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Best Stroller For Travel | What are their Pros & Cons For Flying?

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If you are wondering what are the best travel strollers for holidays or your vacation, then this guide on the best strollers for travel will help you: We’ve tried several ourselves and so have our readers.

  • Compare features of various styles of top travel buggies including single and double travel strollers.
  • Discover the pros and cons of each type of travel pushchair, with real parents opinions.
  • Learn about all the small folding strollers available and which is the best compact stroller.
  • Find the best lightweight baby stroller which works for your needs.

What is the Best Stroller for Travel 2023?

best strollers for travel
The best strollers for travel need to be compact and practical

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The following pushchairs are some of the best travel strollers available, with a strong emphasis on being light and portable as well as being a practical foldable pram for travel.

They don’t have all the features that you would expect from a travel system, however some are very close! Some reviews look at the best umbrella stroller for travel for you, whilst others look at more compact options.

What kind of travelling stroller can I take on a plane?

You can take any stroller on the plane for free. They normally need to go in the airplane hold, where your suitcases go.

However, some of these pushchairs are so compact that they are suitable for plane travel and fold up small enough to be considered an airline friendly stroller and as hand luggage!

When we used one of these collapsible strollers, it was so incredibly useful – especially with a heavy toddler. If you don’t require a compact folding umbrella or backpack stroller to take on to the plane, there are some airports and airlines which offer airport strollers to use during transit, often for free.

Compact and lightweight features make a practical choice of travel stroller. Airplane wise, double strollers are unlikely to fit in the overhead stowage bins, but will be permitted to go in the hold. A compact fold stroller will sometimes meet the measurement criteria of hand baggage.

Travel Stroller reviews. A guide to the Best Travel Strollers, Best Stroller for Travel 2019
Visiting Cape Town from the UK with an 11 week old baby

What Are The Pros And Cons For Flying With A Travel Stroller?

The benefit of having a really compact stroller or travel pram as your carry on means that you can literally land, pop baby into the pram and walk down the aisle and off the plane towards baggage reclaim (providing there is an airbridge of course.)

Here I am doing exactly that with the BabyZen YoYo plus on an Easyjet flight. It folds up more compactly than an umbrella stroller!

baby zen yoyo plus stroller pushchair in airplane, best stroller for travel? #familytravel
With the BabyZen YoYo plus on an EasyJet flight.

Some of the best umbrella strollers for travel are also included in the comparison chart below. Others factors to consider include the sun protection offered and if the stroller reclines for naps.

For travelling by air, you may wish to consider a stroller travel or gate check bag, unless you have a cabin baggage approved stroller.

Not only will this help to protect it in the aircraft hold, but you can add a few nappies/diapers and other items to help protect it further and save a bit of space in your suitcase! Here are some of the best stroller travel bags to help protect your travel pushchair.

Bugaboo Butterfly travel stroller as cabin luggage
Bugaboo Butterfly stroller fits as cabin luggage on a plane.

What kind of stroller can I take on a plane?

All strollers can go in the hold of an airplane – this is usually in addition to your normal baggage allowance. If you wish to have a stroller on a plane and have it in the cabin with you, then there is no guarantee it will be allowed, unless it fits into your airlines cabin baggage restrictions and is a particularly compact collapsible stroller for air travel.

In which case, it is often considered as 1 piece of your cabin baggage allowance. So you may have to decide between your normal carry on bag and bringing a travel stroller actually inside the cabin. If you are traveling with another adult, then this is pretty easy to do. (N.B. Lightweight strollers for travel by plane are listed below too).

Can you take a double stroller on an airplane?

Absolutely, but as it will not fit as cabin baggage it will need to go in the hold. You can either check it in with your bags or gate check it before you board your flight.

Can you take a stroller through airport security?

Yes, you will need to if you are gate checking or taking it as hand luggage. If it folds up compactly, you can put it through the X-ray machine, otherwise it will need to be manually inspected.

