Gate Checking your stroller? Things to remember when flying with baby stroller

Flying With Your Baby Stroller – Top Tips For Boarding a Plane With Your Stroller.

Gate checking is NOT complicated

Flying is stressful enough for most, but if you have to travel with your toddler, it can seem daunting to many. Most parents have so many questions, from how to gate check a stroller to how to check a car seat. However, there is absolutely no reason to worry – gate checking a stroller (and other miscellaneous baby-related items) is really very simple. So if you’re traveling with a small child, don’t fret; it should turn out to be smooth sailing.

Honestly speaking, gate checking a stroller is less complicated than what it sounds like. Depending on your airline, most of the time Gate Checking means you simply need to fold your stroller.

It means you can use your stroller to wheel your child to the gate, instead of lugging everything and everyone or having your toddler walk; instead you can just check your stroller and car seat at the ticket counter when you check your other luggage.

Steps for Gate Checking a Stroller

Here are the steps for Gate Checking your stroller when flying:

• When you check in with your luggage, you tell the counter person that you want to gate check your stroller, and they’ll either give you a tag to affix, or put it on your stroller themselves.
• If your stroller needs to be folded in two pieces (I’m looking at you, Bugaboo) they’ll give you two tags – one for each part.
• Before folding your stroller, make sure all the straps are buckled, and that you’ve emptied the basket of everything. Chances are anything attached to the stroller like Mommy Hooks or drink holders won’t stay put, so you may want to detach those as well.
• As you’re boarding, and if you’re lucky your airline will still have the pre-board for famiilies with young children, simply push or carry your stroller toward the entrance to the plane, and leave it with the tags showing for the baggage handlers just off to the side. Depending on your destination, that is where you should find it when you arrive.

Also Read: Stroller Travel Bags

“When you gate check your stroller, the baggage handlers will put it in a special bin up at the very front of the cargo area under the plane (along with wheelchairs and car seats) so the baggage handlers at your final destination can grab those items first. I think it’s a really important service to offer our customers for free, something to make traveling with a small child a little easier and potentially a little less stressful,” Melinda Vernon, a flight attendant for Delta Airlines.

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In terms of accessories, remember to carry a small pump and a patch kit (if you have a jogger stroller, just in case). You should also consider buying a stroller storage basket.

It doesn’t hurt to have a lightweight carrier or sling in your carry-on, just in case you have to trek a long distance to pick up your stroller.

Related: Check out our comprehensive stroller buying guide.

Compact Strollers can Fit in the Overhead Carrier

It is important to note that if you are bringing a light umbrella stroller that can be folded compactly enough to fit into your overhead carrier (find out the dimensions from the airline) you will not need to gate check your stroller.

Simply fold it and carry it to your seat.

More Tips on Flying with a Stroller

For many parents the idea of traveling with an infant or toddler can be overwhelming to say the least. The amount of necessary items for the comfort and safety of a child must always be considered before you go. One of the most common dilemma’s when flying with a child is whether or not to bring along your baby stroller.

A baby stroller can be a big help on a trip that will entail a good deal of walking or transporting a young child. However, be sure to remember to check out whether or not your destination will be stroller-friendly along the way.

Here are 10 tips for flying with a baby stroller.

Make an educated decision about bringing a baby stroller. First check with your airline for their policies on bringing along a baby stroller. This may determine whether or not you will consider it a hassle or an asset for your trip.

2. Know the area you will be walking around. Consider the terrain, the width of the aisles and doorways as well as the amount of stairs you may be subject to climb. Pushing a stroller on a bumpy stone path or transporting it between subway rides may well be more difficult than simply carrying your child.

3. Before you even get to the airport be sure to properly label your stroller (on the handle bar or side bars) with a permanent marker or paper label. Write down your contact information, destination and flight information. You will be given a tag when you check your stroller but it is better to use BOTH to insure you get your stroller back once you have landed.

4. Have a Plan B for those times when you will need to leave your stroller outside or in the trunk. For babies that weigh no more than 20/30 lbs. keeping a baby carrier, sling or backpack is a good second option. For older children who can walk themselves, consider a harness to keep them tied to you in crowds and strange places. If you do not like the idea of a harness for your child just be sure to start explaining to them a little each day about the importance of staying next to you or other caregivers when you are in a different place. They should understand who it is safe to talk to and give them something that has your contact information to wear when you are out in public.

O.K. Now you are ready to head to the airport!

5. It will be easiest to employ your stroller throughout the airport and just check it at the gate of the plane. Most airlines will let you stroll right on up to the gate of the plane before having to check it in.

6. If you would like to count your stroller with your luggage at check-in be sure to find out if you will be charged an extra fee. Some airlines do not count a baby stroller as a part of the luggage you are allowed to bring on and may have a rate that you do not want to pay.

7. If you are loading at the gate you will be asked to remove your child yourself and fold the stroller down to be stored. (It is nice to have a helping hand available to hold your child(ren) during this part.) Bringing duct tape is a good idea if your stroller isn’t compact enough to store in the overhead compartment on the plane. Simply tape the sides of the stroller shut tightly or wrap the stroller entirely around it’s center. This will help to keep it closed while it is being loaded and unloaded into the cargo area therefore minimizing possible damage.

8. Your stroller will then be tagged and given a corresponding receipt that you will need to hold on to, in order to retrieve your stroller once you land.

9. Be sure to confirm with the attendant at the gate check where you will pick up your stroller upon landing. Most airlines will return your stroller at the gate as you exit but it could be sent along with the other luggage to the baggage claim.

10. Upon your exit present your receipt to claim your stroller or head to the baggage claim to retrieve it there. Remember to take advantage of your stroller and load it down with whatever baggage you can to alleviate the strain on your arms and shoulders.

Related: List of most airline’s stroller gate checking policies.