We're planning two major trips this year, one locally and one internationally. Both places we will be renting a car and driving around and would need to take our stroller and car seat. We will be gate checking both of them bc we have a travel system. In worried about them damaging. We have a britax travel system and can buy the covers of both but it's like $30 each. There's the cheaper generic option available for like $15. Does these work just as well?
-
Gate check bags are really just for keeping the stroller or car seat clean. I have the JL Childress bags and the bags are pretty dirty after a couple of flights.
http://www.amazon.com/Childress-Gate-Check-Bag-Seats/dp/B000RRD7UG/ref=pd_bxgy_ba_text_yThey wont do anything to prevent physical damage. But I believe gate checking is supposed to be better because the items dont get tossed around by baggage handlers like checked luggage, but rather they just get carried down from the jetway to the baggage compartment (although they wont be treated with kid gloves either).
The last time I flew, we didnt have a gate check bag for our new umbrella stroller, so I just used a really big, thick black garbage bag (the kind used for yard work) and it worked fine.
-
Also, be sure to check the airlines' policies on gate checking strollers. Some, like United and American, have size restrictions (American Airlines policy is that it has to be collapsible and weigh under 20 lbs). I flew Air canada recently and they only allow umbrella strollers to be gate checked. I think their website said the stroller has to be no more than 11" wide when collapsed. Travel system strollers tend to be bulky and heavy. If the airline wont let you gate check, you will have to check it as luggage and then there is a greater likelihood of damage.
-
When our son was still in the infant carseat, we used a snap n go for traveling by plane so that we didnt need to take a separate stroller. It was great - light and easy to fold.
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Trend-Universal-Infant-Carrier/dp/B00838BNK2/ref=pd_sbs_ba_4
-
Thanks for all the info!
-
I didn't use a bag when I gate checked our Britax stroller. I'll be honest, the handlers aren't gentle with gate checked items, after 2 years of international flights, the stroller was ready to be junked. The bag would have prevented it from getting dirty, that's about it.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
5 comments