Canada still (I think) offers family pre-boarding, so your best bet would be to wear your daughter in the Ergo when boarding, that way your hands will be free to fold your stroller frame and prep your car seat for gate checking. You’ll have to take her out of the Ergo for take-off and landing, though. You’ll do great!

Thanks so much for your quick response Corrine !

I looked into purchasing the travel bag uppa makes for Vista – and was pleased to see that they offer a flying damage insurance if you simply register the travel bag .

Im wondering if perhaps it would be easiest for me to bring my rumble seat(instead of car seat) , and the frame – as it could easily be folded as one piece and stored in the travel bag for gate checking

In that case , I wouldn’t bring the car seat – I would have my parents borrow one from a family member.

The reason I thought of the above option / was due to me not knowing how to pack the car seat base, as it’s too large to fit beneath stroller- and too large to fit in suitcase . .

What do you think?

Thanks again ! <3

That sounds like the best solution, especially if your parents can source you a car seat to use. I assumed most infant seats can be installed without the base, but if yours can’t that is indeed the best way to go. Have a great trip!!

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I used to rent stollers. This is the great option for traveling with a stroller on a plane and pack light weight carrier.

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What is when you are flying with twins alone with 2 car seats and a double stroller (britax b ready) with American Airlines? I mean a double stroller weighs more then 20 pounds.

Hi Karolina! In your case I recommend getting in touch with American directly to see if there’s any way they can offer any assistance.

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Great article, very helpful. I just wish we had looked more into this before flying with TUI (Dutch airline that also goes by the name JetAir, Thompson, and I’m sure a few others), for our trip to Orlando.

When disembarking they sent the stroller to baggage claim, leaving my wife and I to carry our personal items, carry-ons, and a once sleeping 1 year old now quite fussy after the trans-Atlantic flight. Coming into Schiphol, we had to walk about 15-20 min like this, before we found the stroller not at regular baggage claim, but underneath ski equipment in the oddly shaped baggage section.

This together with their odd booking process (your booking through their website is finalized before you pay, making it very difficult to cancel), and the initial trip to Orlando, which was booked as a 10 hour direct flight from Amsterdam, which turned into a 25 hour journey that included two stops and a five hour bus ride from Miami, means we won’t be flying with them ever again.

Thanks for sharing your story, John. What a hassle!

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I’m travelling with Qantas from Melb – LA direct. I have a steelcraft strider compact which is way too big to take all over america with us for four weeks so we are looking at purchasing a smaller stroller. Any suggestions? Something we can gate check or would fit in overheads. I will be with my husband and 8 month old son. I also have the ergo 360 carrier which my son loves and will be using that a lot. Any advice would be appreciated as this is my first time traveling internationally and traveling with an infant.

We loved loved loved our UPPAbaby G-Luxe. Folds down small but has full recline and sun shade so baby could nap no problem. Doesn’t fit in overhead, but easy to gate-check. Good luck!

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Hi, I am planning to travel by mid September to Mexico. Our first time traveling. My daughter will be 1.5 by then .. We’re only going for a week and not sure if I can afford to pay for an extra ticket for her. . Can I still bring her car seat & umbrella stroller ?? & she’s on whole milk what am I allowed to bring for her (as in snacks/milk) or do they provide that ? Thank you

Hi Brenda! You should be able to gate-check her car seat and the stroller no problem. I recommend purchasing a padded travel bag to protect the car seat. I wouldn’t count on the airline being able to provide enough milk. Since she’s under two you can pack what you think you’ll need, just make sure it’s set aside for easy inspection for going through security. Have a great flight!

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I have a double honey bee bike/jogger stroller that I want to bring to Cali for bike rides…We are flying with Delta. Would we have any trouble leaving this at the gate?

I would double check by calling the airline. I’ve seen some families use those large bike trailer/stroller hybrids, but it was on JetBlue.

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Has anyone travelled with the Mamas & Papas Urbo 2? It’s still quite bulky after it’s folded, so I am a bit worried we won’t be able to check it at gate. We’ll be travelling to Japan via Cathay Pacific.

Hi Winvy! Unless Cathay Pacific has specific dimensions listed for their gate-checked strollers, you should be ok.

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Do you think that a travel system could be gate checked if your baby is staying the her/his car seat for the flight?

In her/his car seat for the flight* Sorry for the error

Hi Julia! If you’ve purchased a seat for your baby, they will need to be in their seat for the flight and you can gate-check the stroller portion of the travel system. Have a great flight!

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Hi! I was so happy to see this post! I have a Bugaboo stroller (2 pieces -ugh!) and am flying from Ottawa to Barbados with Air Canada. According to their policy I have to check the stroller and it counts towards 1 piece of luggage. Do I pay to check it at the same time we pay for our checked bags – then take it to the gate? Or do I have to leave it at the counter when we drop off the rest of our luggage? Is there a chance we won’t have to pay for the stroller? If for example we take it to the gate could they refuse it at that point? I guess I’m wondering if we try and take it on for free – at what point will we be told its too big and can we check it at that point?

Many thanks!!!

All this should be cleared with the gate agent. In spite of what the rules posted are, I still see families gate-checking strollers that fold down into two pieces. Usually the gate agent offers two tags, so each piece can be tagged. How old is your baby? If he or she still rides around in their convertible car seat, could you bring that if it attaches to the stroller frame? Both should be able to be gate-checked no problem.

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Very helpful post, thank you. My question is if gate checking a stroller means you do not pay an additional luggage fee. I am soon traveling with Lufthansa and I understand I can gate check but is there an associated cost? Thanks!

Hi Amanda! Typically airlines allow you to gate check at least one baby item free of charge. You can double check with Lufthansa before your flight to be sure. Have a great trip!

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Hi I’m indhu.., I’m going to Chicago to chennai on apr 24th with my 18 months boy baby..even we’re bought one big stroller recently.., still we are confusing allowing the stroller inside the flight or not.., but very easily handled with my kid u r allowing the stroller.., actually this is my first trip with my kid

Hi Indhu! Depending on the airline, you should be able to gate-check your stroller regardless of size. But no, you probably won’t be able to bring in on board.

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Hi! Do you know about Atlas airlines stroller policy (for gate check)?? I’ve scoured their website but it’s a no go! Please help! Ours is an uppababy cruz. Thanks!

Hi Lee! I found this document online that states they will gate check wheelchairs, so I imagine you’ll be ok with a stroller: http://www.atlasair.com/aa/ConditionsofCarriage.pdf If you’re concerned I recommend calling the airline to confirm. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

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Hi, I will be travelling with my 7 month old from India to canada. I will be travelling by jet Airways and air Canada. I want to know if they provide milk on flight.

