Easy Ways to Travel with Car Seat and Strollers
Traveling as a new parent isn’t easy. Or that’s what I was told.
If you’re someone who loves to travel, you don’t have to let parenthood keep you from it. After six amazing kids, I can confidently say that with patience, research, and preparation, it’s absolutely doable.
One of the biggest concerns for new parents is figuring out how to travel with car seat and stroller. If you’re one of them, don’t worry! From gate-checking to pro tips, I’ve got you covered.
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Traveling With Car Seats And Strollers – My Advice
- Divide & Conquer: While one parent manages the kids, make sure the other handles check-in and keeps boarding passes safely. Trust me, this definitely helps.
- Pre-Check: TSA Precheck eases up your screening process – no need to remove shoes, liquids, or laptops during security. This is especially great for single parents managing multiple kids!
- Travel Bags: Invest in quality strollers and car seats, and purchase a sturdy travel bag to carry your stroller around the airport. Padded travel bags also protect your stroller from severe damage in cargo.
- Lightweight Strollers: Your regular stroller might be bulky and tough to fold. Opt for a lighter umbrella or frame stroller instead. They’re easier to maneuver at the airport.
Another post that might interest you: For How Long Do Kids Need Strollers?
Gate Checking Your Stroller
For new parents, every choice feels stressful when planning that first trip with the little ones. From keeping them entertained on the flight to figuring out the car seat and stroller situation, things can go wrong in a million ways!
That’s why I suggest gate-checking the stroller:
- It’ll allow you to use the stroller around the airport, and having your hands free before the flight makes things much easier (trust me)!
- Gate checking also allows you to avoid waiting until baggage claim to collect your stroller. You can receive the stroller right after deplaning.
- In my experience, strollers and wheelchairs are usually the first items off the airplane. But double-check with your airline just in case.
Now, let’s go through the gate-checking process:
- Much like security check-in, gate-checking your items is simple. The airline staff will give you a label to attach to the stroller or car seat.
Pro Tip: Ask for the label as soon as you reach the gate. It helps with checking your items later.
- Clean the debris or dirt on your stroller and empty the pockets and cupholders. Doing this will save you that much time while checking it. Plus, you won’t lose anything in transit.
- Next, fold and pack your stroller once you’re at the gate. Trust me, you don’t want to hold up the line and upset your fellow passengers.
- Before boarding, leave your folded and locked stroller at the entrance of the jet bridge. The airline staff will collect your stroller and put it in the cargo safely!
Planning a trip to Disneyland or Disney World with your family? Check out my guide on what strollers are allowed at Disneyland to be prepared!
Protecting Your Car Seat And Stroller
If you plan to check the stroller or car seat at the baggage or gate, consider buying a padded travel bag.
- Travel bags make it easier to lug car seats and strollers around the airport, since you can wear them like a backpack.
- Good quality padded travel bags will protect the car seat from serious damages like abrasions, and scratches and keep it clean.
- However, I’d suggest measuring your baby gear before investing in a travel bag to ensure it fits properly.
Tips to Fly With A Car Seat And Stroller
Being a mom for the last decade has taught me a lot about navigating airports with kids of different ages, their strollers, and car seats. Hear me out:
1. Remove Unnecessary Attachments
Kids’ strollers and car seats come with toys, cupholders, attachments, and accessories.
- Remove them all and strip them down to the necessities – easier to carry and navigate in the airport.
- The accessories or toys can get stuck to the food and beverage trolleys, seats, or anything else on board, creating a safety hazard too.
2. Check Airline Regulations
- Each airline has size criteria for folding strollers and infant car seats, especially if you’re flying on an international airline.
- Check the airline regulations for traveling with a car seat and stroller before you board with huge pieces of baby gear.
3. Car Seat Must Be FAA-approved
- Both US and international airlines allow only FAA-approved car seats.
- So, go through policies and only bring FAA-approved car seats.
Recommended Reading: Flying with an Infant Car Seat
4. Are You Traveling As A Single Parent?
- Grab an infant sling—it keeps your hands free and lets you gate-check the stroller. Also, baby carriers are a lifesaver for keeping your little one close and comfy while tackling busy airports — especially when hauling around a stroller just isn’t worth the hassle.
- Also, hold off on checking your car seat and stroller early. Get the luggage tag when you arrive and enjoy some hands-free time before boarding.
5. Don’t Forget To Take A Photo
- Before packing and checking your car seat and stroller, take a clear picture of them.
- It makes processing your damage claims that much easier.
6. Know What To Expect When You Land
- Call and find out where you’ll collect the stroller and car seat once you land, if possible.
- Don’t forget that you have bags to carry and kids to take care of. So, you don’t want to run around the airport looking for your baby gear last minute.
You May Also Like: Can You Use an Infant Car Seat Without the Base?
FAQs: Traveling With A Car Seat And Stroller
1. Do Car Seats Count As Checked Luggage?
No, car seats aren’t counted as checked luggage.
1. When you fly with your kid, car seats are considered special items, and you can check them for free.
2. Usually, you can bring 2 baby items from either an infant stroller, car seat, or portable crib.
3. But know that some airlines will only allow you to gate-check the stroller and not the car seat.
2. Are Car Seats Allowed On Non-US Airlines?
If you plan to use a non-US airline, please know that the rules around car seats are very different.
Most international airlines aren’t bound to allow car seats onboard. Whereas, some have oddly specific rules.
For instance, only a few planes under Air France allow car seats onboard, whereas Lufthansa has a specific list of car seats they allow.
3. Are There Specific Rules For Non-US Airlines For Car Seats?
Yes, here are a few general guidelines for international flights:
1. Some airlines will require you to reserve an infant car seat in advance if you plan to use one onboard.
2. Your car seats can’t be wider than 42 cm on international flights.
3. During take-off, your baby must be rear-facing. At cruising altitude, they should switch to front-facing.
4. The switch allows the seat in front of you to recline; so you can’t use non-convertible car seats.
4. Are There Any Disadvantages To Flying With A Car Seat?
No. Even the FAA recommends it.
1. However, it will restrict your little one’s movement once you board the flight. Children will be strapped in their seats for the duration of the flight.
2. You also won’t be able to move the armrest to lay them across the seat, even if you have the option to do so.
3. Moreover, if you don’t plan to use the car seat and stroller after the flight, it’ll occupy precious space in your hotel or Airbnb.
5. What Do You Need To Travel With A Baby?
Here are a few must-haves that I always pack:
Travel Stroller: Your perfect, primary stroller might not be suitable to carry overseas. Get a lightweight travel or umbrella stroller for all your trips.
Travel Car Seat: The FAA-approved car seat might not be legal in the different destinations you’re planning to visit. So, carry a compact, regular car seat to save you a lot of trouble (especially in European countries).
Travel Bags for Both: Even though it is recommended to pack and carry them in their original boxes, I suggest getting a travel bag for your stroller and car seat for extra protection while checking them at the airport.
Final Words: How to Travel With Car Seat And Strollers
Even if there are different rules and regulations for traveling with car seats and strollers, you can prepare for them all in advance.
Do your research, follow airline policies, gate-check your stroller using a padded travel bag, and make sure your car seat is FAA-approved and within the airline’s size guidelines. If you follow these steps, traveling with your car seat and stroller will be a breeze!
Happy traveling, parents!
