Checking stroller at the gate

[GAPaige]

This will be our first time flying with a stroller-age child. If I check the stroller at the gate, does it count toward my checked baggage? I'm allowed two pieces by the airline, which were a suitcase and a hanging garment bag. Do I need get that down to one bag to make an allowance for the stroller?

[myraid]

No, it doesn't count as checked baggage. It will get a special "gate check" tag and they just take it at the gate and put it in a compartment under the plane. It will be waiting for you once you get onto the gate at the end of your flight.

[Paleochick]

This will be our first time flying with a stroller-age child. If I check the stroller at the gate, does it count toward my checked baggage? I'm allowed two pieces by the airline, which were a suitcase and a hanging garment bag. Do I need get that down to one bag to make an allowance for the stroller?

 

Yep, stroller is a freebie. Definitely gate check it. I have had much better success getting car seats and strollers if I gate check them and avoid checking them with suitcases.

[crusinmama06]

Like everyone said, the stroller doesn't count. And the baggage limit is 2 per person...the child is a person too. :D So that makes 4 pieces of baggage.

[notentirelynormal]

That's only true if the child has their own ticket. If its a lap child, nope. Also, the first time we did it we didn't realize that checking it was at the plane door and not the top of the ramp - so we struggled down with baby and folded stroller etc. Yikes!

[GAPaige]

That's great news! Thanks so much for your advice. Another question-does the baby have to come out of the stroller when we go through security? What if I'm carrying her in a backpack carrier (soft kind-no metal)?

[Paleochick]

That's great news! Thanks so much for your advice. Another question-does the baby have to come out of the stroller when we go through security? What if I'm carrying her in a backpack carrier (soft kind-no metal)?

 

Yep, baby must come out of the stroller and the stroller should fit on the xray machine. If it won't, it will have to be hand checked w/ baby elsewhere.

 

Don't forget, bottles and sippy cups have to be empty as you go through security. I believe there are some exceptions for formula, but I don't know them. You'll have to look them up.

 

I believe baby has to come out of the carrier, but can go through in your arms. Someone can correct that if I'm wrong.

[cusyl]

Take the stroller to the plane, they will put a tag on it and put it in the belly of the plane. Will be waiting for you as you leave the plane.

[crusinmama06]

That's great news! Thanks so much for your advice. Another question-does the baby have to come out of the stroller when we go through security? What if I'm carrying her in a backpack carrier (soft kind-no metal)?

 

Nope, baby out. Backpack carrier AND stroller goes on the conveyor belt. When the child gets old enough to toddle, then the baby has to walk through on her/his own. Yes that's a sight to behold...lol.

 

I always go first, have my kids walk through, then have my husband come up behind us.

 

Oh and SHOES off...yes even the kids/babies have to have their shoes off.