Collapsible buggies on BA and codeshares
Jul 8, 2019, 4:10 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1,095
Two more things to add to the good advice here:
We gave up on waiting for the buggy to be returned to the plane, any time saved being at the front was lost with the long wait. Plus at Gatwick buggies always go to the carousel - and I've never been able to find one of the yellow airport ones. Carrying one child through the airport is okay, but two would be a struggle.
If you ever have to slum it with Thomas Cook (when, say, BA cancels your flight home and shifts you to a flight that lands at 11.30 pm, guaranteeing sleep hell), note that the airline refuses to allow the Zen etc. on board as they say it's too big for the lockers.
Good luck.
We gave up on waiting for the buggy to be returned to the plane, any time saved being at the front was lost with the long wait. Plus at Gatwick buggies always go to the carousel - and I've never been able to find one of the yellow airport ones. Carrying one child through the airport is okay, but two would be a struggle.
If you ever have to slum it with Thomas Cook (when, say, BA cancels your flight home and shifts you to a flight that lands at 11.30 pm, guaranteeing sleep hell), note that the airline refuses to allow the Zen etc. on board as they say it's too big for the lockers.
Good luck.
Jul 9, 2019, 1:18 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 20
We have used a baby jogger city tour which is not too expensive and more sturdy than some. Have hd no issues taking it on board on all five trips we have taken. Also includes a bag so effectively no different to a carry on bag.
Jul 9, 2019, 7:27 am
#19
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA - Gold, EK - Gold
Posts: 107
I have two kids.
I use a GB Pockit Stroller - cheaper and folds down into the size of an A4 piece of paper if you double fold it. Advantage for me is then I can actually put other stuff in my overhead locker as well! If you take a Yoyo that is your overhead luggage space taken. I have FA's question me as they don't recognise it - but then I go "let me fold it" and when I do they are amazed.
Yes it isn't as sturdy as the Yoyo but it is strong enough. In fact I liked it so much because it was light and easy to carry with a child in it up stairs etc. I gave up my other strollers and I use this one as a daily - I have used it for my first who is now 3.8yrs and can now walk and am currently using the same one with my 1.8yr old boy.
It has been everywhere - off road (though not great as weels are small), over cobbles etc. Been on long 2 week holidays you name it it has been there. All over Europe, Asia and North America. Never had an issue with it the build quality is great. BA, Easyjet, Ryan Air even on an 8 seater prop plane to the Isle of Barra!
If the kid falls asleep on the plane, open stroller in plane, plonk in seat and it fits down the aisle! That is a god send!
Granted storage space is limited - so I carry a rucksack for all baby paraphernalia and it doesn't have a rain hood. But I just bought a rain cover off Amazon and slip that over when I need it.
Obviously, need to see what you are comfortable with. But for £80 form Mothercare it has lasted through 2 children and is still going strong - I have no hesitation recommending it.
I use a GB Pockit Stroller - cheaper and folds down into the size of an A4 piece of paper if you double fold it. Advantage for me is then I can actually put other stuff in my overhead locker as well! If you take a Yoyo that is your overhead luggage space taken. I have FA's question me as they don't recognise it - but then I go "let me fold it" and when I do they are amazed.
Yes it isn't as sturdy as the Yoyo but it is strong enough. In fact I liked it so much because it was light and easy to carry with a child in it up stairs etc. I gave up my other strollers and I use this one as a daily - I have used it for my first who is now 3.8yrs and can now walk and am currently using the same one with my 1.8yr old boy.
It has been everywhere - off road (though not great as weels are small), over cobbles etc. Been on long 2 week holidays you name it it has been there. All over Europe, Asia and North America. Never had an issue with it the build quality is great. BA, Easyjet, Ryan Air even on an 8 seater prop plane to the Isle of Barra!
If the kid falls asleep on the plane, open stroller in plane, plonk in seat and it fits down the aisle! That is a god send!
Granted storage space is limited - so I carry a rucksack for all baby paraphernalia and it doesn't have a rain hood. But I just bought a rain cover off Amazon and slip that over when I need it.
Obviously, need to see what you are comfortable with. But for £80 form Mothercare it has lasted through 2 children and is still going strong - I have no hesitation recommending it.
Jul 9, 2019, 2:47 pm
#20
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: MUCCI Classe des Flatteurs Preferes, LH SEN, BA silver, IHG Plat Amb, Accor Plat
Posts: 968
I used the Yoyo - I got it 5 years ago when there weren't many other cabin size options available.
