How to Gate Check a Stroller? (Ultimate Guide)

Key Takeaways

Gate checking means that you keep your item with you in the airport through security and all the way to the gate. At the gate counter, you’ll be given a tag that you’ll attach to your item and leave on the jet bridge just before you enter the plane.
Gate checked items are picked up in the same place upon arrival, on the jet bridge just outside the plane’s doorway.
Gate checking is offered at no cost by all airlines for car seats and strollers.

Airline travel can be stressful under the very best circumstances. Add in an infant or toddler travel companion—and all the literal baggage that comes with them—and that stress can tick right over into overwhelm.

For many parents, utilizing their stroller through the airport can be one way to simplify the process. It provides a hands-free transportation option and also additional storage for the diaper bag and other carry-ons. It’s ideal to have it all the way through security and to the gate (especially if your airport is built more like a labyrinth), but what’s a parent to do once they arrive at the gate?

Why, you gate check the stroller, of course.

Gate Checking a Stroller Explained

Gate checking is a service airlines provide allowing you to stow items in the cargo area under the plane with the rest of the checked luggage. Instead of checking your item at the ticket counter just inside the airport entrance, you check it on the jet bridge just before entering the plane itself.

This allows you to use your stroller through security and the concourse, stow it for the plane ride, then have it returned to you as soon as you disembark at your destination.

All airlines allow some form of gate checking. Parents can typically gate check a car seat and one stroller per child at no cost. You’ll want to check with your airline carrier for specific guidelines; some have a weight limit on strollers that can be gate checked, requiring them to be checked at the ticketing counter instead.

Any items that are gate checked are returned to you in the same place you drop them off. This means that, rather than having to go all the way to the baggage claim area upon arrival, your car seat and/or stroller are waiting for you on the jet bridge as soon as you step off the plane itself.

Reasons to Consider Gate Checking Your Stroller

Gate checking a stroller often makes the most sense for parents for several reasons, including making it easier to navigate the airport and limiting damage to the stroller itself.

Simplify Navigating the Airport

Keeping your stroller until the last possible minute before boarding and having it returned at the first possible opportunity upon disembarking makes it easier to travel through the airport itself.

Avoid Damage

Gate checking can help you avoid damage during transit over checking your items at the ticketing counter.

It’s Free

Gate checking is free for baby gear and the process is fairly consistent across all airlines, simplifying the experience.

Step-by-Step: How to Guide For Gate Check Your Stroller

Gate checking is a relatively simple process that remains fairly standard across all airlines. While you’ll want to check with your specific airline carrier to verify any unique requirements, the following guidelines can be broadly applied.

Stop at the Gate Counter to Tag Your Item

When you get to your departure gate, make sure to stop at the counter. The agent on duty will give you a tag to affix to any items you plan to gate check.

This helps the ground crew identify gate checked items from regularly checked baggage, assuring that your stroller is waiting on the jet bridge for you upon your arrival.

Consider a Stroller Travel Bag

A travel bag protects strollers from damage and debris during transport. While they can complicate the drop off process, some parents find them a worthwhile investment.

Have Your Items Ready to Store At Drop Off

Strollers need to be collapsed when you leave them on the jet bridge. Make sure you’ve removed any bags or other items stored beneath the stroller and that your gate check tag is attached and visible.

Pick Up Your Stroller in the Same Spot on Arrival

Your stroller should be waiting for you on the jet bridge when you disembark at your destination. Take a minute to verify that you have the right stroller and it’s undamaged before leaving.

Tips for a Smooth Gate Checking Experience

To make sure your gate checking experience goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few tips.

Know How Your Stroller Works

This might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you know how to collapse and reopen your stroller smoothly. You’ll be required to collapse it before leaving it on the jet bridge, and it’ll be returned to you unopened.

Label Your Stroller

The gate check tag given to you by the gate agent is just a way to separately flag it from the standard baggage. You’ll want to supply your own tag with your name and a phone number or email address.

Be Prepared with a Hands Free Carrier if Traveling Solo

If you’re traveling solo with a small baby, you may want to have an Ergo or Bjorn or other wearable carrier handy for the actual boarding process.

Alternatives to Gate Checking Your Stroller

If you don’t want to gate check your stroller, there are a few other options available to you. Space permitting, you can stow it on board the plane; you can check your stroller in at the ticket counter, or you can choose to rent a stroller at your destination.

You May Be Able to Stow Your Stroller On Board

Some strollers fold up compactly enough to be stored in the overhead compartment on the airplane. You’ll need to confirm the size of your collapsed stroller and the overhead bin space (smaller regional flights may not be able to accommodate strollers in their limited space). If you plan to bring your stroller on board but there’s not space to store it, it’ll be gate checked for you to your destination.

You Can Check Your Stroller at the Ticket Counter

If you know you want to bring your stroller, but you don’t plan to use it en route to the gate, you can check it in at the ticket counter before you pass through security.

With a ticket counter check in, you’ll collect your car seat at the baggage claim with all other checked luggage. Depending on the airline, it may also be subject to standard checked baggage fees.

You Can Rent a Stroller for Use at Your Destination

If you don’t want to bring your stroller at all, you could choose to rent one at your destination. There are numerous third-party companies that facilitate the rental of baby equipment; check with your hotel for recommendations.

Keep in mind that this may result in using a stroller that you’re unfamiliar with, so there may be a learning curve on correct usage that you’ll need to plan for. You’ll also need to plan to navigate the airport without your stroller.

Gate Checking a Stroller Made Easy with Orbit Baby

Orbit Baby understands how to simplify air travel for parents of little ones. Our stroller meets airline requirements for gate checking and collapses easily and completely to make storage a breeze. We recommend our travel bag for frequent travelers to keep your stroller protected from damage or debris during travel.

Make navigating travel with your baby a little easier with an assist from Orbit Baby.