Traveling itself is wonderful, exciting, and liberating. And if you’re bringing your child with you, it will definitely be one of the most memorable bonding experiences that you can have together. However, you are probably stressed by the thought of packing for traveling with a child. Not to mention, if your destination requires traveling by air, then you must consider other things as well.
However, do not let these fears stop you from traveling with your young child. It’s best to start them young, and there are different kinds of special baby gear out there to make everything easier for you. For starters, you might want to get a stroller that is air travel-friendly. Strollers are a must, especially when traveling with young children, to keep them safe. But they tend to be bulky, so most parents groan at the thought of carrying one in a crowded airport.
But before you cancel that flight, here are the best strollers that you can use for air travel. They embody the characteristics of what you’ll want in a stroller when flying, so make sure to check each of them. We also wrote some information in our buyer’s guide, in case you have some questions in mind. So what are you waiting for, scroll this page down and let’s find you the best stroller for air travel.
Best Stroller for Air Travel Comparison Table
Model | Unit Weight | Maximum Child Weight | Folded Dimensions | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Babyzen YOYO+ | 12.8 lbs | 33 lbs | 20 x 17.5 x 7 | |
GB Pockit All-City | 13.2 lbs | 55 lbs | 13.4 x 7.9 x 16.5 | |
Mountain Buggy Nano | 13 lbs | 44 lbs | 12 x 22 x 20 | |
Beberoad R2 | 13.6 lbs | 45 lbs | 18.2 x 9.8 x 30.3 | |
besrey Airplane Stroller | 10.8 lbs | 33 lbs | 22 x 12 x 11 | |
Zoe XL1 | 11 lbs | 40 lbs | 21.3 x 9.5 x 27.4 | |
Amzdeal Airplane | 18.3 lbs | 44 lbs | 11.5 x 19.5 x 27 | |
gb Pockit | 9.5 lbs | 55 lbs | 11.8 x 7 x 13.8 | |
Jovial Portable | 16.3 lbs | 35 lbs | 18.9 x 10.6 x 22.0 | |
BABY JOY Lightweight | 12.5 lbs | 50 lbs | 43.5 x 12.0 x 8.0 |
Best Stroller for Air Travel Product Reviews
Babyzen YOYO+ – Best in Maneuverability
Let us start our review with this all-black stroller from Babyzen. The Yoyo+ is a good-looking stroller that can accommodate a child up to 40 pounds. But if you’re thinking about the stroller’s weight itself, it is only under 13 pounds, so it is definitely airport-friendly.
Smooth Sailing, in the Airport
Now, speaking of airport-friendly, everyone knows that going through an airport can already take most of your time when traveling. And if you’re carrying a stroller with you or pushing a child in it, it will surely take more effort and time. But don’t worry because the Yoyo+ ‘s strong suit is its ease of maneuverability.
The height of the handlebar of Babyzen isn’t adjustable. However, we still think that this height is suitable for most parents. In an ideal surface, the chassis of this stroller feels durable, and despite being lightweight, it feels stable. Your child won’t also feel too much bounciness because Babyzen uses an all-wheel suspension.
Soft Drive System
Going through the crowded airport is easy because this stroller has a so-called “soft drive system”. What this means is that you can still maneuver it smoothly without the need to lock the front swivel wheel. You can steer it without much effort, even with just one hand. At the same time, if your destination has rough terrain, there’s no doubt that this stroller can handle those surfaces.
What about the brakes? We are pleased that the single-action pedal is easy to engage. It is also flip-flop friendly since we all know the hassle of taking off laced shoes in the airport security. The brake is located between the rear wheels. However, it is far from them, so you can press and release it without hitting the wheels.
Can Be Used for Infants and Toddlers
Note that the stroller seat itself doesn’t have a bassinet mode. But if you have an infant, you can opt to purchase a separate car seat adapter from Babyzen. This way, you can use the appropriate infant car seat for him/her. And if you’re going to use this stroller for an older child, you can still recline the seat for him/her using the strap at the back.
