Air New Zealand Air Points - Gate-Checking Baby Stroller (restrictions?)

I am travelling with my infant son (4 months old) for the first time - long itinerary -- YHZ-YYZ-LAX-AKL-BNE. Air NZ from LAX onward.

What, if any, restrictions does Air NZ have for gate checking strollers? Size? (We have a Phil and Ted stroller if there are any parents that actually know what that is... lol)

Any other suggestions from people who have survived similar routes with babies? He's a great sleeper and very calm in general, but I'm a little nervous about this!

We have had a mixed experience with strollers with Air NZ. We have a Mountain Buggy so quite similar to a Phil and Teds and have been told at some airports it had to be checked in with the luggage whilst a minority have given us the option to gate check it. The one time we took up this option was actually on a flight from BNE-CHC - Brisbane staff were encouraging us to gate check it!! We found it was more trouble than it was worth as we had to remove everything from the buggy at security (quite understandably) covers/sleeping bag and all bits and pieces you seem to stuff wherever you can find a space!!! Then replace everything only to unload it all at the gate to put in our buggy travel bag - (a good investment).The occasions we checked it with the rest of the luggage were far easier and we then used a baby carrier for our 6mth old - we did usually have to remove the baby and take the carrier of to go through security though.

I have come to the conclusion that its not necessarily an airline policy its more the airport concerned that determines what you can do.

The best thing is to stay calm during the trip so that any tension does not then effect your son. It's really not that bad and is often over before you know it as you are so preoccupied with your little one that time flies a bit faster!!!! Air NZ staff have always been fantastic and extremely helpful which again makes things a little more bearable.

Enjoy your trip.

Check this page out,

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/before-you-fly/travel-support/travelling-with-children.htm

Hi Mapleloaf

We took our little man from HKG - AKL - HKG when he was two months old. We have a Bugaboo Bee, and although Air NZ let us take it onboard (quiet flight, plus it could fit in the overhead lockers), we ended up keeping him in the front pack for most of the pre-boarding / boarding / disembarking procedure. We used a cloth front pack - the name escapes me - and for take off and landing it was great. The extender seat belt is a bit flimsy, but they let us wrap it around him and through the frontpack. Seemed to make it a lot more comfortable for him :)

The bassinet is pretty good (you should get one, as I believe they are allocated on an age basis), and the Air NZ staff were absolutely brilliant.

I have to say that the front pack was an unexpected plus, though. He was far more relaxed in it than he would have been if he was just sitting / lying on us without any other security.

As for other travelling tips - the best one I was given was to take a few changes of clothing for yourself :) Also, keep an eye on the meal service times - if you can feed him just before the meal service, you have a better chance of getting him to sleep and enjoying your dinner in relative peace!

Best of luck!

NKHK