Traveling with a baby may be difficult, and the rules concerning strollers on airlines can add to the complexity. That is why this post was written to provide a simple guide to baby strollers on a plane, hoping to answer all of the worries and make the procedure as stress-free as possible.
The company is the world’s best can strollers be taken on a plane supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
The article explains the policies of various airlines, so users know what to anticipate when they go. It also recommends the best strollers for one’s personal needs, considering criteria such as size, weight, and simplicity of use.
This guide is an excellent resource for making one’s next flight with a baby as smooth as possible, whether a first-time parent or a seasoned traveler.
Yes, a baby stroller is allowed on international flights. However, it is essential to check with the specific airline users will be traveling with, as some airlines may have different policies.
Some airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, allow strollers in the airport to be checked in at no additional cost, meaning the stroller can be transported along with users’ other baggage. Other airlines, such as American Airlines, may require the stroller to be checked in as a piece of luggage, for which users may have to pay an additional fee.
It is always best to check with the airline in advance to avoid any confusion or additional fees at the airport. Some airlines also allow strollers to be gate-checked and brought to the gate right before customers boarded the flight and picked up right after they exit the plane. This would allow them to have their stroller throughout the airport and make their travel more comfortable.
When traveling with a stroller, it can be a vital piece of equipment for both the child’s and the parent’s comfort and convenience. When bringing a stroller on a plane, the type of stroller allowed varies according to the airline.
Some airlines will allow clients to travel with a foldable stroller on top of their hand luggage for free, while others may require the stroller to be checked in as baggage for an additional fee. Collapsible strollers, often known as umbrella strollers, are lightweight and small when folded, making them ideal for air travel.
These strollers are frequently permitted as carry-on luggage and can be kept in overhead compartments or specific spaces on the airline. However, customers should confirm the airline they will be flying with because different airlines may have different restrictions.
Some airlines may impose weight restrictions on strollers, and others may prohibit particular types, such as jogging or double strollers. Airline policies are listed here.
Hawaiian Airlines will allow passengers to bring their stroller onboard if it fits in the overhead compartment or beneath the seat in front of the passengers. There will be no additional baggage fees for the stroller for the passenger. The stroller must be verified if it is not collapsible and weighs more than 50 pounds.
When traveling with a child, Frontier Airlines allows customers to check their stroller for free, whether or not it is collapsible.
Parents can check their child’s stroller free at the gate or counter with Alaska Airlines. This rule applies to both collapsible and non-collapsible strollers. Parents can even request that the stroller be delivered to the plane’s door upon arrival.
American Airlines allows one stroller per passenger and checks small, collapsible strollers weighing less than 9kg at the gate and larger strollers weighing more than 9kg at the ticket desk. Expect them to inspect the stroller at no extra charge.
Strollers are permitted in airports by United Airlines. However, customers must check their foldable stroller at the gate. A United Airlines worker will check non-collapsible strollers for free at the check-in desk. When parents using strollers arrive at their ultimate destination, they can request that the stroller be transported to the airplane door.
Passengers on Southwest Airlines can check strollers in a plane and car seats for free. This rule applies to both foldable and non-foldable strollers. The stroller can be checked in at the gate or the ticket counter.
Spirit Airlines allows customers to check in one stroller free at the gate or the check-in counter for their child. It makes no difference how big the stroller is.
Jetblue will allow passengers to bring a diaper bag, stroller, and car seat for free if they are flying with an infant child. The airline’s policy applies to both foldable and non-foldable strollers.
Delta Airlines will let their passengers check their strollers for free. Depending on their preference, parents with babies can check their stroller at the curb, the gate, or the check-in counter.
When selecting a stroller for air travel, it is critical to examine its size and weight in relation to the airline’s restrictions—deciding whether customers will be checking the stroller with their luggage or bringing it as a carry-on is vital.
Check the airline’s stroller size regulations before checking a stroller with luggage. Lightweight and compact designs are suitable for strollers that will be gate-checked or kept in overhead compartments.