Secondly my final destination is edmonton. At Toronto Airport, i will be collecting my luggage for connecting flight to Edmonton. I want to know, will there be any help provided to pick my luggage as I will be having stroller for my baby. It will be difficult to push s stroller and trolly with luggage. I have also requested wheelchair si that I could get some help with my luggage.

Hi Aahiya! I would check with the airline to see if they provide milk. To be on the safe side, I would travel with the formula you usually give your baby.

An option for getting around with baby and luggage cart is to bring along a soft carrier or sling, and then wear your baby and put your folded stroller onto the trolley with the rest of your stuff. There are sometimes porters to help with luggage but usually they are not available or accessible until after you’ve exited the baggage carousel, which you won’t be doing if you’re connecting on to Edmonton.

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I noticed that Emirates is not mentioned but I would like to share my experience if it will help someone else. I flew jet blue and connected with Emirates to Africa with my baby and it was a great experience. Jet blue allowed me to check my large jogging stroller and car seat at the gate with no issues and no weighing or measuring. Emirates did the same without batting an eye. I had two flights with Emirates. One from NY to Dubai and another from Dubai to Kenya. Once I left my stroller and car seat at the gate in NY however, I didn’t get it back until we received our luggage on the belt in Kenya. It had some scratches on the side but was in great condition otherwise for an 18 hr journey on two different planes. But for those of u wondering what to do, Emirates offers free stroller services upon landing in Dubai so we had a stroller not far from the arrival terminal. Emirates and jet blue are GREAT with kids and I would recommend them to anyone with kids who has the option to choose those airlines.

Note: Emirates and jet blue also allow a 50lb checked bag and a small carry on for lap infants. I was impressed. Preparing to do it again next month on our return trip.

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I’ll be traveling with my 22 month old daughter to Iceland using WOW airlines. Would you happen to know if a stroller car seat combo will be considered 1 item? Or I have to pay to check in her car seat?

Looks like the WOW website will let you check one or the other for free, but if the car seat clicks into the stroller, I’m not sure how they’d know it’s two items? Looks like it costs less to check if you pre-book online, so you may want to call to confirm and perhaps save $$ if you do have to pay. Good luck!

Recently traveled on Air France and was disappointed that my gate checked stroller was not available for my long layover in Paris- they checked it to my final destination! Traveling soon on Delta and have again layover. Does anyone know if I’ll have the same experience? What about KLM?

Hi Amanda! I really think it depends on the airport. I have heard of this happening for layovers in London Heathrow as well. Best bet is to contact your airline to see if they have any insight. Good luck!

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We will be traveling to Europe with a four-month old (Lap Ticket). We would like to gate check a stroller and a car seat (or a travel system); have you tried this?

Hi Sammie! I have done both. It really depends on the airline if they will charge you extra for it. Air Canada and Southwest did not charge us but it was a few years back. Good luck!

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Hi I am flying alone with my 9 months baby to Miami and I am worried about moving along the airport specially to the parking to rent a car with baby, stroller, car seat and bags. Is it possible renting a cart? Need ideas please!

Hi Lourdes! I’m pretty sure MIA has luggage carts that are accessible by baggage claim. You can take them to the car rental areas. Good luck!

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I have purchased a mother care xss ( it’s basically the gb pocket stroller) it folds so compact but Ryanair’s second bag policy is so tiny that it’s even too big to bring in the cabin. We aren’t checking any bags as we don’t want to visit baggage claim in Spain on our night-time flight with a tired toddler. We plan on gate checking the stroller at the airplane steps. My only worry is that because it comes in a little square travel bag, will the grounds staff think it’s a normal bag and send it to baggage claim instead of leaving it at the steps for me? Would it be worth labelling the bag with the word buggy in Spanish!!!

Wow–I had to Google the stroller and is it ever tiny! It’s a good idea to label it, or maybe leave it folded and not in the bag so it’s obvious it’s a stroller and not a suitcase? Does Ryanair give out Gate Check tags to clearly label your stuff?

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Just in case it helps anyone- the BabyZen Yoyo+ is small and light enough that it can and is designed to be taken as carry-on luggage (like, stored beneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment). It’s really tiny! We had a few skeptical flight attendants on our last flight from Japan, but they agreed to test the size and couldn’t argue that it fits! We’ve been on a bunch of domestic & international flights and have never had to gate check, which means no waiting with a cranky baby to get it at the end of the flight. Happy Travels!

Thanks, Miranda!!

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Very helpful tips when bringing a stroller to the airport.

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It’s a helpful post about checking stroller in airport. I have planning for the next trip with my family. And i found your blog with helpful. Can you inform me in airport they have charged extra for this? And if it then how much it is? Thanks in advance for giving me the clarification also for the sharing such a informative article.

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We flew with our child so many times as a baby/little child, essentially on Southwest. When he was 22 months old (so he in fact still qualified as a lap tyke) we chose to spring for his own seat, and brought his auto situate on board. SUCH A LIFE SAVER. He was certifiably not a super snuggly little child and would not like to be shaken to rest in our arms. At that age he was excessively versatile and wiggly, making it impossible to need to sit with us for long.

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AMAZING ARTICLE! I’m about to go on my first trip with my baby sister. I was looking for some trustworthy info. Thank you!!

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I just got a BOB stroller travel bag to be able to check our stroller with southwest. Only problem is that it is 1-2″ outside of the 64″ luggage dimensions. Will i be charged an oversized baggage fee or do strollers not count towards that luggage rule?

They are unlikely to break out the measuring tape when you check in–if it’s the bag that makes it fall outside the dimensions I’m sure you will be fine. Have a great trip!

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Hi Corinne,

Do you have any information about the policies of Icland Airlines and how many items they allow to be checked at the gate?

Hi Alisson! From their website –> https://www.icelandair.com/en-ca/support/baggage/allowance/ it says that, “Infants are allowed 1 checked bag (except in Economy Light). A stroller and car seat or carrying basket are always included. Children 2-11 years old Children aged 2-11 years old have the same baggage allowance as an adult traveling in the same class. In addition, a completely folding stroller is allowed free of charge**” This is regarding checked, not gate-checked luggage, but I imagine the same rules apply. A quick phone call wouldn’t hurt to put your mind at ease. Have a great trip!

