So you booked plane tickets for your family’s trip? It will be the first time ever your little one gets to be on the plane, and of course, the first family trip together.
The hardest work (book the flights and pay for them) is done, now you need to prepare for the trip.
Passports, IDs, clothing, wet wipes, diapers, burp cloths, etc. You name it.
Wait a second. How are you going to carry your baby during transit and possibly wait for a couple of hours for the flight? You plan to take the stroller with you, but do you have to check it in? Or can you carry it as carry-on luggage?
You’ve come to the right place.
While there are many guidelines on plane-travel strollers, it can be surprisingly difficult to find articles with the most up-to-date information on Google.
The good news is we’ve done the legwork for you. Below, you’ll find the freshest information from airline guidelines to the best stroller for plane travel.
Let’s dive in.
Flying with a stroller
Do you need to check it in or have it carry on?
Depending on your stroller’s size and weight when completely folding and the maximum carry-on size, which varies from airline to airline, you might have to check in your stroller.
The general rule of thumb is that if your stroller can be folded completely, it is possible that you can have it as a carry-on. However, there is no guarantee so you must check whether your stroller is likely to fit the plane cabin.
Below are the cabin sizes for more than 50 major airlines. Make sure you double check the sizes again in their websites as they might change the rules at any given time.
Cabin sizes for 50+ major airlines
Airline | cabin size | maximum weight |
|---|---|---|
American Airlines | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Undisclosed |
Alaska Airlines | 55.8 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm | Undisclosed |
Delta Air Lines | 56 x 35 x 23 cm | Weight restrictions on specific routes only |
United Airlines | 55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm | Undisclosed |
Emirates | 55 x 38 x 20 cm | 7 kg |
AeroMexico | 55 X 40 X 25 Cm | 10 Kg |
Hawaiian Airlines | 55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm | 11.3 kg |
Qantas Airways |
Carry-on: |
7 kg |
Southwest Airlines |
61 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm |
Undisclosed |
Virgin Atlantic |
23 x 36 x 56 cm |
10 kg |
Air Canada |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
Undisclosed |
Air China |
55 x 40 x 20 cm |
5 kg |
Air Europa Líneas Aéreas |
55 x 35 x 25 cm |
10 kg |
Air France-KLM |
55 x 35 x 25 cm |
12 kg |
Air India |
Boeing & Airbus aircraft: |
Boeing & Airbus aircraft: |
Aer Lingus |
55 x 40 x 24 cm |
10 kg |
Aeroflot |
55 x 40 x 25 cm |
10 kg |
Air New Zealand |
118 cm |
7 kg |
Allegiant Air |
55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm |
Undisclosed |
All Nippon Airways (ANA) |
55 x 40 x 25 cm |
10 kg |
Asiana Airlines |
55 x 40 x 20 cm |
10 kg |
Austrian Airlines |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Avianca & TACA |
55 x 35 x 25 cm |
10 kg |
British Airways |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
23 kg |
Brussels Airlines |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
12 kg |
Cathay Pacific Airways |
56 x 36 x 23 cm |
7 kg 15 lbs |
China Eastern Airlines |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
10 kg |
China Southern Airlines |
115 cm |
5 kg |
EasyJet Airline |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
Undisclosed |
El Al Israel Airlines |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
8 kg |
Etihad Airways |
40 x 50 x 25 cm |
7kg |
Eurowings |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
EVA Air |
23 x 36 x 56 cm |
7 kg |
Ethiopian Airlines |
23 x 40 x 55 cm |
7 kg |
Finnair |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
8 kg |
Frontier Airlines |
61 x 40.6 x 25 cm |
15.9 kg |
Garuda Indonesia |
41 cm x 34 cm x 17 cm |
7 kg |
Hainan Airlines |
55 x 40 x 20 cm |
5 kg |
Iberia |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
Undisclosed |
Icelandair |
55 x 40 x 20 cm |
10 kg |
Japan Airlines |
55 x 40 x 25 cm |
10 kg |
JetBlue Airways |
55.9 x 35.5 x 22.8 cm |
Undisclosed |
Korean Air Lines |
55 x 40 x 20 cm |
12 kg |
Kuwait Airways |
56 x 46 x 25 cm |
7 kg |
Lufthansa |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Norwegian Air Shuttle |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
10 kg |
Philippine Airlines |
115 cm |
7 kg |
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Singapore Airlines |
115cm |
7 kg |
Spirit Airlines |
56 x 46 x 25 cm |
Undisclosed |
Swiss International Air Lines |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Thai Airways |
56 x 45 x 25 cm |
6.8 kg |
Turkish Airlines |
55 x 40 x 23 cm |
8 kg |
Source: Upgraded points
What are the rules for bringing a stroller on a plane?
