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

With multiple trips from the UK to Australia (yes, those epic long-hauls with toddlers!) and countless other short and long-haul flights, I’ve had to rely on a travel stroller more times than I can count. From my personal experiences and feedback from other parents, I’ve put together this list to help you find the best stroller for your family’s travels.

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What Worked for Us and What Didn’t

When you’re choosing a stroller for your trip, you will likely want something lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver. Something easy to fold and arrow was important for me, for navigating tight airplane aisles or when folding it down whilst holding a wriggly baby.

We liked the Mountain Buggy and Uppa Baby Mini as they felt solid enough for every day use as well as travel, and the price was reasonable considering all the features. The GB pockit, although small, just feels too filmsy for everyday use and the zero recline was a no for us.

Budget wise, you can’t beat the Summer Infant 3D but it does have limitations such as bulkier, harder to use.

Ones we loved the most are the Baby Zen Yoyo and Bugaboo Butterfly: Compact and sleek and SO convenient for travel. The downside – they are the higher price point but market leaders for a reason.

Reviews of the Best Travel Strollers for 2025

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gb Pockit+ All City

The Pockit Plus model has also been updated, and the Pockit + All City is the 2019 version. This version is slightly lighter at 12.5lbs/5.7kgs and folds up really compactly L19 xW 33 x H48cm (7.5 x 13 x19″) and is suitable for 9 – 17 kg/From 6 months up to approx. 4 years.Another Flying With A Baby reader reports back that, “It is extremely lightweight – so you can not hang a bag over the handles and it’s one of the best compact strollers making it great for family travel”

Pros

• Can be used as cabin baggage. It is one of the strollers that fits in an overhead compartment and it will even fit under the seat.
• Front wheels can be locked to a stationary position or left to swivel
• It’s really small and often listed as the best stroller for airplane travel due to its size.
• One of the best lightweight strollers for toddlers.
• The Pockit+ All City folds up into a compact, handbag shaped package in seconds and is airplane carry-on compliant
• Travel system ready with any CYBEX infant car seat using the included adapters
• Spacious shopping basket to store away your belongings (11 lb. capacity)
• Large integrated sun canopy offers increased sun protection with UPF50+
• Adjustable seatback with multiple recline positions for customizable comfort

Cons

• Only suitable for babies aged 6 months plus.
• Sun canopy does not offer a great deal of protection but a bit more than its predecessor.

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Summer 3Dlite (BEST BUDGET TRAVEL STROLLER)

This is a popular mid way budget lightweight stroller for travel (13lbs/6.2kg).  An appealing feature is it reclines to a nearly flat position and is easy to manoeuvre on flat surfaces – it can be clunky on cobblestones. However, the manufacturer states the minimum age is 6 months and above.

A carry strap and compact fold helps make it easy to transport. It can be used until your little one reaches 50lbs – making it a good lightweight stroller for toddlers and beyond. The sun protection is average, but the pop out bit offers more than other budget strollers.

Additionally, a CoziGo or Snoozeshade can easily be attached to offer more protection, so this is not a deal breaker.What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

“Portable, lightweight and pretty sturdy. We used it extensively on cobbled Italian roads, smooth US roads and Mexican roads as well. We liked our compact baby stroller”Pros:

• Price
• Near flat recline but for age 6 months and above.
• Has  a variety of storage: A cup holder, pocket on the back, and storage underneath
• Provides more shade than cheaper umbrella strollers with an adjustable canopy.

Cons

• Legs can dangle a bit if child is tall.

See the video of how the 3D Summer lite works below:

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Joolz AER+ Buggy – Premium Baby Stroller with Ergonomic Seat

This pram is lightweight at 13.4 lbs/6.07kg and fits in airline overhead bins. The reclinable seat gives ultimate neck & back support and can carry up to 49lbs.

The buggy is suitable for children that cans sit unaided. Usually after 6 months old, but in addition you can add the AER+ carrycot on the stroller and then it is suitable for newborns.