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Do airlines typically allow you to pack some extra items in the car seat/stroller bags? I’m wondering if it would be an issue when gate checking my stroller or car seat, if I were to pack diapers, baby wipes, and infant life jacket in the hollow space.

If you’re using a stroller travel bag you may be able to squeeze in a few extra items but I wouldn’t try to stuff too much in. Infant life jacket is a pretty good idea since it’s light and might work as extra padding!

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This is a great resource for parents who are planning to fly with their little ones and need to gate-check their stroller.Your website provides helpful information on stroller gate-check policies for various airlines and offers tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible. The website also includes valuable advice on what type of stroller to bring on a flight and how to prepare it for travel. This information is a lifesaver for parents who want to ensure their stroller arrives at their destination safely and in good condition.

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So which is the best and most comfortable umbrella stroller. I have a 5 year old and 14-18m old (age depends on travel). I wanted a wagon but worry it won’t do well in England so now I’m struggling with which stroller. My daughter (5) will walk but with 6hr jet lag and just a ton of walking she would appreciate a place to rest. Any thoughts on wagons vs stroller for flight and arrival/stay in England?

We loved our UPPAbaby G-Luxe — managed to squeeze our guy in it when he was 6 and he was big. You’re never too big/old for a stroller when traveling!

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[…] money but traveling carry on only. You can likely gate check a stroller and car seat if you’re traveling with kids. Since Hawaii is hot and relaxed, there’s no […]

[…] allow a stroller to be stored in the cabin; there's a list at the link below (may be outdated): https://havebabywilltravel.com/2012/0 …ing-with-baby/ No need for an expensive stroller if you can carry it onboard; the airline's mentioned as […]

[…] a travel stroller that has some extra features can come in handy while you are on your trip. Whether you want a […]

[…] post summarizes airline policies on gate checking strollers, which is super helpful. Several comments […]

[…] the airport, and is padded to help protect it when gate checking. Most airlines will let you gate check a car seat at no cost. It’s worth the […]

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[…] you can gate check most strollers. It has nothing to do with brand or type, instead focusing on folding. If you can fold the […]

[…] Airline Policies and Gate Checking … – Have Baby Will Travel – Have Baby Will Travel Information and tips for travel with a baby or toddler – where to go, where to stay, what to bring, and how to cope! […]

[…] You can gate check your car seat and stroller for free on almost all major airlines (here’s a list to check policies) so I recommend bringing your car seat/stroller/travel system to move baby around […]

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british airways travel stroller

Britax Holiday lightweight stroller review

british airways travel stroller

  • Natasha Polyviou

In a nutshell

An ultra-lightweight, super compact travel buggy that’s easy to store and push. However, the seat can only be used in an upright position and the buggy is too long for cabin baggage on some airlines

What we tested

  • Ultra lightweight (5kg), super compact fold, useful carry handle, decent sized basket
  • Seat doesn’t recline, sun canopy could be larger, too long for cabin baggage on some airlines, noisy wheels.

Showing item 1 of 8

british airways travel stroller

MadeForMums reviews are independent and based on expertise and testing. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our product choices.

As the name suggests, the Britax Holiday is designed for travelling and quick trips around town. It’s super compact and light but probably not suitable for your main everyday pushchair if you do a lot of walking. As a travel buggy though, it’s pretty great. It folds incredibly small and is light enough to carry over your shoulder using a handy integrated strap. When a buggy folds this small, something has to give, however, and in this case it’s the seat recline function that didn’t make it to the final design. That puts it at a disadvantage compared to other lightweight strollers such as the ubiquitous Babyzen Yoyo , the Familidoo Air and the Silver Cross Jet , all of which recline.

The Holiday is well priced with a RRP of £120, cheaper than all of the above (the Familidoo is the closet contender at £169).

This stroller is made by Britax Römer. The name Britax suggests a British company, and it was when the company was established in 1938. Britax merged with German company Römer in 1978. They are well known for making car seats, but also produce pushchairs and bike seats.

It is suitable from 6 months due to the seating only having one setting, the upright position, and goes up to 15kg or around age three.

First Impressions?

Taking this stroller out of the box, I was impressed with how tiny it is when folded. There’s a genius strap for slinging it over your shoulder, which is bound to prove handy for travelling through the airport, on sightseeing trips and on public transport when space is tight.

The slight niggle for me was that when folded, it has a length of 60cm, making it over the limit to take on a flight as carry on baggage. Most airlines, including British Airways and Easyjet, have a maximum length of 56cm.

The frame seems strong and durable and overall the buggy appears well-made.

It looks sleek and well made, and there are five great colour choices. I tested an all-black version, but there’s also tasteful grey, blue, red and green.

How easy is the Britax Holiday to assemble?

The pushchair comes fully assembled so all you need to do is unfold and go. The instructions are legible and you’ll be up and running in a jiffy.

What do you think of the fold system?

As with many pushchairs, it takes a few tries to get the hang of folding the Britax Holiday. Once you’ve got it, though, it’s really simple.

To fold the stroller:

  • Push the button in the centre of the cross bar at the top back of the Britax Holiday
  • Fold the cross bar upwards
  • Pull up the catches on each handlebar
  • Push forward the handlebars

How compact is the Britax Holiday?

It’s incredibly compact once folded, and a doddle to store either freestanding or on its side. When folded it is 24cm in height, 25.5cm in width and 60 cm long. You can easily stash it in a cupboard, a hallway or under the bed.

I don’t have a car so couldn’t test whether it would fit into the boot, but given the measurements, I imagine it wouldn’t be a problem to slot this into a car boot alongside a suitcase.

britax-holiday-fold2

How lightweight is it?

It weighs just 5kg, which is ideal for toting around on a city break, beach holiday or wherever you’re headed.

What did you think of the handlebar?

I was impressed that you can easily push the Britax Holiday one-handed, even though it has two separate handlebars. The handlebars are a good height for me, but I’m not tall, so if you are very tall beware that they don’t extend!

How easy is the Britax Holiday to push?

It’s easy enough to push, but the wheels started clattering on the very first outing I took it on, which was a quick school run. I was self-conscious about being the mum you could hear a mile off (or what felt like it).

For a lightweight pushchair it felt sturdy enough to withstand holiday with lots of walking. It can’t compare with full-sized buggies for smooth suspension, but didn’t feel flimsy either, which is an achievement for a buggy this tiny.

britax-holiday-handlebar

How did you find it worked on public transport?

Taking it on public transport is a smooth experience. It fits into small spaces whether open or folded, and can be stored in the end racks on a train.

What do you think of the seat unit?