We used it as the main pushchair in conjunction with a massive all terrain pushchair for going out somewhere requiring something more sturdy. I loved having it available straight away at the end of a flight and not having to hang around waiting for it or collecting it at the baggage carousel.
I was very happy with the Yoyo, and as a bonus I was able to easily sell it for a good price when my youngest no longer needed it.
I wish the Yoyo buggy board had been available when I got mine - that looks really useful for managing two kids.
We used it as the main pushchair in conjunction with a massive all terrain pushchair for going out somewhere requiring something more sturdy. I loved having it available straight away at the end of a flight and not having to hang around waiting for it or collecting it at the baggage carousel.
I was very happy with the Yoyo, and as a bonus I was able to easily sell it for a good price when my youngest no longer needed it.
I wish the Yoyo buggy board had been available when I got mine - that looks really useful for managing two kids.
Jul 10, 2019, 1:54 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: OneWorld
Posts: 14
Sorry for delaying reply, I got hit by the post count limiter 
Yes, this is reminiscent of the only time we gatechecked. 45 minutes of waiting at the other end and then worrying it might get stolen in immigration because it's Heathrow and we had an hour waiting to get back into the UK on top of that. As it turns out, despite specifically asking where the gate check buggy should be placed before boarding, it failed to make it onboard! 
Not ideal delays with baby in tow. Worse is that BA has a form that implies if you take a "temporary" that they claim you generally are allowed to keep, they could argue that could replace your buggy in the case of loss or damage if you accept it.
In case anyone else is reading this thread with a damaged buggy, if there is damage I advise you to take pictures immediately in the airport along with the trip to the BA damage counter. We had some damage on the buggy when it was checked that I fixed temporarily myself but was very hard to explain without a photo when it seemed the frame may still be bent.
Thanks for the advice. So the yoyo only rumour like it could be true potentially. Shame because as it's even smaller than the yoyo, I was expecting the GB Pockit to be an automatic win for getting on board. Perhaps if it's in a bag and they don't know it's no problem.
You seem to have the success rate I've come to expect in terms of receiving the buggy back after gate check. Impressive the bag got damaged without the buggy being damaged! This story and my own experience does make me sway towards the GB Pockit solution.
Agree agree agree and I've seen this all over the forum about go cheap and potentially disposable. The only issue with that is you tend not to have an option for 6 months and younger and also, I want to enjoy a decent buggy on holiday too. I've been avoiding the ultra cheap buggy because a) BA when they do damage it has a repair firm that is specialised in Bugaboo repair and b) if other buggies were to get damaged or lost over and over and we don't still go through the lost/damaged process then we may lose a lot of money long term with our track record on this stuff. I hate the idea of modifying my own behaviour when it should be the baggage checking process that modifies its behaviour
Not ideal delays with baby in tow. Worse is that BA has a form that implies if you take a "temporary" that they claim you generally are allowed to keep, they could argue that could replace your buggy in the case of loss or damage if you accept it.In case anyone else is reading this thread with a damaged buggy, if there is damage I advise you to take pictures immediately in the airport along with the trip to the BA damage counter. We had some damage on the buggy when it was checked that I fixed temporarily myself but was very hard to explain without a photo when it seemed the frame may still be bent.
I have overheard BA gate staff telling passengers that their non-Yoyo pushchair was not allowed on, even though the passengers thought it would fit. YMMV.
We have been using a Cosatto Woosh, which doesn't fit in the overhead lockers but does fold up nice and small (and is therefore useful when travelling). We always gatecheck it, and we used to wait for it at the gate on arrival. Out of 8 or 10 flights, it ONCE was waiting for us when we disembarked. Other times we had to wait ages (while everyone else was getting in immigration queues), and several times it never turned up and we had to carry our daughter through the airport. It's amazing how often the orange tag "falls off" at LHR.
Anyway, what we now so is gatecheck it but don't have the orange tag - i.e. we get it at the carousel and use a sling to get the baby through the destination airport. Sometimes it goes go outsize baggage, sometimes it doesn't, but at least you know not to wait at the gate.
The bag itself got damaged on our last flight into LHR but the pushchair survived. The Woosh is great - we also use it at home when we don't have space in the car for the "big" buggy.
Having said all of that, I have a friend who swears by the Yoyo, for travel and for day to day use. So there you go.
We have been using a Cosatto Woosh, which doesn't fit in the overhead lockers but does fold up nice and small (and is therefore useful when travelling). We always gatecheck it, and we used to wait for it at the gate on arrival. Out of 8 or 10 flights, it ONCE was waiting for us when we disembarked. Other times we had to wait ages (while everyone else was getting in immigration queues), and several times it never turned up and we had to carry our daughter through the airport. It's amazing how often the orange tag "falls off" at LHR.
