This article about the Best Stroller Bags for Travel was written by baby travel gear expert Celine Brewer and may contain affiliate links.
After spending countless hours looking for the best travel stroller, I’m pretty sure the last thing you would want is for it to get damaged while in transit. Even items like strollers and travel car seats that are labeled “fragile” and “handle with care” sometimes find themselves being carelessly thrown around by airport baggage handlers.
And while you can’t control what happens to your stroller once it’s out of your hands, having it packed in a stroller travel bag that can definitely help reduce the stress of traveling with a stroller. As a traveling parent, with extensive travel experience with babies and toddlers, I understand how much you need that stroller to show up at your destination undamaged!
In this article, I share the best stroller bags for travel available, how to determine if they are right for your travel stroller, as well as what features to look for in a stroller travel bag.
My Top Picks for the Best Stroller Bags for Airplane Travel:
I know you don’t always have time to read, so here are my top picks for the best travel stroller bags:
Best Overall Stroller Bag for Airplane Travel:
Zohzo Stroller Bag – Compatible with most standard and double strollers, the bag’s design features wide openings for easy packing, and includes comfortable, removable shoulder straps.
Best Budget Stroller Bag:
J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag – The JL Childress stroller bag is a protective and durable option for standard and double travel strollers but it’s best used for strollers that are being gate checked.
Best Travel Bag for Compact Travel Strollers:
ROMIRUS Stroller Travel Bag – This stroller bag includes exterior storage for baby travel essentials, a water bottle holder, padded shoulder straps for backpack-style carrying, and the option to attach it to luggage for added convenience.
What You’ll Find in This Article on the Best Stroller Bags for Airplane Travel:
Best Stroller Travel Bags
Whether you are looking for a travel stroller bag for a compact stroller or a large double stroller, you’ll find the best options in my list of the best stroller travel bags:
Zohzo Stroller Bag
The best stroller bags are supposed to make traveling with your little ones easier and this stroller bag from Zohzo does a great job at doing just that. With its water and tear-resistant, 600 denier polyester fabric construction, this stroller bag is durable enough for gate check and built to be compatible with most standard and double strollers.
With a good-looking yet highly functional wrap-around double zipper, this rectangular stroller bag looks more like luggage than a gate check bag for strollers. The wide opening offers easy and hassle-free loading and is way more convenient than any drawstring closures. When you bring this along, packing and unpacking your stroller for traveling on the airplane is a breeze!
This gate check stroller bag has wide, padded, removable shoulder straps for easy carrying that are highly comfortable and easy on the wearer. It also comes with a zippered compartment on the exterior to store the removable shoulder strap along with other travel must-haves and small accessories. This makes it versatile enough to use as a storage bag for sports gear or holiday items when it is not being used to carry a stroller.
And the double buckles of the stroller bag allow you to tighten the bag according to the contents inside which is great. To top all this off, the bag has a built-in ID card that comes in handy when trying to identify it at airports.
J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Standard & Double Strollers
Made from durable and water-resistant fabric, the JL Childress stroller bag offers your stroller a high level of protection from germs and dust and is truly one of the best stroller bags money can buy.
It fits and covers most standard and double travel strollers and is airline certified as well, which means no worrying about whether it complies with airline rules and regulations or not! In addition to this, it is also brightly colored and has a card slot in which you can write and insert your name and other details making it easy to spot and locate if it ever gets misplaced.
Double-stitched seams provide extra strength and durability allowing you to breathe easy knowing your bag won't be ripping seams when on the go. Additionally, the bag also has a drawstring closing mechanism with an adjustable lock to safely secure the stroller inside.
The webbing handles of this bag make it easy to carry it around. And when it's not in use, you can just toss the bag in the handy spandex pouch that comes with the stroller bag and you’ll be good to go.
Note that while this bag can handle gate checking your stroller, it is not recommended for baggage check.
Volkgo Travel Stroller Bag
Ideal for airplane gate check, the Volkgo travel stroller bag is made of 100% nylon. This is a great fabric for dusty airplane terminals because it keeps the dust away and keeps your stroller germ-free.