Other factors to consider when looking for strollers to check at the gate or strollers that fit in the overhead bin:
Whether passengers choose to gate check or bring their stroller on the plane, it should be light enough to handle it easily with their child and all their belongings.
What are the dimensions of the stroller while open and folded? Will the stroller’s folded dimensions meet the requirements for putting it in the airplane’s overhead compartment?
Carry-on luggage in the United States is typically 22″ x 14″ x 9″, while some airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, may need 24″ x 16″ x 10″.
Carry-on luggage sizes for international flights are similar:
21.7 for Air Canada “x 15.7″ x 9”
21.7″ x 15.7″ x 9″ Lufthansa”
Cost is always a factor to consider. It is advisable to assess passengers’ budgets before looking for travel strollers, especially since compact strollers for air travel are often the second or third stroller purchased.
Passengers don’t want a stroller that falls apart if thrown, especially for gate checks. Furthermore, passengers will need a travel stroller that can withstand the rigors of their journey, such as cobblestone streets, repeated folding and unfolding, uneven terrain, and so on.
It should also be strong enough to last through the infant and toddler years. As a result, we recommend investing in a travel stroller with a high maximum weight capacity.
What does mum do if they don’t travel lightly? Having enough storage space for their toddler’s travel essentials is critical. Some of the most basic airplane strollers have little storage space, but we offer options for helpful travel accessories.
The parent’s travel stroller should be simple to fold and unfold. A one-handed fold is ideal since it allows them to keep their child in the stroller while folding it.
Although we recognize that two parents commonly travel together, this is only sometimes the case.
It’s pointless to buy a difficult-to-push lightweight stroller for airplane travel. Any parents want a stroller that can be used in airports while gliding effortlessly around new cities.
A baby product supplier in China, River Baby, is a company that specializes in baby stroller manufacturing travel systems. The company has multiple workshops for production management, engineering, and warehouse management to ensure efficiency in their manufacturing process. Quality and efficiency are a top priority for River Baby; as a result, their facility has acquired certifications from ISO and BSCI, among others.
The main product offered by River Baby is a travel system, which comprises two parts: a stroller and a car seat for babies. The infant car seat can be put on and taken off quickly and easily, making it a convenient option for parents who travel with their babies.
These travel systems are highly recommended for parents because they are portable, comfortable, easy to use, and lightweight. They are also made with the best quality materials to withstand the rough handling babies can give.
River Baby’s travel systems provide a safe, fun, and convenient way for babies and parents to explore the world. They promote family travel and allow parents to take their babies with them wherever they go.
The company offers a wide selection of high-quality baby travel systems for car seats, strollers, and prams, and lightweight, double, and jogging strollers. This means that River Baby has something for every parent’s needs.
Traveling with a baby can be difficult, but the correct stroller can make all the difference. When flying with a stroller, it is critical to examine the stroller’s size and weight and its compatibility with the airplane’s overhead compartment.
Flying with a stroller or a lightweight stroller is a fantastic alternative. River Baby, a reputed baby product supplier in China, provides the best travel strollers. They feature a large assortment of high-quality infant travel strollers systems and strollers that are portable, pleasant, easy to use, and lightweight.
They have also gained ISO and BSCI certifications, ensuring the quality and safety of their products. Choosing River Baby provides that customers will utilize a safe and sturdy stroller for their baby while traveling.
Fold type – A major feature of all travel buggies is a compact fold, but each will fold in a slightly different way. A number of models now have special gravity-assisted 'magic' folds that can be done with just a flick of the wrist. However, these buggies don't tend to fold quite as small as those with two-handed or multi-step folds.
Comfort for child – Travel buggies may have limited padding so they can fold up small, so look at the fabric on seats and straps, and decide if you need leg rests or calf supports before you buy, as this may limit your options.
Ease of steering/pushing – A small fold means small wheels, which can struggle on tougher terrains like sand dunes or cobblestones, but most will be fine through airports, along pavements and on grass. Look for front wheel suspension for the smoothest ride.
