Pushchairs on planes: check these airline restrictions

If you're planning on taking your pushchair on a plane this summer, check your airline's pushchair policy before you fly. Ignore it and you could be hit with extra stress – and extra charges – when you arrive at the airport.

Airlines generally let you check-in a fully collapsible pushchair for free. However, different restrictions apply regarding the size and weight of the pushchair, and where it needs to be stored on the plane.

Before you jet off, check our table below to see whether you'll need to buy a smaller stroller before you fly. Or read on for four of the latest buggies we've tested that might fit the bill.

Looking for a more compact pushchair to travel with? See all our pushchair reviews – we list the weight and dimensions within the tech specs

Airline pushchair policies

Compact and lightweight strollers for travel: see which we recommend and our advice for choosing the best one for your needs

Stowing your stroller: cabin or hold?

Most airlines require your pushchair to be transported in the hold, although if a stroller is small enough (sometimes referred to as a 'pocket buggy') it can be transported as cabin luggage. This is providing it fits within the airline's size restrictions for carry-on baggage, of course.

Typically, you can choose between leaving your stroller at the check-in desk to be put in the hold free of charge. Or, you can keep it until you board the aircraft as long as you've had it tagged at the check-in desk to ensure it can go through security.

In either instance, you'll need to make sure it's a foldable pushchair that ideally weighs less than 10kg (simply because any more than that is getting pretty heavy). Some airlines specify that strollers need to be 7kg or less to be taken in the cabin.

Due to safety requirements and restrictions at some airports, it's not always possible to collect strollers at the aircraft door, in which case you'll collect yours from the baggage reclaim instead.

In most cases you won't lose any luggage allowance by taking a pushchair. But, though the majority of airlines let you take a stroller for free, if no child or infant is travelling with these items, standard hold luggage charges can apply.

Keep your costs down and kids happy. Sign up for our Family newsletter, it's free monthly

Four buggies for your summer break

Our tests have found that the claimed dimensions of a stroller don't always match up with what we measure in our lab.

So we'd recommend checking our pushchair reviews before buying a new pushchair if you want it to be a specific size for taking on-board an aircraft. See below for some of the strollers we've tested if you're thinking of buying a stroller to take on holiday this summer:

Kinderkraft Nubi 2, £200

• Weight: 5.5kg
• Folded dimensions: H34 x W54 x D76cm 

The Kinderkraft Nubi 2 pushchair was launched last year and features a nearly flat seat recline so it's suitable for newborns. You can use it until your child weighs 22kg, but you can't attach a car seat or carrycot. 

It's really lightweight and compact and has a one-hand fold. According to the manufacturer, it has a UPF50+ hood and the package includes a mosquito net (hidden in the leg rest) – useful if you’re on holiday abroad.

Read our Kinderkraft Nubi 2 review to find out more about this pushchair and how it fared in our tough lab tests.

Joolz Aer+, £429

• Weight: 6.7kg
• Folded dimensions: H23 x W49 x D57cm

This pushchair is super lightweight which should make it convenient to travel with – and it's reasonably priced. It also has a one-hand fold, for added ease when out and about. It can be used from birth and up until your child weighs 22kg (typically around four or five years old). The seat on this pushchair is reversible and it can also take a child car seat and a carrycot. But will this pushchair provide a smooth and comfortable ride for your baby?

Take a look at the full Joolz Aer+ review to see if it ticks all the boxes.

Joie Tourist

• Weight: 6.7kg
• Folded dimensions: H77 x W48 x D27cm

As the name suggests, this stroller travel system is angling itself as the next best thing for families going abroad who need a pushchair. 

It's suitable from birth until your baby reaches 15kg, which is around three years old. And, while the seat isn't reversible, you can attach a car seat and/or carrycot to turn it into a travel system or pram.

Find out if this pushchair impressed our panel of experts and parents on everything from the fold and quality of ride to the comfort of the seat and the size of the basket.

Read the Joie Tourist review.

Hauck Travel N Care, £123

• Weight: 6.6kg
• Folded dimensions: H28 x W50 x D73cm

This lightweight pushchair is a budget option with pretty simple features – but it could be a good holiday option.

You can use it until your baby is 22kg, which is around four or five years old and the seat reclines to a nearly flat angle, which makes it suitable from birth. It has a 3kg-capacity shopping basket and the lockable swivel wheels at the front also have suspension.

Our lab experts check how much space a folded pushchair takes up in the boot of a typical family car. The most highly rated models score top marks and are usually a good option for taking on holiday with you too.

Read the Hauck Travel N Care review to find out if this one scores well and whether it could be your next holiday buggy.

Can I also take my child's car seat on our flight?

As well as a pushchair, many airlines also allow you to bring a car seat on a plane. This can give your child a more comfortable in-flight experience and come in handy if you're hiring a car at your destination.

Find out more about airlines' car seat policies and what car seats we'd recommend for flights in our guide to taking car seats on a plane.

Preparing for a growing family

Our expert advice helps you make the best decisions for your loved ones

Visit our growing families hub