Gate Check stroller? BJCS

NCMichelle

Hey ladies...  I just found out that my dad is in the hospital and I need to fly home. I'm taking DS and leaving DD (DH will drive DD up later in the week).  I have never had the need to take a stroller when flying but I need to this time.  I have a BJCS (I'll only have one seat because DH can bring the other with him).  Do I gate check the stroller?  

Any advice is appreciated...  my brain is not really working right now and I need someone to tell me what to do. 

celiabwatson

Will you actually need the stroller before your husband drives up? If not I'd just have your husband bring the whole thing. If you feel like you need the stroller before he gets there I'd gate check it because it is nice to have in the airport, even if it's just for your carry on bag and you let the kid walk. 

NCMichelle

I will need the stroller before DH gets there...  if I gate check it, do I just fold it and pop the seat off?  I'm so afraid that it will get broken.  

ZooCrewMom

I have never used my CS for travel, but I have gate checked my CM. I splurged though and bought the carry case that I wadded up and shoved in the basket. Then right before boarding I popped off the wheels and put it in the case. I didn't have any problems with it being injured in the carry case so it might be worth looking into.

 Once you get to the gate ask for a tag for the stroller.  

drpayne

It depends on the airline so check their website or call in advance.  We flew AA recently and they will not gate check anything over 20 lbs.  We bought a cheap umbrella stroller just for air travel and I'm so glad we had it.  No way would I check my BJCM at the regular baggage claim, either.  GL!

lauracoro

I flu last month with the city select and gate checked it along with our car seat.  I had no damage or problems.  I only have one seat and I just folded it, put that little plastic lock thing and hoped for the best.  I didn't remove the seat.  I was afraid of damage if it went with the luggage and we were traveling to Atlanta and did not want to carry dd they that huge airport!  

 

ETA I flu american and did not know anything about the 20lb limit and they didn't say anything to me about it. But I think the stroller is like 22 lbs? I don't know if that would be an issue for anyone.  We flu round trip from ny to atl 

drpayne

Here is the link.  Scroll down to the table.

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/childrenTraveling.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=children#CarryOnandCheckedItemAllowances

It may depend on how full the flight is, etc.  They were being VERY strict with carry-on rules when we flew.  I also think AA has a bunch of jerks working for them so it might depend on who you get and what moods they're in on a given day.