Handlebar height – Many travel buggies have fixed height handlebars, which are designed to work for most heights, but may be more uncomfortable for taller or shorter parents. It's important to try before you buy if you're tall or petite.
Durability – Due to their lightweight nature, these buggies won't feel as solid as a traditional pram or travel system as the frame is designed to easy to pick up and fold. The more budget lightweight buggies might not be able to handle as many knocks as heavier, bulkier models or more premium designs.
Age suitability – Many lightweight strollers are designed for use from 6 months, and even those that offer a lie-flat seat that's suitable from birth may be world-facing only. If you're looking for a buggy to use from birth, look for one that offers the ability to convert the seat or add a carrycot. On the other end of the scale, some lack the leg rest that older children may need, or have a 15kg weight limit which could significantly reduce their longevity.
Hood coverage – Some travel buggies have shorter, non-extendable hoods with minimal fabric. They're designed not to add weight or get in the way of the compact fold, but you may want full coverage during hot weather or at nap time. Look for deeper UPF 50+ hoods, or consider buying a buggy cover or parasol for extra protection.
Storage – Travel buggies often only have room for small baskets, so you won't be able to keep as much in one of these as in a larger pushchair. Look out for extra zip pockets and detachable bags for more space.
Weight – When choosing a portable buggy it is important that it is light to carry, and it should weigh less than 10kg for cabin use. We've listed the weights of all the buggies on our list.
The International Air Transport Association’s guide to carry-on size requirements says that carry-on baggage should have a maximum length of 56 cm, a width of 45 cm and a depth of 25 cm, so a buggy must fold to within these limits to be "cabin approved". However, not all airlines follow the IATA guidelines exactly, so we spoke to them to find out the exact rules.
This table shows the specific restrictions for each major airline we spoke to, and the number of buggies in our list that should therefore be guaranteed to be accepted in the cabin. In reality, you may find friendly cabin crew will turn a blind eye to a buggy that is a few centimetres larger, but it can't be guaranteed.
The buggies in our list below are ordered from smallest fold to largest, so if you're considering one of the airlines with tighter restrictions, it would be safest to choose one of the buggies towards the beginning of the list.
AirlineCarry-on max sizeBuggies on our list that fit restrictionsEmiratesAny size allowed10Easyjet56 x 45 x 25cm (large bag)10British Airways56 x 45 x 25cm10Ryanair55 x 40 x 20cm5Tui55 x 40 x 20cm5Qantas (international)56 x 36 x 23cm4Virgin AtlanticOnly accepts 4 named products5Jet 2No buggies accepted in cabin0For a further in-depth look at each airline's specific requirements, including quotes from the representatives we spoke to, keep scrolling to the end of the article.
Age suitability: From 6 months to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H 42cm x W 34cm x H 20cm | Weight: 5.6kg | Car seat compatible: Yes
The latest GB travel buggy has the most compact fold of the pushchairs in our list, with a three-step fold that condenses down to an amazing 42cm x 34cm x 20 cm, small enough to slide into a shoulder bag or a rucksack. It's also extremely lightweight: at 5.6kg it's the joint lightest pushchair on our list, so it should be fairly painless to carry around.
By virtue of its tiny fold and lightweight frame, it's one of 3 buggies that should be accepted (locker space permitting) by 7 out of the 8 airlines that we surveyed (all bar Jet2, who told us they will not accept buggies in the hold at all). It even fits within the measurements for EasyJet’s small-size cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20cm), which means it can be brought into the cabin for free.
The fold is quick but not the quickest, as the back wheels must be bent back individually first to achieve the smallest fold, but when you're not flying there's an easier fold that's only slightly larger which doesn't require this extra step.
You do sacrifice stability and some of your child’s comfort to achieve the tiny fold size, as the buggy is not the most solid, there is no foot rest, and the top of the seat has open sides when reclined, which could affect naps on the go.
Don't let the "all-terrain" name fool you, either. Although the double wheels will go some way to keeping the ride smooth and tackling tricker bumps in the road, this is still a very lightweight buggy with little suspension, and as such it won't perform well on very uneven or muddy ground.
