The number of different compact travel strollers to consider can be overwhelming, but finding the best stroller for airplane travel will make flying with a baby or toddler just a little easier. So what makes strollers good for airplane travel?
To find the best stroller for traveling by plane, we recommend looking for a travel stroller that is fast and easy to fold, lightweight (14 lbs or under), or fits in overhead bin on the airplane. Not just any compact stroller will do, it still needs to be durable enough to withstand carrying gear and traveling over cobblestone streets.
Other “nice to haves” when choosing the best stroller for airplane travel is one that is compatible with infant car seats and has a backpack travel bag.
Hesitant about traveling with a stroller all together? Read our post on travel with a stroller vs carrier to help you decide.
Best Strollers for Airplane Travel
- How to Chose the Best Stroller to Fly With
- Flying with a Stroller
- What to Look for in the Best Strollers for Plane Travel
- Best Travel Strollers for Air Travel
- 1. Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller
- 2. Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller
- 3. Inglesina Quid Stroller
- 4. Jeep North Star Stroller
- 5. Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
- 6. Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
- 7. Mompush Lithe Lightweight Stroller
- 8. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
- 9. gb Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller
- 10. Jeep Clutch Plus Travel Stroller with Reclining Seat by Delta Children
- 11. gb Pockit+ All-Terrain
- 12. gb Pockit+ All City
- 13. CYBEX Libelle Stroller
- 14. Jeep Arrow Travel Stroller
- 15. The Zoe Trip
- Optional Travel Stroller Accessories
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How to Chose the Best Stroller to Fly With
For decades parents have been flying with strollers, typically choosing the best lightweight umbrella stroller for air travel. Umbrella strollers are great because aside from being fairly light, they fold up small and can be easily gate checked.
Now we have pocket strollers: strollers that have a tri-fold so compact they can fit in the overhead bin on the airplane. Many of them are durable enough to withstand the abuse from toddlers getting in and out, cobblestone streets and much more.
Parents now have a choice on whether they want to have a pocket stroller that they bring on to the airplane or are content gate checking the travel stroller
Flying with a Stroller
There are three options when it comes to flying with a stroller: check it with your luggage, gate checking the stroller or bringing it onto the airplane.
Parents who travel light, when flying with a baby, can check their stroller with the luggage without worrying about how they’ll get everything to the plane. A baby carrier for travel is an effective way to carry your baby or toddler through the airport. We recommend a good travel bag for your stroller in this instance.
Gate checking your stroller lets you take it right to the plane, and in most instances (not all), get it back at the gate on the other side.
Finally, bringing a stroller that fits in the overhead bin on the plane ensures that you’ll have it safely with you the entire time. This is especially useful for flying with a toddler that you want to keep in the stroller in the airport!
Both of the second options are especially good if you are traveling with a car seat or to carry your other baby travel essentials. It’s also a good option for parents who aren’t baby wearing or baby prefers to be in the stroller. It’s especially useful for toddlers who like to bolt in the airport!
What to Look for in the Best Strollers for Plane Travel
We can safely assume that if you’re reading this post, you are most interested in using a stroller that you can either check at the gate or store in the overhead bin.
For checking a stroller with luggage, simple check your airplanes size policies for strollers.
Otherwise, things to consider when looking for strollers to gate check or strollers that fit in overhead bin:
1. Size of the stroller
What is the size of the stroller both open and folded. Will the folded dimensions meet the size requirements for storing the stroller in the overhead compartment on the airplane.
In the US, the standard domestic size for carry-on luggage is 22” x 14” x 9” where some might differ by an inch or two, like southwest airlines at 24” x 16” x 10”.
International airlines carry-on luggage sizes aren’t all that different:
Lufthansa: 21.7” x 15.7” x 9”
KLM: 21.5” x 13.5” x 10”
Air Canada: 21.7” x 15.7” x 9”
From Lufthansa “You can take so-called “pocket buggies” on board as part of your permitted carry-on baggage allowance if they have been suitably packed up to no longer look like a pushchair.”