The seat unit is on the narrow side, at 28cm wide by 21cm deep. I found my ten-month-old sliding to the side in it, but this wouldn’t be an issue for an older toddler used to sitting upright for longish periods. It has mesh fabric on each side to keep air circulating in hot weather. There is only one seating position, upright, which isn’t ideal if you intend to use the buggy for naps.

How comfortable was the seating?

It felt reasonably comfortable, but I couldn’t use it for naps due to the upright nature of the seat, so only tested it for short runs to the shops and school.

britax-holiday-thumbnail

Could you interact with your little one when using the Britax Holiday?

The Britax Holiday doesn’t have a parent-facing mode, nor a canopy window that you can look through, so there isn’t much face-to-face interacting possible unfortunately. On the plus side, it’s so dinky that it’s easy to pop your head round the side for a quick check on your child.

Tell us about the brakes?

There is one brake on the right-hand back wheel which is very simple to use – just flick it up or down with your foot.

What did you think of the Britax Holiday's wheels?

The front wheels swivel which gives good manoeuvrability. The noise the wheels make was unnerving, I thought perhaps something had caught in them, since the clattering started within the first ten minutes of use, but I couldn’t see anything untoward.

britax-holiday-wheels

What do you think of the hood on the Britax Holiday?

The hood raises and lowers very smoothly, but it could give more sun coverage given that it’s designed to be used as a holiday pushchair. Though it doesn’t go as low as I might have liked, t does offer UPF50+ sun protection, so that is reassuring.

How accessible and useful is the basket?

The basket is easy to access from the back, and, unlike the Silver Cross Jet, it’s not restricted by a cross-bar in the middle, so you can fit a good amount of stuff in there – a changing bag or up to 5kg of shopping or baby gear.

britax-holiday-wheels2

Is the Britax Holiday car seat compatible?

No, it is not car seat compatible It is purely intended as a holiday stroller.

Are any additional products needed for the Britax Holiday?

You can buy a travel bag for £25 and a raincover for £18. Given the smart carry handle, I don’t think the travel bag is necessary. I would imagine you would take the stroller up to the plane gate and have it handed straight back when you land, rather than checking it in with your suitcases, although if you are doing that then the travel bag seems reasonably priced.

What did you really like about the Britax Holiday?

How small it folds – there’s some excellent R&D gone into it.

britax-holiday-fold

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the Britax Holiday?

I would have wanted to know that the seat doesn’t recline, and also how brilliant light and easy to store the buggy is.

How does the Britax Holiday compare with other lightweight pushchairs?

It’s clear that more design work has gone into the Britax Holiday than a standard umbrella stroller, like the basic John Lewis Travel Stroller (no longer available) that I’d used for previous trips. It has a sun canopy and storage basket, which are on upgrade on the other model, and is easy to fold once you’ve got the hang of it.

I recently took the Silver Cross Jet on holiday, and that has several advantages over the Britax: an extra long sun canopy, seat recline function and a smoother ride. Those features come at a price, however - £275 compared with the Britax Holiday’s £120. Weight-wise, the Britax Holiday is almost a kilo lighter at 5kg, whereas the Jet weighs 5.9kg.

britax-holiday-seat2

Who is the Britax Holiday most suited for?

The Britax Holiday would be worth considering for parents of children aged 6 months to 3 years who want a lightweight stroller to take on trips, or a second buggy for short everyday trips.

Is the Britax Holiday good value?

It is less pricey than similar lightweight strollers, and if you are planning on going on several holidays before your child reaches 3 years of age, it’s definitely worth looking into. I’d recommend it as a convenient option if the lack of a lie-flat seat isn’t an issue for your child.

What’s in the box?

The Britax Holiday keeps it simple – all that’s in the box is the ready assembled stroller.

Where can I buy the Britax Holiday?

It's available to buy from Amazon .

MadeforMums verdict:

An ultra-lightweight, compact buggy that’s easy to store and push. For holidays or as an extra pushchair to keep in the car or at the grandparents, the Britax Holiday does very nicely.

Read more...

  • Best lightweight buggies and strollers
  • 14 of the most compact folding buggies
  • MFM awards winners - buggies, prams and doubles

MadeForMums product articles are independent, honest and provide advice you can have confidence in. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links. However we never allow this to influence our coverage. Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.

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A Guide to Flying with a Stroller

british airways travel stroller

A stroller is necessary while traveling with a young child. It not only gives your child a place to rest and unwind, but it also makes it simpler to maneuver in congested places like airports. There are many different types of travel strollers, some can be packed flat and placed in the overhead bin whereas the bigger strollers will have to be checked as luggage.

In this article, we share information from whether you can bring a stroller with you internationally to whether you can bring them onboard. We also discuss the guidelines of different airlines about their rules and regulations regarding strollers, including their weight and size limitations, all things that make flying with kids less stressful .

You can also learn about  tips and tricks to packing light .

You can even consider traveling with carry on only to avoid all the baggage chaos.

Thinking of booking an airplane bassinet for your baby? Read here for more information.

Table of Contents

Can we take stroller in international flight, how to travel with a stroller.

Can You Take a Stroller on a Plane?

How to Protect Stroller When Flying?

Stroller That Fits in Overhead Bin

Are Baby Strollers Allowed On Airplanes?

What kind of stroller can i take on a plane, is a stroller considered a carry on, here's a lightweight stroller for airplane travel to consider.

Is it Free to Bring a Stroller on a Plane?

Can I Take a Full Size Stroller on an Airplane?

51 airlines stroller policy.

Yes is the quick, short answer. Saying that most airlines allow you to check in two baby items like a stroller and car seat free of charge. Many airlines also allow strollers to be gate checked. This means that the airline employees will load the aircraft with the check-in bags after you reach the ladder point of the plane (or door in the case of an aero bridge).

Tell the check-in agent at the counter that you want to gate-check your stroller when you check your bags. They will either attach the tag themselves or provide you with instructions on where to get your tags once you arrive at your gate.

Generally, if your stroller is in two components, it will need to be checked in or gate-checked due to the size of the stroller. You won't be able to take it onboard.

Take note that if you are to bring a stroller onto the plane, airlines will require the stroller to be fully collapsible. And if you do bring the stroller onboard, most airlines consider the stroller as your carry on luggage whereas some airlines allow a stroller and car seat to be brought onboard in addition to your carry-on luggage. So, make sure you check with your airlines prior to flying.

