We're traleving PHL-FRA next week, the first TA flight for our 8 month old son. We've bought him a seat, but we want to be able to bring the stroller past security for moving through the airports, etc.

Are the gate check rules different for TA flights? We've flown domestically several times and gate checking our stroller is a snap, and would love to be able to do the same next week.

thanks,
BHB

We're traleving PHL-FRA next week, the first TA flight for our 8 month old son. We've bought him a seat, but we want to be able to bring the stroller past security for moving through the airports, etc.

Are the gate check rules different for TA flights? We've flown domestically several times and gate checking our stroller is a snap, and would love to be able to do the same next week.

thanks,
BHB

Yes, you can gate check strollers. The downside is that you will have to wait much longer than usual to retrieve it at your destination. On the narrow body airplanes it's just a matter of someone climbing onto the belt and into the belly of the airplane to grab it. On the wide bodies the unloading procedure is much more complex and it takes longer to accomplish. On the return to PHL it's also a matter of the flight being officially "cleared" by customs/immigration before they can even open the baggage compartment doors and that can take a little bit of extra time as well. Just be prepared to be patient waiting for it if you do gate check it. :)

Yes, you can gate check strollers. The downside is that you will have to wait much longer than usual to retrieve it at your destination. On the narrow body airplanes it's just a matter of someone climbing onto the belt and into the belly of the airplane to grab it. On the wide bodies the unloading procedure is much more complex and it takes longer to accomplish. On the return to PHL it's also a matter of the flight being officially "cleared" by customs/immigration before they can even open the baggage compartment doors and that can take a little bit of extra time as well. Just be prepared to be patient waiting for it if you do gate check it. :)

I guess that's preferable to carrying our 25 lbs. cherub through the airports, as well as risking a wheel or two getting ripped off the stroller...

I guess that's preferable to carrying our 25 lbs. cherub through the airports, as well as risking a wheel or two getting ripped off the stroller...


BTW, the stroller in question is a rather compact Maclaren umbrella stroller. Is there any chance that they'll simply stick it in a closet or allow us to put it in an overhead?

BTW, the stroller in question is a rather compact Maclaren umbrella stroller. Is there any chance that they'll simply stick it in a closet or allow us to put it in an overhead?

I've been able to carry on a stroller a few times, but we were in Envoy at all times where there's always plenty of overhead bin space. The FAs still tried to make us check it, though.

I've been able to carry on a stroller a few times, but we were in Envoy at all times where there's always plenty of overhead bin space. The FAs still tried to make us check it, though.


Well, its worth a try, I guess.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

BHB