Stroller Bags: Airport Availability And Options

When traveling with a baby or toddler, you may be wondering what to do with your stroller once you get to the airport. The good news is that you have options!

Check Your Stroller With the Rest of Your Luggage

If you don't need the stroller to get around the airport, you can check it with the rest of your luggage when you check-in. Most major airlines allow you to check a stroller for free when flying with an infant or child, but it's always a good idea to check beforehand.

Keep Your Stroller With You Until You Board

If you want to have the stroller with you while navigating the airport, you can keep it with you until you board the plane. You will need to check it at the gate, but this option can be more convenient if you need a place to put your bags or car seat, or if you want to keep your baby in the stroller.

Bring Your Stroller Onto the Plane

Some people prefer to bring their stroller onto the plane as carry-on luggage. This option is usually only available for small, collapsible strollers that fit within the airline's carry-on size restrictions. It's important to check with your airline beforehand to see if this is allowed.

Regardless of which option you choose, it is recommended to use a stroller bag to protect your stroller from dirt and damage. You can also consider getting a padded stroller bag for added protection.

It's also important to remember to remove all items from the stroller before checking it, including accessories like cup holders and trays.

Different airlines may have different policies and restrictions regarding strollers, so it's always a good idea to check with your specific airline before your trip.

Gate check or counter check?

When checking your stroller, you have two options: checking it at the counter before security or checking it when you get to your gate. Neither option will completely eliminate the possibility of your stroller getting damaged, but it's also not as common as you might think.

Gate check your stroller

Here's how gate checking works:

• Check any bags you want before security, except the stroller.
• Take the stroller with you through security and all the way to the gate.
• At the gate, the agent will give you a tag to place on your stroller or put it on for you. Just tell them you want to gate-check your stroller.
• When you board, drop your stroller off at the end of the jet bridge, before getting on the plane. The baggage handler will take your stroller directly to the plane.
• When you get off the plane, the stroller will be delivered to you on the jet bridge – you don’t have to go to baggage claim to get it.

Keep in mind that the gate check policy is different for every airline. American, Delta, and United all allow gate checking strollers (as long as they are collapsible). But American’s policy states that if you have a stroller and car seat, only one can be checked at the gate.

Counter check your stroller

If you choose to counter-check your stroller, it will touch a few additional hands along the way. You may also have to wait longer to retrieve it after your flight, as it won't be delivered to you on the jet bridge.

Why you should get a stroller bag

A stroller bag is a good investment if you plan on travelling with your little one. It is natural to be concerned about your stroller getting damaged during air travel. While it is not a common occurrence, there are steps you can take to protect your stroller. A stroller bag is one of them.

• Keep your stroller clean and dry: Your stroller will be handled by multiple people and will be exposed to the elements. A stroller bag will ensure that your stroller stays clean and dry during transit.
• Keep all the pieces together: If your stroller folds down into multiple pieces, a stroller bag will help keep all the pieces together so that you don't lose any parts.
• Protect from minor scratches and bumps: While a stroller bag will not protect your stroller from major damage, it will protect it from minor scratches and bumps.
• Store extra items: Some stroller bags have extra space, allowing you to store lightweight items such as diapers, swim floats, and other equipment.
• Warranty: Some stroller bags come with a warranty, giving you extra peace of mind.

Stroller bags are affordable and can save you the hassle of dealing with a damaged stroller during your travels. They are easy to carry and can make your travel experience much smoother. So, if you're planning on travelling with your little one, investing in a stroller bag is a good idea.

Removing accessories and stored items

Additionally, when going through airport security, you will be required to remove all items from the stroller before it is screened. Planning ahead and keeping only the essentials in the stroller will make this process smoother. It is also important to remember to remove any cups or bottles containing formula, breast milk, or juice, as these liquids will need to undergo additional screening. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your travel experience with your stroller is as stress-free as possible.

Taking a stroller through airport security

Before arriving at the airport:

• Get to the airport early: Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the check-in and security process, especially if you are travelling with a baby or toddler.
• Understand what baby items are allowed: The TSA makes an exception for baby-related liquids such as formula, breast milk, and juice, allowing these items in any reasonable quantity. Baby food, gel, and ice packs to keep baby products cool are also permitted. It is recommended to declare these items to a TSA officer before your bag goes through security.
• Apply for TSA PreCheck: TSA PreCheck allows travellers to skip the regular security line and move through faster. Children under 12 can accompany an adult with PreCheck without needing their own Trusted Traveler Number.
• Pack your carry-on bag carefully: If you don't have PreCheck, pack your liquids and electronics at the top of your bag for easy access.

At the airport:

• Check your stroller at the counter or gate: You have the option to check your stroller at the counter before security or at the gate before boarding. Checking at the gate reduces the chances of your stroller getting damaged and is more convenient as you can use it to navigate the airport. However, counter-checking may be preferred if you want to reduce the number of items you have to carry.
• Use a stroller bag: A stroller bag will keep your stroller clean and dry during travel. It also helps keep all the pieces together if your stroller folds down into separate parts.
• Remove all items from the stroller: Ensure you take out all stored items, cups, and accessories such as cup holders and trays to avoid losing them.
• Keep your child out of the stroller: You will need to take your child out of the stroller when going through security. If your child is small enough, consider using a baby carrier instead.
• Be prepared for security screening: Depending on the size of your stroller, you may need to fold it to fit through the X-ray machine. If it's too big, a TSA agent will manually inspect it. Remove all liquids and declare any baby-related liquids to the TSA officer for separate inspection.

After security:

• Reassemble your stroller: If you had to fold or disassemble your stroller, take some time to put it back together after you've collected your belongings from the conveyor belt.
• Use your stroller in the airport: Your stroller can be a helpful way to navigate the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage or need a place for your child to rest.

Remember to stay calm and allow yourself plenty of time when navigating airport security with a stroller. With a little preparation and flexibility, you can make the process smoother for yourself and your family.

Can strollers go through x-ray?

Yes, strollers can go through x-ray machines at airport security, but this depends on the size of the stroller. If the stroller is small enough to fit through the x-ray machine, it will be put through with everything else. If the stroller is too big, it will be manually inspected by a TSA agent.

• Make sure your child doesn't fall asleep in the stroller before going through security. You will have to get them out when you go through security, so try to keep them awake.
• Use a baby carrier if your child is small enough. You can't roll your child through security in a stroller, but you can carry them in a baby carrier.
• Take all items out of the stroller. You will be directed to remove everything from the stroller before it goes through security. Only keep the essentials in there.
• Don't forget to remove cups and bottles. Formula, breast milk, and juice are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 oz, but they will need to undergo additional screening. If you forget to take them out of the stroller, they will have to screen your stroller a second time.
• If your stroller is too big to fit through the x-ray machine, you will need to leave it unfolded. A TSA agent will take it and do a manual inspection. They will return it to you on the other side of security.

Frequently asked questions