Family travel can sometimes be full of surprises; with a pushchair added to the mix, it gets rather messier. Still, when arriving at the airport and a new city, you might consider it a blessing to carry your stroller. Not without drawbacks, though: you can easily expect a stroller to be damaged during the flight if not treated with care.
Fortunately, there are some intelligent ways to get your stroller back home in the best possible shape. This guide will take you through the dos and don’ts of flying with a stroller by avoiding the issue of protective cover.
1. Research Airline Policies
Different airlines have different procedures for allowing mom to carry her stroller. Some will allow her to bring a stroller on board if it fits a certain size or weight limit, while others will require her to check it at the gate or ticketing counter. It is very prudent to check beforehand to know the limitations besides avoiding charges or aggravation at the airport.
Gate Checking Vs. Ticket Counter Checking
With gate-checking, you can keep your stroller until you get on the plane, thus reducing the chances of it being damaged. The stroller is handled only two times during the trip: when you board the plane and pick it up at the destination. You can also bring the stroller on board the plane if you invest in the right stroller. Read this comparison between gate checking and cabin strollers.
On the other hand, at ticket counter checking, you hand over your stroller with the rest of your ‘normal’ bags to the airlines, and, of course, with that comes the possibility of rough handling and, therefore, damage. Weigh the pros and cons to determine what’s best for your situation.
2. Choose the Right Stroller for Travel
If you frequently embark upon long-distance journeys, invest in a cabin size travel buggy, a specialized, albeit often lightweight, collapsible stroller. Travel buggies generally fit into the overhead compartments of aeroplanes. They minimize damage risk and offer exquisite time savings because travellers don’t need to check in the stroller; they can wheel their toddler right up to the plane’s doors.
It helps if the model is easy to fold, sturdy, and within the airline’s carry-on size limits. Though a slight indulgence, this is good to have if you are a frequent flyer; if not, consider procuring a second, travel-spec stroller rather than risking damage to your bulky or expensive option during trips.
3. Use a Stroller Travel Bag
Using a stroller travel bag is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your stroller. Stroller travel bags are available in padded and non-padded versions, some even waterproof. They protect your stroller from scratches, dirt, and rough handling. Moreover, several of them come with carrying straps for easy manoeuvring through the airport.
When buying a travel bag, look for quality padding and good backpack handles. Some bags have wheels, which make carrying the stroller much less potent on the body.
4. Secure Loose Parts and Remove Accessories
Before heading to the airport, remove any detachable accessories from your stroller. Cup holders, trays, toys, and sunshades can easily get damaged or lost in transit. Store these items in your checked baggage instead. Still, ensure they are bolted tightly or buttoned; collapse the stroller correctly. Use zip ties to prevent it from unfolding inadvertently.
5. Wrap or Pad the Stroller for Extra Protection
If you don’t have a travel bag, other ways exist to cushion your stroller. Bubble wrap, foam padding, or even pool noodles may provide an additional buffer. Just wrap the frame, handlebars, and wheels before handing it to the airline staff. These DIY methods could nourish the stroller, thus preventing scratches, dings, or breakages.
6. Label Your Stroller
Label the stroller and the travel bag with your name, contact information, and destination address. This little but practical step could save you lots of trouble if your stroller got lost on the way. A rugged tag that can withstand rough handling and harsh weather is recommended.
7. Pre-Flight Preparations
Before you head to the airport, take a few precautionary measures:
- Inspect Your Stroller: Check the stroller for any pre-existing damage. Taking pictures can help establish the condition of the stroller in the future if you have to claim for damage post-flight.
- Allow Extra Time: Traveling with children and a stroller entails extra time at the airport, especially at the security checkpoint. Get to the airport early so you have time to walk calmly through the check-in and boarding processes.
8. Tips for Navigating Airports with Strollers
Travelling through the airport can get extremely chaotic with kids and a stroller, but a little planning and thinking can reduce stress levels:
- Use Your Stroller for Storage: The stroller’s baskets can safely hold all your vital travel documents, boarding passes, and snacks. Thus, you can move around unencumbered and without stress at the airport.
- Prepare for Security Checks: Almost every stroller must be folded and run through an X-ray machine. Hence, practice folding the stroller before leaving for your trip with no personal items.
9. Boarding and Disembarking with a Stroller
One of the most challenging things to handle is boarding with a stroller and juggling kids and carry-ons. Many airlines offer family boarding early. Use that to your advantage and get settled in before the rush. Ensure your stroller is tagged correctly for gate check if you’re not taking it on board. Once you board, you might use the last few moments to organize your carry-ons and get your child settled.
10. Inspect Your Stroller After the Flight
When you receive your stroller, examine it for damages for the first minute. If it is damaged, report it to the airline posthaste. Many airlines have set procedures for damage claims, although most will not allow you to report anything that is not reported immediately. Taking photographs of the stroller before your flight can help your case if you need to file a claim.
Conclusion
Flying with your stroller should not be a stressful endeavour. If you just follow these few tips, you’ll be sure to receive your stroller back to the destination in one piece. Advanced planning, investing in appropriate travel gear, and learning your airline’s policies will help you make travelling a breeze.
