NYC: fly with stroller or buy one there?

Klikina

I will be flying to NYC this summer with DS (he'll be 13 mos). Hopefully my sister can come, but it might just be me. I am thinking about flying with my stroller, a BJCM and gate checking it. I really can't imagine how I'll manage with the luggage and the baby through the airport otherwise. I will have my Beco too, but I know I'm gonna need a stroller. Should I just buy one when I get there? I will be visiting relatives, so I could possibly leave it at their place for future visits, but the BJCM would be more comfy for DS. Any thoughts? If I buy a stroller there, which one should I get? I don't want something too cheap that will fall apart, but I want something light. Ugh...

lauti

I've flown with the BJCM and DS alone 5 roundtrips so far.

It is definitely doable, easy even.  If possible, use a backpack or messenger bag for your diaper bag so you have your hands free.  At 13 months, he'll likely be able to stand or even walk for short periods of time so you can get your things together if needed.

I don't see a reason to buy one there, just fly with the one you have.

Maddimom

I was thinking the same thing when we traveled with LO last month. We ended up bringing the stroller and it was super easy. I say take your stroller  

Kimee13

We bought the CM exclusively to use for a travel/umbrella stroller and it's been great for those functions - I would definitely bring it with you. 

Klikina

Thanks! (Although I do have this secret fear that someone else will claim it from the gate check...I've never gate checked anything before!) Did you find it was easy to carry in and out of the subway?

Kimee13

Klikina:

Thanks! (Although I do have this secret fear that someone else will claim it from the gate check...I've never gate checked anything before!) Did you find it was easy to carry in and out of the subway?

I can't help with the subway question.  But for gate-checking, I would purchase one of the red "gate check" bags that BRU/Target sell and put your name on it.  The CM fits in the carseat one with room to spare.  If you gate check it, they will have you fold it up and put it in the bag right before you get on the plane and it will be waiting fo you on the concourse as you deplane.  I guarantee noone is even going to know(much less care) what's in the red "gate check" bag so I wouldn't worry about theft. 

Fashiongal1973

Kimee13:

Klikina:

Thanks! (Although I do have this secret fear that someone else will claim it from the gate check...I've never gate checked anything before!) Did you find it was easy to carry in and out of the subway?

I can't help with the subway question.  But for gate-checking, I would purchase one of the red "gate check" bags that BRU/Target sell and put your name on it.  The CM fits in the carseat one with room to spare.  If you gate check it, they will have you fold it up and put it in the bag right before you get on the plane and it will be waiting fo you on the concourse as you deplane.  I guarantee noone is even going to know(much less care) what's in the red "gate check" bag so I wouldn't worry about theft. 

Definitely get a bag. We gate check our BJCM stroller when we fly and after the first flight it got really dirty and had some holes in the fabric around the foot rest. After that we bought a bag. Also it is a breeze when you go through security. You have to take baby out and put the stroller on the belt and it fits. Having the one handed fold is very handy.