Anyway, what we now so is gatecheck it but don't have the orange tag - i.e. we get it at the carousel and use a sling to get the baby through the destination airport. Sometimes it goes go outsize baggage, sometimes it doesn't, but at least you know not to wait at the gate.
The bag itself got damaged on our last flight into LHR but the pushchair survived. The Woosh is great - we also use it at home when we don't have space in the car for the "big" buggy.
Having said all of that, I have a friend who swears by the Yoyo, for travel and for day to day use. So there you go.
You seem to have the success rate I've come to expect in terms of receiving the buggy back after gate check. Impressive the bag got damaged without the buggy being damaged! This story and my own experience does make me sway towards the GB Pockit solution.
FWIW, when my wife and I had a buggy to travel with, it was the cheapest 2nd hand deal we could find for 2 reasons 1) it didn't matter if it got damaged, 2) it didn't matter if it got lost. We always gate-checked ours and, while it wasn't a big deal to lose, it was always waiting for us at the plane door on arrival. Bugaboos are expensive even 2nd hand and I'd be reluctant to risk having to put it in the hold.
Jul 10, 2019, 2:06 am
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: OneWorld
Posts: 14
Thanks again everyone for so much great advice. I think I'm going to buy the GB Pockit Plus based on the advice contained here. I basically want the benefits of the buggy upon the plane landing and the immigration sprint more than anything else, so it sounds like picking one that would potentially gate-check (even the fabulous yoyo) would be a mistake.
@thatflyer - as you have the Pockit, do you have any opinions on whether the Pockit Plus would be a mistake? I'm aware it has increased the size and weight a bit, but the features of recline and allowing a carrycot seem potentially worth it.
For what it's worth, I returned to to the shop as I'd purchased the Bugaboo Ant whilst I made the decision just in case it were to sell out. Their show model must only have been out about a week and it seems like it is properly broken on the telescoping handle already
Definitely quickly confirmed not to go with it and explains why they are SO very insistent it is travel buggy only. So ££££££ for travel buggy only seems far too much, especially when some accessories aren't interchangeable.
@thatflyer - as you have the Pockit, do you have any opinions on whether the Pockit Plus would be a mistake? I'm aware it has increased the size and weight a bit, but the features of recline and allowing a carrycot seem potentially worth it.
For what it's worth, I returned to to the shop as I'd purchased the Bugaboo Ant whilst I made the decision just in case it were to sell out. Their show model must only have been out about a week and it seems like it is properly broken on the telescoping handle already
Definitely quickly confirmed not to go with it and explains why they are SO very insistent it is travel buggy only. So ££££££ for travel buggy only seems far too much, especially when some accessories aren't interchangeable.
Jul 10, 2019, 4:37 am
#23
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA - Gold, EK - Gold
Posts: 107
Thanks again everyone for so much great advice. I think I'm going to buy the GB Pockit Plus based on the advice contained here. I basically want the benefits of the buggy upon the plane landing and the immigration sprint more than anything else, so it sounds like picking one that would potentially gate-check (even the fabulous yoyo) would be a mistake.
@thatflyer - as you have the Pockit, do you have any opinions on whether the Pockit Plus would be a mistake? I'm aware it has increased the size and weight a bit, but the features of recline and allowing a carrycot seem potentially worth it.
@thatflyer - as you have the Pockit, do you have any opinions on whether the Pockit Plus would be a mistake? I'm aware it has increased the size and weight a bit, but the features of recline and allowing a carrycot seem potentially worth it.
I haven't seen the Plus in real life. I had a quick look online and it seems wider. I dunno - my kids were always able to sleep without it reclining - sure it may not be as comfortable - but it is absolutely fine for them - they snore away easily. But it still is easily smaller than allowable carry on luggage. Though it weights 4kg more .... But I am pretty sure you won't be pushing the plus down the aisle.
You should go to the store and have a look at it. I prefer light and minimal myself - I don't really care about allowing the kids to recline etc. You should check if the stroller comes with the carry bag. The one I got from Mothercare does - reviews seem to suggest if you buy it from other places it is an additional accessory you need to purchase. Having the bag is useful if you need two handsfree to hold on to the children when travelling solo.
There are two stages of folding - the first stage is easy - does require two hands though as you need to grab both handles and push two buttons with your thumb and collapse. This reduces it to a small size and you can easily get on the plane.
