Traveling with a baby has its challenges. There’s always a lot of items you need to remember and having to bring your stroller with you on an airplane can be cumbersome and often means you have to check it into the cargo hold. However, there are plenty of compact stroller options available to help make traveling with a baby or toddler just that little bit easier.
So which ones are the best? When considering the best travel strollers for flying, we recommend looking for ones that are lightweight (14lb or under), easy to fold, and can fit in the overhead bin in the airplane. But not just any stroller will do. It’s still got to be durable and be able to handle cobblestone streets, sand, and even any terrain you can think of while carrying gear.
So if you’re looking for the ultimate guide to the best travel strollers for flying as well as what to look for and how to choose the best one, you’ve come to the right place.
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What To Look For In A Travel Stroller
We’ve all read the stories of people checking in their expensive strollers only to get them off the conveyor and find a part broken, so it’s perfectly understandable for you that you would prefer to get one that can be with you at all times. Plus the bonus of one that goes in the overhead bin is that it makes flying with kids go just a little bit smoother.
But it’s often hard to know exactly what to look for when finding the best travel stroller for flying. While it’s always worth checking the airplanes size policies you may also want to consider the following:
- Size of the stroller
It’s not just the size of the stroller when it’s open and in use that you need to consider. You’ll also want to consider what the size of the stroller is when it’s folded up. In the US, the standard size for carry-on luggage is 22” x 14” x 9”. Some airlines will differ by an inch or two. You’ll want to make sure that the dimensions of your stroller meet these requirements.
- Weight of stroller
No matter which stroller you eventually choose, you’re going to want to make sure it is lightweight enough for you to carry it with all your other belongings and your baby. The last thing you want is something super heavy that ends up making you stop every two minutes to rest.
- Is it easy to fold
The last thing you want to be doing is messing around with a stroller while you’re trying to board your flight. A one-hand fold is best since you’ll be able to fold the stroller while holding your baby at the same time.
- Price
Price is always a big factor worth considering when looking for a travel stroller. It’s best to know your budget as a compact travel stroller for flying is often a second or third purchase.
- Durability
Your stroller is going to need to be durable as it needs to withstand everything your travels throw at you; from cobblestone streets to uneven terrain to countless folding and unfolding. It also needs to last from the baby stage all the way through to the toddler stage.
- Maneuverability
There is no point in getting a compact travel stroller that’s super difficult to push. You want it to glide easily over every surface.
- Storage
Now we all know that traveling with kids comes with a lot of baggage and although many travel strollers don’t come with much storage there are plenty of accessories out there that are worth considering.
- Safety
When it comes to children safety is definitely a top priority and it should never be overlooked even with a travel stroller for flying. Your stroller should have a 5-point harness, brakes on the wheels and it should be easy to fold but not come unfolded while carrying. Also, purchase your stroller from a reputable company and always check the reviews for any possible safety concerns.
Best Travel Strollers For Flying
You’ve chosen your destination and have your bags ready to go, but you still need a stroller for your little one. So which ones are the best travel strollers for flying, we have chosen the top 7 strollers that will fit with most family’s budgets and have all the features you’re looking for.
1. The Clutch Stroller by Delta Children
Small but mighty, the Clutch Stroller by Delta Children is one of the best travel strollers for flying. It folds up to a super compact size of 15” x 5.9” x 19.7” and weighs only 11.7lb. An added bonus of this stroller is that it comes with a travel bag to make day trips, vacations, and excursions a lot easier.
The dimensions of this stroller mean it will easily fit in the overhead bin of most airplanes. It’s recommended for children up to 50lbs and it has a 5-point safety harness and reflective shoulder pads to make your child a little more visible. It comes in two colors (pink and blue) and costs a little over $200. The 5.5” inch wheels with swivel front wheels and suspension make for easy maneuverability and a smooth ride.
2. gb Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller
Another firm favorite for all mothers is the GB Pockit stroller. This Pocket Air All Terrain Stroller has a compact, one-handed collapsible design that means this stroller can fit in most overhead bins on planes and trains. It’s lightweight at only nine and a half pounds and its attached handles make it easy to carry even with all your other bags and a baby on your hip. Its durable construction means it can handle anything your travels throw at you and keeps wriggly bodies safe and happy during their travels.