Now, as for the harness, Yoyo+ uses a 5-point rethreading harness. They lock securely, and the adjustment itself is quick. Another adjustable part of the seat is the canopy. You can extend it a bit to give better coverage, but the vinyl peek-a-boo window is not tinted. Therefore, sunlight can hit this area.
Baggage Capacity
First of all, we appreciate the zippered pocket at the back so you can secure your items like your wallet or phone. However, we all know that in order to save in the overall bulk, manufacturers tend to make the basket of their strollers smaller. You can expect this compromise in Yoyo+ since a large diaper bag will not fit easily in its basket. Therefore, it’s better to carry a separate bag for the baby gear.
If you opt to use hooks and attach bags on the handlebar instead, we’re not sure if that’s the best idea. The curvy shape of the handlebar and the added weight might affect the stroller’s stability. However, we think this storage limitation is fair since this stroller folds compact.
Fits Airplane Overhead Compartment and Comes with Carry-On Size Bag
As we have mentioned earlier, this stroller folds compact. In fact, it can easily fit in an airplane’s overhead compartment. And another nice thing is that this purchase includes an airline-certified size carry-on bag to keep the stroller neatly folded. You can also use the carry strap if you find this more convenient around the airport.
But how do Babyzen folds? It might take some practice until you get it, but it’s definitely easy and quick to do. Some might find it easier to fold the stroller with both hands, but a one-handed operation is doable.
Folds and Unfolds like a Yo-yo
From the name itself, Yoyo+ folds and unfolds like a yo-yo. There is no button on the handlebar, but instead, you’ll see a button underneath the chassis. You’ll need to fold and collapse the handlebar using the buttons on the sides of the hood.
After this, you will press the button we mentioned underneath the seat to unlock the handle for the folding mechanism. What’s great is that it self-stands and auto-locks after folded as well. And to unfold, you can just release the clip, unfold the handle, and then open the frame of the stroller.
- Soft drive system
- Flip-flop-friendly brakes
- Easy to control and steer
- Can use infant car seat adapter
- Harness easy to adjust
- Reclining seat
- Extendable canopy
- Zippered pocket
- With airline-certified size carry-on bag
- Folds quick and compact
- Expensive
- Small basket
GB Pockit+ All-City – Best for Air Travel with Infants
As you can see in the comparison table, we included GB Pockit+ and its more affordable version, the GB Pockit. Both of them have impressive sizes and weights, so they are easily worthy to be considered as the best stroller for plane travel.
Movement and Control
The handles are also not adjustable, and they work best, especially if you’re on the taller side. As for the wheels, you can get more control by locking the front. They are also slightly bigger than the Pockit if you compare them side by side.
Locking Front Wheel and Suspension
Compared to the Babyzen earlier, the suspension of Pockit+ is only at the front wheel. Nonetheless, this is definitely an upgrade to the Pockit that lacks a suspension system. And if you’re thinking about how well this model steers or pivot, we are glad to confirm that it works smoothly.
What about the brakes? Unfortunately, the small size of the pedal and its location between the rear dual wheels makes it harder to engage. Because of this, we’re not sure if it’s going to be as flip-flop friendly compared to the other models.
Infant Car Seat or Carrycot, You Choose
The Pockit+ is our top recommendation if you’re flying with a baby. For one, it is compatible with infant car seats via a car seat adapter. However, you also have the option to use a carrycot. The frame can accept the so-called Cot to Go that is equally lightweight as the stroller. Only weighing only 9.7 pounds, this carrycot will keep your newborn safe until he/she weighs 19.8 pounds.
Adjustable Back and Leg Rest
As for the seat itself, there are different reclining angles to choose from using just one hand. At the same time, the 5-point harness is also quick to adjust to accommodate your growing child. And another part that you might appreciate in this stroller is that it comes with an adjustable leg rest. This is great while waiting in the airport if your little one wants to take a nap for a while.
