checking a stroller
Mar 1, 2008 | 3:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: AC Elite, SPG Plat
Posts: 643
checking a stroller
I am sure I read this somewhere before, but I can't find the info...
Can we check our full-size stroller as a piece of luggage or do we have to somehow box it up?
Can we check our full-size stroller as a piece of luggage or do we have to somehow box it up?
Mar 1, 2008 | 3:16 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: YUL
Posts: 2,116
Stroller Policy
Children may be transported in their strollers throughout any airport Air Canada serves.
Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small umbrella type strollers when traveling with children.
Collapsible strollers may be checked at the gate and will be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.
Large, heavy strollers should be checked-in as part of your checked luggage, as gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them. Large strollers are subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.
They can probably put plastic wrapping around it at checkin, similar to what you would do with a backpack.
Mar 2, 2008 | 6:26 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto
Posts: 486
Mar 3, 2008 | 6:35 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,698
We recently took our infant on several flights.
On AC/UA flights, no problem gate-checking the stroller, and having
it returned to the gate ( on some flights in a very timely manner, on
others after everyone had deplaned!). TG - fast return at gate.
But beware: MF and CA gate checked the stroller, but only returned
it at the baggage pick-up area! Not good if you are doing in transit
connections!!!
On AC/UA flights, no problem gate-checking the stroller, and having
it returned to the gate ( on some flights in a very timely manner, on
others after everyone had deplaned!). TG - fast return at gate.
But beware: MF and CA gate checked the stroller, but only returned
it at the baggage pick-up area! Not good if you are doing in transit
connections!!!
Mar 3, 2008 | 9:06 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: YTZ/LHR
Programs: VIPorter First, BA GGL, DL Plat, Golden Circle Elite
Posts: 830
I always ended up waiting for strollers on the jetway while the whole plane empties. I highly recommend a good-quality (i.e. Maclaren) umbrella stroller for flights. If you pre-board you should have no issue getting your stroller onboard and in the o/h bin - makes exiting the plane much easier as you don't actually have to carry the little one or set up your stroller in the jetway.
Mar 3, 2008 | 2:05 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,103
No problem at all. Take whatever stroller you want. There is no limit on what size they will take. They announced a policy change late 2007 but quickly dropped it.
On a recent flight I saw someone gate checking a chariot bike trailer!
On a recent flight I saw someone gate checking a chariot bike trailer!
Mar 3, 2008 | 7:13 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: AC Elite, SPG Plat
Posts: 643
I am now getting a little confused. Can I still gate check a "full size" stroller?
Mar 4, 2008 | 10:38 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,103
"Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small umbrella type strollers when traveling with children. Large, heavy strollers should be checked-in as part of your checked luggage, as gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them. Large strollers are subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft."
They can recommend all they want. Unless they require it I don't care and neither should you!
Mar 4, 2008 | 7:59 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: AC Elite, SPG Plat
Posts: 643
Mar 9, 2008 | 4:42 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
You can definetely take a full size stroller to the gate (trust me, I work for AC). Awhile back they tried to change it to only Unbrella strollers (thinking that it would be easier and quicker to stow while boarding), but so many people complained about having to carry their kids/infants to the gates, that they reversed the policy. Just make sure you're given a green stroller tag when you check-in!
Mar 9, 2008 | 5:28 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: AC SE 2MM, too many others
Posts: 1,419
It was a ridiculous policy. Poorly rolled out (hence initial hostility from travellers), difficult to enforce (leaving AC staff to refer to a page with pictures of strollers to figure out what was permitted and what was not), and no clear explanation about why it was needed.
Mar 19, 2008 | 7:45 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: AC Elite, SPG Plat
Posts: 643
We had no problems with our full-size stroller last week in both YWG and YYZ. gate checked at both!
You can definetely take a full size stroller to the gate (trust me, I work for AC). Awhile back they tried to change it to only Unbrella strollers (thinking that it would be easier and quicker to stow while boarding), but so many people complained about having to carry their kids/infants to the gates, that they reversed the policy. Just make sure you're given a green stroller tag when you check-in!
Mar 19, 2008 | 11:00 am
#14
Join Date: May 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC E50 MM, WJ Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 3,082
We have a peg pliko for air travel. It is an umbrella type stroller but quality enought to handle sand and small off roading. Fits easily into the overhead bin and was at one point approved by AC for carry on thus eliminating the waiting at the door of the plane for your gate checked stroller.
Would recommend this option as you get off and on your way very quickly, especially travelling with youngsters in J, you lose all the advantage of sitting at the front if you have to wait for your stroller.
Would recommend this option as you get off and on your way very quickly, especially travelling with youngsters in J, you lose all the advantage of sitting at the front if you have to wait for your stroller.