Owais Crawford
When travelling with a baby, there are a lot of rules to follow. One of the most important things to consider is whether or not you need to bring a playpen and, if so, whether you will be able to check it at the airport for free. While some airlines allow you to check a playpen for free, others consider playpens as regular bags and incur regular fees. It is important to check with your airline before travelling to understand their specific policies and fees. Additionally, it is worth considering the convenience of bringing a playpen, as well as the possibility of renting or borrowing one at your destination.
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What You'll Learn
Playpens may be considered a regular bag and incur fees
When travelling with infants, airlines such as American Airlines allow you to check one bag for free with an airport agent. This bag cannot exceed 25 lbs (11 kgs) and 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Each ticketed customer is also allowed one stroller and one car seat to be checked for free when travelling with a child. However, playpens, wagons without built-in safety straps, cribs and 'pack and plays' are considered regular bags and incur regular fees.
The fees for checking playpens vary across airlines. Some airlines like Southwest do not charge baggage fees, while others like United charge around $50. Similarly, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue do not charge for checking playpens. On the other hand, American Airlines treats pack and plays as regular bags, and you may incur additional fees if you surpass your checked luggage allowance.
To avoid these fees, consider using a playpen provided by the airline or your accommodation. Many hotels offer cribs or playpens for guests, providing a safe place for your child to sleep or play without the hassle of transporting your own. Additionally, you can rent baby gear during your vacation or purchase an inexpensive playpen at your destination.
If you choose to bring your own playpen, look for lightweight and easy-to-fold options. The Graco Pack 'N Play Portable Playard, for example, weighs less than 20 pounds and comes with a carry bag. The Dream On Me Travel Light Playard is another inexpensive option, weighing only 10.5 pounds and folding up flat to fit in a travel bag. These lightweight and compact playpens make travelling easier, especially when navigating through busy airports.
When checking your playpen, consider consolidating it with other items in a large suitcase to protect it from damage and reduce checking costs. However, keep in mind the size and weight requirements of your airline, as additional fees may apply for oversized or overweight baggage.
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Airlines differ on whether playpens can be checked for free
When travelling with infants, airlines have different policies regarding checking playpens for free. Some airlines, such as Southwest, do not charge for checking playpens, while others, like United, may charge around $50. American Airlines considers playpens as regular bags, and you will have to pay additional fees if you exceed your checked luggage allowance. However, if your playpen is small enough when folded, it may be allowed as a carry-on item.
To avoid surprises, it is recommended to check the policies of your specific airline by searching for " [airline name] travelling with children" or contacting their customer service. Knowing the weight and size requirements beforehand can help you decide whether to bring your own playpen or use alternatives, such as renting baby gear or using cribs provided by accommodations.
Additionally, consider the convenience of carrying a playpen during your travel. While some playpens are lightweight and easy to fold, others can be bulky and challenging to transport, especially when combined with other luggage. If you decide to bring your playpen, make sure it is well-protected to avoid damage during transit.
Overall, the decision to bring a playpen depends on your travel plans, the policies of your chosen airline, and the availability of alternatives at your destination.
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Playpens can be bulky and may be damaged in transit
To avoid the hassle of carrying a playpen, you can rent baby gear or use cribs or playpens provided by your accommodation. Many hotels offer these amenities to guests, ensuring a safe place for your child to sleep or play without the inconvenience of transporting your own gear.
When checking a playpen, it is recommended to place it inside a suitcase along with other items to protect it from potential damage. However, if your combined items exceed normal size or weight requirements, you may incur additional fees. It is crucial to check the size and weight restrictions imposed by your airline before packing.
Some airlines may provide a heavy-duty plastic bag to protect your playpen during transit. However, there is still a risk of damage or loss, and it may be worthwhile to pack an extra playpen as a precaution. Alternatively, you can choose a lightweight and easy-to-fold playpen specifically designed for travel, such as the Graco Pack 'N Play Portable Playard, which weighs less than 20 pounds and comes with a carry bag.
Ultimately, the decision to bring a playpen depends on your travel plans and preferences. While some parents find playpens indispensable, others may opt for more compact alternatives or take advantage of accommodations that provide cribs or playpens.