From the Iata: “carry-on baggage should have maximum length of 22 in (56 cm), width of 18 in (45 cm) and depth of 10 in (25 cm).“
2. Weight of the stroller
Whether you plan to gate check your stroller or bring it on the plane, it should be lightweight enough that you can easily carry it along with all your other belongings and your baby.
3. Ease Folding the stroller
Your travel stroller should be easy to fold and unfold. A one-hand fold is best, since you can fold your stroller and hold your baby at the same time. We recognize that often two parents are traveling together, but this isn’t always the case.
4. Price
Price is always a factor. It’s best to know your budget before starting to shop for travel strollers, especially since compact strollers for air travel often end up being the second or third stroller purchase.
5. Durability
Especially for gate checking your stroller, you don’t want one so flimsy that it falls apart if it gets tossed around. Further to that, you want a travel stroller that can withstand everything your travel throws at it: cobblestone streets, multiple folding and unfolding, uneven terrain, etc.
It should also be durable enough to last from the baby stage right through the toddler stage. We recommend getting a travel stroller with a high max weight capacity for this reason.
6. Maneuverability
There’s no point in getting a lightweight stroller for airplane travel that’s hard to push. You want a stroller that will work well in the airport but that will still glide effortlessly as you explore new cities.
7. Storage
If you don’t pack lightly (which mom does?) having plenty of storage is useful for storing all your toddler travel essentials. Some of the basic airplane travel strollers don’t have much for storage, but we have recommendations at the end for travel accessories that are worth considering.
8. Safety
Last but by no means least is the safety of the stroller. Your travel stroller should have a 5 point harness and brakes on the wheels. It should be easy to fold and not come unfolded while carrying. Purchase the best travel stroller from a reputable company and choose one that gets good reviews without any safety concerns.
Best Travel Strollers for Air Travel
The best stroller for plane travel for your family will have all the features you need in a budget that works for you. In order to make that search easier, these are all highly rated strollers for airplane travel that are at or below 14 pounds and have compact fold. There are options in every price range.
Our recommendations for the Best Stroller for Air Travel:
Best Overall – Babyzen YoYo2 is compact, has a one-hand fold and can be used as a travel system making it work from newborn through the toddler stage.
2nd Runner Up – Mountain Buggy Nano V3 (replacing the original Mountain Buggy Nano) has many of the same great features and a higher max capacity of 44 pounds but the compact fold is a two step process.
Best for Budgets – Jeep North Star Umbrella Travel Stroller
Most Compact – gb Pockit Air All Terrain Lightweight Stroller
Best for Tall Parents – Ergobaby Metro+ has adjustable handles
1. Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller
The Babyzen YOYO2 is another luxury travel stroller that you can bring on most airplanes with you. The easy one-hand fold brings this 13.6 pound stroller down to folded dimensions of 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches.
It can be used with either the 0+ set that’s ideal for newborns or the 6+ color pack for babies from 6 months + up to 40 pounds. Alternatively, it can also accommodate an infant car seat with the car seat adapters to turn it into a travel system.
- Recline – Multi position recline
- Storage – Large under-seat basket
- Sun Protection – 3 tier panel canopy
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 13.6 lbs & folds to 20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1”
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs (or 48.5 lbs in Europe)
- Easy Fold – One hand fold
2. Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller
We’ve been recommending the Mountain Buggy Nano stroller for travel for years. It’s a highly rated travel stroller with plenty of good features at a price that won’t make you need to take out a second mortgage.
This Mountain Buggy Nano V3 travel stroller is a good travel stroller for newborns and up to 44 pounds. It has a full flat recline for newborns but is still travel system ready with a universal car seat adapter (included) or paired with the newborn cocoon accessory.
It comes at the same lightweight size of 13 pounds and 12 x 22 x 20 folded dimensions as the original Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller. It also has a decent two-tier canopy with a flip out sun visor.