There are three ways you can travel with a stroller. See the different options below:

1. Check Stroller with Checked Baggage

family showing you how to travel with a stroller

A stroller is regarded as checked-in luggage when checked at the counter. Your stroller is loaded onto the aircraft along with the luggage by the attendants. When you check your stroller alongside your luggage, often you may be required to drop off your stroller at the oversize luggage counter.

2. Gate Checked Strollers

Another option is to gate-check your stroller. By choosing this option, you will have access to your stroller as you navigate through the airport.

How to gate check your stroller:

At check-in counter:

Speak to the ground staff and let them know you intend to use your stroller at the airport. In this instance, they will either print you a tag for the stroller or instruct you to get a tag from the staff at the gate.

Pass through security with your stroller:

As you get through security, you will have to fold up your stroller to go through the x-ray machine. If the stroller is too big to fit in the x-ray machine, it will be manually inspected by a TSA employee.

Drop your stroller off at the gate:

Make sure you have your stroller tag by now. If you haven't done so, speak to the airline staff at the gate to obtain one. You can continue to use your stroller up until boarding the plane.

Leave your stroller at the door of the plane:

Upon boarding, the airline staff will remind you to place the stroller by the door of the plane. The stroller will then be placed in the hold with all the luggage. Depending on which airport you land at, you will either get your stroller back from the jet bridge as you disembark the plane, or you may need to head to baggage claim to retrieve your stroller.

This is true flying Qantas into Australia or Malaysia Airlines into Malaysia. There is a risk of your stroller being damaged if your stroller has not been packed properly in a padded stroller bag. Once more, review the policies of your airline before flying.

3. Bringing stroller onboard

The regulations of the airline as well as the size of your stroller will determine whether this option is feasible.

Can You Take a Stroller On a Plane?

A foldable stroller, umbrella stroller, or another small, compact stroller can typically be used as a carry-on with most airlines. However, not every airline is made equally. Some airlines do not allow strollers onboard, Others permit strollers, but consider your stroller as carry-on allowance if you bring one along and some allows your stroller onboard as long as it is packed down an unrecognizable as a pushchair.

It also depends on whether you are flying with a lap infant or whether you purchased an extra seat for your baby. Do note that if you have purchased an extra seat for your baby, they are entitled to the same carry on luggage allowance as you.

For example, Austrian Airlines doesn't count a stroller as carry-on allowance and permits strollers to be brought on board as long as the stroller is under 10kg and once folded and is no longer identifiable as a pushchair.

Singapore airlines allow a compact, foldable lightweight stroller on board the cabin as long as it is under 7kg and the sum of length, width, and height does not exceed 115cm. Saying that, Singapore airlines regards your stroller as your carry on allowance.

Whenever you gate check or check your stroller with your baggage, make sure the stroller is packed in a stroller bag to protect the stroller. This is because your stroller gets handled by many people and can be mishandled at times. The last you want is receiving a damaged stroller when you get to your vacation destination.

Read here for the best travel stroller bag  to protect youtr sroller.

From personal experience, the safest option is to bring a travel stroller that fits in the overhead compartment of the plane.

Stroller That Fits In Overhead Bin

british airways travel stroller

According to IATA Carry-on baggage size , the standard carry-on allowance for luggage varies depending on the airline, the class you are flying, and even the size of the aircraft. Generally speaking, carry-on bags shouldn't be larger than the following measurements: 22 x 18 x 10"/56 x 45 x 25 cm. These measurements account for the wheels, handles, side pockets, etc.

However, from our research, most airlines' carry on requirements varies. In fact, many airlines have a size restriction of 22 x 14 x 9"/56 x 36 x 23cm. Hence, it is important to check with your airlines prior to flying.

The main reason to get a travel stroller that fits in the overhead compartment is to ensure that your travel stroller  is with you the entire time. In the event of a flight delay, having the stroller with you ensures you will have a comfortable space for your baby to nap in if required. It also gives you peace of mind to know that your stroller won't be lost or damaged in transit.

Every airline has its carry-on allowance policies and policies for strollers and child restraint system. Be sure to check with your airlines before hand.

As carry-on luggage, you are allowed to bring one small, foldable baby stroller (maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm) or two if you are flying business or first class.

Strollers with overall dimensions greater than 115 cm can be used up until the ticket counter, but beyond that, they must be checked in as luggage. Strollers or umbrella strollers designed that fold up completely and measure less than 100 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm are permitted on board.

Delta Airlines

Strollers can be checked in or gate checked for free. Stroller can also be brought on board as part of the adult’s carry on allowance when flying with a lap infant.

As for car seats, child safety seats may be brought onto the aircraft. You may put your baby in an FAA-approved child safety seat during takeoff and landing if you reserved a seat for them or if there is an open passenger seat in your row. The item must be checked at the gate by a Delta official if you haven't purchased a seat for your youngster or there aren't any additional passenger seats available.

British Airways

British Airways offer a service that returns your stroller back to the plane's entrance in certain destinations to aid you in your travels. Please see the list below to see if your stroller satisfies the tight requirements for pushchair size.

It must be an all-in-one, sleek, fully folding pushchair. Wheels not included, maximum dimension:  38 cm height x  117 cm in length x  38cm in depth.

If your stroller fits the requirements , it will be marked with an orange Return To Aircraft Door label bearing your contact details before being put on the hold. Then, when you get to your location, you can pick it up. For guidance, please speak with the cabin staff.

Your stroller won't be delivered to the aircraft door upon arrival if it exceeds the measurements . Alternatively, you can pick up your stroller and checked bags from the arrival gate in the baggage hall when you reach your destination.

Mom pushing baby in a stroller at the airport

Hand luggage prams are typically allowed on planes when you're traveling with a baby because airlines are aware you'll need them when you get to your destination. What you need to check is that the baby stroller is within the airline's restriction for carry on.

In general, the collapsible size of your stroller should not exceed 22 x 18 x 10"/56 x 45 x 25 cm if you are intending to bring it onto a plane. If it exceeds this, it might be too large to fit in the overhead compartment and hence prohibited. 

On the other hand, if you are traveling with a double stroller or jogging stroller, they will have to be checked in due to size. As always, it's advisable to double-check with the airline you're traveling with as each has its policies regarding what is and isn't permitted.

Any stroller and related items, like child's car seat, booster seats will be required to meet airline policies to be brought onboard. The best strollers for flying are light, simple to fold, and have folded proportions that fit the specifications for keeping the stroller in the airplane overhead bin.