What about the canopy? The canopy of this unit is so-so. However, while it’s not as spacious, which we expected, we like that it is still a UPF 50+ fabric.
Baggage Capacity
Like with any compact travel stroller, the main basket storage of the Pockit+ has to be small. Similar to our previous unit, a large diaper bag will not fit in the 11-pound basket. But on the bright side, it is easy to access because the openings are wide.
Folding and Portability
As we have discussed earlier on, this stroller folds compact and is generally lightweight. It even meets the airline regulations so you can easily bring it in the airplane with you without much hassle.
Auto-Lock and Self-Standing
Lastly, you don’t have to worry about the stroller suddenly unfolding because it auto-locks and self-stands. The latter is always going to be a nice feature so you can keep the stroller by your side while waiting in queue.
- Comfortable handle height for tall people
- Locking front wheels with suspension
- Can be used with car seat or carrycot
- Multiple reclining angles
- Adjustable harness and leg rest
- Folds compact
- Auto-lock
- Self-standing
- Awkward brake
- Small canopy
Mountain Buggy Nano – Best for Walking
Your struggle with a bulky stroller that’s hard to push does not end at the airport. From the parking up to your location, the last thing that you want to be stressed about is pushing a difficult stroller. So if you’re looking for a model that’s perfect for walking around with your little one comfortably, the Mountain Buggy Nano is for you.
Movement and Control
Like the first stroller we reviewed, we are impressed with how easy this stroller is to maneuver and steer. You won’t struggle over bumps and curvy paths with varying surfaces. The Nano may not have an all-wheel suspension, but we feel that it is not as bouncy compared to other units. The Nano also has a fixed height of the handlebar. However, this isn’t a problem because the shape and the height itself can accommodate tall and short parents.
Curb Pop
Another feature that you will appreciate in relation to the maneuverability of this unit is the curb pop. Simply put, this stroller distributes its overall weight well, so the front wheels pop up for you when you’re over curbs. At the same time, you can lock the front wheels to give you more control with the stroller.
As for the brake system, Nano uses a single action brake. The blue part releases it, and you can lock the stroller by stepping on the red part. The size and location are quite convenient as well, so sandals-wearing parents can operate this stroller well.
Carrycot Compatible and No Need for Car Seat Adapter
Remember how the GB Pockit+ earlier works well for parents traveling with infants and newborns? Well, the Nano step it up a bit further because it is ready for an infant car seat. You hear that right, it doesn’t require an adapter when receiving a car seat. There are belt-style adapters, so installing a car seat is quick with no additional purchases necessary. And in case you’re traveling with a newborn, you can also purchase a separate carrycot that is compatible with this stroller.
Reclining Seat and Adjustable leg rest
For your toddler, you can also recline the seat using the strap at the back. At the same time, the leg rest is also adjustable to make the seat for comfortable for naps. This way, your child can comfortably rest while waiting in the airport. And as for the harness, it feels secure, and the buckle is not easy for children to remove. The adjustment requires rethreading, but it is as easy as lifting the tab and pulling the strap.
Breathable and Extendable Canopy
What about the canopy? There is no peek-a-boo window on it, but there is a mesh window at its top. You can close this using Velcro, but it will provide better ventilation for hot days. You can also flip the visor out for additional sun protection and extend the panels for better coverage.
Baggage Capacity
As usual, the 11-pound storage basket capacity can be limiting. It can carry a medium-sized diaper bag, and you can access it both from the front and back.
Folding and Portability
Compared to the previous strollers, the Nano would require both hands when folding. However, don’t worry because the steps are simple to do. You start by dropping the canopy after pressing two buttons and then grab the handle behind the seat to collapse the stroller. And for additional security to keep the stroller folded, Nano has a security strap for tying the canopy to the handlebar.
The stroller itself is also auto-locking, and you can use either the shoulder strap or travel bag that it comes with. The shoulder strap is best if you want to multitask, and the bag is perfect if you want to have this stroller as a carry-on luggage.
