How to Bring Your Stroller on an Airplane

Children are not allowed to ride in their stroller through security scanners.

Traveling with infants and newborns on an airplane can be a struggle. In addition to heightened security and limitations on non-essential carry-on items, traveling with a stroller can be a hassle. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration has outlined steps to be taken when traveling with infants. Preparing for TSA check points and being in compliance with current airline safety regulations will minimize any inconveniences to your travel arrangements.

Things You'll Need

• Just a pen and paper to take some notes!

Instructions

Taking a stroller through security.

1. Remove any items from the stroller that may need to go through security scanners including diaper bags, purses and articles stowed beneath the stroller.

2. Remove any liquid or gel products and set them in a security bin to be scanned separately from your carry-on luggage. The TSA allows liquids in carry-on luggage as long as each individual bottle weighs no more than 3.4 ounces (1000ml.) All carry-on liquid containers must fit within a 1-quart zip-top bag. Infant formula, breast milk and medications are allowed on-board in larger quantities, but must be marked as such and presented to a TSA official for screening.

3. Fold your child's stroller and put it through the security scanner first, followed by any carry-on items for your child and finally your personal carry-on items. A TSA officer will personally inspect any items that are too large to fit through the security scanner.

4. Walk through the metal detector with your child. TSA recommends that you allow your child to walk through the gate on their own if possible.

5. Unload the stroller once you have completed the security screening and place your child in the stroller before gathering your other belongings.

Taking a stroller on a plane.

1. Proceed to your gate after checking through security.

2. Ask the airline attendant at the gate about the availability of seats on the plane. If empty seats are available the attendant may allow you to carry the stroller on board the plane.

3. Check the item at the gate if the plane is full or if it is against airline policy to allow strollers on board. A flight attendant will check the stroller for you as you load the plane.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the airline's stroller policy prior to booking your flight.

• Purchase a smaller umbrella stroller to travel with.

• Keep your stroller free of unnecessary items to avoid an excess wait at the security station.

• Place your liquids and gels in an easy to reach area of your carry-on luggage.

• Bottled water may not be brought through the security check point unless it is mixed with formula.

• You are not permitted to hand your child to someone behind you while in the security check point.

References

• Transportation Secuirity Administration: Traveling With Children
• Transportation Security Administration: 311 For Carry-ons
• Transportation Security Administration: How To Get Through The Line Faster
• Twinslist: Car Seats And Strollers