While many strollers are lightweight and compact for travel, very few of them are genuinely small enough to fit in the overhead bin of an airplane. The majority of umbrella strollers still need to be checked or gate-checked, making them prone to being thrown or damaged during transportation.

Airlines have different stroller restrictions, and some airlines don't allow strollers as carry-on bags regardless of size. Before your trip, make sure to review your airline's policies.

After doing extensive research, there are actually only 5 travel strollers that are FAA approved and fit in the overhead compartment.

In general, if you decide to bring your compact stroller onboard the plane and it fits within the carry on requirements, it will count towards your carry-on allowance.  Otherwise, most airlines allow you to check in or gate check your stroller for free.

Wonder what size luggage is considered carry on ? Read on.

TernX Carry On

TernX Carry On Stroller the best stroller for traveling abroad

Folded dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9”/55 x 36 x 23cm

Weight: 16.9 lbs (~7.7kg)

The TernX Carry-On is the best travel stroller for flying , and is a cutting-edge option for families on the go, providing several advantages that make travel simpler, more effective, and less stressful. For both parents and kids, this provides convenience and a smooth travel experience. TernX Carry-On is a collapsible stroller for travel. It complies with the IATA carry-on allowance.

Excellent for travel as it is a cabin-size pushchair and it provides storage for your belongings.

In the mean time, here's a summary of 50 airlines stroller policies at a glance.

Is it Free to Bring a Stroller on a Plane? 

Generally, if your stroller fits within the carry on dimensions and allowance of the airlines, you are allowed to bring a stroller on a plane for free. However, the stroller will count towards your carry on allowance. So, if you are flying a budget airline, make sure you take this into consideration as there may be additional charges if you have too many hand luggage with you.

No, you are not allowed to take a full size stroller on an airplane. Only strollers that are folded small enough to fit carry on requirements can be taken on an airplane.

For an infant, one fully folding stroller is permitted, together with either a car seat, booster seat, or travel cot.

Aeroflot Russian Airlines

A collapsible stroller with maximum dimensions of 42 х 50 х 20 cm is allowed onboard when travelling with a child.

Baby strollers/buggies/prams can be carried free of charge as checked baggage provided they are being used by an infant and/or child that is traveling.

One stroller no larger than 25.5 x 92cm per child may be checked for free at the baggage office or the boarding gate. A stroller for each child is permitted in addition to carry-on and checked baggage.

As long as its total dimensions don't exceed those permitted for typically checked luggage, a stroller or bassinet may also be checked in for free.

A carry-on item weighing up to 10 kg, a car seat, and a foldable stroller or baby carrier allowed in the hold.

Air New Zealand

You are allowed to check two items as part of your baggage allowance. Buggy/stroller, car seat or bassinet.

Alaska Airlines

You can either wait until you get to the gate area or check these goods with your other luggage without any cost at your end.

American Airlines

1 stroller allowed to be checked free of charge.

ANA - All Nippon Airways

Strollers that fold up, portable cradles, and kid seats can be checked in for free.

Asiana Airlines

You can include a bassinet, travel cot, car seat, or lightweight stroller free of charge.

Austrian Airlines

Strollers are permitted, but if they weigh more than 10 kg, they must be checked in.

Strollers can be checked in free of charge.

Each infant and toddler may check up to two of the following necessary items into the hold: completely foldable pushchair (stroller), booster, portable cot.

Cathay Pacific

An umbrella-type collapsible stroller or any type of foldable stroller within the standard cabin bag size and weight after folding is allowed (if cabin stowage is available).

Cebu Pacific Air

You can check in strollers free of charge.

China Airlines

A passenger under 2 can have a fully collapsible stroller/pushchair, infant carrying basket, or car seat checked as baggage or be accepted as a carry-on in the passenger cabin subject to the availability of space.

Delta Air Lines

They don't charge extra for using strollers or child restraint devices. These are not considered part of your (or your ticketed child's) checked baggage allowance.

You can carry two items for your child in the hold for your baby for free. These consist of a portable crib, stroller, car seat, portable or conventional pram, booster seat, and/or baby carrier.

Strollers are allowed to be taken onboard free of charge.

Strollers can be brought inside the cabin if there is room, but if not, they must be checked in for free.

Ethiopian Airlines

For infants under the age of two, you are allowed a stroller and car seat without charge.

Frontier Airlines

Strollers are permitted, however, once you get to the gate, they must be examined from there. The stroller will be free to check in.

Garuda Indonesia

Stroller allowed as checked-in luggage.

Hainan Airlines

One baby back carrier and light collapsible baby buggy or pushchair (that can be carried, such that the volume and weight do not exceed carry-on baggage restrictions, and can be put in the baggage compartment above the seat or under the seat directly in front of the passenger.

Japan Airlines

Baby carriage or stroller can be taken aboard only if it is foldable to fit within the required size of carry-on baggage.

Jetblue Airways

One stroller allowed and does not count toward your carry-on or checked bag allowance.

When traveling with a baby or young child, you can check any number of the following items — a pram, a stroller, a portable cot, and/or a highchair for no additional cost.

Kenya Airways

Strollers are checked in for free.

Strollers with a combined size greater than 115 cm may be used up until the boarding gate, but after that, they must be checked in as luggage. Strollers that fold up completely and measure less than 100 x 20 x 20 cm are permitted on board.

LATAM Airlines

Strollers with detachable restraint systems (Travel System) are classified as single items and can therefore be transported with either all of the components (base and chair) or just one of them. We will send it to the hold at no additional charge if there is no room in the cabin.

Strollers are permitted on board; however, some flights may require that they are placed in the hold.

Norwegian Air

5kg of regular free baggage allowance and you are allowed one stroller and car seat.

Collapsible strollers that meet the carry-on allowance baggage dimensions in their collapsed state and weigh less than 7 kgs can be brought onboard however will be counted as a piece of the accompanying adult’s carry-on baggage allowance.

Qatar Airways

Each infant is allowed a stroller, carrycot that collapses, or pushchair.

Royal Brunei Airlines

Strollers for infants must be checked in and are not permitted as hand luggage. Lightweight strollers can sometimes be checked in at the boarding gate, depending on the airport. Once at the destination and after leaving the flight, these strollers will be returned.

Royal Air Maroc

You are not charged extra to transfer your child's stroller. A stroller that fits in the baggage compartments and has dimensions no larger than 15 x 30 x 100 cm is permitted to travel with you.

Free use of two pieces of baby gear per child: one pushchair and one car seat, booster seat, or travel cot.

Saudi Arabian Airlines

Infants are allowed an infant-carrying basket, a fully foldable stroller, or a baby seat.

