When you decide to take a trip with your family, there is a certain amount of worry that comes with it. Will the weather be nice? Will my flight get delayed? With all of these concerns, the last thing you need to worry about is getting you and your baby through the airport.
No worries, this article will tell you which are the best strollers for airplane travel.
Our favorite pick goes to JOOVY New Groove Umbrella Stroller. We adore the hassle-free self-standing when folded feature plus the smooth steering to get through our airport traveling quickly and easily.
Check out our top picks below.
Best Travel Strollers
Why a Stroller is a Must for Airplane Travel
So why do you need to tote a stroller along with you on your vacation? While a baby sling or carrier may seem so much easier this will result in your hands to be full and your back to be tired.
Even though it will take some planning to accommodate your stroller, you will be so pleased with your decision. Not only will your stroller be a safe and comfortable place for your little one to ride, it will also be a place to store bags, drinks, and souvenirs.
If you have an older child you can use the stroller as a resting place for them when you are standing in a 45-minute-long line with no end in sight. Your stroller can also get you some perks, some establishments have a special entrance for strollers or certain lines for strollers that could get you to the front of the line faster.
Even though it does seem like a large piece of equipment, it will save your sanity by being convenient. If your destination is warm, you can ensure that baby will be in a shaded and well-ventilated space and if you are going someplace cool, you can easily pack some cozy blankets around baby to keep them warm.
The versatility of your stroller will amaze you and you will not regret taking the stroller on the trip.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Stroller
Safety
When selecting a stroller for airplane travel, the first factor to consider is safety for your baby. Choosing a stroller with good reviews, a 5-point harness, and a warranty will put your mind at ease.
Lightweight
Choosing a stroller that is lightweight is pretty important to your traveling plans – including hiking mountains or walk long the beach sands. Most airlines will allow strollers 20 pounds and under to be checked at the gate when you board the plane.
When you arrive at your destination, the stroller will be waiting for you. If you choose a heavier stroller, most airlines will make you check the stroller at the ticket counter and could charge you a checked bag fee due to the extra weight.
Regardless of the weight of your stroller, it does not count toward your bag count. Example, most airlines allow one carry-on bag past the ticket counter; strollers can be taken in addition to your one carry-on.
Here is a link that lists individual airline policies regarding strollers.
Portable
Another factor to consider is the stroller’s ability to be portable. You will have to run the stoller through an x-ray at security. If it is too big to roll through, you can fold it down and a security officer will carry it through.
Also, when checked at the ticket counter or at the boarding gate, airline personnel will want it to be collapsed for ease of storage and travel.
Durable, Yet Affordable
Lastly, choose a stroller that is durable, yet affordable. When you check your stroller, there is a special sign that says the airport is not liable for any damage to checked items.
Even with the most careful airport personnel, it could endure some serious wear and tear. I would also recommend to not use your everyday stroller, especially if you are a frequent flyer.
Storage Compartments
No matter your planned activities at your destination, storage compartments are always a good idea.
A large, mesh compartment under the seat can be a great place to toss the diaper bag or your purse. Cup holders and trays for baby are great to be a catch-all for their things.
Similarly, it is very convenient to have a cup holder and tray up by the handle for mom and dad’s items as well.
All-Terrain Wheels
All-Terrain wheels are always a safe bet. They are safer and smoother riding for baby, no matter the terrain. If you confidently know that you will always be on pavement, then the smaller, plastic wheels may work for you.
If you have any question of what type of terrain you will cover, you will not be disappointed with larger, rubber wheels. With that being said, I would opt to leave the bulky, three-wheeled, jogging stroller at home.
Harness
Another feature to focus on is the harness. You want to be confident that your baby will be safe a secure in the stroller.
Many strollers have a five-point harness for safety. This means a strap comes up between the legs of baby, a strap comes around their waist on either side, and each shoulder has a strap that all meets at the belly of baby. This is the optimum choice for safety. Some models also allow for the harness to evolve as your baby ages.
5 Best Strollers for Airplane Travel
#1 Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller
Pros:
- This stroller falls in the middle of the weight bracket, not the lightest, but not the heaviest.
- This is the only product that features a one-hand fold.
- At a modest price, this stroller won’t break the bank.
- Features an extra-large storage basket to house all of your belongings.
- A five-point safety harness will keep your little one safe and sound.
Cons:
- This stroller does feature plastic wheels but reviews boast about their ease of use and durability.
- Does feature a kickstand when folded but reviews claim it isn’t very sturdy.