Airlines | Rules |
|---|---|
“Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller. Only small, collapsible and light strollers (up to 20lbs/9kgs) can be checked at the gate. Any stroller that weighs over 20lbs/9 kgs, is too large or is non−collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter." | |
“Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.” | |
“Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance. Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, (and) an optional Southwest-branded reusable car seat/stroller bag is available for purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for a $15 one time fee.” | |
“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. 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.” | |
|
“Small strollers: 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. Large strollers: Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in and 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.” | |
|
“If possible, strollers should be folded down. If it doesn’t fit through the x-ray machine, the TSA officers will find other ways to screen it. JetBlue will courtesy gate check strollers, but please be aware that strollers are not covered for damage if checked. JetBlue assumes no liability for loss, damage or delay.” | |
|
“We will transport your child’s stroller free of charge as checked baggage. You can check these items with your other baggage, or wait until you reach the gate area.” | |
|
“Strollers are permitted at no charge under the checked bag allowance.” | |
|
“One stroller, bassinet or baby carrier up to 44 pounds (20 kg) or 45 inches (1.14 m) is permitted at no extra charge.” | |
|
“We will happily check one stroller for no extra cost at the ticket counter. 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.” | |
|
“A stroller may be checked free of charge when traveling with a child.” | |
|
“Take your baby in a stroller to the aircraft entrance, and you will receive it at your destination.” | |
|
“Your stroller must be checked-in if it is: non-collapsible, or weighs over 50 lbs. Strollers are free to check, they may be checked at the gate using a claim-at-gate tag, if preferred.” | |
|
“You may check a stroller as checked baggage at the time of check-in at the ticket counter or gate check it during boarding. There is no charge for checking or gate checking one stroller per fare-paying passenger. Gate checked strollers will be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft during the flight and delivered to the gate or passenger loading bridge upon arrival at your destination.” | |
|
“Virgin America will accept assistive devices and certain other devices at no additional charge, including strollers. Virgin America will not assume liability or responsibility for fragile or unsuitably packaged items, including strollers.” |
Source: TSA
Can you use your too-big-for-carry-on stroller until you board?
Yes, you can. Have it gate-checked.
Almost all airlines have gate-checking service for customers who arrive late at the airport and don’t have time to check in their luggage, or for customers who exceed the maximum weight for carry-on luggage.
Make sure you tell the clerk when you are checking in that you’d like to keep your stroller until you board and have it gate-checked, because some airlines and airports may have specific restriction rules to access strollers inside the boarding area.
Can I ask for support from the airlines?
Traveling with a baby can be daunting. And some airlines (fortunately) understand this.
Some airlines offer courtesy airport strollers, where you can borrow the strollers for arrival and transit.
Below are some airlines that provide courtesy airport strollers.
Airlines provide courtesy strollers | At which airports |
|---|---|
All Nippon Airways | Narita Kansa Chubu Centrair Intl Kamatsu |
Emirates | Dubai Airport (Terminal 3) |
Etihad | Abu Dubai (Terminal 3) |
Gulf Air | Bahrain |
Japan Airlines |
Narita Kansa Chubu Centrair Intl Kamatsu |
Qantas |
Canberra Cairns Sydney |
Qatar |
Doha |
Source: Flying with a baby
How to know if your stroller is ok to carry on?
Have your stroller completely folded and check the dimensions to make sure it fits your airlines’ guidelines. Some items like cup holders, wheels, etc. might need to be removed so that you can make them even more compact.
What to look for in the best stroller for plane travel
Size of the stroller
Depending on the destinations, airports and airlines, you might be allowed to use your own stroller inside the boarding area and take it as your carry-on luggage.
If your goal is to bring your own stroller as a carry-on, make sure the size of your stroller is small enough when folding to fit the over-the-head cabin on the plane.
Weight of the stroller
To fit the stroller into the plane cabin, your stroller cannot exceed the carry-on luggage weight limit.
The general rule for carry on luggage is 15 lbs or 7 kgs.
Also remember that you are not bringing the stroller alone but other essentials for your baby as well (diapers, wet wipes, bottles, etc), so the lighter, the better.
Ease folding the stroller
Having an easy folding mechanism is always a priority with strollers but particularly so with a travel stroller for the plane.
You will probably feel the pressure to collapse the stroller quickly after boarding the plane and you will be doing it in a confined space. You will also need to do this when going through airport security, and possibly when getting in taxis at the airport.
A one-handed folding mechanism is ideal for ease of use when traveling with kids.
Read more: Best breast pump for travel
Travel while breastfeeding without baby
Best stroller for domestic and international plane travel
Product Name | Good for carry on | Weight | Folding | Best feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 9.5 lbs | 2-step | Most compact | |
No. Gate-checked | 11 lbs | 2-step folding | Cheap | |
No. Gate-checked | 18 lbs | Self-folding | Self-folding | |
Yes for most airlines | 13.6 lbs | One-handed folding | Good for big families | |
|
Yes for most airlines |
14 lbs |
One-handed folding |
Easy to steer | |
|
Yes for most airlines |
21.6 lbs |
Two hands fold |
Durable |
Gb Pocket+ All Terrain
Size
The GB Pocket stroller is extremely compact. In fact, of all the strollers I’ve researched, this is the smallest stroller when folded: only 13.4 x 7.9 x 16.5 inches. With this ultra-compact, it is good for carry-on. Some parents shared that with some planes, they could even fit the GB Pocket stroller under the seat!
