Flying with kids can feel like an Olympic event, especially when you’re managing strollers, car seats, and other baby essentials. Knowing your airline’s baby gear policies can make the journey much smoother. In this post, we break down the stroller and car seat rules for major U.S. airlines, so you’re prepared for stress-free family travel.
Use the table below to compare policies, then read on for detailed information about each airline’s baby gear rules.
Table: U.S. Airline Baby Gear Policies
Airline | Stroller Policy | Car Seat Policy |
Alaska Airlines | 1 stroller per child flies free; gate or counter check. | 1 car seat per child flies free; gate or counter check. |
American Airlines | 1 stroller per child; small strollers gate-checked. Large strollers must be counter-checked. | 1 car seat per child flies free; gate or counter check. |
Delta Air Lines | 1 stroller flies free; gate, curbside, or counter check. | 1 car seat flies free; gate, curbside, or counter check. |
Frontier Airlines | 1 stroller per child flies free; gate or counter check. | 1 car seat per child flies free; gate or counter check. |
JetBlue Airways | 1 stroller flies free; gate or counter check. | 1 car seat per child flies free; gate or counter check. |
Southwest Airlines | Strollers fly free; check at curbside, counter, or gate. | Car seats fly free; check at curbside, counter, or gate. |
Spirit Airlines | 1 stroller flies free; gate or counter check. | 1 car seat per child flies free; gate or counter check. |
United Airlines | Small strollers gate-checked; larger strollers counter-checked. | Car seats fly free; gate or counter check. |
Alaska Airlines: Family-Friendly Travel Policies
Stroller Policy: Alaska Airlines allows one stroller per child to be checked for free at the gate, ticket counter, or curbside.
Car Seat Policy: One car seat per child can also be checked for free at any location.
Travel Tip: Alaska Airlines’ flexible policies make it a great choice for family travel.
American Airlines: Know Before You Go
Stroller Policy: Passengers are allowed one stroller per child for free. Small, collapsible strollers (under 20 lbs) can be gate-checked, while larger strollers must be checked at the ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: One car seat per child flies free. You can check it at the gate or ticket counter.
Travel Tip: Double-check stroller size requirements to avoid surprises.
Delta Air Lines: Baby Gear Made Simple
Stroller Policy: Delta allows one stroller per child to be checked for free at the gate, curbside, or ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: Car seats are also free to check at these same locations.
Travel Tip: Delta’s straightforward policies make flying with little ones easier.
Frontier Airlines: Budget-Friendly Baby Travel
Stroller Policy: Frontier permits one stroller per child to be checked for free at the gate or ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: Car seats can also be checked for free.
Travel Tip: Save money while traveling light with Frontier’s baby gear policies.
JetBlue Airways: Flying with Ease
Stroller Policy: JetBlue allows one stroller to be checked for free at the gate or ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: Car seats are free to check.
Travel Tip: JetBlue’s policies are ideal for families who prioritize convenience.
Southwest Airlines: The Family Favorite
Stroller Policy: One stroller per child can be checked for free at the gate, curbside, or ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: Car seats are also free to check.
Travel Tip: Southwest’s simple and family-friendly rules make it a top choice for parents.
Spirit Airlines: Travel Light, Travel Smart
Stroller Policy: Spirit Airlines allows one stroller per child to be checked for free at the gate or ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: Car seats are free to check with no extra fees.
Travel Tip: Spirit’s policies help you stick to your budget while traveling with kids.
United Airlines: Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel
Stroller Policy: Small, collapsible strollers can be gate-checked for free. Larger strollers must be checked at the ticket counter.
Car Seat Policy: Car seats can be checked for free at the gate or ticket counter.
Travel Tip: Knowing the size requirements for strollers can help avoid delays.
Final Tips for Flying with Baby Gear
Label Everything: Attach your contact information to strollers and car seats in case they get misplaced.
Gate Check vs. Counter Check: Gate-checking often reduces the risk of damage and allows you to use your stroller until boarding.
Use a Protective Bag: Protect car seats and strollers from dirt and damage with a durable travel bag.
Take photos of all your baby gear and any bags you might use to transport them at the airport BEFORE you hand them over to the airlines. That way you have photo evidence of what your stroller used to look like in case of damage during transit.
For more family travel tips and guides, follow @chasingmemories.co on instagram and start planning your next adventure! Remember, stress-free family travel is possible when you know the rules and prepare ahead of time.
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