Pros: Very lightweight, two fold options including the most compact one on our list
Cons: Canopy not fully enclosed, lack of suspension, no foot rest
Available from: Amazon and UK Baby Centre
Age suitability: From 6 months to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H 48cm x W 32cm x H 20cm | Weight: 5.9kg | Car seat compatible: Yes | Awards: Silver – Compact-fold pushchair under £200, MadeForMums Awards 2023
This buggy, which is very similar to the GB Pockit+ range, looks chic and has a clever, compact fold that helped it win a Red Dot product design award for its compact construction.
MFM reviewer Sarah said it was “perfectly suited to travel and staycations, but could improve on some design features, such as basket size and carry strap.” It also has a limited recline for naps, and no useful additions like a foot rest or peephole in the hood. She said the buggy is competitively priced and stylish with a “top class design and feel.” Sarah reported, however, that the wheels “don’t cope too well going up hills or very rough terrain, and are very much designed for a city run-around rather than an off-road, nature trip.”
The pushchair is very lightweight, weighing just 5.9kg. “It is not a one-handed fold, as you need to fold it in on itself with both hands,” said Sarah, “but it does fold very quickly and rather dynamically.” This results in a compact box measuring only 48 x 32cm x 20cm. The folded buggy fits within the cabin bag size requirements for six of the eight airlines in our survey. It is sadly not included on Virgin Atlantic’s list of accepted buggies.
Pros: Lightweight, fits into a bag, stylish, fast and intuitive fold
Cons: No carry strap, only a shallow recline, no foot rest, short canopy
Read the full MFM Cybex Libelle review
Available from: UK Baby Centre and Direct4Baby
Age suitability: From birth to 15kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H 20cm x W 30cm x L 55cm | Weight: 5.9kg | Car seat compatible: Yes
The chic Silver Cross Jet 3 would be allowed into the cabins of 7 of our 8 surveyed airlines, thanks to its compact fold size of 20cm x 30cm x 55cm. Uniquely, it folds so that it can be pulled along behind you, like a suitcase. There is also a protective cover attached that protects the buggy once it has been folded. MFM reviewer Charlotte said that this is one of her favourite features of the pushchair, telling us that it's "very practical and saves your shoulders." As well as being good for travel, this also makes it great for storage elsewhere too. Charlotte said "it takes up very little space — ideal in our small, busy house or in the boot of our VW Golf. This transportability is perfect for travel or day trips."
The downside is that this semi-umbrella style buggy requires a more cumbersome fold, first folding inwards at the handle bar and then upwards from the bottom of the buggy. Reviewer Charlotte also raised some issues with unfolding it, particularly as it isn't one-handed: "it does require 2 hands to unfold — you can't just shake it out like the Babyzen Yoyo2. That is quite a big drawback for me when wanting to get out of the house in a rush."
She also said that it's great for city-dwellers and for travelling, but cautions that "the buggy feels a little flimsy and it's hard to see the front wheels, which I find tricky when manoeuvring." This is very normal for a lightweight buggy but may be a bit of a surprise if you're used to something more sturdy and versatile.
The buggy is marketed as being suitable for newborns, but parents might not be comfortable with this and our reviewer noted that the seat doesn't lie completely flat. You can add a car seat using adapters, though.
The Jet is lightweight, weighing just 5.9kg, but it is worth noting that it can only carry children up to 15kg. If your child is in the higher percentiles, this means they could outgrow the buggy as early as 2 and a half.
Pros: Can be wheeled when folded, very lightweight, easy to store
Cons: Complicated fold, no bounce to the wheels, 15kg weight limit
Read the full MFM Silver Cross Jet 3 stroller review
Available from: Amazon and Silver Cross
Age suitability: From 6 months to 15kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H 54.5cm x W 35.5cm x L 19cm | Weight: 5.5kg | Car seat compatible: No
Retailing from £149.99, this buggy from My Babiie has the cheapest pricetag on our list. It's also the lightest — weighing in at an impressively light 5.5kg — and shares a number of features with the GB Pockit+ All Terrain, not least those double wheels.