On occasion the overhead locker is full you can do the second stage fold. This is harder - requires a bit of gymnastics to fold the rear wheels and then refold it against itself and latch it. Usually requires you kneeling on it to finally close it. But if you can do that you can actually manage to fit it easily under the seat in front of you!! Like to see the Yoyo do that!
That dash to immigration is vitally important!! You don't want to be wasting precious seconds waiting for a stroller that isn't actually going to turn up! With the Pockit I Can get to the front of the queue seeing as the little ones can't do the biometric gates yet!
I've managed 7mins from exiting the plane to getting in my taxi (without checked luggage) with 1 kid in Gatwick - similar in Heathrow as well.
Jul 10, 2019, 6:08 am
#24
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
What about second-hand yoyo?
we bought a used one for £100 from a friend, and this is definitely awesome when travelling!
Ive travelled with the two Juniors (aged now 2 and 4, but 1st time was 6 months ago), and the ability to fit in the overhead is a massive time saver.
In addition to that, I've bought a trunkie for the eldest, it's insanely useful at airports despite the wheels not turning on the model I have.
I've found it to be the best combination for solo traveling with two kids, as it gives you more freedom of movement for your hands to manage backpack, travel docs, etc
we bought a used one for £100 from a friend, and this is definitely awesome when travelling!
Ive travelled with the two Juniors (aged now 2 and 4, but 1st time was 6 months ago), and the ability to fit in the overhead is a massive time saver.
In addition to that, I've bought a trunkie for the eldest, it's insanely useful at airports despite the wheels not turning on the model I have.
I've found it to be the best combination for solo traveling with two kids, as it gives you more freedom of movement for your hands to manage backpack, travel docs, etc
Jul 10, 2019, 7:23 am
#25
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA - Gold, EK - Gold
Posts: 107
What about second-hand yoyo?
we bought a used one for £100 from a friend, and this is definitely awesome when travelling!
Ive travelled with the two Juniors (aged now 2 and 4, but 1st time was 6 months ago), and the ability to fit in the overhead is a massive time saver.
In addition to that, I've bought a trunkie for the eldest, it's insanely useful at airports despite the wheels not turning on the model I have.
I've found it to be the best combination for solo traveling with two kids, as it gives you more freedom of movement for your hands to manage backpack, travel docs, etc
we bought a used one for £100 from a friend, and this is definitely awesome when travelling!
Ive travelled with the two Juniors (aged now 2 and 4, but 1st time was 6 months ago), and the ability to fit in the overhead is a massive time saver.
In addition to that, I've bought a trunkie for the eldest, it's insanely useful at airports despite the wheels not turning on the model I have.
I've found it to be the best combination for solo traveling with two kids, as it gives you more freedom of movement for your hands to manage backpack, travel docs, etc
Good to see it has been a positive for you though ... I await to see if it will be for us.
Jul 10, 2019, 8:01 am
#26
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
what I've done is put a set of carabiners on the pram which you can use to attach the long strap which pulls the trunkie when I push the pram.
It fits underneath their feet easily whilst onboard.
The only downside is that it is cumbersome to carry with the two kids, pram, luggage, baby day bag, etc in case the airline does not use jet brridges (e.g. Ryanair)
Jul 11, 2019, 4:42 am
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: OneWorld
Posts: 14
What about second-hand yoyo?
we bought a used one for £100 from a friend, and this is definitely awesome when travelling!
Ive travelled with the two Juniors (aged now 2 and 4, but 1st time was 6 months ago), and the ability to fit in the overhead is a massive time saver.
In addition to that, I've bought a trunkie for the eldest, it's insanely useful at airports despite the wheels not turning on the model I have.
I've found it to be the best combination for solo traveling with two kids, as it gives you more freedom of movement for your hands to manage backpack, travel docs, etc
we bought a used one for £100 from a friend, and this is definitely awesome when travelling!
Ive travelled with the two Juniors (aged now 2 and 4, but 1st time was 6 months ago), and the ability to fit in the overhead is a massive time saver.
In addition to that, I've bought a trunkie for the eldest, it's insanely useful at airports despite the wheels not turning on the model I have.
I've found it to be the best combination for solo traveling with two kids, as it gives you more freedom of movement for your hands to manage backpack, travel docs, etc
@thatflyer - thanks for the further info. That'll be something to think about. I think it is all based on whether we fly with the baby whilst cottable, but maybe that's good reason to do one more attempt using the giant buggy. Especially as the likely destination is the USA so we can just make our hire car bigger for storage.
