Fly with Ease: Top Airplane Travel Strollers for 2023

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.

When you are flying with a stroller, 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.

This post contains compensated links.

Best Travel Strollers for Air Travel

Every parent wants to find the best stroller to fly with. The best stroller for plane travel for your family will have all the features you need in a budget that works for you.

The best features to look for in strollers for air travel are how lightweight and easy to fold is it. If the strollers fits in the overhead bin, that’s a huge bonus. From there, it’s nice to have other features like a good recline, adjustable footrest, cup holders and a travel bag.

In order to make your search easier, these are all highly rated strollers for airplane travel that are at or below 17 pounds (many are below 14 lbs) and have compact fold.

In this list we share all the best strollers for airplane travel with 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. Plus it has a compact fold that fits most overhead compartments while still offering tons of great features.

2^nd Runner Up – Mountain Buggy Nano V3 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 – Summer 3D Lite Convenience

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

Read our full review of the Inglesina Quid compact travel stroller here!

4. Silver Cross Jet 3 Full Size Infant & Toddler Stroller

The Silver Cross Jet 3 compact stroller has all the features you’d look for in a high-end travel stroller, but be aware it comes with a price to match!

What we really like about this stroller is that it is suitable for newborns all the way through to the toddler stage (up to 55 lbs). At only 13.6 lbs, you’ll have no issues packing it up and fitting this stroller in the overhead bin on the airplane!

This compact airplane stroller has two unique features: 1. the belly bar can be removed and used as a handle to pull the folded stroller; 2. the storage basket can be accessed from the front and back! On top of all that, it’s compatible with car seats (with an adapter). It’s definitely worth a look!

• Recline – Multi-positioning recline
• Storage – Storage back with access from front and back
• Sun Protection – 2 panel extendable with sun visor
• Height Adjustable Handles – Not adjustable
• Size/Weight – 13.6 lbs & folds to 23” x 13” x 10”
• Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs
• Easy Fold – One-hand 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 the Summer 3Dlite Convenience 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!

• Recline – Yes
• Storage – Large under-seat basket
• Sun Protection – 4 panel extendable canopy
• Height Adjustable Handles – No
• Size/Weight – 15 lbs & folds to 23″ x 21.7″ x 9.8″
• Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs
• Easy Fold – One hand fold

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. 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

10. 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

11. Munchkin Sparrow Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller

Similar to the Jeep Clutch (which was an update to the original Clutch by Delta Children) the Munchkin Sparrow is an ultra compact travel stroller. This lightweight & compact stroller is one of the best strollers for airplane travel. It folds up to an impressively small size of 15 x 14 x 6.5 and weighs under 13 pounds, easily fitting in the overhead compartment on the airplane.

As a bonus it also comes its own carrying case.

For children who weigh up to 55 pounds and meeting Disney size requirements, you’ll get plenty of use out of this travel stroller. This stroller does not recline and the sun visor isn’t very big, so it’s really a better travel stroller for toddlers who will be in and out of the stroller (and don’t need a recline to nap).

The best part is when your toddler decides to walk, you can pack it up into a bag and carry it.

• Recline – No
• Storage –Storage basket under seat
• Sun Protection – Small sun visor
• Height Adjustable Handles – Yes
• Size/Weight –12.8 lbs & folds to 25″ x 14″ x 6.5″
• Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs
• Easy Fold – Ultra compact fold

12. 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

13. gb Pockit+ All City

This gb Pockit+ All City 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

14. Joolz AER travel stroller

At 13.4 pounds and with a weight capacity of 50 pounds the Joolz AER stroller is an excellent lightweight stroller for airplane travel. Top that with a carry strap, it will be easy to take this compact travel stroller anywhere!

The Joolz AER compact stroller for airplane travel also comes with a travel bag and a rain cover. We also love that you get several color options when purchasing this stroller.

• Recline – Yes
• Storage – Large basket under seat
• Sun Protection – 3 panel canopy
• Height Adjustable Handles – No
• Size/Weight – 13.4 lbs & folds to 21” x 17.7” x 8.5”
• Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs
• Easy Fold – Easy one-hand compact fold

15. The Zoe Traveler Stroller

The Zoe Traveler is available directly on Zoebaby.com. It’s lightweight at only 13 lbs and the max capacity is lower at 45 lbs. The seat reclines to 148 degrees and it should also fit in most overhead bins (folded dimensions are 22” x 19” x 10”)! Plus it will stand on it’s own – perfect for tucking away in the corner in a small Paris cafe!

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 – 13 lbs & folds to 22” x 19” x 10”
• Max Weight Capacity – 45 lbs
• Easy Fold – One hand fold

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 gear. 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.

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 so a universal stroller organizer is a great purchase! Keep everything 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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