Any luck with compact strollers on board
 

I just completed a round trip JFK-SEA with my wife and 11-month-old son. We flew in DL in F (on 738s), and always get a seat for the baby so he can be buckled in the whole way. These were his 6th and 7th flights, and touch wood, the little guy is a great pax so far.

Here's my question - we've got an ultra compact stroller that we use for moving around in the airport (we have a separate seat for baby to sit in on the plane that we use, and I lug aroung the airport) - is there any way I can get away with carrying the compact stroller on board on a domestic DL flight?

Here are some facts to consider: the stroller meets 2 out of the 3 sizewise guides (it's too long, but just by 6 or so inches) and will fit in any overhead bin. It would likely even fit under the seat in front of us. It would definitely fit in the closet. We always travel in F. GM (if it matters).

My wife insists that the carriers won't let us bring it on board, and won't even let me ask. But, after 7 flights, we're 7 for 7 in waiting 15+ minutes to have our stroller come up at the gate. On nearly every flight, they've brought several strollers up right away, but ours always comes late. (I have some theories as to why this is, but that's for another time.) I'd welcome eliminating this waiting period from our journey.

Any thoughts or experiences regarding DL's policies on this matter would be appreciated.

NyBanker
I am going to move your query to Travelbuzz (although, I do feel it is more suitable on the FT "Children's" forum, but will not get as much traffic. ) If the FT Travelbuzz Moderators feel that it should be moved, it certainly has my blessing.
Obscure2k
Moderator

NYBanker,

If by "ultra-compact stroller" you are referring to what I call an "umbrella stroller", then my experience is yes, you should be able to take it on board. (For those FT'ers without children, this type of stroller can be fully collapsed to about the length of a golf umbrella, perhaps 30 inches tall by 4 inches square).

We traveled extensively with DL, Jr. during his stroller days, and usually brought the big Graco which required gate checking, as we would use it when we arrived at our destination. However on a few trips where we didn't expect much stroller use after arrival, we did the umbrella stroller. Flying in F, and with your son in his own seat (and carry-on allowances), you should have no problem. Most FAs, if asked nicely, will allow you to store it in the closet if the overheads are full.

Enjoy this period while it lasts. DL, Jr. was GM before his 1st birthday and was a great traveler before he learned to walk...at which point he wanted nothing to do with sitting on a plane for any length of time. That period lasted about a year until he discovered the joys of being on an airplane (and IFE).