Interesting to see the Trunki results. Had been considering one of those but definitely worried about whether it's that extra thing to drag around as my eldest makes me huff it around carrying him with no carrier in one hand and something else in the other hand. Would definitely be interested to hear results on this.
Jul 11, 2019, 6:05 am
#28
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
Oh gosh, I need to find friends that have children that are growing out of their buggies, that is a fantastic deal you got from your mate! I'd be wary to buy something from the wider market as I don't know how we'd be able to verify it's in good condition. Buying from a friend sounds safer.
Interesting to see the Trunki results. Had been considering one of those but definitely worried about whether it's that extra thing to drag around as my eldest makes me huff it around carrying him with no carrier in one hand and something else in the other hand. Would definitely be interested to hear results on this.
Interesting to see the Trunki results. Had been considering one of those but definitely worried about whether it's that extra thing to drag around as my eldest makes me huff it around carrying him with no carrier in one hand and something else in the other hand. Would definitely be interested to hear results on this.
I was in the same boat as you when the eldest was younger (3-4 y.o.)which was a pain at airports. Having a trunki solved it, and my back is grateful for the respite :-)
Sep 26, 2019, 2:14 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: OneWorld
Posts: 14
So to come back to this thread and update on what we did. Ultimately, we took our primary Bugaboo in its full travel case. However, we dragged the full travel case through the airport as I bungee chorded it to a rolling carryon suitcase we had. Worked pretty well in fact! So we were able to gatecheck the Bugaboo which was marvellous as it helped us get all the stuff into the airport and was much better than having it checked during checkin since usually we'd case it at home for that.
I also purchased a hipseat for when my eldest would refuse the buggy board and that worked out quite well too since you can do a lot with one hand, but without the hipseat it was a 2 hand job to comfortably carry eldest.
Going forwards it would be great to cut down on stuff even more as this is what made travel with 2 difficult really. Biggest issue is carseats - the mifold hifold looks like huge potential for travel so we'll be having a look at this when it comes out. We'll likely get the basic GB Pockit since it almost guarantees we should always be able to bring it on board.
One surprise as well is that I didn't realise Gatwick is no gatecheck return to plane at all. Thus, head's up if you don't already know that.
I also purchased a hipseat for when my eldest would refuse the buggy board and that worked out quite well too since you can do a lot with one hand, but without the hipseat it was a 2 hand job to comfortably carry eldest.
Going forwards it would be great to cut down on stuff even more as this is what made travel with 2 difficult really. Biggest issue is carseats - the mifold hifold looks like huge potential for travel so we'll be having a look at this when it comes out. We'll likely get the basic GB Pockit since it almost guarantees we should always be able to bring it on board.
One surprise as well is that I didn't realise Gatwick is no gatecheck return to plane at all. Thus, head's up if you don't already know that.
Sep 26, 2019, 2:20 pm
#30
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA - Gold, EK - Gold
Posts: 107
So to come back to this thread and update on what we did. Ultimately, we took our primary Bugaboo in its full travel case. However, we dragged the full travel case through the airport as I bungee chorded it to a rolling carryon suitcase we had. Worked pretty well in fact! So we were able to gatecheck the Bugaboo which was marvellous as it helped us get all the stuff into the airport and was much better than having it checked during checkin since usually we'd case it at home for that.
I also purchased a hipseat for when my eldest would refuse the buggy board and that worked out quite well too since you can do a lot with one hand, but without the hipseat it was a 2 hand job to comfortably carry eldest.
Going forwards it would be great to cut down on stuff even more as this is what made travel with 2 difficult really. Biggest issue is carseats - the mifold hifold looks like huge potential for travel so we'll be having a look at this when it comes out. We'll likely get the basic GB Pockit since it almost guarantees we should always be able to bring it on board.
One surprise as well is that I didn't realise Gatwick is no gatecheck return to plane at all. Thus, head's up if you don't already know that.
I also purchased a hipseat for when my eldest would refuse the buggy board and that worked out quite well too since you can do a lot with one hand, but without the hipseat it was a 2 hand job to comfortably carry eldest.
Going forwards it would be great to cut down on stuff even more as this is what made travel with 2 difficult really. Biggest issue is carseats - the mifold hifold looks like huge potential for travel so we'll be having a look at this when it comes out. We'll likely get the basic GB Pockit since it almost guarantees we should always be able to bring it on board.
One surprise as well is that I didn't realise Gatwick is no gatecheck return to plane at all. Thus, head's up if you don't already know that.
We we have an urban kanga uptown. Used it a few times I need to see if the mifold is smaller.
The Kanga is good through. Sturdy and comfortable. So I do recommend it.