- Curb pop
- Comfortable handle height
- Easy to maneuver around
- Car seat-ready
- Can be used with carrycot
- Reclining seat
- Adjustable leg rest
- Mesh window on canopy
- Sun visor
- Extendable canopy
- 2-step fold
- Auto-locking
- With shoulder strop and travel bag
- Small basket
- Can’t be folded with one hand
Beberoad R2 – Editor’s Choice
Up next on our list is our top pick, which is the Beberoad R2. It is a fairly simple unit, but we think at this price point, this is one of the best strollers that you can get if you want to fly with your little one.
PU Handlebar
First of all, you’d love the PU-covered handlebar. Not only is it easy to clean, but this material makes the handle comfortable to grip. At the same time, R2 also uses an all-wheel suspension to keep your little one comfortable regardless of the surfaces. Therefore, you know that this stroller won’t give you a hard time once you arrived at your destination.
Locking Front Wheels and All-Wheel Suspension
The R2 has a narrow profile, so pushing it through a crowded airport won’t get you stressed out. The wheels are also solid and durable, so the traction is top-notch. They are not too small, and you can lock the ones at the front if you’re going over bumpy surfaces. Overall, the R2 is not an all-terrain stroller, but still, we are impressed with its maneuverability.
Can Be Used with a Car Seat and Glider Board
You can use the R2 for an infant by attaching a car seat. However, you have to buy an adapter, which is sold separately. At the same time, we are impressed at this travel stroller because Beberoad offers the option to add a glider board as well for older children. This way, you can have both of your kids of different ages in the same stroller.
Footwall for Babies
Another feature that we like in the R2 is that it has a footwall and an adjustable leg rest. The former is simply a mesh cover so that if you used this stroller for an infant, it will keep his/her feet inside.
Adjustable Leg rest and Reclining Seat Back
The leg rest works with the reclining back to make your toddler more comfortable. However, we find it easier to adjust the angle using both hands. At the same time, the 5-point harness needs often tightening because of its material.
On the bright side, there are pads on the shoulder and pelvic area so that your little one will still feel comfortable when restrained. And other than the harness, younger children can use the bumper bar as well.
What about the canopy? The canopy of the R2 is surprisingly spacious. It is also hygienic in different environments because it is waterproof. You can extend it to fully cover your little one better, and make it more breathable using the 2 peek-a-boo windows.
With a Pocket and Cup Holder
As for the storage, you can keep your smaller items in the small pocket of R2. There is also a cup holder with this purchase, which you can attach at the handle. This way, you can have your drink within reach.
The main basket on the other hand has large openings. However, it is still small so a medium-sized diaper bag is more fitting to put here.
Folding and Portability
Folding the R2 is via a button so you can do it with just one hand. The frame folds easily, and the result can fit in the luggage cabin of the plane. But if you want, you can use the travel bag to make it more convenient for travel. Otherwise, the bumper bar also acts as a sling, and you can just put the R2 over your shoulder.
- Reasonable price
- PU handlebar
- All wheel suspension
- Locking front wheels
- Can be used with car seats and glider board
- Has footwall for babies
- Adjustable leg rest
- Reclining seat
- Ventilated and extendable canopy
- With cup holder and pocket
- One-hand button fold
- With travel bag
- Reclining needs both hands
- Harness needs to be readjusted
besrey Airplane Stroller – Best Stroller for Airplane Travel Weighing Under 11 Pounds
The fifth stroller on our list happens to be one of the most lightweight strollers in this review. In fact, the besrey airplane stroller is just under 11 pounds. Like the previous unit, besrey doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but if you simply need a lightweight stroller that will be airplane-friendly, check this model out.
Movement and Control
The handlebar of besrey has a nice shape, and we think its height is reasonable for most users. And as you may notice, the wheels on this stroller are double. This can be advantageous when it comes to weight distribution, especially on a lightweight frame like this. At the same time, this unit uses a double action brake, and in terms of suspension, we didn’t struggle with the unit.
