Travelling abroad with your family is a very exciting time, although there is always lots to think about and organise prior to your trip.

One of the big questions that many parents ask when it comes to flying with a baby or toddler is if they can travel with their stroller. This includes whether or not they can bring it onto the plane with them or perhaps have to check it in as baggage, just like a suitcase.

While rules can differ from airline to airline, there tends to be a standard set of rules across them all in regards to size limits, but always check with the airline that you are flying with just to double-check their flying regulations and to give you peace of mind as well.

In this blog, we will be providing you with all the information that you need to know when it comes to flying with your infant and your stroller.

What Is a Stroller - An Introduction

A stroller is a type of travel system for babies from 6 months old up until toddlerhood, around the ages of 3 or 4. Often confused with a pushchair or buggy, the difference with a stroller is that they are extremely lightweight and fold away to an extremely compact size, which makes them a genius device to own for everyday life with a little one and for travelling purposes too.

Can You Take a Stroller on a Plane?

The short answer is yes! You can indeed take your stroller on a plane, provided that it folds to the right dimensions so it can be neatly and conveniently stored and fit in the overhead compartment on your flight.

Most airlines even allow you to bring a foldable travel stroller on board your plane with you at no extra cost, so you can still bring your normal hand luggage without having to fork out the extra. Do be sure to check the age that applies for this benefit, as some airlines only allow you to bring your stroller free of charge on board with you if you have a baby under two.

It is also important to remember that some of the busier flights can result in lots of hand luggage on board. This can mean you could be asked to have your stroller stored underneath the aircraft with the larger suitcases. If this is the case, do not worry, as a member of staff from the airline will be there to hand deliver your stroller back to you upon arrival at your destination.

Bringing your stroller on board with you is all about making sure you have the right model. When shopping around for a stroller, whether you are looking for one specifically for an upcoming holiday or you know you will travel with a baby at some point in the future, make sure you are examining the specifications of the strollers you are browsing.

When making your purchase, opt for a compact size when folded with measurements that comply with most airline carry-on baggage measurements and weight allowances. This will mean that you will never have to worry when it comes to flying.

Stroller Size Requirements for Cabin Baggage

As a general guideline that applies to most airlines, your travel stroller has to be fully collapsible to take onboard with you.

For individual size dimensions, it is worth checking your airline’s website for more in-depth information.

Features to Look Out for When Buying a Stroller for Air Travel

Check out the features listed below, which will help you when shopping for your perfect airline travel stroller.

Folding Style

When flying, the folding style of your stroller is pretty essential. It could mean the difference between a stress-free flight or not.

Opting for a stroller that specifically states it is fit for cabin luggage is a good bet for ensuring your stroller complies with your airline's rules regarding maximum dimension allowance.

Luckily, travel strollers are lightweight and compact when folded, and many of them are suitable for aeroplane travel. Of course, check the product description before you buy to be sure of this.

Travel buggies and collapsible pushchairs, on the other hand, do fold, but they are not as small and compact as strollers are, so be prepared to check your buggy in as luggage instead of having it as a cabin bag.

Comfort

The comfort of your infant when travelling is really important. You could be stuck in their stroller for long periods while you wait around in airports, wait in line at border control, or even if their flight becomes delayed.

Travel strollers fold up small, so take note of the padding available on them and see if there is s to give the seating area comfort for your baby or toddler.

Pushing

Things you need to check and look for in a travel stroller are the wheel size, suspension, and how easy it is to push.

Smaller wheels with less suspension can really struggle on harsher terrain, which you could well encounter when you are travelling abroad.

A smoother ride can, of course, help to keep your baby happy, content, and comfortable, and a happy baby equals happy parents.

Durability

Travelling aboard means your stroller needs to withstand the rough and tumble that comes with air travel and going to many places on holiday.

Your travel stroller needs to be lightweight yet durable to function as you need it to.

Check the Age Appropriateness

Make sure your stroller is for the right age group to match your baby or toddler. A lot of models are suitable from 6 months up to toddler age. If you have a newborn, then you will need a special model that is suitable for newborns and enables them to be laid flat in their device.

Storage

The storage basket available in your stroller will be very useful when travelling to store things on the go. However, bear in mind that you will need to fold away your stroller when travelling by aeroplane, so you cannot store too much in it when travelling through the airport as you will need to remove the stuff to fold your stroller down.

How to Protect Your Stroller When Flying

To protect your stroller from dirty marks and the occasional knock or rough handling, it is important to invest in a travel cover bag for your stroller. A stroller bag offers that extra protection wherever your stroller will be stored as you fly.

If you need to carry your stroller instead of wheeling it along in a bag, then carry bags are available too. These are a great alternative and give you more free hands while you travel and navigate your way around the airport.

A top tip if you wish to pad out your stroller even more is to store nappies, wipes, and other soft baby items inside your stroller cover bag or carry bag. This gives you more padding and protection and a new storage location for your essentials.

Overall, a stroller bag has the benefit of keeping your stroller clean, stored away nicely, and keeping all parts together as it is handled by you and/or others.

Travel With The Lejoux Foldable Travel Stroller

Looking for your next foldable and airline-compliant travel stroller? Then your search may have just come to an end. If you have not yet discovered The Lejoux Stroller and the fabulous array of features and colours that they come in, then be sure to check out the products from Lejoux today.

Lejoux creates strollers that are durable, compact, lightweight yet strong, and extremely affordable. Quality does not have to come with a large price tag at Lejoux, and this is why we are proud to serve our customers with our stroller products.