Suitable for carrying standard, dual, double as well as jogging strollers, it comes with a number of straps to allow you to carry it how you like. These include 2 padded backpack straps, 2 side straps, and 1 front strap, all brightly colored and sturdy for quick and easy carrying. Popping it on as a backpack protects the stroller from any physical damage and enables you to pass through terminals and gates hands-free. And as an added benefit, the bag itself folds flat while transforming into a carrying pouch, doubling as a storage bag for itself.
Water-resistant with wear and tear protection technology, this stroller bag for gate check is durable and has an all-rounded functionally effective design. With a one-year manufacturing warranty, the Volkgo truly is one of the best lightweight stroller gate check bags available in the market.
Reperkid Stroller Travel Bag
Here to make sure that you carry your stroller with utmost ease, this gate check bag for stroller is designed with lightweight materials that do not make you compromise on quality. The bag's 600D nylon material makes it fully tear-resistant and waterproof, making it highly durable and one of the sturdiest available in the market.
Adjustable shoulder straps ensure a snug fit when carrying it around like a backpack. Plus, it also comes with a drawstring closure mechanism and a practical handle for easy hand-held carrying as well.
The bag is available in an attractive blue color so you can conveniently spot it among other pieces of luggage at the airport. Other features include a name tag for even easier identification and an attached pouch that stores the bag when not in use. Stylish, heavy-duty, and dirt resistant, this bag has pretty much everything you are looking for in a good stroller bag.
Need any more convincing? Reperkid offers you a 90-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product - it's the ultimate peace of mind stroller bag!
J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Single Umbrella Strollers
Another quality product from J.L. Childress, this stroller bag too comes with a drawstring closure mechanism and a webbing handle for easy carrying of lightweight items like umbrella strollers and car seats. The brand's signature bright red color makes it easy to spot the bag in airports. In addition, it also comes with a card slot for filling in and inserting your name, making it even easier to identify in a sea of other bags.
Budget-friendly, airline-certified, and water-resistant, this stroller bag is easy to clean. Not to mention that it is made from highly durable polyester and features reinforced double stitched seams, ensuring that the bag never tears open at crucial times. And when not in use it folds to a compact size that easily slips into the provided spandex pouch. Note that while this bag can handle it in pinch, is not readily recommended for baggage check.
If this one is unavailable the J.L. Childress DELUXE Gate Check Bag or the VolkGo Gate Check Bag for Single Umbrella Strollers is another great option!
J.L. Childress Stroller Gate Check Bag
Made from durable and water-resistant fabric, the JL Childress stroller bag offers your stroller a high level of protection from germs and dust and is truly one of the best stroller bags money can buy.
It fits and covers most standard and double travel strollers and is airline certified as well, which means no worrying about whether it complies with airline rules and regulations or not! In addition to this, it is also brightly colored and has a card slot in which you can write and insert your name and other details making it easy to spot and locate if it ever gets misplaced.
Double-stitched seams provide extra strength and durability allowing you to breathe easy knowing your bag won't be ripping seams when on the go. Additionally, the bag also has a drawstring closing mechanism with an adjustable lock to safely secure the stroller inside.
The webbing handles of this bag make it easy to carry it around. And when it's not in use, you can just toss the bag in the handy spandex pouch that comes with the stroller bag and you’ll be good to go.
Note that while this bag can handle gate checking your stroller, it is not recommended for baggage check.
ROMIRUS Stroller Travel Bag
With a unique foldable design, the Romirus stroller travel bag is the convenient-to-carry solution that you didn't know you were missing! Because of its drawstring closure mechanism as well as its adjustable locks, this premium polyester stroller bag is compatible with most strollers but especially compatible with the YOYO+ stroller. What about when it's not in use you ask, like when you're on a bus? Just fold it up and hide it away!
Apart from that, the bag has added storage spaces on the exterior to store baby essentials and also a designated spot to store a water bottle. The bag features padded shoulder straps for carrying it around like a backpack. Plus, you can also strap it onto your luggage for more convenient carrying.