In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best travel stroller (read further below for in-depth reviews, a comparison chart and further options)

Bugaboo Butterfly
Bugaboo Butterfly

Best Lightweight Compact Stroller For Traveling Comparison Chart

NameImageWeightSingle Fold?Reclines?Fits as cabin baggage?Latest price and more information.
GB Pockit Stroller9.5lbs/ 4.4kgsNoNoYesLatest price
See here
gb Pockit+ All City12.5lbs/5.7kgsNoYesYesLatest price see here
UPPABaby G-Lite Denny11lbsNoYesNoLatest price see here
Maclaren Quest Arc Stroller13.7lbYesYes - 4 positionsDependsLatest price here
Summer 3Dlite13lbs/6.2kgNoYesNoLatest prices here
BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller13lbs/6.2kgNo (however easy to fold/unfold)YesYesLatest price here
Silver Cross Jet 313 pounds/6kgNoYesYesSee latest price here
Mountain Buggy Nano13 pounds/6kgNoYesNoSee latest price here
Baby Joy Lightweight Stroller15lbs/7kgNoYes - 3 seating modes including 150 degree reclineYesLatest price here
Baby Jogger City Tour 214lbs/6.5kgsYesYesOnly some airlinesLatest price here
Baby Jogger City Mini17.8 lbsYesYesOnly some airlinesLatest price here
Zoe Double StrollerZoe xl2 double travel stroller16lbs/7.3kgsYesYesNoLatest price here
Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller28lbs/12.5kgsNoYesNoLatest price here
Baby Jogger City Mini GT231.8 lbs/14.4kgsYesYesNoLatest price here

Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Stroller

Here are some of the most important things to think about when looking for the best travel stroller.

1. Size and Weight

The main differences between a regular stroller and a travel stroller are the size and weight. The best strollers for travel are considerably lighter and usually a lot smaller than their heavier counterparts.

Lightweight travel strollers may have less features and comfort but that is the tradeoff for the other practical features. The best traveling strollers for long days out are those that are lightweight and small enough to lug around and store, yet feature extras such as recline, a sun canopy and a decent storage basket underneath.

2. Sun Cover Canopy and UV protection

I found for me the recline and sun canopy was the most important when flying with a baby or young toddler. If your stroller doesn’t have a decent size sun canopy, look into the best stroller sunshades which fit most pushchairs.

3. Your Travel Needs

What sort of travel will you be doing can impact the type of travel pushchair you need. Is it the best buggy for your holiday or vacation?

Does it need to fit as carryon on an aircraft or can it manage cobblestones in Europe? Does it need to be lightest travel stroller or one with more features?

Will it be used for short distances and to help transport your bags or will you need it for long day trips and naps during the day?

Who is it for – will you need a double stroller for slightly older kids if heading out to Disney World or one that is suitable for a younger baby – if so does it need an additional insert?

4.  Recline And Other Features

As mentioned above, several lightweight strollers offer a recline function and a fairly decent sun canopy, but you may need to compromise on the storage basket. For instance, you could forego a large storage basket for a comfortable backpack.

Often you can buy accessories like cup holders, bag clips/ stroller purse clip hooks to make the stroller more convenient. (I found my buggy clip invaluable, especially if the storage basket was small). Decide which features are an absolute must for you, and ones you could compromise on. For example, you are unlikely to find a travel lightweight stroller with a tray.

5. Ease of Folding

If you are flying or travelling solo, then an easy folding function is a must when you are looking for the best compact travel stroller.  Some of the best foldable strollers for travel can quickly and easily be folded up using just one hand – incredibly convenient if you need to carry your baby with the other arm! The good news is that most foldable prams for travel, are easy to use!

6. Cost

There are some all singing/all dancing travel strollers out there – but these do come with a higher price tag. When you are looking for the best strollers for traveling, shop around and look for the best deals.

Check if companies offer price match – often if you cut the middle man out you can find a better deal too. Also look into second hands strollers, or perhaps borrow a friends?

babyzen yoyo review, travel, pushchair, stroller

What is the Best Stroller for Airplane Travel?

Reviews of the Best Travel Strollers for 2023

Best Stroller For Travel | What are their Pros & Cons For Flying?

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE STROLLER FOR TRAVEL

The following strollers have all been recommended by readers of Flying With A Baby. If you are flying with twins or two little ones, a compact and lightweight double stroller is probably on your essential list! Double strollers are also allowed as hold luggage but be aware that with American Airlines you will not be able to gate check it if it weighs over 20lbs - which most do.

silver cross jet
Silver Cross Jet
silver cross jet folded compact travel stroller
Silver Cross Jet

The case for taking a larger travel system on the plane.

snooze shade stroller review
At the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town (before we discovered the snooze shade)

The Bugaboo Cameleon

Review by me.

We’ve all seen the Cameleon out and about on the streets, but how is it for travelling? It can be tricky to put away, is most definitely not a carry on stroller nor a compact lightweight stroller and it is impossible to dismantle one-handed, with a baby trying to crawl on top of you or it. So why take it on vacation?

