Uppa Baby Vista moms who traveled with their strollers

ewiwoo

I have a question to all Uppa Baby Vista moms who traveled with their strollers. I am going on our first vacation with DS. I am planning to buy the stroller bag, is it worth it? I heard a lot of people have issues fitting the stroller in the bag. I have Uppa baby vista in Drew. I think its the newest one I'm not sure. I also don't know, do I check the stroller with all the baggage? I just think its a lot of walking at the airport, to the gates etc. Did anyone check it at the gate? how does that work? does it depend on the airline? Also any info on traveling with a 10 month old is appriciated!! Thanks!!

amief

We have flown 3 times with LO (who is also 10 months).  Each time we have used our Boba carrier to get through the airport.  

We only brought the vista with us once because we needed it at our destination.  We bought the stroller bag and checked it with our luggage.  Everything arrived in great condition and we were happy with the bag.

One time I was by myself and brought a smaller umbrella/folding type stroller which I used to carry the carry on luggage and car seat through the aiport (still wore LO) and then gate checked it. 

 and one time we brought no stroller.  

I wouldn't gate check the vista by myself b/c I would be afraid of damage without the bag and putting the bag on while having LO would be tough (you have to take the wheels off to put the vista in its bag).  If you had someone else there though- then you could do this if you wanted.  I think a baby carrier though, and some form of wheeled carry on (or luggage cart) also works and you can just check the vista with your luggage and not worry about it until you arrive at your destination.  

ewiwoo

I am traveling with my husband and my parents. I was thinking of getting the bag and gate checking the stroller but I am not sure how that works. I was thinking of getting a small umbrella stroller, but what if he decided to take a nap? I won't be able to recline him. Also In mexico I think things like rain shield or mosquito net will be needed so  its like buying a whole new stroller. I think it will be better just to get the travel bag. I guess I will have to ask the airlines on their stroller policies. It wouldl be super comfy to have the stroller there with me at the airport, although there is a lot of us so there is enough hands to hold him.

TKtravels

We gate check all the time, albeit with a different stroller (no bag). 

On a Copa-operated flight to Colombia, they broke part of our undercarriage and a piece went missing, and their customer service rep wasn't helpful at all.  If the bag protects against damage like that and you have enough hands to help stow it properly, it seems like it'd be worth it. 

Be sure to be clear with the person at the gate where you want to pick up your stroller.  I had a connecting flight once, and the gate person misunderstood me and was going to have my stroller sent to the luggage claim in Newark, even though we were flying on to another city. 

ETA: gate checking has been free on every flight I've been on with our gear, domestic and international alike. 

amief

With a lot of hands, if it were me I would put the stroller in the bag ahead of time and check it with your luggage.  That will protect the stroller and give you one less thing to get through security and deal with at the gate.  Then you can bring your bug shield, etc for the trip and not need to make additional purchases.  In the airport I would wear him in a carrier if you have one.  If there are plenty of folks to carry the carry-on luggage you should be ok even without a carrier.  I know my LO will go to sleep in the carrier, and honestly... I try to keep him awake in the airport, so he sleeps on the plane.  

When I have gate checked though... it isn't hard.  You go to the gate agent and get a ticket before boarding starts.  Then when you get to the end of the jetbridge you just leave it where they tell you.  They usually tell you right where to pick it up when you get off as well (for me that has always been on the jet bridge as well).  Most gate checking is free, but check your airline's policy.  I have heard that some have weight/size limits for free stroller gate checking.  Given the size of the vista that could be a concern.  

GermanShredders

We have both gate checked and checked as luggage our Vista in its bag. Worth it. Southwest bent the car seat attachment on one fight. UppaBaby sent us a replacement in three days.

GermanShredders

Also, ignore the instructions on packing it in the bag. It is a tight squeeze. Take the seat off and put it in the bag separately, rather than still attached to the stroller. Fits perfectly with plenty of room for other stuff.