Singapore Airlines

A small, collapsible, light stroller can be brought into the cabin.

South African Airways

Infants are allowed one accessible folding stroller or buggy, a car seat, and one piece of checked luggage up to 23 kg.

Southwest Airlines

Customers with children are allowed to check one stroller and one car seat without charge.

You may bring so-called “pocket buggies” on board as part of your free hand baggage allowance, provided they are packed accordingly and are no longer recognizable as pushchairs.

Thai Airways International

Pushchairs are transported for free in addition to your permitted amount of luggage.

A stroller or completely folded crib to be transported to the aircraft door. The crew will put it in the aircraft hold and hand it over to the Passenger at the door of the aircraft once arrived at the destination.

United Airlines

United Airlines Stroller policy allows standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They’ll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin.

Vietnam Airlines

Passengers should check-in their baby stroller, or they may use it up to the boarding gate. 

Virgin Australia

You're entitled to carry special items free of charge: pram, portable cot, car seat, baby capsule

Vueling Airlines

Passengers travelling with an infant may also check in a total of two extra items: pushchair, carrycot, car seat or cot.

You can check a car seat and stroller for free while traveling with a young child. 

If you are looking to bring your car seat on the flight, read here for more information on flying with a car seat .

Here are some tips on  how to deep clean your stroller after your travels.

Flying with a Stroller

Hope this gives you a better idea on what is possible when flying with a stroller. The key is to do your research beforehand. From personal experience, traveling with a stroller on board is much safer and easier. You are certain the stroller is with you at all times and you reduce the risk of your stroller being damaged during transportation.

Furthermore, you have a peace of mind knowing that there is a spot for your child to rest during layovers. Not only that, having a stroller with you at the airport gives you more control over your immediate surroundings, especially when you are navigating through crowded and busy airports. Have fun on your next journey!

If you want to know exactly the allowed size of luggage for carry on regarding these airlines, read here .

Don't forget to check out our  tips for traveling on an airplane with kids .

Happy journeys!

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Tickets and travel documents

There’s a lot to think about when travelling with a family, from making sure everyone’s passports are valid (despite having checked it one hundred times already) to knowing what ticket to buy for your different aged children. Luckily, we’re here to help you from the moment you book until the moment you land.

Passports, visas and other documentation

Please check with the IATA Travel Centre that your passports an d other travel documents are valid for your whole journey, before you travel.

Some countries' immigration departments require additional documentation for any children under 18 years of age, (whether they are your children, your grandchildren or children of friends,) who are travelling into, out of or transiting their country. The extra documentation that you may require varies by country and changes regularly so please check the country's embassy website for more information.

The IATA Travel Centre can advise you which documents are required for each country you’ll be visiting or transiting. Enter your child’s date of birth so that the extra requirements are displayed.

Tickets for infants, children and young adults

These are the age categories we use when you make a booking with us:

Infants: 0 - 23 months Children: 2 - 11 years Young adults: 12 - 15 years Adults: over 16 years

When traveling with your infant (under 2), you have two ticket choices: 

  • Your infant sits on your lap. You’ll pay an infant fare, which is a percentage of the adult fare.
  • Your infant sits in their own seat. You’ll pay a child fare for this ticket. The infant must travel in an approved  car seat or AmSafe System  that fits into the aircraft seat securely.

If you’d like your infant to have their own seat, or to add your infant to an existing booking, please contact us and we'll be pleased to help you.

Once your little one turns 2 years old, they'll be considered a child and will need to travel in their own seat. You'll need to book and pay for a Child fare.

All children under 14 years must travel accompanied by an adult aged 16 years or over. Anyone under the age of 14 won't be allowed to fly unaccompanied.

Young adults

We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. All children aged under 16 travelling alone must carry a printed copy of:

  • A completed parental/guardian consent form
  • Photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature

Parents or guardians can  download the consent form  and once completed, print it out along with a copy of their current passport or another form of photographic identification showing their signature.

Booking with partner airlines

If your journey involves travelling with one of our partner airlines, their rules for infants and children may be different and will apply. Please check the airline’s website or call your local British Airways office for the correct information.

Infants who become children while travelling

If you're travelling with an infant who reaches the age of 2 during their journey, your child will need their own seat for any flights on and after their 2nd birthday. We won’t charge you extra; you'll only pay the infant fare for the entire journey.

This booking can't be made online, so contact us and we'll be pleased to help you.

Making a booking for an unborn infant

If you know you want to travel shortly after you’re due to give birth, you can make your own booking as usual. Please contact us after your baby is born and we’ll arrange for your baby’s ticket to be issued. You must always have a ticket for your infant's journey.

Newborn babies must be at least 48 hours old and have been born without any complications before they can travel with us. However, we recommend waiting until the baby is one week old. If you plan to fly soon after your baby's birth, please check with your treating doctor it's safe for both you and your baby to travel.

If you had a Caesarean section or other surgery was needed during or after the birth, you can travel 10 days after, with medical clearance from our Health Services. We would advise that your treating doctor approve your travel first.

Booking a child into a different cabin

You can book your child to travel in a different cabin from yourself. Just make your booking first, then contact us to make a separate booking for your child.

Children between 5 and 12 can be booked into a different cabin from you.

Children under 5 must travel with someone over the age of 16.

If you're a Gold or Silver Executive Club Member, your child can come with you into the lounge as your eligible guest, regardless of the cabin you're travelling in.

You should board the aircraft as a family, with your child. Once on board, your child will be directed to their seat in the cabin that they are booked into.

You, as the child’s parent or guardian, will be responsible for their health, wellbeing and behaviour, both on the ground and on board. Please ensure that your child understands that they must follow crew instructions at all times and make sure they have any necessary items with them before boarding as it may not always be possible for you to visit them during the flight.

Should your child need any assistance during the flight, you'll need to voluntarily downgrade to the same cabin as your child. We're unable to upgrade your child to the cabin you’re travelling in.

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  1. Baggage

    Checked baggage. Your child (between 2 and 11 years) will have the same free checked baggage allowance as you, which will vary depending on the cabin that you're travelling in. If you're travelling with an infant (under 2), their free checked baggage allowance includes one standard 23kg bag in the hold, for all cabins.

  2. Family Travel

    Family travel documents. Find out which ticket you need for your child, from infants to children, young adults to adults — and even soon-to-be-born babies. Ensure the smoothest experience at the airport with the correct documentation and family boarding passes. Get travel ready.