Minnie Baby Stroller Travel Bag
This compact stroller travel bag is designed to safely carry your stroller in 3 different ways. You can carry it like a backpack, a handbag, or like a shoulder bag based on your convenience. It features padded interiors and shoulder straps for added comfort and a pocket on the front which comes in handy for storing baby things like diapers, wipes, and towels. And when not in use, it compresses to a much more compact size and stores like a small pouch.
Made of a premium water-resistant nylon material, it features a dual zipper for additional ease and accessibility. Moreover, it is sleek, stylish, and compatible with some of the best strollers for airplane travel like the GB Pockit and GB Pockit Plus, the Clutch Stroller by Delta Children, and the Baby Joy Pockit Stroller.
This stroller bag is also useful when traveling or flying with a toddler and your toddler decides to walk. Rather than pushing an empty stroller around, you can carry it as a backpack leaving you hands-free to chase your toddler!
OnGuard Double Stroller Travel Bag
This thoughtfully designed stroller gate check bag will make your traveling and gate check much easier if you are planning on carrying around a double stroller, and here's how. Firstly, at 46" inches deep, the bag is big enough to fit pretty much every type of double stroller out there. It is made of a high-quality polyester material that is both tear-resistant and water-resistant. The red color of the bag makes it easier to spot in the airport and it has a blank space to write your name and phone number. Besides all this, it is also easy to store.
Put together with quality stitching that does not rip or come undone at critical times, it even offers multiple carrying positions, which is a huge bonus when carrying so much bulk! You can choose to carry it on your back with the help of the padded back straps or you can carry it like a bag with the help of the side straps. The icing on the cake is that it also comes with a 90 day, no-questions-asked, 100% money-back guarantee.
Gate Check PRO XL Double Stroller Bag for Airplane Travel
One of the largest baby stroller bags for travel in the market, the Gate Check PRO XL is a great option for conveniently storing and carrying double strollers and jogging strollers. The advantage of bigger stroller bags like this one is that they give you more room to carry other baby stuff if you choose to carry a small stroller. But don't worry, because its size does not make it difficult to use. It includes adjustable padded back straps for comfort and a drawstring closing mechanism to allow you to slip your folded stroller in and out with ease.
Made of Ballistic nylon fabric, this stroller offers high-grade protection from dust and dirt and is sturdy enough to even endure harsh weather. It is also water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine washable. Both the bag and its travel pouch have a large name logo so you can identify them easily at the airport.
This stroller bag is best suited for families with a huge double or triple stroller, as well as for those who wish to carry both strollers and car seats together. Just note that despite its rave parent reviews, some users do mention that the bag is too big for their single strollers and that the extra space makes it difficult to maneuver the bag.
Two other options that unfortunately are not quite as big are this one and this one.
You’ve got a flight planned! Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Flying with a Baby!
Types of Stroller Bags for Travel
Before buying a stroller bag for travel, it’s important to know the difference between them.
Padded Stroller Travel Bag
Padded stroller travel bags are best used when you are checking your stroller with your luggage. They’ll offer your stroller the best protection when flying with a stroller. They also take up more space when folded and will be bulky to carry around when you are using your stroller when getting to and from the airport or in your hotel room.
Gate Check Stroller Bag
Gate check stroller bags are typically smaller and lighter. They can be easily packed up and carried in your carry-on for use right before gate checking your stroller. They won’t offer much protection with no padding, but your stroller is at less risk of being damaged when you gate check it.
Branded Stroller Bag
Within these two options above, you’ll also find branded stroller travel bags. Branded stroller travel bags are those specific to a stroller brand like these:
- Padded Travel Bag for Doona Car Seat and Stroller
- UPPABaby G-Link Travel Bag or UPPABaby Minu Travel Bag
- Babyzen YOYO+ Travel Bag
- CYBEX Libelle Stroller Travel Bag
Universal Stroller Bag
Universal stroller bags for travel are exactly that, they should be universal in size meaning they will fit a large range of strollers. They will be specific to types of strollers: Single, Compact Strollers, Umbrella, Double strollers
What Features to Look for in Stroller Travel Bags
Since a stroller is where your baby spends most of their time outdoors on a trip, keeping it safe and clean is of utmost importance. A stroller travel bag is a must-have stroller accessory for travel, especially when flying with a stroller.
