Ruth Haines
Travelling with a baby or toddler can be challenging, and one of the most common questions parents ask about airport security is whether they can take a stroller through. The answer is yes, you can bring your stroller through airport security, but there are a few things you should know. Firstly, you will likely need to remove your child from the stroller and carry them through. Secondly, if your stroller doesn't fit through the X-ray machine, a TSA officer will manually inspect it, so it's helpful to know how to collapse your stroller with one hand. Additionally, some airports have a separate line for strollers and families, which can save time and provide more space. It's also recommended to use a stroller bag and to allow extra time at the airport for potential issues and delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you take a stroller through airport security? | Yes, but it may need to be folded and it will be manually inspected. |
| What about baby carriers? | You can keep your baby in a carrier, but they will be manually checked by a TSA officer. |
| Do you need to remove infants from their carrier? | Yes, according to TSA rules, but they can be carried through the metal detector in a sling. |
| Do children need ID? | For domestic flights, children under 18 do not need ID, but they may need ID to prove they are under two if they are a lap infant. For international flights, all children need a passport. |
| What about strollers with attached car seats? | You will need to detach any extras, such as diaper bags, and fold the stroller up as compactly as possible. |
| How much extra time should you allow for checking in a stroller? | It is recommended to allow 1-1.5 hours of extra time at the airport compared to a standard arrival. |
| Are there any tips for getting through security with children? | Yes, dress in easily removable layers, keep items with metal buckles and buttons to a minimum, and wear slip-on shoes if possible. Also, look for a family/special needs lane, which usually has more space for strollers. |
| Are there any programs to help families with security and boarding? | Some airports in Canada have an Express program where you can reserve a spot in the security line, and Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto offer priority boarding for families with young children. |
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What You'll Learn
- You will likely need to remove your baby from the stroller and fold it
- The stroller will be X-rayed or manually inspected
- You may need to disassemble the stroller and put it on the belt
- You can check the stroller at the terminal when checking in luggage
- Allow extra time for security and potential stroller folding/unfolding
You will likely need to remove your baby from the stroller and fold it
When travelling with a baby, it is essential to prepare for the airport security process. While you can bring your baby carrier through airport security, you will likely need to remove your baby from the stroller and fold it. This is because strollers need to go through an X-ray machine, and if they don't fit, a TSA officer will manually inspect them.
It is crucial to know how to collapse your stroller with one hand before reaching the airport. Practise this beforehand so that you are not figuring it out at the security checkpoint. If your stroller doesn't fit through the X-ray machine, a TSA officer will manually inspect it. They will likely help you if you have a small baby and are struggling. However, it is always good to be prepared and know how to collapse your stroller.
When going through security, it is helpful to have a plan. Discuss with your travel partner who will be with the baby, who will handle the stroller, and who will be responsible for the documents and other bags. It is also a good idea to dress your family in easily removable layers and keep items with metal buckles and buttons to a minimum. If possible, wear slip-on shoes, and keep jewellery to a minimum.
Additionally, be prepared for potential issues and build in extra buffer time. There may be questions about the stroller's size, issues with folding or unfolding, or delays in getting assistance with bulky items. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to get through airport security to ensure enough time for stroller folding/unfolding, bag checks, and other screening requirements.
If you are travelling with breast milk, formula, or juice, print off the exemption page to show the officers, as they may not be familiar with what is allowed. You can also ask to use the family/special needs lane, which typically has more space for strollers and wheelchairs and often allows you to cut a big part of the line.
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The stroller will be X-rayed or manually inspected
When going through airport security with a stroller, you will need to remove your child and fold up the stroller before placing it in the X-ray machine. If your stroller is too large to fit through the machine, a TSA officer will manually inspect it. It is important to know how to collapse your stroller in advance, preferably with one hand, as the airport is not the place to figure this out. If you are travelling with a baby, you may carry them through the metal detector in a sling. However, be prepared for the possibility of being asked to remove them from the sling.
If you are gate-checking your stroller, you will need to detach any extras such as diaper bags, blankets, or parent consoles, and remove anything that is not securely fastened. You will also need to fold up the stroller to its most compact state so that it fits through the X-ray machine. If you are checking your stroller at the ticket counter, expect the process to take 10-15 minutes longer than a standard check-in, and budget for extra time in case there are any issues with its folding or car seat attachment.
When going through security with a stroller, give yourself at least 30 minutes to get through, to ensure you have enough time for potential stroller folding/unfolding, bag checks, and other screening requirements. It is also a good idea to check if your airport has a stroller line or a family/special needs lane, which typically has more space for strollers and wheelchairs and can help you avoid waiting in line.
