You can typically check in your stroller during boarding, often referred to as gate-checking.
When traveling with a stroller, airlines commonly allow you to keep the stroller with you through the airport, including security. Instead of checking it with your luggage at the ticket counter, you can take it all the way to the boarding gate.
Understanding Gate-Checking
- What it is: Gate-checking means you check the item (like a stroller) right before you board the plane at the gate counter or jet bridge entrance.
- The process: You'll usually get a gate-check tag from the gate agent. You leave the stroller just before stepping onto the plane. It is then loaded into the cargo hold and should be available for you right outside the aircraft door or in the jet bridge upon arrival.
According to travel guidelines, during boarding, your airline should let you gate-check the stroller. This allows you to use the stroller throughout the airport until it's time to board your flight.
Other Items When Boarding
The same guidelines suggest that parents can also board with the car seat. This means you can carry the car seat onto the plane, either to use for a child with a purchased seat or to store if allowed by the airline.
Tips for smoother travel:
- Confirm your airline's specific gate-check policy before your trip, as rules can vary slightly.
- Tag your stroller clearly with your name and contact information.
- Consider a travel bag for your stroller to protect it during handling.
- Parents can also consider applying for TSA PreCheck to speed up their journey through airport security.
By utilizing gate-checking, you keep your hands free and make navigating the airport with a child much easier right up until the last minute before boarding.