It does pack away very neatly in the especially designed Bugaboo travel bag. (I bought mine second hand) The carry handles and/ or wheels (depending on which edition of the bag you have), make it very convenient. You’ll find you will need a few practise goes beforehand, so as to minimise any stress whilst at the airport. (Unless you check it in straight away).

snooze shade stroller, reviews: best travel strollers and prams, stroller review
At the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town (before we discovered the snooze shade or CoziGo)

Dismantling it means removing the 4 wheels, removing the bumper bar and folding the frame, taking the carry cot /chair seat off and packing them flat.

(So if you are using the bassinet, you’ll need to remove the black plastic strips, and all the Velcro fastenings).

There seems to be only one way to pack the bag. My only issue is because the bag has a specific shape, it really does leave no room for error.

It can take 5 minutes. (More if stressed!) However, once arriving at our many overseas destinations, it was well worth the effort for us and it’s come with us on every flight so far.

Especially as she was 11 weeks old, we needed something safe and secure with appropriate coverage for our little traveller.

Not only was she used to her pram, and when smaller, she slept had slept in when we attended a couple of weddings, but it also provided adequate shelter from the elements, whether sun, rain or wind. (The free mosquito net came in handy too).

It seems to be a myth that you can’t take your regular stroller or travel system with you on the plane. You can, but to minimise any possibility of damage, I choose to use a stroller bag to minimise damage from any over-zealous baggage handlers.

If you have a young baby,  this is a good contender to cover all bases- especially if you anticipate various terrains and weather. For more information on the Bugaboo Cameleon, including all its accessories and latest price, please visit here.

Pros 

  • Packs away very neatly.
  • Easy to transport once in bag.
  • Great to have regular pram at destination.
  • Saves buying a new pram for travelling.
  • Can use the bassinet as cot if baby is small.
  • If using the bag, you can pack extra things inside.
  • All terrain wheels which can handle snow and sand.

Cons

  • No room for error as it only packs one way in the bag .
  • Can be time-consuming to dismantle.
  • Heavy – this is definitely not the best lightweight stroller!
  • Need two hands to fold away.
  • Price

hope this guide to the best lightweight travel strollers for 2022 has helped you? Do let me know your favourite or recommendation for the best travel stroller and which one you decided on below!

You may be interested in reading more about the BabyZen YOYO pushchair which I tried recently, and also like to read about some baby carriers.

TRAVEL STROLLER ACCESSORIES

Above we mentioned how it is hard to find the perfect baby travel stroller which meets your every need when out and about. If you do find yourself deliberating between a couple of choices, remember, often accessories can be added, like stroller hooks (my favorite!) or a stroller organizer etc. More ideas and details are below.

stroller hook
stroller hooks are SO useful and easy to pack

Stroller hooksStrollers hooks are brilliant for purchases, diaper/nappy bags and for adding to strollers that have no basket or other limited storage capacity.

Universal Stroller OrganizerUniversal organizers for travel strollers are perfect for keeping everything in one place. Organizers can hold drinks, snacks, phone, tissues and allsorts!

Cup Holders for Travel StrollersUniversal stroller cup holders which fit most travel strollers can be easily bought for added convenience.

Stroller Travel Bags – Stroller travel bags are a great way to help protect your stroller when traveling, particularly if flying. Padded stroller bags offer better protection but are more expensive, but even a polyester gate check bag can help keep straps and buckles together and the stroller clean. Stuffing a few diapers/nappies in discreetly can help protect it too. Some cabin sized strollers already come with their own bag and carrying strap making it easier to stow in the overhead lockers on the plane.

Stroller hooksStrollers hooks are brilliant for purchases, diaper/nappy bags and for adding to strollers that have no basket or other limited storage capacity.

Universal Stroller OrganizerUniversal organizers for travel strollers are perfect for keeping everything in one place. Organizers can hold drinks, snacks, phone, tissues and allsorts!

Cup Holders for Travel StrollersUniversal stroller cup holders which fit most travel strollers can be easily bought for added convenience.

Stroller Travel Bags – Stroller travel bags are a great way to help protect your stroller when traveling, particularly if flying. Padded stroller bags offer better protection but are more expensive, but even a polyester gate check bag can help keep straps and buckles together and the stroller clean. Stuffing a few diapers/nappies in discreetly can help protect it too. Some cabin sized strollers already come with their own bag and carrying strap making it easier to stow in the overhead lockers on the plane.