Its clever fold is very similar to the Cybex Libelle's and the compact fold of this stroller — 54.5cm x 35.5cm x 19cm — means that it should be accepted into the cabin of at least 6 of the 8 airlines surveyed — all except Virgin Atlantic and EasyJet (which doesn't allow any buggies in the cabin). It comes with some handy travel-ready features too, including a flip-flop friendly break, a carry handle and a padded travel bag.
It has front-wheel suspension which provides a relatively smooth ride and the seat should be comfortable for your child due to its padded seat unit and leg rest. However, do bear in mind that you can't recline the buggy should your child want to have a nap or lie down — it only has one, upright position. You can choose from pink, blue or a black chevron fabric.
Pros: Very lightweight, affordable, carry handle, comes with travel bag
Cons: Doesn't recline
Available from: Argos and Pramworld
Age suitability: From birth to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H 52cm x W 44cm x L 18cm | Weight: 6.1kg | Car seat compatible: Yes
The original travel buggy, the Babyzen Yoyo2 is a small, nimble pushchair that is suitable for newborns when using a special newborn pack or a nicely padded bassinet (both sold separately). Once folded, it comes with a carry strap for easy transportation, and also has one of the larger storage baskets on the list, as well as a surprisingly roomy pocket on the back.
Some of the other buggies mentioned here recline flat to accommodate newborns, but many parents would rather newborns face them and have the extra support a carrycot or bassinet offers. With this pushchair there are 2 options. The bassinet is more solid, but it must be removed before folding, so is less useful for air travel. The newborn pack, will fold on the frame just like the 6+ month seat unit, to the same compact size of 52 x 44 x 18 cm.
This buggy is approved for Virgin Atlantic cabins, meaning the Babyzen Yoyo2 is suitable for four of the eight airline cabins on our list. It doesn't quite meet Ryanair and TUI's size restrictions, but parents have reported to us that they have successfully taken this buggy onto both of these airlines. As ever, check before you fly just to be sure.
For more information, please visit Wholesale Baby Strollers.
The Yoyo 2 has a “small, curved frame with an eye-catching design,” according to MFM reviewer Natalie. “Because of the reinforced, premium materials, the frame doesn’t feel flimsy despite being so light,” she said, “it actually feels strong and unlikely to dent easily.” This is a favourite with a lot of parents because of its luxury feel, smart design details and accessories, and small fold. However it doesn't recline as far as many competitors, and the fold is complicated compared to some newer models.
This buggy does have front wheel suspension which helps to give a slightly smoother ride. Natalie said, “the pushchair wheeled fairly easily over grass but muddier ground was an issue." However, she also said that "slightly raised paving slabs sometimes cause the pram to jolt.”
Pros: Stylish, lightweight, suitable for newborns with carrycot, front wheel suspension, shoulder strap
Cons: No flat recline, small wheels can’t cope with rough terrain, expensive with accessories
Read the full MFM Babyzen Yoyo2 review
Available from: John Lewis
Age suitability: From birth to 15kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H 51.5cm x W 44cm x L 24cm | Weight: 7kg | Car seat compatible: No
As its name suggests, the fold on the Micralite ProFold is fast and takes little effort, using gravity to fold as if by magic. “The ProFold is truly one-handed and not at all complicated,” said MFM reviewer Rykesha. “I actually folded it down for the first time without even looking at the manual.” Once folded, EasyJet, BA and Emirates should accept this buggy in their cabins.
The buggy is suitable from birth thanks to its lie-flat seat, so long as you are comfortable with it being world-facing. Our reviewer felt it was a bit too exposed, and would recommend it for use from 6 months. She also felt it was a bit flimsy for daily use, something home tester Anna backed up, calling this "an amazing pushchair for travelling and for light use."
