Yes, travelling with little ones will always be an adventure, but let’s be fair- it is also a most challenging experience when manoeuvring through the bustling airport with these little souls. The stroller choice will make your trip somewhat easier (or harder). Should you go for a carry-on stroller that can easily be put away into an overhead cabin, or is it more practical to gate-check your stroller and collect it post-flight?
When it comes to flying with a stroller, there are typically two options: either taking it on the board as a carry-on or checking it in at the gate.
Carry-On Strollers
These are also called cabin-size compliant strollers. They are lightweight and surprisingly compact and fold down small enough to squeeze into an aeroplane’s overhead compartments. Designed to be more convenient, they will always be comfortable with you and your support partners throughout the flight.
Gate-Checked Strollers
These larger and bulkier strollers will accompany you until you reach the gate, where you will check in with an airline representative. Afterwards, they are stored in the cargo hold along with all other checked luggage, and you will see the stroller again once you debark.
| Feature | Carry-On Stroller (Cabin Stroller) | Gate-Checked Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight (usually under 15 lbs) | Heavier, bulkier |
| Storage | Fits in to overhead compartment | Stored in the cargo hold |
| Availability During Travel | Available throughout the flight | Not available until deboarding |
| Risk of Damage | Minimal (stays with you in the cabin) | Higher risk (handled like checked luggage) |
| Convenience | Easy to fold and carry | Must wait to retrieve at the gate |
Why Cabin Strollers are Better?
1. Immediate Access: No Waiting After Landing
The most significant advantage of carrying a stroller in the cabin is that it is filed with you for the entire journey. This means that the minute you step off the plane, you open up the stroller and head on; waiting for it to return at the gate is no problem.
Imagine standing after a long journey with a tired toddler, walking out into a bustling airport, only to take out your stroller. It is common for gate-checking strollers to cause increased stress and an extra hold-up at the gate or baggage claim area, depending on the circumstances. Because of this, waiting has risen for the stroller to be checked at the gate or the baggage claim fellows, which usually causes significant stress and delay.
2. Less Risk of Damage or Loss
Like any other checked luggage, gate-checked strollers are usually moved around., tossed, bumped against, or sometimes missing. This kind of gate-checking has resulted in many parents receiving a stroller back, either damaged or missing parts. Cabin strollers go through a much less wrinkled journey since they stay inside the cabin. You needn’t worry about whether the flight will take care of your stroller.
3. Convenience in Crowded Airports
For the rest of us who have been through a crowded airport, it can become very crazy very quickly. A cabin stroller means you do not have to wait for the gate-checking staff or wrestle with a giant stroller while juggling other carry-ons. Most cabin strollers enable you to fold them quickly and carry them efficiently to get through security checks, and manning the aisle while boarding becomes a hassle-no-more.
Recommend Reading: Travel Stroller vs Ride-on Luggage
When Gate-Checked Strollers Are The Better Option
There are moments when tagging strollers and checked bags becomes a much better option and is the first preference among many parents.
1. Larger Strollers for Older Kids or Multiple Children
If you’re travelling with older kids or need a double stroller for two children, a gate-checked stroller might be more practical. These strollers are generally larger and offer more space, which is ideal for families who need extra room.
2. Traveling Light on Short Flights
Gate-checking might make more sense for extra short flights where you don’t need immediate access to your stroller after landing. If you’re travelling lightly and don’t need the stroller during your layovers or immediately after deplaning, checking at the gate is a great way to free up your hands and give you more room in the cabin. Try getting a stroller cover bag to protect your stroller from potential damages in this case.
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate about which stroller is better, the cabin or the gate-check, the cabin stroller wins hands down among those looking for hassle-free, safe, and convenient travel. Cabin strollers have benefited parents by providing immediate access, less risk of damage, and greater safety and convenience when moving through crowded airports or dealing with unpredictable travel hiccups.
While gate-checked strollers may work for specific scenarios—such as larger families or short trips—most parents will find a compact, lightweight cabin stroller worth every penny. The key to a smoother, stress-free travel experience that enables you and your little one to share in the joys of travelling just as much as reaching the destination.
So, the next time you plan a trip, think of a cabin stroller for a more comfortable, convenient flying experience. Your future self (and your child) will thank you.