Another handy feature of this stroller is the reclining back and sun canopy meaning your little ones can nap soundly while keeping the sun out of their eyes. The agile front wheels make pushing and steering effortless and on even ground, you can even lock the wheels in place for an even smoother ride.
3. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller
The Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller is a highly recommended stroller with an easy two-step, compact fold. This stroller has plenty of good features at a price that won’t make you cry. The Mountain Buggy Nano stroller is infant car seat-ready or can be used with a soft shell cocoon carrycot making it a great travel stroller for newborns as well as children up to 44lbs.
The small dimensions of this stroller mean that it will meet most airline regulations for carryon luggage. It even comes with a travel bag and shoulder strap. The stroller features ultra-slim wheels, a good-sized sun hood, a solid flip-out visor, and a nice deep recline your little one can have their afternoon nap and still be comfortable.
4. Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller
For those that travel a lot and have small children, another luxury travel stroller that has everything you might need is the Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller. This stroller is another one that you can bring onto the airplane and store in the overhead bin. Its compact size (20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1”) and customizable design allows the stroller to grow with your child. The 4 wheel suspensions provide a smooth ride on even the most uneven surfaces. The stroller also comes with a zipped back pocket to store your essentials close at hand while the storage basket can be easily accessed from both the front and back so you can keep all your possessions safe.
5. Summer 3Dpac CS Compact Fold Stroller
While on vacation with your children you don’t want to have to worry about hiring a car seat or having to bring one along with you. So having a stroller that’s car seat compatible is a very nice feature to have. The Summer 3Dpac CS Compact Fold Stroller is definitely one to consider, the included straps allow you to easily connect it to your car without the need for adapters. Its lightweight frame weighs only 17lbs and folds down to 13” x 20.5” x 25”. From a baby stroller to a toddler stroller, the Summer 3Dpac grows with your little one for long-term use.
The stroller also comes with an extra-large canopy with a flip-out sun visor, a child snack tray, and a large storage pocket to store your belongings for a day out.
6. Inglesina Quid Stroller
When looking for lightweight strollers you’ll want to make sure the weight is under 14lb and the Inglesina Quid Stroller comes in at only 13lb and its compact design means it can fit just about anywhere, from the overhead bin in an airplane to the trunk of your rented city car.
The convenient carry handle, easy single-handed folding and opening, and one-touch foot break mean you can effortlessly face the challenges life throws your way. With a reclining backrest, multi-point suspension system, and durable wheels, you can be sure that your newborn and toddler will be able to nap comfortably and the adjustable leg rest allows for continued leg support as your little one grows. The 5-point safety harness, full-cover expandable canopy, and rain cover mean your mind can be put at ease knowing your child is safe.
7. gb Pockit+ All City
Similar to the gb Pockit All Terrain stroller the gb Pockit+ All City Stroller can go in the overhead bin on the plane, however, this stroller is a little bit better than the original as it can be transformed into a travel system with any CYBEX infant car seat and adapters. The seat reclines and has a large canopy. It’s really lightweight at only 13.2lbs and is easy to maneuver, lift and carry. The breathable mesh seatback will help to regulate your child’s body temperature which is particularly good when traveling to hot countries.
How To Choose The Best Travel Stroller For Flying
Parents have been traveling with children and flying for many decades, typically choosing the best lightweight umbrella stroller for air travel. While these strollers are great because they are lightweight, they fold up relatively small, and they can be easily gate-checked, there are now better options that can fit into the overhead bin on the airplane.
Many parents can now choose whether they want a pocket stroller that can bring onto the airplane or whether they are content gate checking the travel stroller instead. Parents who travel light can check their stroller with their luggage and not have to worry about how they will get everything onto the plane and use a baby carrier to carry their child around the airport.
Gate checking your stroller will allow you to take it all the way to the plane and in most instances (but not all), get it back at the gate on the other side. But as parents, we would all prefer to have our stroller with us the whole time. Either of the last two options are great especially if you have a toddler that prefers to be in a stroller or that likes to bolt in the airport.