Notable features include the extendable mesh hood which our reviewer felt was strong and well-made though, and the storage basket and pocket, which were a hit with all our testers. The seat is also fairly well padded and made with premium-looking materials, and it's one of only a few buggies on this list to have a bumper bar. On the downside, our reviewer felt the brake wasn't in the most logical place, as she kept stepping on it while walking.
Pros: Good storage, one handed freestanding fold, foot rest and calf support, big extendable canopy
Cons: Small wheels, disappointing brake, flimsy for daily use
Read the full MFM Micralite ProFold review
Available from: Micralite
Age suitability: From birth to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H 53.5cm x W 45cm x L 21.5cm | Weight: 6kg | Car seat compatible: Yes
This sleek buggy has streamlined fabrics and is sturdy, with a reinforced frame that makes it good for everyday use as well as for travel. It has a neat, smooth one-handed fold and due to its compact fold, it should be accepted by EasyJet, BA and Emirates.
Unlike its predecessor (the Joolz Aer) the Aer+ has a reclinable, lie-flat seat and an updated harness, meaning that it is now suitable from birth without needing the additional carrycot. An infant carrier or the additional Aer+ carrycot (£229) can be added if you prefer and the carrycot impressively folds down on the frame. However, if you do choose to add the carrycot, this will make it too large to be stored on a plane, so you may find you're asked to leave it at the plane door.
It comes with some great travel-ready features too, such as a handy carry strap, a generous 17L basket and an SPF50 extendable hood with a peek-a-boo window.
The stroller is also a great eco friendly option, the seat fabric is made from recycled PET bottles and it comes in recyclable and reusable packaging, making it a more sustainable choice. Plus, Joolz offers an impressive 10-year transferrable warranty, meaning it can be transferred to another family if you decide to pass the buggy on.
Pros: Smooth one-handed fold, shoulder strap, extendable canopy, folding carrycot option, sustainably made
Con: Fiddly recline with zip and drawstring, no bumper bar, expensive
Read the full MFM Joolz Aer+ review
Available from: Joolz and Natural Baby Shower
Age suitability: From 6 months to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H54cm x W45cm x L23cm | Weight: 7.3kg | Car seat compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold — Lightweight Stroller, 2023 MadeForMums Awards
Bugaboo’s pushchairs have a reputation for being well designed and, although the Butterfly has only just launched, it's already making waves thanks to the fact it folds down into a slender package and boasts a range of smart features.
The Butterfly offers Bugaboo’s smallest fold, collapsing to 54 x 45 x 23cm, meaning it should be accepted into the cabin by three airlines on this list - BA, EasyJet and Emirates. It appears to follow the trend among newer travel buggies to feature a well-cushioned but minimal seat and hood, so there is no excess fabric to deal with when folding up small.
Gabrielle, a member of our Top Testers Club, preordered the pushchair and was one of the first to put it to the test (pictured). She said, "Bugaboo say it is a one second fold and I think they are about right. It is easily folded & put up one handed and is incredibly light weight so I can carry (a not small) 18 month old and pram together easily." MFM reviewer Cher also commented that "I can honestly say that the Butterfly is one of the easiest strollers to fold."
What stands out is the huge amount of storage promised in comparison to other buggies with a compact fold. Bugaboo says the basket will hold 8kg of shopping - twice the amount of Bugaboo's popular Bee pushchair. Gabrielle confirmed, "the basket is actually bigger than our Bee 5!" The Butterfly is slightly heavier than some other buggies here, at 7.3kg, but by virtue of that it is also one of the more robust in this list. MFM reviewer Cher was pleasantly surprised with "how sturdy it is compared with other strollers" and loves how the Butterfly handled "various types of tough terrain really well."