Unfortunately, you can’t just choose a stroller travel bag at random! That’s why learning about these factors will help you make your selection and decide on the stroller bag that’s perfect for you and your travel stroller.
Size
What happens to the stroller bag when it’s not in use? Well, if you pick the right one, it’ll fold into a compact size that is easy to carry around with you everywhere you go. Some stroller bags for air travel come with a zippered pouch that is discretely attached to the bag to make it small enough to easily slip into your diaper bag, while others fold securely to make a pouch for themselves. So, keep an eye out for a stroller gate check bag that is easy and convenient to store after use.
Stroller Compatibility
The first thing to confirm when buying stroller carry bags is whether the space inside the bag is large enough to accommodate the stroller you’re going to be carrying in it. In fact, it is even considered wiser to carry a stroller airplane bag with a little extra room than one that fits just right. This extra space will be useful for carrying other baby stuff like diapers, toys, and wipes when you are on the go.
Ease of Carrying
The type of straps and handles on the stroller bag you choose matter because they determine how easy or difficult it will be to lug your stroller around. Many agree that stroller bags with backpack-style straps are the best because they allow parents to keep their hands free for carrying their little one or other pieces of luggage.
But really, it’s all about picking a style that feels right for you and your carrying needs. Some bags have side handles which allow you to carry them around like handbags, while others have single straps that allow you to only carry them on one shoulder. These styles might work better if you are already carrying a travel diaper bag backpack on your back.
Apart from carrying positions, you also want to look for stroller bags that feature handles and straps with extra padding. You will find that these are way more comfortable than non-padded ones because they reduce pressure while carrying them.
Durability
Opt for stroller bags that are made of sturdy, tear-resistant fabric. Remember that bags made of high-grade polyester are stiffer and last longer than nylon bags. Nylon bags are more prone to punctures due to being thin and are often considered not sturdy enough to hold heavy strollers.
Another thing you want to keep in mind when it comes to durability is the quality of the stitching around straps and handles. There’s nothing worse than your brand new bag ripping and falling as soon as you load your stroller in it. Make sure the stitching is intact and strong enough for the bag to hold even when it is tossed around in the cargo of the plane.
Lastly, look for a stroller bag for airplane travel that is water-resistant or waterproof so that your stroller stays protected from rainfall, snowfall, and other types of liquids.
Ease of Use
Ensure that the closure mechanism of your stroller cover for travel is convenient to use for loading and unloading your stroller quickly. And since it is likely you will be packing and unpacking your stroller often, make sure the zipper of the bag is strong, easy to maneuver, and highly durable as well.
FAQs on Stroller Travel Bags
Are gate checked bags necessary for stroller?
While gate check bags aren’t necessary and you’ll see plenty of parents gate checking their stroller without one, a good gate check stroller bag will over your stroller some added protection. Just keep in mind, you’ll need to have time to collapse your stroller and put it in the stroller travel bag before boarding the plane. Plan to board early if this is your plan.
How do I protect my stroller at the gate check?
The best way to protect your stroller at the gate check before boarding a plane is to use a stroller gate check bag. A stroller gate check bag will help protect your stroller from getting dirty or damaged.
Do I need a bag to gate check my stroller?
You do not need a gate check bag for your stroller, however a stroller gate check bag can help to protect your stroller from damage as it’s loaded on to the airplane.
Do you need a bag for stroller on plane?
With strollers that collapse small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on the airplane, it’s best to pack your stroller in a travel bag. This helps to keep it protected and makes it easier to carry on the plane.
How do you pack a stroller for check in?
If you plan to check your stroller with your luggage, then we recommend a padded stroller travel bag to offer your stroller the best possible protection against damage. If you aren’t using a stroller travel bag, make sure your stroller is fully collapsed with any straps tucked in and there’s no risk of losing any loose parts (i.e. canopies or trays that may be removable).
Do airlines provide bags for strollers?
Airlines do not provide bags for strollers. If you want your stroller protected, whether you are gate checking your stroller or checking it with your luggage, then a stroller travel bag is your best option.
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.