Do Budget Airlines Still Allow Free Stroller Check-In?

Do Budget Airlines Still Allow Free Stroller Check-In?

If you are a parent, you already know that when you fly with your baby or toddler, you end up carrying almost half the house with you. There are the nappies, bottles, snacks, toys, clothes, and of course, the stroller. A stroller makes life easier in the airport and at your destination. 

If you are flying with a budget airline for the first time, you might be wondering if they allow free stroller check-in. Budget airlines are well known for their low prices, but also for charging fees on things that used to be free, such as checked baggage, seat selection, food, and even printing a boarding pass at the airport. So, do they charge extra for strollers?

Image: A photo of a baby comfortably lying in a stroller.

Do Budget Airlines Charge Extra for Stroller Check-In?

In most cases, no, you won't be charged extra for your stroller. Most budget airlines do still allow free stroller check-in. But as with everything in air travel, there are rules and limits that you need to know before you get to the airport. Let’s take a closer look.

How Stroller Check-In Works

In most airports, you can use your stroller all the way until you reach the boarding gate. Then, just before you step onto the plane, you fold it and hand it to the airline staff. They place it in the aircraft’s hold, and when you land, you collect it either at the gate or at the baggage claim area.

This is the standard process, and it applies to both full-service airlines and most budget airlines. Most of them understand that a stroller is not just a travel accessory. It is a necessity for parents.

How it Works with Budget Airlines

Even budget airlines understand that families need strollers, so most of them allow you to check in a stroller free of charge, even if you are flying with the cheapest ticket. Some also include other baby equipment in the free allowance, such as a car seat or a travel cot.

However, it is important that you check with your airline for any rules or limitations. Some rules that may apply include:

• The stroller must be foldable. Large, non-foldable strollers may not be accepted.
• Some airlines limit the number of baby items you can bring for free, usually one or two per child.
• If the stroller is oversized or very heavy, the airline might charge extra.

So while you normally don’t have to pay, it is always smart to check the exact rules of your airline before your trip.

Image: A photo of a baby wearing a grey sweater, sitting in a maroon stroller.

What About Other Baby Items?

Along with a stroller, parents often travel with car seats, diaper bags, travel cots, and more. Many airlines allow one or two of these items for free, but again, the rules depend on the airline. Some may allow both a stroller and a car seat for free, while others only allow one item. This is where budget airlines differ the most from full-service carriers, so make sure to double-check if you need to bring more than just a stroller.

Conclusion 

Strollers remain one of the few items that parents can bring without paying extra, even in budget airlines. Still, it is important not to assume. Always read the rules of your chosen airline before you fly, because the details can vary. Some may allow extra baby equipment, while others are stricter. Make sure you plan ahead and stay prepared to avoid unnecessary stress at the airport.