• The handlebar is high at 107cm in height for tall parents.
• Weight: 13,4 lbs/6.07kg
• Dimensions when folded: L: 21 in x W: 17.7 in x H: 8.5 in
• Recline: Yes
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag?: Yes, also comes with a shoulder strap
• Adjustable Sun Canopy: Yes
• Max Weight Capacity: 72.7 Pounds
• Age suitable for: 6 months – 4 years

• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa, Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa Lite, Nuna Pipa Lite R, Nuna Pipa Lite LX, Maxi Cosi Pebble, Maxi Cosi Pebble Plus, Maxi Cosi Pebble Pro, Maxi Cosi Coral, Cybex Cloud Q, Cybex Cloud Q plus, Cybex Cloud Z, Cybex Aton Q i-size, Cybex Aton 3, Cybex Aton 4, Cybex Aton 5, Joolz iZi Go, Joolz iZi Go Modular by BeSafe, Joolz iZi Go Modular X1 by BeSafe, Besafe   iZi Go Modular, Besafe   iZi Go X1, Clek Liing, Joie i-gemm, Avionaut Pixel

• Dimensions unfolded L: 32.7 in x W: 17.7 in x H: 41.5 in

Pros:

• Lasts from 6 months to 4 years old
• solid one-hand open/close

Cons:

• The seat has no leg rest but can be purchased separately.
• On the pricier end

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BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller

This is another stroller which meets most airlines cabin baggage allowances and joins the ranks of the few strollers that fit in the overhead bin. It weighs in at a very light 13lbs/6.2kg in the 6+ version, 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs) with the newborn pack or 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs) with the bassinet. 

The BabyZen YoYo is consistently rated highly as a contender for the best lightweight travel stroller due many of its specifications and additional features.

These include a storage bag and a shoulder strap so you can easily carry the BabyZen on board a plane. It’s narrow enough to fit in most airplane aisles and will easily fit into the hat rack. The folded dimensions are (52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in

Out and about, this compact travel stroller feels sturdy and is often used as a daily stroller because of all the practical feature; including multi recline, a sun canopy, rain cover and generous under seat storage. The Basket supports up to 5 kg (11 lbs)

Although the pushchair is on the pricey end of the market – it just may be your most used bit of baby kit. Particularly if it is used daily and used for travel, then it may save you from buying a separate travel buggy.

These airplane strollers are also quite popular in Europe because they fit through narrow doorways.

Another bonus is it can handle cobbled stones, at least on a temporary basis. Yes, it is best for flat surfaces so there were a few bumps, but when I trialled it, the YoYo managed them surprisingly well, despite not being built for this.

For long term use on cobbled streets, I think you will need something with more suitable wheels for a more comfortable ride.

I have also seen it consistently recommended by parents when anyone asks them what the best travel stroller is.

This travel stroller is suitable for babies aged over 6 months, but you can buy a newborn pack as an additional feature to make it a lie flat stroller. 

This pushchair can be used in parent-facing mode from birth and front facing from 6+ months up until 22 kg (48.5 lbs)

Whats included: YOYO2 Stroller includes a frame, 5-point harness, multi-position reclining backrest, canopy extensions, shoulder strap, protective storage bag & the 6+ Color Pack, which includes the seat cushion & matching canopy.Pros

• Easy to fold and unfold
• UPF 50+ sun protection canopy
• Reclinable
• Shoulder strap
• (Folded dimensions are 52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in)

Cons

• Quite pricey

See the Babyzen Yoyo in action here:

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Silver Cross Jet 5

The Silver Cross Jet 5 boasts a coordinating, fully-extendable UPF 50+ hood with an air-flow ventilation system, rear wheel brakes, front wheel suspension and is very light thanks to the aluminium frame.

This compact stroller has a fully extendable UPF50+ hood has an air-flow ventilation system with pop-out sun visor.

Best of all, it folds small enough to fit in most cabin space on an airplane and can even be wheeled like a small suitcase!

• Weight:15.87 pounds/ 7kg
• Dimensions: L33 x W20 x H41.5″
• Folded: L10 x W14.5 x H24.5″ (L25cm W37cm H63cm)
• Age suitable for: Birth up to 55lbs in USA/25kgs in UK

This Stroller for Travel is available on Amazon worldwide and straight from Silver Cross

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Mountain Buggy Nano V3

At 13lbs/6kg, this lightweight stroller has a full-size, padded seat with an adjustable leg rest and multi-position recline.

The seat can almost go into a lie-flat mode, making it one of the best reclining strollers for travel. However there is a newborn cocoon available as an extra.

Like the BabyZen YoYo 2, this compact stroller comes with a carry handle and carry strap plus a travel bag. For most airline hand baggage rules, the Nano is too big to be considered as hand luggage, despite it being very compact.

The rain cover does need to be bought separately. It cannot fold one handed but feels sturdy. It’s travel system ready with universal car seat adaptors included to easily attach an infant car seat.