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You may need to disassemble the stroller and put it on the belt
When travelling with a stroller, it is recommended to use a compact travel stroller if your baby is old enough. If possible, it is also a good idea to bring a stroller bag, which can be carried on your back, to avoid having to fold the stroller when getting on and off shuttles.
It is important to know how to collapse your stroller with one hand before arriving at the airport. If your stroller does not fit through the X-ray machine, a TSA officer will manually inspect it. This may involve taking apart the stroller and putting it on the belt. You may be asked to remove the seat and any other detachable items and put them on the belt, while the frame is rolled through a side gate.
To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to give yourself extra time when travelling with a stroller. There may be additional paperwork or scanning required when checking in a stroller, and it is important to account for potential issues such as size restrictions, folding difficulties, or delays in obtaining assistance.
Additionally, when going through security, it is helpful to have clear baggies for your liquids and to dress in easily removable layers. It is also suggested to remove any non-visible piercings and keep jewellery to a minimum.
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You can check the stroller at the terminal when checking in luggage
Checking your stroller in at the terminal when checking in your luggage is an option, but it is not recommended. Checking strollers in this way increases the chances of the stroller being lost or damaged. It is also more difficult to transport your child through the airport if you check your stroller with your luggage.
If you do decide to check your stroller with your luggage, there are a few steps you should take. First, make sure the stroller is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Remove any items from the storage basket and secure loose items, such as cup holders or hooks, by storing them in your carry-on luggage or diaper bag. Clearly label the stroller with your name, phone number, flight details, and final destination. You may also want to place checked luggage tags on the handles. If you have valuables in your diaper bag or backpack, you can lock the zippers or use luggage straps to secure the bags to the stroller. However, most airlines will not take responsibility for items attached to checked strollers. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep essential items with you, such as diapers, wipes, changing pads, medications, devices, wallets, IDs, and boarding passes.
Checking your stroller at the gate is generally a better option than checking it with your luggage. Gate-checking a stroller allows you to use the stroller all the way to the departure gate, making it easier to transport your child through the airport. It also reduces the risk of loss or damage since gate-checked items are handled separately and loaded last. Additionally, you can pick up your stroller immediately after deplaning at your destination, rather than having to wait at the baggage claim carousel.
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Allow extra time for security and potential stroller folding/unfolding
When travelling with a stroller, it is important to allow extra time for security and potential stroller folding/unfolding. This is because security lines often take longer when you have children and a stroller with you. It is recommended to give yourself at least 30 minutes to get through airport security to ensure you have enough time for any stroller-related tasks, bag checks, and other screening requirements.
Additionally, you should be prepared to collapse your stroller if needed. Some people have reported that they were asked to collapse their strollers during security checks, while others were not required to do so. It may depend on the size of the stroller and whether it fits through the X-ray machine. If your stroller doesn't fit, a TSA officer will manually inspect it. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to collapse your stroller, preferably with one hand, before arriving at the airport.
To save time and avoid any delays, consider using a stroller bag to carry your stroller on your back. This can be especially useful when moving between different terminals or taking shuttle buses. If you plan to check your stroller with your luggage, make sure to allow extra time for this process as well. The ticket agent will need to check it in, apply baggage tags, and may have you sign a limited liability statement, which can take 10-15 minutes longer than a standard check-in.
Furthermore, when travelling with young children, consider taking advantage of priority boarding offered by some airlines. This will give you extra time to get settled on the plane before general boarding begins. By allowing extra time for security and being prepared for any stroller-related tasks, you can help ensure a smoother and less stressful travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take your baby through airport security in a stroller, but you will have to take the baby out of the stroller and walk them through the metal detector. You may or may not have to fold the stroller up, depending on the airport.
Most major airlines allow you to check a stroller for free when travelling with an infant or child, but it is recommended that you check beforehand. You can check your stroller at the terminal when you check in with your luggage.
If your stroller doesn't fit through the security scanner, a TSA officer will manually inspect it. It is crucial that you know how to collapse your stroller before arriving at the airport.
It is recommended that you give yourself at least 30 minutes to get through airport security when travelling with a stroller. You should also be prepared to remove any detachable items from your stroller and place them on the belt. If you are travelling with breast milk, formula, or juice, it is recommended that you print off the exemption page to show TSA officers in case they are unfamiliar with what is allowed.
Some airports have family/special needs lanes that you can use if you are travelling with a stroller. These lanes typically have more space for strollers and wheelchairs, and you can often cut a big part of the line.
