It is only normal to be worried about flying with a baby. Children tend to be quite unpredictable and that level of uncertainty can make one nervous. However, you shouldn’t worry about flying with an infant stroller, as we are going to quickly take you through all you need to know to travel worry free.
For advice about flying with toddlers or babies, click here.
Check the airline policy
First things first, when you buy your tickets, check if the airline has a policy on ‘flying with children’ on their website. If they don’t, you can always call them. However, all info tends to be online.
Check the airline policy on baby items. Most airlines will allow you to carry one large baby item free of charge (such as a stroller, portable cot or car seat) even if your child is not paying the full ticket fare.
Hand in your stroller at Check-in or Boarding Gate
Once you arrive to the check in counter, notify the staff that you are travelling with an infant stroller. You will have the option of leaving the stroller at the check in point OR taking it with you to the boarding gate.
Either case, remember to label your stroller with your name and contact details, such as you would do with any other travel item, in case it gets lost. The airline will also label the stroller as a checked-in baggage item.
At Check in
If you decide to leave your stroller at check in, I would recommend you travel with a baby carrier. This will enable you to be hands free to handle customs paperwork and other pieces of luggage.
If you decide to go with this option, consider that if there are any delays in your flight, you will need to carry your child for an undetermined amount of time, as you won’t have the stroller.
You will then access your stroller when you pick up your luggage upon arrival to your destination. Most strollers are considered oversized items, so make sure you ask when you land where the oversized items are picked up.
At Boarding Gate
If you decided to take the stroller all the way to the boarding gate, fold the stroller before boarding the plane and hand it over the airline staff. They will take it to the plane with the rest of the luggage.
Remember to ask the staff where you will pick up the stroller when disembark the plane or with the rest of the luggage.
Protect your stroller
Regardless of the general condition of your stroller, it is recommended to protect it with a special cover or a plastic bag to prevent any damage during transit. Most airlines don’t take responsibility for damage to strollers, as they would do with any other piece of luggage. You may want to paste a few “fragile stickers” over the cover, just to be safe.
A very important tip is that your stroller needs to be light weight. Check out our guide on best lightweight stroller for air travel.
Conclusion
Travelling with a stroller is fairly easy. Remember to check the airline policy on baby items, as it is highly likely you won’t be charged any fees. Hand over the stroller at check in point or at the boarding gate and remember to ask the staff where you should pick it up, either with the rest of the luggage or upon disembarking.
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