Max Weight Capacity: 20 kg/44lbs

What other readers of ‘Flying With A Baby website’ Say:

“We would be lost without our Mountain Buggy Nano. It has been on almost 50 flights in 18 months and is still in the best condition. Great recline too!”Pros

• The narrow frame  is good for narrow streets  and doorways.
• Can be pushed one-handed easily.
• A good lightweight reclining stroller.
• Fits into overhead storage compartments (if permitted.)
• Suitable for up to 44 lbs/4 year old
• 12 x 22 x 20 inches when folded

Cons

• Cannot be folded with one hand.
• Can be a bit tricky down a set of steps due to the small wheels.
• Handlebar is non adjustable.

Other features

• 6kg / 13lbs with a carry handle and shoulder strap – ideal for travel or the perfect secondary buggy

• easy two-step compact fold designed to fit in many carry-on luggage units or to leave in the car for quick trips
• travel system ready with universal car seat adaptors included to easily attach an infant car seat
• additional newborn comfort when paired with our additional cocoon essential accessory.

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Bugaboo Butterfly

The stroller has an easy one handed fold using two buttons pressed together and it can be done with one hand. As you flick it open it often goes straight into place, but other times I have to push the back of the seat to click it all into place (I can use my knee so still one handed)

Folding it down is also done with the same two buttons pressed together and pushing down on the handle.

It doesn’t lie flat and therefore is only suitable from 6 months but it lies back enough to look comfortable for longer sleeps (111°-145°). There are two positions, upright and reclined and it can be changed one handed between the two. The seat is only forward facing.

This Bugaboo stroller is designed for children up to 22kg/around 4 years which is bigger than most in the travel stroller category.

My petite 6 year old (21.5kg) has ridden in it on some longer days and it is still easy to push and tall enough in the seat to handle her.

At 5 foot 9, I often struggle with stroller’s that don’t have a height adjustable bar, but I find the Butterfly is still comfortable to push.

The basket is a reasonable size and I can fit our changing bag under there. Officially, it can carry up to 8kg and I found it easier to access from the front rather than the back.

Once folded, the stroller is a very compact 45 x 23 x 54 cm which means it fits in most car boots (we have a Ford S Max 7 seater and with all 7 seats up I could fit in several folded Butterflys).

It it also approved as cabin luggage and can slide into the overhead lockers easily..

We have tried it so far on Air India, British Airways and Vietnam Airlines and it was a comfortable fit in the lockers – something that made a stopover much more comfortable for all of us! It is unusual to be given your pushchair or stroller back for stopovers as you will usually collect any stroller at your final destination.

Being able to use a super compact foldable stroller in-between connecting flights was incredibly useful! Read more on the Bugaboo Butterfly here.

• Weight: 7.3 kg
• Dimensions when folded: 45 x 23 x 54 cm
• Recline: Yes
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag?: No
• Sun Canopy: Yes
• Max Weight Capacity: 22kg
• Age suitable for: 6 months – 4 years
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes – with adaptors available separately. Compatible with Bugaboo Turtle One and Air by Nuna & other Maxi-Cosi® infant car seats.
• Dimensions unfolded 92.5 x 45 x 102.4 cm

See our video of how it unfolds:

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BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller

The Baby Joy is a great option if you are looking for a cabin size stroller and comes with a sturdy bag for convenient carrying, making it a backpack pushchair. It doesn’t recline fully but 150 degrees is close.

The Baby Joy is so small in measurements that it meets most airline cabin baggage rules when folded. This compact stroller weighs 15 lbs and measures 20″ x 10″ x 28.5″ (L x W x H) when folded.

Pros:

• 3 seating modes including 150 degree recline
• 3 footrest modes

• Weight: 15lbs 
• Folded 20″ x 10″ x 28.5″ (L x W x H)
• Age suitable for: 50 lbs/22.6kg This lightweight stroller is suitable for 6-36 months babies and toddlers.

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Baby Jogger City Tour 2

Another incredibly popular stroller, one that ALWAYS comes up on Disney World and Disneyland posts as well as my Flying With A Baby Facebook page.

The new Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is heavier than the ones mentioned above, but versatile from birth to older toddler, and is compatible with car seats seats.

One hand fold, multiple recline positions, a UV extendable hood, swivel wheels make it a great all rounder. It fits in with some airline cabin baggage allowances, such as JetBlue, Turkish Airlines etc but is otherwise generally over these requirements.

• Weight: 14lbs/6.5kgs
• Folded: 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 9cm (21.6″ X16.9″ X 6.8″)
• Age suitable for: Up to 45lbs/22kg For more information and latest prices see here

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UPPAbaby Minu V2

The Minu V2 packs full-size features into a travel-friendly package. Its 20-lb basket, multi-position recline, and clever storage pockets make it surprisingly versatile.

