How To Take a Pushchair on an Aeroplane

One of the most asked questions when it comes travelling abroad with a baby, is: ‘Can I take a pushchair on an aeroplane?’ The answer is yes, with an airline (IATA) approved stroller you can bring your pushchair onto the plane, fold it up and store it in the overhead locker.

Travelling abroad with a baby comes with a number of stresses, worries, and a long list of things to remember. Being able to bring your pushchair with you at every stage of the journey will offer some peace of mind and take the pressure off you parents. Just strap your little traveller in and wheel them all the way up to the door of the plane.

Let’s go through a few of the airline approved pushchairs we would recommend you bring on your next trip, and answer some of your most asked questions about bringing a pushchair on a plane…

Top Airline Approved Pushchairs

BABYZEN YOYO2

The BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller was actually the first ever buggy that could fit in an overhead locker, making it a super popular and renowned choice for jet-setting parents. It is the ultimate compact and versatile stroller for both daily use and travel.

Suitable from around six months up to 22kg, this lightweight pushchair is durable and can be folded and unfolded easily with just one hand – perfect for storing on an airplane. Weighing in at only 6.6kg, this stroller is one of the lightest on the market, but don’t be fooled by its lightness, it has a reinforced frame so can carry your baby and other items up to 22kg! Feel free to browse and shop around in duty free and the YOYO is there to carry your shopping.

Available in a range of stunning colours, the BABYZEN YOYO2 compact stroller is the perfect choice for the modern, travel loving families.

Joolz Aer+

The Joolz Aer+ Pushchair was designed to make travel with a baby as light and simple as possible. Weighing only 6kg and featuring a handy shoulder strap, this stroller allows you to travel hands-free which is super useful for boarding or leaving a plane. This is another pushchair that will fit easily into the overhead locker and is airline approved.

With the push of a button, the Joolz Aer+ can be folded and unfolded in seconds so wherever you are you are ready to get on the go.  

And for convenience and style, the Joolz Aer+ does not compromise on comfort. Made with ergonomic thinking and an ultra-spacious seat, this pushchair will support and comfort your little one as they grow.

Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe

The Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Stroller takes compact comfort to another level by combining everyday convenience with a sleek and stylish design. Wherever this stroller takes you, it will keep you and your little one looking and feeling your best.

Made with premium fabrics, this pushchair also features an expandable storage basket, a support bar and a parent/child cup holder, perfect for wandering round the airport before boarding your flight. When you do board your flight, you can simply fold down the stroller and fit it neatly into the overhead locker (please check with your airline before flying).

Though it is one of the heavier and larger options for compact strollers, the large storage basket and added comforts make the Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe stroller a worthy contender for your next travel companion.

Bugaboo Butterfly

Last but by no means least, the Bugaboo Butterfly Pushchair is designed so you and your growing baby can explore the world together in style. With a one-second fold, shoulder strap and an ultra-compact design, you can move around hands-free and hop between various methods of transport with ease.

The Bugaboo Butterfly weighs just 7.3kg but is durable enough to hold your baby and your shopping or luggage. It is compact enough to be tucked away perfectly into the overhead locker on a plane and is TUV certified for your peace of mind. 

With the Bugaboo Butterfly, you can spread your wings and fly free wherever adventure takes you. 

Did we mention it is now available in a stunning Desert Taupe colourway?!

If you’re looking for a deeper comparison of our top compact strollers, check out this blog.

Aeroplane Pushchair FAQs

It’s important to have all the answers before getting ready to fly with your little one, and we do advise that you always check with your airline that your chosen stroller will be allowed on board, as well as any other key information you should know about flying with your baby.

To help you prepare for your next trip, let us answer some of your most asked questions about travelling on an aeroplane with a baby or young child.

Can you take a pushchair on a plane?

Yes, there are a large range of compact strollers out there that are airline approved and fold down small enough to fit in the overhead compartments on aeroplanes.

Most airlines will allow you to push your stroller all the way up to the door of the plane, so your little one can remain comfortable and safe the whole ride through the airport – this is super handy as we all know how stressful getting through an airport with a young child can be.

Please check with your airline that your stroller is allowed before you fly as some may have different requirements than others.

Do you have to check in your carrycot?

Most people don't realise that you are allowed to take your pram with the bassinet with you all the way up to the door of the plane, the airline staff will then place the bassinet into luggage for you at this stage.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, very airline is different so please check before you fly, but in most cases, they will allow you to bring at least two of the following onboard as carry-on for free: compact pushchair, car seat, booster seat, travel cot. Any additional items will need to go in the hold.

Your carry cot and chosen carry-on will need to be tagged as such at the check-in desk or gate.

How do you travel with a baby on a plane?

It is advised that you wait until your baby is at least 2-3 weeks before you fly, and until mum feels up to it! This is because babies are more susceptible to illness and germs when they are young and air travel will expose them to a host of germs and potential infections. Postpartum mums must also be really careful while their body recovers from birth.

When you are sure that both mum and baby are fit to fly, you can look into your airline’s travel conditions. You will need a compact stroller that you can bring onto the plane, and a carry cot that you may have to check in.

It isn’t as stressful as it may seem, as long as you are prepared ahead of your flight, you and your family will all land safely ready for your adventure.

How to use a car seat on a plane?

Most child car seats will fit on aeroplane seats, and you will need to check, but most airlines will allow you to bring your car seat on board free of charge. If your car seat is airline (TUV) approved, it may have a sticker that states it is ‘Certified for Use in Aircraft.’

Your baby will feel most comfortable flying in their own car seat, and it is also the safest place for them to be. This will ensure peace of mind and a smoother flight for you and the other passengers.

The NUNA PIPA URBN i-Size infant Carrier car seat and the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro car seat are both TUV aircraft approved options.

We hope this blog has prepared to you travel on an aeroplane safely and comfortably with your little one. If you’re looking to book your next trip and are looking for a compact pushchair to accompany you, shop our full collection of compact pushchairs.

Shop our full travel collection and get everything you need for your next family adventure! Bon voyage.