Traveling abroad with a baby may seem challenging – but it’s not! Many parents who explore and experience cultures around the world believe that traveling together is one of their best family activities. Why not join them in this perspective?
Is a stroller weighed? Is it permitted on board the flight? Is a stroller included in the registered baggage allowance?
To find out airline stroller rules, check with the airline you’re flying regarding their stroller carriage guidelines. You can check Turkish Airlines infants and children’s procedures web page or call customer service for more information. Some airlines, for instance, will allow strollers free of charge.
How to carry a stroller on an aircraft
Generally, strollers are transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Whatever the size or portability of the stroller, you almost always need to check it with your other baggage. Still, your stroller can be brought as far as the aircraft entrance, where it can be handed over to a staff member. Just don’t forget to inform the crew at the check-in desk, and have the stroller booked to your ticket.
Choosing the right stroller for international flights
If you’re travelling with an infant and a stroller, you’ll most likely want one that is light, easy to carry and portable. As long as it is in good condition, high quality, and easy to fold down, you should have no anxieties about checking your stroller on board the plane. You can just relax and think of the easy walks you can take once you reach your destination.
First things first: Boarding with baby
When you’re traveling with a baby, it’s often better to arrive at the airport a little earlier than usual. If your standard operating procedure is to arrive an hour before your flight, make it two hours with a baby. Having that extra time allows you to more conveniently handle the boarding process and check the stroll, whether at check-in or at the gate.
Enjoy the discounted tickets until an age
Each airline has its own children’s and infant’s policies. Infants may travel free of charge or at discounted fares until they reach a certain age, although the specific rules vary depending on airline. Research this when you are searching through the airline stroller policies before you head to the airport with your baby.
Strollers are carried as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
The answer to the question, “Can I bring my stroller into the cabin?”, is no, unfortunately. Your stroller can only be transported as checked baggage in the aircraft’s cargo hold. However, for your convenience, you can bring your stroller up to the gate, where it must then be handed over to a staff or crew member. If you have a detachable pushchair or a baby carrier, those can come in the cabin with you.
Diaper bag on board!
Diaper bags can be carried onboard as long as they conform with size and content requirements. Thus, you will not have unnecessary time loss before the flight and you can start your journey without any problems. Place any of the baby’s recommended medications, antipyretics and other items, like toys, pacifiers and diapers, in the bag. Being prepared helps both you and your infant to enjoy the flight and keeping your baby comfortable may be your first choice at this point.
The cabin crew is always there for you
The cabin crew is always there to help you, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to the ground staff and the cabin crew. However, even the cabin crew can’t control the air pressure during the flight: infants are often affected by the changing air pressure during takeoff and landing; you may want to consult your doctor before traveling to see if there’s anything that can alleviate your baby’s discomfort.
Don’t forget to pick up your stroller!
If you brought the stroller on board, you can retrieve it in the baggage claim area with your other luggage at the conveyor belt. If you’ve ever stood at the baggage claim in an airport, watching suitcases and backpacks move past you on a baggage carousel, you know exactly what a conveyor belt is. In some rare cases, the stroller can be retrieved when you get off the plane.
A few reminders before boarding with a baby
While you can definitely embark on new adventures with your new baby, there are ways to enhance the experience and just make it all a little bit easier.
Below are some useful tips before you begin your journey.
- Consult your infant’s doctor before long-haul flights.
- Infants are affected by changes in air pressure caused by taking off and landing; consult your infant’s doctor on this topic.
- Keep backups for unexpected situations – extra diapers, onesies and other items.
- You may prefer the bulkhead seats for you and your baby’s comfort.
- Bring your baby’s favorite toys for maximum comfort.
- If two adults are traveling together with an infant, one adult may board earlier to prepare the baby’s seat. Keep that in mind!
Stories knock at your door!
You can easily download images, and share on your social media accounts via your smartphone. Just press and hold the story, and save or share the image you have selected via the menu that appears.