Plus, a breeze to fold, adjust, and brake, it boasts the easiest harness and most intuitive brakes we’ve tested. A huge sun canopy and newborn compatibility (with extras) top it off.

Weight: 17.3 pounds

Folded size: 20.5 by 23 by 13 inches

Child weight, height limit: 50 pounds, 40 inches

Storage basket weight limit: 20 pounds

Car seat compatibility with an adapter: Uppababy Mesa; Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat, Mico NXT Infant Car Seat, Mico AP Infant Car Seat, and Mico Max Plus Car Seat; Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite Lx, Pipa Lite R, Pipa Rx, and Pipa Lite Rx; the Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, and Aton M

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Baby Jogger City Mini

(Review by Charlotte Fletcher, mum of a now 1 year old and 4 year old).

I know a buggy is an incredibly personal choice but I really have great things to say about the Baby Jogger City Mini when flying with a toddler

We bought a Maclaren run around when we started travelling with our son but when that broke we replaced it with the Baby Jogger and three years and another little one down the line and it’s still going strong, in spite of all sorts of rough treatment from the baggage handlers.

It’s just as travel-friendly – folds down super easily, is nippy and light – but feels much more solid and comfortable for the little ones. It feels more like a flight-friendly regular buggy than a buggy you buy specifically for flights. 

City Mini® 2 can be used from baby’s first day according to the Baby Jogger website and has 4 different modes of use as a single or double with an infant car seat, pram, or glider board (sold separatelyPros

• Light – weighs 17.8 lbs
• Can fold with one hand.
• Easy to manoeuvre.
• Seat tilts back to flat for nap time on the go..
• Create a travel system with most Britax, Chicco, Clek, Cybex, Graco, Maxi Cosi, Peg Perego, and UPPAbaby infant car seats (adapters for other brands’ infant car seats sold separately)

Cons

• I can’t think of any!

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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.

Zoe Twin

The Zoe is only available in the USA, which is a shame as it’s not only a practical double travel stroller, but a super lightweight twin stroller for travel too. The recommended age according to Zoe is 3 months +

It is incredibly light at 16lbs, meaning it can even be gate checked on American Airlines! It’s easy to fold and to open. Each seat reclines separately, but not completely flat. The sun canopy is generous for a travel stroller.

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Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller

At 28lbs this double travel stroller is still light and portable. It comes with 3 cup holders and each seat individually reclines.

The extra-wide seats offer maximum comfort as your children grow. The Kooper X2 folds compactly (with the trays) for travel, has one hand fold, and includes a huge, UPF 50 canopy – perfect for sunny days!

Built-in Storage: mesh cup holder and zipper pocket for keys and drinks. Plus large lower storage space, with a whopping 15 lbs capacity.

Folded dimensions: 26” L x 30.3” W x 12.8” H

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Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

Like its popular single stroller model, the seats recline to near flat position and the adjustable canopy hoods offer peek through flaps.

Each seat unit is suitable for children from birth to 50 lb (22.5 kg). Maximum height: 44 in (112 cm). The total weight load recommended for this stroller is 114 lb (51.5 kg). 50 lb (22.kg) on each seat, 2lb (1 kg) in each seat back pocket and 10 lb (4.5 kg) in basket.

This travel buggy is heavier at 31.8 lbs but can still be folded single handedly and is a good option if you are looking for a lightweight stroller for toddlers. It’s definitely a good contender for the best twin stroller for travel.

• Forever air rubber tires with all-wheel suspension provide a comfortable stroll on any terrain
• Adjustable handlebar and hand-operated parking brake provide comfortable steering and control, all within an arm’s reach
• Create a travel system with most Britax, Cybex, Graco, and Maxi Cosi infant car seats (adapters for other brands’ infant car seats sold separately)
• one-step quick-fold
• Weight of stroller 31.8 lbs
• near-flat recline seats 
• Folded dimensions 76.5 x 77.5 x 32 cm
• Supports children from birth up to 22 kg per seat

This Stroller for Travel is available on Amazon worldwide and Walmart for US residents only

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

The Bugaboo Cameleon

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 boarding at the airport. (Unless you check it in straight away).

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.

(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.

Especially as our daughter was 11 weeks old, we needed something durable and fully reclinable.

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 with good suspension

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

I hope this guide to the best lightweight travel strollers for 2024 has helped you? Do let me know your favourite or recommendation for the best travel stroller and which one you decided on below!

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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 stroller choices, remember, often accessories can be added, like stroller hooks (my favorite!) or a stroller organizer etc.

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

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

Universal Stroller Organizer – Universal 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 Strollers – Universal 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.

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