Really, it's personal preference. If traveling as a family (i.e. with two adults) we used to bring the big stroller. If traveling solo with a kid, umbrella stroller it was. When you get to security, the umbrella type is definitely easier to fold up and send through the X-Ray machine. Then, when you get to the gate make sure to get a gate check tag and also don't forget to put your own baggage tag to identify this as your stroller. When you get to the door of the airplane, fold it up, leave it there, and say a little prayer it appears when you get off the plane. Good luck!