Further Reading: Full Review of Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller
- LIGHTWEIGHT – A lightweight stroller makes any outing a little easier. The Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller has a durable aluminum frame that weighs just 13 pounds and has a large seat area, plus anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels.
- FOR TRAVEL AND EVERYDAY – Whether you’re traveling or just on the go running everyday errands, having a lightweight, compact stroller is a must. With this one easy to use stroller, you’ll have both an everyday and travel stroller option.
- 4-POSITION RECLINE – Keep your little one comfortable and safe at all times with the 4 position recline and 5 point safety harness. Maximum weight and height of child for this toddler stroller: 50 pounds and 43 inches.
#2 Baby Trend Rocket Stroller
Pros:
- At 12.5 pounds, this is one of the lighter strollers.
- Features a compact fold when stored.
- Very affordable!
- Has a parent organizer for all of your belongings and a lower storage basket.
- A five point harness for baby will be perfect for safety.
- 4.5 out of 5 stars by reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
- This stroller features plastic wheels.
- The back wheels are a bit close together and can cause you to stub your toe when pushing.
- The height of the stroller can be uncomfortable if you are taller than 5’6”.
- Lightweight frame
- Canopy
- 5-point safety harness
#3 Pockit Lightweight Stroller
Pros:
- 4.5 out of 5 stars by reviews on Amazon.
- checkReviews boast about the overall design and ease of use.
- Comfortable and durable fabric.
- Lightest stroller at only 9.5 pounds.
- checkWorld’s Smallest Folded Stroller.
Cons:
- Most expensive of the five strollers.
- Not a lot of storage.
- Adjustable safety belt.
- Plastic wheels.
- WORLD’S SMALLEST FOLDING STROLLER - With its innovative two-step folding design, the Pockit is the 2014 Guiness World Records most compact stroller folding down to 11.8” x 7” x 13.8” and a weight of 9.5 pounds
- SMALL BUT STRONG - Built using high quality, durable materials, the Pockit can hold a child from 6 months up to 55 pounds as well as 11 pounds of gear in its convenient storage basket
- PERFECT FOR DAY TRIPS OR EXTENDED TRAVEL - For families with a passion for local or overseas travel and exploring, Pockit is the quintessential choice as it stows away easily in any plane or train overhead bin, or just stowing away in the car
#4 Chicco Liteway Stroller
Pros:
- 4.5 out of 5 stars by reviews on Amazon.
- checkWhen folded, this stroller is compact.
- Features a small, under-seat storage area.
- Several reviews specifically mention the ease of travel with this stroller and its durability.
Cons:
- This stroller has the fewest overall reviews.
- This stroller is the heaviest at 18 pounds.
- The biggest complaint is that you have to remove the cupholder to fold the stroller.
- Hide-away boot for enclosing infants when reclined
- Lightweight aluminum elliptical tubing
- Fully-reclining backrest with 5 positions and adjustable leg rest with 2 positions
#5 JOOVY New Groove Umbrella Stroller
Pros:
- 4.5 out of 5 stars by reviews on Amazon.
- This stroller features the ability to stand on its own when folded.
- Modest weight at 14 pounds.
- This stroller has quite a bit of storage; a parent organizer, a back sling, and an under-the-seat basket.
- Excellent folding mechanism that wears well.
- Cushioned handles and easy one-hand steering.
Cons:
- Slightly high price.
- Slightly tall. One reviewer suggests that the stroller may be uncomfortable for parents under 5’5” tall.
- Your child can nap from newborn to 55 pounds in a near-flat recline
- UPF 50 canopy provides sun protection plus peek-a-boo window. The maximum height of a child the product is designed to carry is 44 inches
- 2 cup holders and zippered storage pocket. Compact standing umbrella fold. Zero-Hunch Handlebars
Which Stroller is the Best?
Given the features and reviews that have been covered in this article, the best stroller for airplane travel is the JOOVY New Groove Umbrella Stroller.
This stroller falls in the middle of our weight and price range. However, there are several features that push this stroller to the top of the list.
High reviews on Amazon rate this stroller as one of the best. Consumers boast about its comfort for baby, its ability to transition with baby’s age, and its storage.
This stroller has a sturdy kickstand that allows for the stroller to stand when folded. One of the most important features is the storage.
A parent organizer is located hear the handle bars, a sling sack in located on the back of the stroller, and an under-the-seat basket allows you to store medium sized bags.
Overall, this stroller gives you quality and convenience. It lives up to the standard that you get what you pay for.
What’s your go-to stroller pick for travels? Comment below!
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Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