Pros: One-handed fold, strong, shoulder strap, large basket
Cons: Not the lightest, expensive
Read the full MFM Bugaboo Butterfly review
Available from: John Lewis, Argos and Bugaboo
Age suitability: From newborn to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H54cm x W44cm x L25cm | Weight: 6.4kg | Car seat compatible: Yes | Awards: Gold – Compact-fold pushchair under £200, MadeForMums Awards 2023
This buggy offers comfort for baby via an ergonomic soft padded seat, and for parents too, as it's the only buggy in our list that has a height-adjustable handlebar. Children will appreciate the adjustable leg rest too, and it's impressive that Ergobaby has been able to factor in adjustable details like this while still keeping the buggy under 7kg.
The compact fold is quick to put down but takes two steps. Once folded, the buggy should be suitable to go in the overhead compartment of EasyJet, BA and Emirates cabins.
Some reviewers liked that the folded buggy can be carried with one hand, but MFM Consumer & Reviews Editor Christy said the small strap, which is attached to the seat, “was a very tight fit for my hand and rubbed on my skin.” Reviewers also found the buttons a bit stiff. It is suitable from birth with a lie-flat seat, and there are built-in flaps designed to keep a newborn secure, but it is world-facing only.
Parent tester Bianca concluded: “A lot of cheaper, more lightweight prams don't hold their own across bumpy terrain so people end up having to buy a sturdier model as well. The Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller is, however, a does-it-all pram that holds its own on country walks, as well as on quick trips in the city.”
Pros: Sturdy, adjustable handle, full recline, comfy seat
Con: no shoulder strap, newborn flaps don’t offer much support
Read the full MFM Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller review
Available from: John Lewis and Kiddies Kingdom
Age suitability: From newborn (with cocoon) to 15kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H55cm x W45cm x L25cm | Weight: 6.4kg | Car seat compatible: Yes
This glamorous travel buggy wins points for being stylish and strong, although the dimensions of its fold are the maximum that EasyJet and British Airways say they will accept as hand luggage. This just means you must be sure to fold the buggy properly at the boarding gate for it to be accepted by those two airlines, along with Emirates.
The Globe is a good choice for parents who might want to stand out with a rose gold chassis, say, or by customising the buggy with the wide range of accessories on offer, which include a footmuff, buggy organiser, parasol and cup holder.
MFM reviewer Gabrielle praised the buggy’s manoeuvrability saying it was "incredibly easy to push – on smooth surfaces indoors and outside – with just one hand. It was a pleasure to push this buggy through the hotel we stayed in on holiday at as it glided over marble tiles."
She liked the fold less as it requires two hands and three steps. She said the fold was “fairly straightforward in theory but in practice it was fiddly. The buttons on the inside of the handles aren’t easy to locate through the fabric and keeping them pressed in while simultaneously lowering the handlebar involves some dexterity.”
The Globe Prime is suitable from birth thanks to its lie-flat seat, but as with others on this list the seat is is world-facing only.
Pros: Easy to push, fashionable, lots of accessories, adjustable leg rest
Cons: Difficult fold, short hood extension, small basket
Read the full MFM Ickle Bubba Globe Prime review
Available from: Amazon and Ickle Bubba - Use code MFM8PG10 for an exclusive discount (limited time only)
The International Air Transport Association’s general guide to carry-on size requirements is used by hundreds of airlines around the world. It suggests that carry-on baggage should have a maximum length of 56 cm, a width of 45 cm and a depth of 25 cm. These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets. However, this guidance is voluntary and individual airlines still have their own policies and size restrictions. We spoke to eight major airlines to find out what their specific policies are.
Please do bear in mind that things can change at the gate and on busy flights passengers may be asked to put larger items of hand luggage into the hold, including buggies. Similarly, we've heard anecdotal evidence that some of the airlines listed below may accept slightly larger folding buggies in some circumstances.
Below, we've included a more in-depth look at the different guidelines for each airline.
Emirates is the most easygoing of the airlines we spoke to about travel buggies, perhaps because they fly larger, modern planes. A spokesperson said they would accept any size of folding travel buggy into the cabin, as long as there was space. “Customers are permitted to carry only one fully collapsible stroller/pushchair or infant’s carrycot in the aircraft cabin free of charge, subject to space availability,” we were told. If there is no available space, the stroller will be checked in as hold luggage.