Seat Comfort and Safety
The one big issue that might deter you from this amazingly lightweight model is that you can’t adjust its recline angle. This limits your child in terms of comfort, and of course, you can’t use it for babies. And if you’re thinking if you can just use an adapter, unfortunately, besrey does not allow that option as well.
On the bright side, the safeness of this model feels reliable. The harness adjusts easily, and the additional bumper bar can give your child additional restriction. We also like the quality of the canopy and how it doesn’t feel flimsy when you adjust it. As for the ventilation, the canopy does have a peek-a-boo window as well.
Baggage Capacity
The basket of this stroller is fairly average, and you can’t access it at the back. However, we expected this shortcoming since this is a common compromise in lightweight travel strollers.
Folding and Portability
Like the previous Beberoad R2, besrey uses a button for a quick one-hand fold. It only involves 2 steps, and you don’t have to exert much effort while doing so. Once folded, the frame can fit in the overhead bin, so you don’t have to worry about it getting lost or destroyed. And to even make traveling more convenient, you can use the included carry bag.
- Reasonable price
- Good maneuverability
- Easy adjusting harness
- Bumper bar
- Durable adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window
- One hand button fold
- Comes with a carry bag
- Fold compact
- No recline and can’t be used with car seats
- Small storage basket
Zoe XL1 – Best Travel Stroller for Flying with 2 Kids
We are halfway in our review, and what we have here is a unit that is slightly heavier than the previous Besrey. The Zoe XL1 is just 11 pounds, but it has features that makes it impressive among the competition. In particular, this travel stroller is best if you are flying with two kids. We will discuss this feature later on, but first, let us check how this stroller is in terms of maneuverability.
The Shortcoming
Let’s start with what we like. The handle of Zoe is just right for different heights of parents. At the same time, the 2-wheel suspension also helps in making the stroller less bouncy during movement. However, if we compare the overall maneuverability of Zoe to the other strollers, this unit falls short in terms of quality.
You can lock the front wheels to improve the control on this unit, but for some reason, steering and moving over curbs is a bit of a struggle with Zoe. The brake pedal is large and easy to engage, but lifting it up if you’re using sandals can be hurtful.
Transform it Into a Double Stroller
As we have mentioned in the first paragraph, this stroller is excellent if you’re flying with two kids. You can expand this unit from a single stroller into a double inline stroller. This means you can just purchase another seat to make this unit usable if you have two kids.
Roomy with Different Recline Angles
The Zoe, as a single stroller, is surprisingly roomy for its size and weight. The incline itself is nice and upright compared to most travel strollers that are more on a leaning angle. It also gets fairly deep in recline, and the adjustment itself is doable with just one hand at the back. And to make it even more cozy, you can adjust the leg rest as well.
Easy Adjusting Harness and Generous Canopy
What about the safety? The harness is easy to rethread for adjustment. Even the buckle is easy to use even if you don’t have strong hands. But another safety feature that makes us love the Zoe is that among this list, it stands out with its large 4-panel canopy.
You can tuck it or extend to the point that it turns the stroller into a cocoon. You can also use the magnetic peek-a-boo window to check on your little one without waking him/her up.
Surprisingly Roomy Basket
Another breath of fresh air in this travel stroller is that its main basket is quite big. Sure it only holds 10 pounds, but the elastic part makes it stretchable and bigger with easy access. Other than this, you can use the pocket at the back of the canopy for smaller items.
Parent Cup Holder and Snack Holder
With this purchase, Zoe will also include a cup holder for you and a snack holder for your child. Of course, it’s nice to have your drinks within reach, and a snack holder can keep your child’s needs more accessible to him/her. However, if you find the tray unnecessary for your trip, you can get a bumper bar instead.
One-Hand Fold
Lastly, the Zoe is a true one-hand fold. You can just pull the strap under the fabric flap, and the frame will collapse for you. You don’t have to bend down and check if it will pop open because it will automatically lock. And for added convenience, this stroller is also self-standing, so you can keep it by your side while waiting at the airport.
