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I don't have personal experience w/this yet, but BFF just came back from a trip and told me she checked her carseat at the ticket counter (free) and checked her stroller (a big BOB) at the gate (also free). I think they wouldn't be too picky about it, some people have double strollers, think of that! And you can always tell them that she is too small for an umbrella stroller if they hassle you.

I've never heard of anyone having trouble gate checking a stroller based on size. Maybe it varies by airline?

@Sammyfab: not to threadjack here, but did the travel case do a good job protecting your ubv? I haven't bought the travel thing yet, but it's inevitable bc I would die if anything messed up my precious UBV!

@PrincessBaby: @Sammyfab: I just checked out the bag and I would want to protect that investment too! I just added it to my registry!

There are umbrella strollers for infants out there - we bought one for DD when she was three weeks old as it's easier to maneuver around crowded areas. Just look for one that reclines all the way back to a near flat position (ours reclines to 5 positions) and has the five point harness and it will be fine for an infant. We put an insert into it and that kept LO snug and secure.

We'll be traveling at Christmas when LO is 5 months and we're taking our umbrella stroller specifically because we don't want our big one damaged and it is easier to transport.

I can't help you out with brands as ours is an Aussie brand but I'm sure they must have them in the States!

http://www.pramwarehouse.com.au/product/BabyLove_Maxima_Umbrella_Stroller.html

This the umbrella stroller we have, again, I think it's only available in Australia, and with our rather steep prices you wouldn't want to buy here anyway, but it just gives you an idea.

I've gate checked my uppababy vista and carseat twice (together) and never had an issue. I'm sure they would like for you to check an umbrella stroller (because its lighter) but not all babies can travel in them, so I wouldnt bend over backwards to get something different than what you already have.

We've gate checked our infant car seat and snap and go universal stroller.
Once LO got older we started taking our umbrella stroller and rented car seats from car rental companies.

I've gate checked my BOB with Air Canada whose regulations clearly state umbrella only. I went for it anyway!

I've gate checked a Bugaboo Chameleon, a BOB (single), a Uppa Baby Vista, a Snap n Go & Graco Snugride, a Sit n Stroll, a Mountain Buggy Duet (double stroller) and two umbrellas (Maclaren Quest & Uppa Baby G-Luxe)... Not all at the same time, of course (but a few times, two were gate checked at the same time since I have two kids)! Never had a problem... Never had any noticeable damage from traveling with these strollers either.

I think airlines are getting stricter as big, luxury strollers are more popular than ever before... That explains why they *suggest* umbrella strollers. But you should be fine with a B-Agile! It's an average sized stroller. i travel a lot; I wouldn't worry.

@plantains: Its really not that bad...The first time I had LO in the baby k'tan (she was 6 weeks)...the uppababy you have to take the wheels off to get it to fit (which is kind of a pain) but it still wasn't that bad. The second time I left her in her carseat...if you aren't taking your carseat with you, I highly recommend getting a carrier like a baby bjorn or ergo!

The only reason I didn't check my stroller at baggage claim and take LO through the airport in a carrier is because our airport is massive (ATL) and I am super reliant on the storage space under my stroller!!

Well, I didn't bother with the travel bag, just geat checked teh stroller and it came through the trip just fine looking pristine on both ends. It wasn't even dusty!!!