They even went as far as to say that “A stroller with a car seat can be taken on-board for stowage provided sufficient space is available on-board.”
“Emirates does not recommend a particular pushchair but it should be fully collapsible,” they added. “Some brands even offer a zipped travel bag which the stroller neatly fits into.”
Though policies can change, EasyJet currently has two cabin bag sizes, a smaller one that is free and a larger, paid-for, size that must weigh less than 10kg.
“As long as the buggy fits within the dimensions of our cabin bag allowances they would be permitted in the cabin,” a spokesperson for the airline told us.
When folded, a couple of the more compact buggies we tested fit the smaller size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Both these buggies and all the remaining pushchairs on our list fit within the larger, paid for, cabin bag size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Both sizes have a maximum weight of 15kg.
British Airways’ cabin bag size is currently the same as EasyJet’s larger, paid-for cabin bag size, with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. With BA – though rules can change – it is generally free to have one cabin bag this size, and it can weigh up to 23kg. A spokesperson for BA told us that travel buggies of this size will be accepted in place of your hand luggage.
The website also states however that: “As with all larger cabin bags, this is not guaranteed to travel in the cabin, but our staff will make every effort to accommodate if space is available.”
It is worth noting that BA’s website suggests that most umbrella-style buggies can wait for you at the aircraft door at both ends of your flight at “most” airports. However the compact fold of the travel buggies on this list is wider than a typical umbrella fold (BA’s size limit for this option is 117 x 38 x 38cm) so – read strictly – travel buggies with a compact fold would need to be taken into the cabin where they meet the requirements.
In contrast to the positive responses from the other airlines, Jet2 told us that no travel buggies of any size would be allowed into cabins on its flights, with “all infant-related luggage” needing to go into the hold.
We asked why this was but were given no further answer.
At 55 x 40 x 20cm, TUI’s hand luggage size is smaller than EasyJet and BA’s but the same size as Ryanair’s. A TUI spokesman told us that its hand luggage policy applied to both bags and travel buggies that meet the size requirements.
The TUI website states: “Customers can take 1 piece of hand luggage per person (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg and with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm on a TUI Airways flight.” We have, however, heard from members of our Top Testers Club that they have successfully taken slightly larger folding strollers such as the Silver Cross Clic onto TUI flights, so you may get lucky if you encounter crew members who're willing to be flexible.
Ryanair told us that if a foldable pushchair meets the size requirements of a 10kg cabin bag, at 55 x 40 x 20cm, and if – importantly – there is adequate capacity in the cabin, passengers are allowed to carry their foldable pushchair onboard free of charge.
As with any of these low-cost airlines, overhead lockers on busy flights fill up fast, so capacity may well be lacking. Still, it is worth asking.
The Australian airline confirmed to MadeForMums that a fold up buggy that fits within its hand luggage restrictions can be carried in the cabin and stored in the overhead locker. On international flights the maximum cabin bag size is 56 x 36 x 23cm, which is slightly narrower than other airlines.
“We only accept a certain list of pushchairs that meet the size and weight limitations of our hand baggage policy to ensure there is enough space onboard for all our customers and their luggage,” a Virgin Atlantic spokesman said.
This list is very specific and includes only four branded buggies: the GB Pockit, Britax Holiday, Silver Cross Jet and Babyzen Yoyo.
“In cases where pushchairs do not meet carry-on restrictions,” the spokesman continued, “they are tagged and placed in the hold for the flight. For the majority of Virgin Atlantic destinations, they are brought to the aircraft door upon arrival to assist customers through the airport.”
Advertisement
Our key priority when creating this list was fold size, along with the guidance we were specifically given by the airlines we spoke to. Beyond this, we then considered comfort for both child and parent, weight, wheel type, fabrications, longevity, acessories and value for money.
Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.
This list is not ranked 1-10, but it is ordered from smallest fold to largest. All the pushchairs in the list fold to within the IATA recommended cabin baggage size limits.
Are you interested in learning more about Baby Prams Wholesale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!