The folded size is nice and compact, and you can choose to buy a backpack if you prefer to carry the stroller on your back.
- Good handle height
- Roomy seat
- Can be turned into a double stroller
- Easy adjustable seat and harness
- Big canopy
- Generous basket
- With snack tray and cup holder
- One-hand fold
- Not that impressive in terms of maneuverability
Amzdeal Airplane – Best for Effortless Carrying
Up next is another compact stroller that is worth considering for your next air travel. Amzdeal markets this unit as an airplane stroller, and we think the features that it has proves it worthy of being in this list.
Easy Maneuverability
First of all, we like that pushing this stroller around gives enough leg space not to kick the frame. At the same time, the brake is a one-step operation, and surprisingly enough, it is flip-flop friendly too. Now, if you’re thinking about how well it can handle bumps, Amzdeal uses an all-wheel suspension. Overall, we’re quite impressed by how this stroller moves and how easy it is to control at this price point.
Waterproof Seat with Recline and footrest
The seat of this stroller is nice and soft. And you don’t have to worry about clean-up because it is waterproof as well. You might be expecting that it will be in a permanent recline, but actually, Amzdeal offers several reclining angles for this unit. In fact, you can even adjust the footrest by simply pressing the button for it.
5-Point Harness + Bumper Bar
For your little one’s safety, Amzdeal uses a 5-point harness with paddings for additional comfort. There is also a removable bumper bar for younger children, and you can remove it for easier getting in and out of the seat.
The canopy, on the other hand, is small, which is a common compromise among travel strollers. Nonetheless, we still appreciate that it has a peek-a-boo window, and that you can still extend it a bit.
Baggage Capacity
Like the canopy, the main basket of Amzdeal is small. In fact, among this list, it stands out with just having 6.6-pound capacity. But on the bright side, there is a rear pocket where you can safely store your phone or keys.
No Need to Carry, Just Pull the Folded Frame
For folding this stroller, you can do this with one hand, and it will automatically lock on its own. And other than the amazing price tag, Amzdeal pleases us in how easy it is to carry around. In fact, “carry” isn’t even the right word when it comes to its portability.
What’s unique with Amzdeal is that other than folding compact, it folds flat. There are even small swivel wheels and a pull handle so you can literally pull the folded stroller instead of carrying it. This way, if you have a lot of heavy things to bring in the airport, this stroller wouldn’t require you to exert additional effort.
- Affordable
- Smooth maneuverability
- Reclining seat with adjustable leg rest
- Has bumper bar
- Comfortable harness
- With pull handle and wheels
- One-hand fold
- Small basket and canopy
gb Pockit – Best Air Travel Stroller Under 10 Pounds
The next stroller in this list is the lightest in weight compared to all the other units we reviewed. This is the ever-popular lightweight stroller, the gb Pockit. It may lack some of the features that its pricier sibling has, which is the GB Pockit+ All-City, but it is definitely worth considering for your next air travel.
Movement and Control
Because the Pockit only weighs under 10 pounds, of course, you can easily steer and control it with one hand. Even if it has two handles, it is still possible to push it with one hand and turn it in sharp corners.
For better weight distribution, it has four dual wheels with the option to lock the ones at the front. Even if they are relatively small, we still find them sturdy and easy to control. At the same time, you’ll get a rear-parking brake that you can conveniently access at the back.
However, if you remembered earlier, what the Pockit lacks compared to the Plus version is that it offers no shock-absorption. Therefore, you might want to consider the other units in this list if you intend to use your stroller on gravel or dirt trails.
Seat Comfort and Safety
From the looks of it, the Pockit doesn’t have a solid-looking seat. At the same time, you cannot adjust its angle, which can be a limitation, especially to younger children. Nonetheless, you can adjust the length of the torso itself for taller children. We also like that the harness has pads so the child will feel comfortable. And if you’re thinking about clean-up, the fabric is very easy to remove and is machine-washable as well.
