Is stroller allowed in international flight

Is a Stroller Allowed In International Flight?

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One of the most frequently asked questions by traveling parents is if international flights allow strollers? Traveling with children can be a tough job, especially if you are going with a lot of luggage. Having a stroller with you can ease your job at the airport. Having a double stroller may be an even better idea if you have more than one child since it will ease your movement a lot, but the question that bothers so many parents is, are they allowed to bring the stroller on an international flight? In this article, we will answer all kinds of similar questions, so keep reading.

Is a stroller allowed on an international flight?

Usually, most international airlines allow strollers on board. The company directors appear to be people who understand what a tough job it is to travel with children. However, still, some regulations need to be considered since different airline companies have different policies. Some airline companies like American Airlines allow only one stroller per passenger. Usually, strollers less than 20lbs are checked for free, while for those over 20lbs, you pay for a ticket.

Other airline companies like United Airlines check collapsible and non-collapsible strollers differently. The first ones are checked at the gate, while the second ones at the counter.

However, no matter the policies, you can bring a stroller on a flight with you. Most of the airline companies check them for free. Some companies may charge it only if it is too big, which opens a new question – What is the type of stroller you can actually take with you on a flight?

What kind of stroller can I take on a plane?

Here we have provided you with a list of all the essential features your stroller needs to have so that it can be easier to bring and put away when you are on board. The best features are to be compact, lightweight, collapsible, and foldable. But let’s take a more in-depth look at what you need to consider to make your stroller more portable.

Compact fold and collapsible

If you are looking for a comfortable way to carry and fit your stroller anywhere on the plane; we recommend you pick one with a compact fold. There different models on the market, so you can easily find one that can fold up small enough to fit in almost anywhere in the plane. This way, it will be much more comfortable for you because you will not need to wait for your stroller at the jet bridge when you reach your destination. In case you have a stroller that is not foldable, you can simply take it back from the conveyor belt or simply request it. This is because it will require more space; therefore, it will go to the cargo hold.

  • Lightweight and Portable

We highly recommend you always look for lightweight strollers since you will have more freedom to move from one point to another wherever you are, even when it Is not in use. You will also be able to put it inside the stroller bag when needed quickly.

How to protect stroller when flying

Always take extra care of your stroller, because they usually make them very delicate and they can be easily damaged during a flight. There are many ways you can make sure your stroller is well protected during the flight. Here is a straightforward tip you can follow – use a plastic or stroller bag to make sure the stroller is stored on the plane rather than the cargo hold.

  • Using a stroller bag

It is always good to have a stroller bag –this is a bag specially made for carrying a stroller when you are traveling. Usually, each stroller brand has its own designed stroller bags specially made for their products. However, some brands make universal stroller bags that will fit any model single or double stroller. When it comes to choosing a stroller bag, we recommend you pick a padded model since it will provide better protection from scratches or any possible damage during the flight.

  • Storing the stroller on the plane

Another very useful feature your stroller can have is to be collapsible. If it folds be really small, you can easily check it as a part of your carry-on luggage. This way, you can store it in the overhead compartment where it will be much safer.

Can I check a stroller without a child?

Yes, you can, but bear in mind that you will be charged for it because the stroller can not be counted as extra allowable luggage. Usually, when you buy a ticket for an infant, it has an allowance for extra luggage, but only for the child’s personal use. If you check-in with no child, airline companies will fetch revenue since they charge it as an extra cargo. In order to cut down on charges, you can simply put your stroller in a bag to make it portable. The heavier it is, the more the charges will be, but at least the bag will protect the stroller from damage.

See also: Great Cup Holders for UPPAbaby Strollers

Do you need a bag to gate check a stroller?

Having a stroller or any other bag is practical because it will make the size of the stroller much smaller. We recommend you fold the stroller since it will not need a large space, and therefore it will be sent to the baggage for collection after the flight. Usually, international airline companies allow their passengers to carry their strollers as long as they are portable.

Can I take a foldable wagon on a plane?

Yes, you can. They can be checked at the gate but only the small ones. There are many parents out there with more than one child, and they need a larger wagon. If you want to avoid extra charges, we recommend you fold it into small sizes.

See also: Right Time To Put Baby In Stroller Without Car Seat

Wrap Up

We are aware of how useful strollers and foldable wagons can be for traveling parents, especially when a lot of movement is involved with children. This is why we advise you to thoroughly consider your needs before buying any. Making the right choice can be a tough job since there are various strollers on the market. The most preferred ones appear to be the simple portable strollers since they do not require large space. Most of the strollers do not come with a bag, so we recommend you buy one before traveling.

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