The wheels may need to be popped off to fit in overhead bin and a travel bag is included. The Mountain Buggy Nano is easily one of the best strollers for air travel.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage – Large basket under seat
- Sun Protection – Two tier canopy with flip out sun visor
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 13 lbs & folds to 22” x 20” x 12”
- Max Weight Capacity – 44 lbs
- Easy Fold – Two step compact fold
3. Inglesina Quid Stroller
The Inglesina Quid compact travel stroller can be used from 3 months and up to 50 pounds, giving parents a lot of use out of it. It has a built-in carry handle on the side to make transport easy and folded dimensions that will allow it to fit in the overhead bin on some airlines.
The canopy has a zippered section to make it further extendable and offer your baby shade on sunny days.
While ideal for travel, this stroller doesn’t have many additional features given its high price tag. In fact, it’s very similar to the Ergo Metro+ Stroller which has a slightly more compact size when folded.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage – Large under-seat basket
- Sun Protection – 3 tier panel canopy
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 13 lbs & folds to 22.8” x 18.3” x 6.8”
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs
- Easy Fold – Easy open and fold
4. Jeep North Star Stroller
The Jeep North Star stroller by Delta Children is a basic umbrella style travel stroller that’s easy to travel with and tall parents will like the extra-long handles. For the most affordable strollers on this list, the Jeep North Star umbrella stroller has a much-improved canopy and only weighs 10 pounds. Without any recline, this makes a much better travel stroller for toddlers.
This is a great stroller for warm climates with the padded seat that rolls up leaving a cooler mesh back. Given its light weight, this stroller would be easy to take the gate of the airplane, throw it in a stroller bag and pick it up on the other side.
- Recline – No
- Storage – Small storage basket
- Sun Protection – Extendable with sun visor
- Height Adjustable Handles – Not adjustable but has extra-long foam handles
- Size/Weight – 10 lbs & folds to a compact umbrella fold
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs
- Easy Fold – Umbrella fold
5. Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
With an extra-large storage basket plus a side pocket and a cup holder, you’ll be able to carry everything you need using this compact travel stroller. This affordable umbrella stroller for travel weighs only 13 pounds, has an umbrella style fold with a carry strap. While you won’t be able to store this stroller in the overhead bin, you can bring it right to the gate of the airplane and easily fold it up.
With 4 recline positions to nearly flat, you’ll have no trouble getting your baby to sleep on vacation. This stroller is recommended for babies 6 months + and up to 50lbs.
- Recline – 4 position recline to nearly flat
- Storage – Extra Large storage basket
- Sun Protection – Adjustable and removable canopy with sun visor
- Height Adjustable Handles - No
- Size/Weight –13 lbs & folds to compact umbrella style fold
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs
- Easy Fold – 3 step umbrella style fold
6. Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
Similar to the Inglesina in many ways, the Ergobaby travel stroller can be used from 3 months and up to 50 pounds, giving parents a lot of use out of it. It can also be used from birth with use of adapters to make it compatible with car seats.
The Ergobaby Metro+ is 16.9 pounds and has folded dimensions that will fit the overhead bin on most airlines, making it a good stroller to fly with.
It even has an adjustable handlebar, that will make tall parents happy!
With a deep recline and adjustable footrest your baby will be comfortable snoozing while you take in the sights.
- Recline – Yes - full flat recline
- Storage – Large under-seat basket
- Sun Protection – 3 tier panel canopy
- Height Adjustable Handles – Yes
- Size/Weight – 16.9 lbs & folds to 21” x 17” x 9”
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs
- Easy Fold – Easy one hand fold
7. Mompush Lithe Lightweight Stroller
You'll get excellent value with this compact one-hand fold travel stroller. The Mompush Lithe travel stroller has a reclining seat, a large four panel canopy plus all the best stroller accessories included.
While it's slightly heavier than some of our favorite travel strollers for flying at 15 lbs, it's worth it for the price and features. It also has a adjustable leg rest, all-terrain wheels, a pull-along handle and an integrated self-stand. With folded dimensions of 23" x 21.7" x 9.8" it will fit in some overhead bins.
Included stroller accessories: rain cover, travel bag and parent cup holder! This is one airplane travel stroller that's worth a look!
8. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
We love a compact travel stroller that can go from infant to toddler without skipping a beat! The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is compatible with infant car seats (with an adapter) and it has a compact folded size that should meet most airline size requirements for the overhead compartment. It has a near flat recline and an large canopy to protect from the sun.
At only 14.3 lbs and folded dimensions of 23 x 19.4 x 7, this lightweight airplane stroller also comes with a travel bag.
It can be used from birth (with an infant car seat and adapter.) and up to 45 pounds. Without the use of an infant car seat, this stroller for plane travel is recommended for babies 6 months and older.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage – Large under-seat basket
- Sun Protection – Extendable 4 panel canopy
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 14.3 lbs & folds to 23” x 19.4” x 7”
- Max Weight Capacity – 45 lbs
- Easy Fold – Compact fold
9. gb Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller
The gb Pockit Air All Terrain travel is one of the most compact travel strollers on the market. This lightweight compact stroller can be collapsed in seconds and will fit in the overhead bin on the airplane.
At only 10 lbs, this compact stroller is easy to fold, lift and maneuver. However, what you get in compactness you sacrifice in features. This stroller doesn’t recline and the sunshade is going to offer very little protection.
Rated up to 55 lbs, this stroller is best for anyone who needs one of the best strollers for air travel without all the extra features. Recommended age for this travel stroller is from 6 months up to 55 lbs.
- Recline – No
- Storage – Limited
- Sun Protection – Small sun visor
- Height Adjustable Handles - No
- Size/Weight – 10.4 lbs & folds to 13.8” x 11.8” x 7.1”
- Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs
- Easy Fold – Yes
10. Jeep Clutch Plus Travel Stroller with Reclining Seat by Delta Children
An update to the original Clutch by Delta Children travel stroller. This ultra-compact stroller by Delta Children is one of the best strollers for airplane travel. It folds up to a size of 24 x 14 x 7.5 and weighs only 12.6 pounds, easily fitting in the overhead compartment on the airplane. As a bonus it also comes with convenient handle for carrying it.
For children who weigh up to 50 pounds and meeting Disney size requirements, you’ll get plenty of use out of this travel stroller. This stroller now has a recline and a much larger sun visor which is more than makes up for the extra pound of weight vs the original.
The best part is when your toddler decides to walk, you can pack it up into a bag and carry it.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage –Storage basket under seat
- Sun Protection – Sun visor
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight –12.6 lbs & folds to 24" x 14" x 7.5"
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs
- Easy Fold – Ultra compact fold
11. gb Pockit+ All-Terrain
The gb Pockit+ All- Terrain travel stroller is comparable to the the gb Pockit+ All City in that it’s compatible with infant car seats and reclines. Where it differs is with its double all terrain wheels, lower weight at 12.3 pounds and smaller folded dimensions.
This compact travel stroller will fit in the overhead bin on an airplane and given that it can be converted to a travel system makes it an ideal stroller for traveling by plane. Without infant car seats, the stroller is recommended for babies who can sit up unassisted around 6 months+ and up to 55 pounds.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage – Large pocket under seat
- Sun Protection – Larger Canopy compared to other pocket strollers
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 12.3 lbs & folds to 16.5” x 13.4” x 7.9”
- Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs
- Easy Fold – Ultra compact two step fold
12. gb Pockit+ All City
This compact travel stroller will not only fit in the overhead compartment on the airplane but can be turned into a travel system with any CYBEX infant car seat with the included adapter. It’s an improvement over the original gb Pockit with a seat that reclines and a larger canopy that most other pocket strollers.
At 13.2 pounds and a compact folded size, there should be no issues taking this stroller on the airplane. Similar to other gb Pockit strollers it has a weight capacity of 55 pounds meaning you can use it for a long time.
- Recline – Multiple recline positions
- Storage – Under seat basket
- Sun Protection – Larger Canopy compared to other pocket strollers
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 13.2 lbs & folds to 18.9” x 12.6” x 7.9”
- Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs
- Easy Fold – Ultra compact two step fold
13. CYBEX Libelle Stroller
Hand luggage compliant on most airlines, the CYBEX Libelle travel stroller is another compact stroller for plane travel. It has both a reclining seat and an adjustable footrest to help your little one nap on the go.