What about the canopy? Straight to the point, the canopy of Pockit is merely a canopy. It is somewhat useless because it’s basically just a flat shade for your child’s had. We think this is one of the biggest compromises to save in overall bulk.
Baggage Capacity
Other than the underwhelming canopy, the main basket of Pockit is small and shallow. And because of its weight, adding hooks and hanging bags at the handles may tilt the stroller.
Folding and Portability
One of the main selling points of the Pockit is how it folds so compact and fast. Its unfolded state is already narrow enough to fit even in small doorways, so you can just assume that its folded form will fit on overhead cabins.
- Weighing only 9.5 pounds
- Narrow profile
- Compact and easy fold
- Affordable
- Easy to push
- Padded harness
- Adjustable torso length
- Easy removing seat fabric
- No recline
- Canopy is merely a shade
Jovial Portable – Best Value for Money
If you are on a budget but is in need of a lightweight travel stroller that you can use for air travel, you can check out this unit from Jovial. It comes at a reasonable price, and it has all the basic features you’d want in a lightweight airline stroller.
Movement and Control
The handle of this stroller is at a good height, and it feels comfortable to grip. Now, it may not have the best shock-absorbing capacity for rough terrain, but we think unless you’re going on rough trails, you wouldn’t struggle much. At the same time, you can lock the front wheel so you can control it easier. And as for the brake, the foot pedal is large and easy to use even when you’re wearing flip flops.
Seat Comfort and Safety
As you can see, the Jovial has a narrow profile, so understandably, its seat is not as generous. But nonetheless, we are glad that it can recline by pulling the tether at the back. It also has a leg rest to make it more cozy for naps.
What about the canopy? We can say that the canopy is at par with the ones on the other units in this list. It isn’t as big as the one on Zoe XL1, but you can still retract it to provide good coverage.
Baggage Capacity
The basket underneath Jovial is surprisingly big. We think it helps that it is positioned super low so you can access the openings at the front and rear easily. However, a large diaper bag might still take too much space, so it’s best to stick with smaller amount of gear.
Folding and Portability
Jovial folds pretty much the same as most of the strollers in this list. It has a folding trigger that’ll collapse the frame for you. The finished folded form is nice and compact to fit in airline overhead bins, and it also comes with a carrying bag to keep it neat. However, it doesn’t self-stand, which would’ve been a nice feature when you’re traveling.
- Affordable
- Comfortable handle and brake pedal
- Reclining seat
- Has leg rest
- Extending canopy
- Large access on the basket
- Folds fast and compact
- Comes with carrying bag
- Small seat
- No self-standing feature
BABY JOY Lightweight – Best Affordable Stroller for Flying
If you don’t fly frequently, then you can settle for a less pricier travel stroller for air travel. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to settle for something that feels flimsy. We recommend this lightweight umbrella stroller from Baby Joy because it’s affordable yet durable.
Movement and Control
Other than the sturdy overall built, the double wheels themselves are nice and large. Sure, this stroller isn’t for all-terrain use, but we still appreciate how they move over different surfaces. You can also lock them, in case you need more control, and the brakes are also easy to engage for sandal-wearers.
Seat Comfort and Safety
At this price point, we are pleased that this stroller offers adjustments on its reclining angle. It even comes with a footrest to keep your little one’s feet propped up when he/she is napping. Other than that the harness straps aren’t a struggle to adjust, and this is the same with the canopy with visor.
Baggage Capacity
Another inclusion that we appreciate in this price point is that Baby Joy includes a cup holder. When you’re traveling, it’s nice to have your drink within reach. At the same time, the mesh basket is easy to access, although we don’t recommend putting in heavier items because of this material.
Folding and Portability
Lastly, folding is as simple as pulling the latches to get the frame to collapse. However, it can still take some practice because it doesn’t collapse smoothly. Afterward, you can use the included carrying strap, and the folded stroller itself is nice and compact to bring to the plane with you.