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Consider buying a lightweight, foldable playpen for travel
Checking a playpen at the airport can be a hassle, and it may even cost you a checked baggage fee. If you're looking for a stress-free travel experience, consider buying a lightweight, foldable playpen.
Firstly, a lightweight, foldable playpen is easy to transport both on and off the plane. You won't have to worry about lugging a bulky item through the airport, and you can simply carry it in a backpack or travel bag. Some playpens, such as the Graco Pack ‘N Play Portable Playard, even come with their own carry bag and wheels for easy transportation.
Secondly, a lightweight playpen is convenient when you're on the move. For example, the HARPPA Rossi playpen is designed to be lightweight and foldable, making it perfect for travel. It weighs only 11.5 lbs and folds down to the size of a carry-on, so you won't have any trouble carrying it through the airport. It also comes with a padded backpack-style bag, making it comfortable to transport.
Additionally, lightweight playpens are often quick to set up and take down, which is ideal when you're travelling. The HARPPA Rossi playpen, for instance, can be set up in just 15 seconds, and it requires no tools. Similarly, the Fortella Cloud Castle Foldable Playpen has a one-piece pop-up design, making it simple to assemble and disassemble in seconds.
When choosing a lightweight, foldable playpen, consider your baby's needs. Some playpens, like the HARPPA Rossi, are designed with a two-level setup, allowing you to easily switch between sleep and play modes. Others, like the Fortella Cloud Castle, come with built-in toys and activities to keep your little one engaged.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a convenient and stress-free travel experience, investing in a lightweight, foldable playpen is a great option. It will make your travels easier, and it might even save you from those pesky checked baggage fees!
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Hotels and resorts may offer free playpens
When travelling with young children, it can be a challenge to manage all the equipment needed to keep them safe and happy. Playpens, in particular, can be bulky and take up a lot of space, whether you're travelling by plane, train or car. Checking a playpen as luggage can also be costly, with fees ranging from $35 to $50 on most airlines.
If you're staying in a hotel or resort, it may be worth checking if they offer free playpens for guests' use. Many hotels and resorts cater specifically to families with young children, offering deals where kids can stay for free, and providing perks such as free access to kids' clubs, babysitting services, and non-motorised water sports equipment.
Some resorts even have their own water parks and are located near some of the world's most beautiful beaches, making for a fun-filled family vacation. These family-friendly destinations often provide playpens or play yards for guests with young children, so it's worth checking their websites or contacting them directly to enquire about this option.
If you do decide to bring your own playpen, it's important to consider its weight and portability. Opting for a lightweight, easy-to-fold playpen will make it easier to transport, especially if you plan to carry it onto the plane. The Graco Pack ‘N Play Portable Playard, for example, is highly rated for its ease of folding and transportation, and it comes with a carry bag.
In conclusion, while you may be able to check a playpen at the airport, it will likely incur additional costs and may be subject to rough handling in transit. As such, it is advisable to check with your hotel or resort to see if they offer free playpens, or consider investing in a lightweight, portable option that can be easily transported and stored during your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Whether or not you can check a playpen for free depends on the airline. Some airlines, like Southwest, do not charge for baggage, while others, like United, will charge you.
The Graco Pack ‘N Play Portable Playard is highly rated for its ease of folding and transportation. It weighs less than 20 pounds and comes with a carry bag. The Dream On Me Travel Light Playard is another inexpensive option, weighing only 10.5 pounds and fitting into a travel bag.
Many accommodations offer cribs or playpens to guests. You can also rent baby gear during your vacation or child-proof your hotel room. If your child is small enough, you might find a bassinet designed for travel that is easier to transport than a playpen.
If you want to gate-check your playpen, ask the gate counter personnel for a tag, fill in your information, and carry the playpen to the platform outside the entrance to the plane. It will be placed in the luggage compartment before departure and will be the first item unloaded when you arrive.
If your playpen is foldable and compact, it may be able to count as a carry-on item. Check your airline's “travel with children" page to find out their specific policies. You can also get a large suitcase and include the playpen with other items to protect it from damage and reduce the cost of checking it by itself.
