Can I take a stroller on a small plane?

Question

I'm flying home to Orlando, Fl from Valencia, Spain in a few weeks & I want to bring the stroller for my 3 mnth old. I may have to take a small plane (not like a bush plane , but one with only like 20 seats). Can I bring the stroller on a plane that small? Like stroll it to the gate before its checked...
Will they store it?
Does it cost extra to do this on a normal flight?

Answer 1

If it's operated by a commercial carrier, I don't see why they wont do routine gate-checking so that you can use it up to the door of the aircraft and it's given to you right away on arrival.

If you have to step up, you'd leave the stroller at the bottom on the stairs. On a jetway, as you've probably already done, you simply leave it right outside the door of the plane on the jetway.

For safety reasons, strollers should never be brought into the cabin. The only place to really put it is in a overhead bin and need I describe what would happen if one came crashing down on someone's head?? No, it wouldn't be you, it would be the idiot behind you who was in a hurry to get something out and it catches...

To be honest, yes, in my career, I have stowed the odd stroller in a closet on the bigger planes but most of the smaller ones simply don't have space.

I fly transatantically with my kids about every six months and flew as a F/A for 13 years. For more information on flying with children, you're welcome to read my article. It's entirely non-commercial, only written to help my fellow parents and coworkers out;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Otherwise, have a great flight!

Answer 2

Yes you can bring a stroller (of any size). Most airlines actually allow you to check a stroller/carseat/bassinet for free b/c they are considered assistive devices. I flew with my son (nj-florida) a couple months back. We checked his carseat at the check in (he flew on my lap, no in a seat). But we gate checked his stroller. They didn't put it under the plane until we boarded. And when we landed they had the stroller immediatly brought up onto the ramp to the plane waiting for me when I got off. It was very nice not having to carry the diaper bag and baby along with my carry on luggage. I really don't see a problem with a full sized stroller (not everyone owns an umbrella, and they aren't recommended for newborn infants with low neck/head control). If you're still unsure contact the airline.

Answer 3

You can take a stroller with you to the gate, however most airlines are going to require you to "gate check" the stroller. There won't be an additional charge, however your stroller will be stowed away with the luggage below, and then returned to you at the gate at your destination. Enjoy your trip!

Answer 4

You'll end up checking it in planeside, so you have it when you get off the plane.