  3. British Airways Flying With Kids Information

    When you travel with British Airways, your child (aged 2-11) has the same hand baggage allowance as an adult. This is 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) ... BRITISH AIRWAYS PUSHCHAIR/ STROLLER POLICY. If you have a small, fully collapsible and lightweight pushchair/stroller (with maximum dimensions of 117cm x 38cm x 38cm/46in x 15in x 15in when ...

  4. Flying With A Baby on British Airways

    Stroller policies on British Airways? Providing the stroller is small, fully collapsible, lightweight, and does not exceed 117 x 38x 38cm (46 x 15 x 15in) when collapsed, it can be taken straight to the aircraft doors, and collected from them too.. Larger strollers, including double and multi-piece strollers, can be taken to the departure gate, but must be collected from the baggage carousel ...

  5. Everything You Need to Know About Strollers on Airplanes

    On other airlines, if your travel stroller fits within the airline carry on luggage size requirements, it may be brought on board in place of your cabin baggage. ... British Airways : Yes: If you have a small, fully collapsible and lightweight pushchair/stroller (with maximum dimensions of 117cm x 38cm x 38cm/46in x 15in x 15in when the ...

  6. Everything you need to know about flying British Airways with kids

    We would advise that your treating doctor approve your travel first. Flying British Airways with an infant under two years old. ... Taking a Pushchair/stroller on British Airways. Walking distances from arrival terminals to baggage collection vary across airports and some may be longer than others. To help you with the journey, BA offers a ...

  7. British Airways Review: Seats, Amenities, Service [& More]

    Travel › Airlines; British Airways Review - Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees & More ... Stroller Check Policy. One collapsible stroller per child can be checked at the gate for free. If the stroller meets the maximum dimensions of 46 x 15 x 15 inches (117 x 38 x 38 cm) when collapsed, then the stroller can be checked at the ...

  8. Best Cabin-Approved Strollers for Easy Travel 2024

    The Micralite ProFold is a small, agile cabin-approved stroller that meets cabin baggage allowances for British Airways, Jet2 and EasyJet. Its versatility extends to car boots and train storage, ensuring convenience on the go whatever your mode of transport. ... Some strollers come with travel-specific features like a travel bag or cover, which ...

  9. Cabin-approved strollers that fit in overhead locker on planes 2023

    "Some brands even offer a zipped travel bag which the stroller neatly fits into." ... British Airways' cabin bag size is currently the same as EasyJet's larger, paid-for cabin bag size, with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. With BA - though rules can change - it is generally free to have one cabin bag this size, and it can weigh ...

  10. British Airways Baggage Fees & Policy [2023 Update]

    British Airways Carry-on Allowance. 1 handbag/laptop bag: FREE 1 standard carry-on bag: FREE. ... and infants (aged 2 to 11 with a booked seat): Same allowance as an adult plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness. Infants under 2 years: 1 bag (51 pounds/23 kg) plus up to 2 items, ...

  11. Best Travel Strollers 2024 • guide to the smallest + lightest strollers

    Here are our top picks for the best travel strollers (read further below for in-depth reviews, a comparison chart and further options) Best Buys Overall: Mountain Buggy Nano , Uppa Baby Minu. Best Budget: Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller but not so great if traveling solo. Best High-End: BabyZen YoYo2, Joolz Aer+ and Bugaboo Butterfly.

  12. How do you pack a stroller for air travel?

    For example, British Airways lets you drop and pick up your pushchair at the aircraft door, which means less time without your child's trusty steed in the airport.

  13. Airline Policies & Gate Checking Stroller Tips

    Thomas Cook UK Gate Checking Stroller Policy: A child younger than two years of age on arrival back into the UK, who will be travelling on your lap, may bring three of the following items free of charge: 10kg baggage allowance, a stroller/pushchair, a travel cot or a car seat (checked in to the hold).

  14. Britax Holiday lightweight stroller review

    Most airlines, including British Airways and Easyjet, have a maximum length of 56cm. The frame seems strong and durable and overall the buggy appears well-made. ... It's clear that more design work has gone into the Britax Holiday than a standard umbrella stroller, like the basic John Lewis Travel Stroller (no longer available) that I'd ...

  15. BA CAR SEAT GUIDE • ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW • Family Travel Tips

    KIDS' BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON BRITISH AIRWAYS. Your child will have the same free checked baggage allowance as you, which will vary depending on which cabin you are travelling in. In addition, you can also take up to TWO of the following items free of charge (as checked baggage): fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) car or booster seat; travel cot

  16. Luggage, strollers, and car seats on a plane

    A foldable baby stroller, car safety seat, or baby carrier can be taken on board the aircraft. British Airways. An infant (0-2 years old) can travel on the lap of a parent or in any type of a child restraint device placed on an adjacent seat. On some routes, British Airways provides parents with specially designed bassinets.

  17. International Travel: A Guide to Flying with a Stroller

    British Airways. British Airways offer a service that returns your stroller back to the plane's entrance in certain destinations to aid you in your travels. Please see the list below to see if your stroller satisfies the tight requirements for pushchair size. It must be an all-in-one, sleek, fully folding pushchair.

  18. Bugaboo Butterfly Review: A NEW Cabin Baggage Size Stroller

    The Butterfly travel stroller offers recline, comfort, a good canopy, folds up to be fit a plane as cabin baggage. ... British Airways and Vietnam Airlines and it was a comfortable fit in the lockers - something that made a stopover much more comfortable for all of us! It is unusual to be given your pushchair or stroller back for stopovers as ...

  19. Tickets and travel documents

    Young adults. We allow children aged 14 or older to travel alone with us on domestic or international British Airways flights. All children aged under 16 travelling alone must carry a printed copy of: A completed parental/guardian consent form. Photographic identification of the parent/guardian who completed the form showing their signature.

  20. Of connection flights and strollers : r/BritishAirways

    Dear British Airways, This is the second time in the span of 4 months that we take a connection flight with you from Basel to London then London to Dublin. This is also the second time that our 2 year old son's stroller is lost and not returned to us. This time around we even asked to have it delivered to us upon landing in London, since it ...

  21. Carry On Strollers That Fit Into The Overhead Bin 2024

    3 seating modes including 150 degree recline. 3 footrest modes. Weight: 15lbs. Folded 20″ x 10″ x 28.5″ (L x W x H) Age suitable for: 50 lbs/22.6kg This lightweight stroller is suitable for 6-36 months babies and toddlers. This carry on strollers is available on Amazon worldwide and Walmart for US residents only.