Weight
This umbrella stroller is only 9.5lbs, makes one-handed pushing and steering effortless.
Ease of folding
The Gb Pocket features a 2-step folding mechanism and it can be carried via the attached handle.
What’s more, this stroller is good for babies from 6 months up to 55 lbs. You can even convert it into a travel system, to attach an infant car seat to it using adapters so that you can bring your even younger babies to the trip.
If you care most about the compact feature, this is the best stroller for plane travel for you.
What we like
What we don't like
Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller
Size
Once folded, the Summer 3D’s dimensions are 44 x 9.5 x 15 inches. While this size is very small and could fit in almost any car’s trunk, it would not fit in the carry-on cabin on airplanes.
Weight
This Summer stroller is also a very lightweight stroller, that is only 11 lbs. Compared with the gb Pocket, it is slightly heavier, but still on the light side.
Ease of folding
The Summer 3Dmini features a simple 2-step folding mechanism: push the lever and then push the handle forward to fold it.
What’s more, this stroller has a full-sized seat, multi-position recline and a padded seat back. Another mind-blowing feature is that it is very cheap, with the price of around 25% to 30% of other average stroller’s price.
If you are more price-sensitive, this is your go-to when it comes to find the best stroller for plane travel.
What we like
What we don't like
Evenflo Gold Otto Self-Folding Lightweight Travel Stroller
Size
Once folded, this Evenflo’s dimensions are 21.125 x 24 x 13.625 inches. While this size is very small and could fit in almost any car’s trunk, it would not fit in the carry-on cabin on airplanes.
Weight
This Evenflo stroller is also a very lightweight stroller, that is only 18 lbs. Compared with the gb Pocket and the Summer 3Dmini, it is slightly heavier, but still on the light side.
Ease of folding
It features a self-folding mechanism: you only need 1 hand to activate the automatic folding operation.
If you don't care much about the compact feature or the price, but you really need something that is light and easy to fold, this is your ideal stroller for plane travel.
What we like
What we don't like
The Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller
This Babyzen stroller is one of the most famous and popular travel strollers on the market. And here’s why:
Size
Once folded, this Babyzen’s dimensions are 20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1” inches. For many airplanes, this stroller can fit in the overhead compartments. However, as some other airplanes have smaller compartment sizes, make sure you always double check.
Weight
This stroller is also a very lightweight stroller, that is only 13.6 lbs. Compared with the gb Pocket and the Summer 3Dmini, it is slightly heavier, but still on the light side.
Ease of folding
This YOYO2 stroller is a one handed folding stroller. It folds and unfolds with one hand into a compact single element. You can also carry your YOYO on the shoulder with its padded strap.
What’s more, you can use the car seat adapters to convert it into a travel system and use the Yoyo Board attachment to choose to sit or stand.
This is ideal for a bigger family with more than 1 kids and always on the go.
If you are not under a budget, and you are always on the go with big family, this is the best stroller for plane travel for you.
What we like
What we don't like
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
Size
Once folded, the Baby Jogger City’s dimensions are 23.42 x 19.5 x 7.5 inches. For many airplanes, this stroller can fit in the overhead compartments. However, as some other airplanes have smaller compartment sizes, make sure you always double check.
Weight
This stroller is also a very lightweight stroller, that is only 14 lbs. However the maximum capacity is only 20lbs so you can only use it when your baby is very young.
Ease of folding
This Baby Jogger City stroller features a one handed folding mechanism that is good for parents on the go with a fast and compact fold.
For families that are always on the go, either with cars or planes, this is the best stroller for you.
What we like
What we don't like
Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
Size
Once folded, this stroller’s dimensions are 20.5 x 17.3” x 9.1 inches. For many airplanes, this stroller can fit in the overhead compartments. However, as some other airplanes have smaller compartment sizes, make sure you always double check.
Weight
This stroller is a little heavier than the others on the list. It is 21.6 lbs.
Ease of folding
The folding mechanism seems easy, however some parents have problems with it. It is harder to fold one-handedly.
This stroller can also be converted into a travel system, and adaptable with many popular car seat models.
Another quite pricey choice but compact and durable, this is your best stroller for plane travel if you care about the comfort and durability.
What we like
What we don't like
Best stroller for plane travel: final thought
Things are easier now, aren’t it?
Now you are armed with the complete guide on how to fly with a stroller, whether you need to check it in or have it as carry-on, the most popular airlines’ cabin sizes and the best stroller for plane travel. Just need to double check it before you go.
Remember to bookmark this page and come back to check for reference whenever you travel with your baby.