One more post about flying w/LOs

jenn_darrin1515

Hi ladies...I promise I am just about done with the flying questions...but I came up with a few more over the weekend:

We were planning to take our city mini and gate check it...I got a bag-like cover for it so it doesn't get ruined when they throw it in the plane..but I can't seem to figure out if this is going to be a giant pain?  the bag is pretty big (a couple inches bigger than they actual stroller folded down)...but I don't see any other option unless we brough umbrella strollers through the airport which I wasn't keen on...so my question is - was it just fine to put your stroller in a big bag at the gate?  Are there any restrictions on size?  Does it ihave to have handles?  When do you actually check it (as you are getting on the plane?) 

Also - what happens as you go through security?  The stroller won't fit on one of their conveyer belts - so how does that work? and I am assuming we will have to carry the girls through?  Can I put them in sling to carry them? does their luvy, etc. have to pass through on the conveyer or can they hold onto it? 

TIA for any help with this!

SoldiersGreenBean

The bag might turn out to be a huge PITA.  I've always used DD's stroller to help get her and our stuff to the bottom of the jetway.  Then I just fold it up and leave it there.  If you have to stop and put it in the bag, you'll end up either a) wasting time, b) pissing a lot of people off behind you, or c) having to carry everything plus the stroller down the jetway.  So, I have no idea about the bag.  But yes, you leave it at the bottom of the jetway right before you get on the plane.  It's easier, too, if you stop at the desk to get your gate check stuff on it before getting in the boarding line.

I think they'll wand the stroller separately since it doesn't fit on the belt.  I think this is what they do with wheel chairs.  I'm not sure, though, since we've only used a single stroller until now.

Yes, you have to carry them through security.  Depending on the agent, you may or may not be able to wear them.  I've been able to, and I've had agents tell me that I can't.

Everything has to go on the belt except you and them.  Their shoes have to come off, and the lovy has to go through.  I've occasionally gotten away with DD keeping her binki, but everything else gets x-rayed.

abbzy85

We just flew with our babies. We brought two carseats and a DSNG. We also brought 2 sling/carriers to use. When you go to security you have to take the baby out and put the carseat thru, so I held both babies and my husband did all the luggage/security things. TSA was pretty helpful and let us push the empty DSNG thru the security screener instead of trying to fold it and put it on the conveyor belt. Honestly, everyone was helpful because people love twins. They don't help with all babies, but with twins, everyone is interested in helping. We gate checked one carseat and our DSNG and both came back in good condition. I'm sure your stroller is not too big and will bbe finewith or without the bag.

I hope this helps. Ask me if you have any more questions.

jenn_darrin1515

I was just worried about the stroller getting beat up/damages if I didn't put it in a protective bag of some sort?

 Thanks for your answers on security...that helps!

malex

I've flown with two carseats and a DSNG, and we had bags for all three parts.  I'm glad we did, because the exterior of the bags got really dirty.  We just kept the bags folded up in the basket underneath the DSNG until we needed them.  When we got to the bottom of the jetway, I took the girls out of the seats and held them while DH disassembled and folded everything and put them in the bags.  Usually there is a crew member who helps, and/or a flight attendant who will help take the carryon bags to our seats.  I agree with PP that you get extra attention and extra help with twins -- and it's a good thing, because you need it!