Other travel gear for kids

If you are heading out and about, you may find these other travel gear items for kids useful too. If you are based in the UK, it is worth checking if there are any active Amazon discount codes, (Disclosure: advertorial link*) that will save you some money, before ordering.

Disclaimer: Flying With A Baby is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This page may contain affiliate links.

*Advertorial link means a company has paid to be advertised here. These occasional links help with the costs of running this site.

Best stroller for traveling – Pin for later?

Want to know which is the best travel stroller to take on your trips this year? Here's my round-up of some of the top buggies, pushchair and strollers for travel.Plus what makes them so great for family travel. #familytravel #travelgear #baby

What’s your recommendation for the best compact stroller 2023? Let me know why yours worked for you below in the comments.

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13 − 10 =

Al

Saturday 16th of October 2021

LOVING your website but really hoping you can help me with this question, my google skills are failing me!

do I need a stroller that fully reclines to accommodate a 6-8 month old baby if i would like them to sleep in the stroller while we spend the day travelling Europe? I want a stroller they can sleep in so we don't have to go home for naps (assuming this is possible?) I'm having a hard time differentiating between 'newborn' and 'infant' sleep requirements and i dont understand whether the baby can safety and comfortably have deep, long naps at a slight incline after 6 months or if i need to spend significantly more to get a stroller that accomodates a completely flat recline.

MANY THANKS for this fantastic website! I will use your affiliate links when I end up purchasing a stroller that accomodates a plane seat.

Carrie Bradley

Saturday 16th of October 2021

Hi Alyssa,

Thank you so much! It's so tricky finding it all out. So my understanding is newborn is only the 0-3 month stage - so some strollers will need inserts or a carrycot to make them completely lie flat for this age due to sleep safety etc. With this in mind, it seems that medically, babies aged 0-6 months should be lying near flat due to SIDS concerns and spine development - in the USA for baby sleepers (not strollers) there is a proposal mandating that no infant sleepers with more than a 10-degree recline can be sold.it will be interesting to see if this will apply to strollers too?

From about 6 months, my understanding, is that babies still need a good recline but strollers do not need to recline completely flat. Please note this is not professional advice - just my opinion from my own research on the strollers available. Also the strollers should have the weight and age limits in their instruction manuals- most should be available online. They would have to meet certain specifications and safety precautions to be able to state the age\weight range.

For you guys, one that grows with your little one could be useful, especially if planning to travel a lot in the future to make it more cost effective? Hope that helps a bit- I feel your pain!

Qhouse kids

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

Thanks you for sharing such an amazing post. .I have a newborn who is 2 month old and a 4 year old daughter. I am looking for a stroller for the younger one, which can also be used by 4 Year old. .Would appreciate any recommendations.?

Angel (@vampire1403)

Saturday 18th of May 2019

I think the Akeeva Atom is worth thinking about....Even smaller than the GB hehe

HDN

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

I bring the Mountain Buggy Nano on flights with me all the time and put it in the overhead compartment as carry-on luggage. I've never had an issue with it - have taken on multiple US airlines (Delta, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier) and international flights (British Airways and Norwegian Airlines). One flight attendant told me it wouldn't fit, and I just asked her to let me try and she was fine with it when I showed her that it easily fit in the overhead compartment. You can also take off the wheels if needed and make it smaller.

I think you're also skipping over the importance of being able to connect a car seat to your stroller. The Nano accepts almost any infant carseat with its built-in adapter. You can also attach a convertible car seat to it with the adapter (we use the Scenera Next). It's been so helpful to just wheel our kids through the airport in their carseat, attached to the stroller, right onto the plane.

CarrieB

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Very good point! I guess it depends if you are using a car seat on the plane, time of flight, how long the flight is, age of baby/child, if you are taking it overseas or planning on hiring one abroad. With current guidance saying young babies should only be in a car seat a maximum of 2 hours it's definitely a tricky thing to decide as obviously travel strollers don't usually offer a flat recline and also some airlines are very strict on certain weight/ size measurements as carry-on luggage as even if it would fit, but is larger than the dimensions they allow- it won't be allowed on. Really fab to hear you have had a great experience with the Mountain Buggy Nano - this will definitely help future readers to know this- thank you!

Lindsey

Monday 10th of December 2018

GB Pockit Plus is one of the best lightweight strollers I've ever tested. The best for travelers - no doubt!