Recommended for babies who are sitting up unassisted around 6 months and up to 48.5 pounds. Alternatively, the CYBEX is compatible with CYBEX or gb infant car seats with an adapter.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage – Large under seat basket
- Sun Protection – 2 panel canopy
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 13.7 lbs & folds to 18.9” x 12.6” x 7.9”
- Max Weight Capacity – 48.5 lbs
- Easy Fold – One hand fold
14. Jeep Arrow Travel Stroller
The Jeep Arrow Travel Stroller is a pretty bare bones stroller that will work for toddler and kids. The Jeep Arrow compact stroller folds to a dimension of 21 x 13 x 8, making it easy to put in the overhead bin on the airplane. At 13 pounds and with a weight capacity of 50 pounds this makes an excellent lightweight stroller for airplane travel. Top that with a price that’s a fraction of some of the other strollers in this list.
With no recline and an almost non-existent sun visor, we would recommend this as a toddler stroller for air travel rather than babies. You can keep your toddler comfortable and out of the sun with one of these sunshades.
The Jeep Arrow compact stroller for airplane travel also comes with a travel bag.
- Recline – No
- Storage – Small basket under seat
- Sun Protection – Small sun visor
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 13 lbs & folds to 21” x 13” x 8”
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs
- Easy Fold – Ultra compact fold
15. The Zoe Trip
Zoe has been making solid travel strollers for a while. The Zoe Trip is recommended for babies 3 months+.
The Zoe Trip is available directly on Zoebaby.com. It's slightly heavier than the original Traveler at 12.5 lbs and the max capacity is lower at 45 lbs. The seat reclines to 150 degrees and it should also fit in most overhead bins (folded dimensions are 22” x 17.5” x 8”)! Plus the T-bar can be used to pull the stroller like luggage.
With a large extendable canopy, reclining seat and a parent cup holder, it had to make the list of best airplane travel strollers.
- Recline – Yes
- Storage – Large under-seat basket
- Sun Protection – 4 panel extendable canopy
- Height Adjustable Handles – No
- Size/Weight – 12.5 lbs & folds to 22” x 17.5” x 8”
- Max Weight Capacity – 45 lbs
- Easy Fold – One hand fold
Optional Travel Stroller Accessories
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find the perfect travel stroller that has all the features you want. However, there are plenty of great add on accessories for travel strollers that may fix some common issues:
1. Sunshade for Travel Strollers
Many of the pocket travel strollers above don’t have the greatest sunshade, but that’s an easy fix with a stroller sunshade like this one.
We also recommend a CoziGo stroller cover, which can be used for both flying and for strollers.
2. Backpack Diaper Bag
You won’t need to worry about how much storage your stroller has with this highly rated and popular backpack diaper bag (or any of our recommended backpack diaper bags for travel).
3. Cup Holders for Travel Strollers
Universal cup holders are a great add-on for any travel stroller. For parents, get one with a phone pocket.
4. Universal Organizers for Travel Strollers
As traveling parents we always have plenty to carry. Keep it organized using a universal organizer like this one or this one.
5. Stroller Hooks
If a backpack diaper bag isn’t your style, stroller hooks will help attach your diaper bag to the stroller.
6. Stroller Travel Bag
Protect your stroller when you flying with a stroller gate check bag or this one for umbrella strollers.
Some of the strollers that fit in the overhead bin have travel bags, making it easier to carry or store them on the plane. If the stroller doesn’t already come with one, other options are:
Zoe Stroller Travel Backpack
Ergobaby Metro Travel Backpack (also available to purchase direct from Ergobaby here)
Travel Backpack compatible with gb Pockit
Babyzen YoYo+ Travel Bag
7. Universal Rain Cover
One stroller accessory we ALWAYS recommend is a rain cover. It’s not only for rain but will help keep your little one warm in wind and cold weather.
Looking for something else? Check out these best stroller lists:
Best Travel Strollers Under $100
Best Double Travel Strollers
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