Travelling with young children can be an adventure, but navigating airports and flights with a pushchair requires some planning. To ensure smooth travels, understanding how to manage your pushchair is key. Drawing insights from experienced parents on platforms like Mumsnet, here are essential tips for hassle-free plane travel with your pushchair.
1. Protect Your Pushchair with a Stroller Travel Bag
Airport baggage handling can be tough on pushchairs. Investing in a dedicated stroller bag is a smart move to shield your pushchair from the rigors of air travel. These bags are designed to be waterproof, keeping your pushchair clean and dry, and they significantly reduce the risk of scratches, scuffs, and damage to the frame and fabric during transit.
“I’ve never had a pram be damaged while flying but they do get thrown around. Some airlines (Emirates and Air Canada that I’ve used) give you big bags to put prams and car seats in. They are only plastic though so wouldn’t protect against more than scratches.” – Jestem, Mumsnet User
“We had a stroller bag from Amazon (think the brand was Diono?) and it was great. We did 5/6 overseas trips with no damage.” – Daisy2990, Mumsnet User
2. Choose a Cabin-Approved Pushchair for Airport Ease
For families with very young children or those who find it challenging to carry toddlers, the journey through the airport, especially passport control, can be demanding without a pushchair immediately available. Pushchairs checked into the hold are typically returned at baggage claim, which can be a long walk. Opting for a compact, foldable pushchair that meets airline carry-on size restrictions allows you to keep your pushchair with you until boarding and sometimes even retrieve it right after landing, making airport transits significantly easier. This is particularly beneficial if you’re not using a baby carrier and need to navigate the airport with your child.
“You can always take it to the gate when you board but I rarely get it back when we get off, it always goes to luggage collection. I ended up buying one I could take on board with me and put in the overhead bin or under the seat. Lifesaver when I travelled solo with my son.” – MissMooMoo, Mumsnet User
“I’d definitely recommend a carry-on stroller. Super easy to use and no having to carry your baby through the airport if they don’t bring it up to the aircraft door.” – TroubledLichen, Mumsnet User
3. Enhance Protection Against Knocks and Scratches
Even with a stroller bag, extra protection can minimize potential damage. Before checking your pushchair, consider wrapping vulnerable parts like handlebars with bubble wrap or foam padding. Using cable ties to secure the folded pushchair can prevent it from unfolding unexpectedly and getting damaged. It’s also wise to remove detachable accessories such as cup holders and bumper bars to avoid them being lost or broken during the flight. For an added layer of security, some airports offer plastic wrapping services, which can effectively seal your pushchair for better protection if you don’t have a travel bag.
“If you have to check in a pram with your luggage there’s that plastic wrap machine you could use. Squeeze it as tightly shut as possible and wrap away – may prevent some damage.” – KathArtic, Mumsnet User
4. Consider a Budget-Friendly Pushchair for Travel
Unless you are a frequent flyer, using your expensive, everyday pushchair for air travel might not be the best choice. The risk of damage, loss, or rough handling is always present. A practical alternative is to purchase an inexpensive, travel-specific pushchair. This option meets your travel needs without the worry of significant financial loss if it gets damaged or misplaced during your trip. A cheaper pushchair can be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind when travelling.
“Don’t take an expensive pram on a plane. They get chucked all over the place. It could get broken or lost. Get a cheap holiday one.” – DearMrDilkington, Mumsnet User
5. Utilize a Sling or Baby Carrier for Airport Mobility
If you decide to check your pushchair into the hold, bringing a sling or baby carrier as part of your hand luggage is highly advisable. The distance from disembarking the plane to baggage reclaim can be considerable, and managing this with a toddler and luggage can be challenging. A sling or baby carrier keeps your child secure and your hands free to manage passports, tickets, and luggage retrieval, making your airport experience much smoother.
“I’d recommend a sling as while you drop the stroller off at the gate on departure you often don’t get it back till baggage reclaim on the other side and it’s a bit of a walk sometimes!” – Bipbipbipbip, Mumsnet User
6. Review Your Travel Insurance Coverage
For those travelling with a high-value pushchair, it’s prudent to check your travel insurance policy before your trip commences. Ensure that your policy covers potential loss or damage to your pushchair during travel. Some insurance providers offer specific add-ons or waivers that can provide extra protection for valuable items like pushchairs, giving you financial security and peace of mind should the unexpected occur.
“Check out your insurance, I paid an excess waiver for less than £10 for a year. That way if it’s damaged I’m covered.” – wwwwwwwwwwwwww, Mumsnet User
By following these tips and learning from the experiences shared by the Mumsnet community, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with travelling with a pushchair. Planning ahead and taking preventative measures ensures a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience for the whole family.