- Affordable
- Small profile
- Sturdy built
- Good maneuverability
- Reclining seat
- With footrest
- Extendable canopy
- With cup holder and carrying strap
- Mesh basket can’t hold heavy items
- Not the smoothest in folding
Buyer’s Guide
What Types of Stroller Can You Use for Air Travel?
The straight answer to this is that you can take any stroller. However, the final decision still depends on you and the guidelines of the airlines. Usually, as long as the stroller folds compact, it will easily fit into in the hold of the airplane along with your baggage. And sometimes, some strollers are small enough to fit in the airline’s cabin, so you can opt to bring it with you as well.
Of course, what’s going to be practical for you is to get a model that is lightweight and folds easily. Imagine struggling with a heavy and bulky stroller. Even if you’re just at the gate checking, you’ll already feel stressed. Double strollers are going to be bulky even when folded, but if you really need one for your children, you can consult with the airline if they allow it. Regardless, contact your airline beforehand to avoid any hassles when bringing a stroller.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Stroller for Travel
Choosing an air travel stroller is not as complicated as it seems. Other than keeping the airline guidelines and restrictions in mind, these two factors are also significant when it comes to choosing a unit.
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Portability
When traveling with children, it is inevitable that you have to bring a stroller. That is why in our recent review, we listed the best lightweight strollers that you can bring on your trips with your little one. And when it comes to air travel, the same rule also applies for your convenience.
As you can see in our comparison table, the products we included in this list are lightweight. Compared to regular strollers, what you want for air travel is something compact and weighs just enough for you to carry it around. You don’t want to struggle while checking nor bring something that surpasses the requirements by the airline.
However, just because you want something portable doesn’t mean you have to compromise the quality. You can still get strollers that are not heavy but are durable and stable to last your whole trip. But then again, there might be some minimal compromise in features in order to lose weight or get it smaller compared to regular strollers.
Now, back to the portability issue, some units are going to be easier to fold and unfold. When you’re at the airport, you’re probably carrying other pieces of baggage as well. Not to mention, you also have a kid with you that is getting grumpy from the long duration of the trip. Because of these, a stroller that you can fold with just one hand or anything that wouldn’t require 10 steps to collapse is going to be the best option.
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Comfortability and Safety
Like with any other type of stroller, regardless if it’s for traveling or not, comfort and safety are essential factors to consider. For starters, you want it to have an adjustable seat back and harness. Not only do these parts affect the comfort of your little one, but they also play a significant role when it comes to safety.
And if you’re thinking about the canopy, expect that an airline-friendly stroller isn’t going to have something really big in order to save space. But nonetheless, it is still important for the canopy to be breathable and capable of keeping the harmful elements from your child.
As for you, the handle should be at a comfortable height. The maneuverability of the stroller should not be a problem, especially if you’re going through crowded areas like an airport. The brakes should be easy to engage, and the wheels should be easy to control. At the same time, you want the braking system to be easily accessible, and the stroller can use an additional strap for safety reinforcement.
Lastly, if it’s more convenient for you, you might prefer a spacious storage basket. This means you can carry the gear and the child all in the stroller without the need to carry a separate bag. However, because you have to save on the overall bulk, you can use bag clips and hooks so you can just remove the other bags when folding the stroller for the airplane.
Read also: Best All-Terrain Stroller
Conclusion
The thought of flying with your little one can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing his/her baby gear. One of the things that you’re probably thinking about is how you will carry around and then fit a bulky stroller in your airplane’s overhead bin.
This list is complete, with units that are all worthy of bringing on your next flight. And our top pick is the Beberoad R2. It can accept car seats if you are flying with an infant, and it even has a footwall to make it more like a bassinet. At the same time, it folds with just one hand, and you can use the included travel bag for a neater set-up.
Overall, any lightweight stroller that folds compact can make air travels easier and more comfortable for both you and your child. Just make sure to keep what we discussed in the guide above in mind, and you will surely find the best unit.
Do you have any questions? Drop them below, and we won’t leave you hanging on air!
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