Are you looking for the best travel stroller for flying with kids? When I first started traveling with kids, I brought our bulky everyday stroller with us on the plane and checked it. I quickly learned that once my son was big enough for an umbrella stroller, I knew I needed something more compact and more practical for a travel stroller.
We traveled so much with him and our twins in their earliest years that we learned a thing or two about the top travel strollers for kids. In fact, we lived in London with three kids under age 5. When I say I literally drove the wheels off my first travel stroller, I mean they literally fell off.
We have had to find strollers that pack up easily for getting on busses and the Underground or that would withstand a lot of use. We have had to find ones that fold down quickly at the jetway to ones that navigate the Disney parks with ease. Trust me; we have tried MANY of them.
When I tell you having a good travel stroller for flying with kids is a GAME CHANGER. It will make flying with kids so much easier.
That’s what got me searching for the best travel stroller for all occasions, ages, and modes of transportation. Keep reading to find my picks for the best travel stroller for traveling with kids.
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Short on time? Here’s the list of best travel strollers for flying with kids at a glance. Just click on the stroller and jump ahead to the details!
- Babyzen Yo Yo – BEST OVERALL
- Maclaren Atom Style
- UPPAbaby G-Luxe – ONE OF MY FAVORITES!
- gb Pockit Air
- Dream On Me Lightweight and Compact Coast Rider Stroller
- Summer Infant, 3D Mini Convenience Stroller – LEAST EXPENSIVE
- Joolz AER – Premium Baby Stroller
- BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller
- Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
- Plus, a few bonus suggestions!
About the Best Travel Stroller For Flying With Kids
I’d spent so many trips thinking about the best luggage for myself that I thought I had it all figured out.
Turns out I really didn’t! That first trip with our son to Disney, then the next trip to the beach, and eventually our first trip to Europe with our son taught me not all travel strollers are the same. Then, with the addition of twins, finding a great travel stroller was incredibly important.
I needed to seriously think about the time, place, and circumstances of the trip before I knew what to bring for my newborn or toddler.
Things To Think About When Selecting The Best Travel Stroller For Flying With Kids
Ask yourself:
- Would it be better to bring a lightweight stroller (like an umbrella stroller) or his regular stroller?
- How easy is it to push (does it have an all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride)?
- Will it fit through crowds, narrow spaces, doorways, and on transportation? Compact strollers are easier for this.
- How easy is it to fold down? Is it a compact fold, and can it be folded with one hand (i.e., if you have carry-on bags as well)? The best travel strollers fold easily and aren’t too heavy to carry when your hands are full.
- Does it have a comfortable carry strap? Padded shoulder straps make it more comfortable to carry.
- Does it have padded seats for comfort?
- Is there a large storage basket to hold all of my baby gear and diaper bag?
- Does it have a multi-position recline or a flat recline for napping? Is the stroller seat comfortable?
- Is it compatible with infant car seats if I need it to be? or do I have a universal adapter?
- Does it have a sun canopy for sun protection and a cup holder?
- What size are the wheels? Many travel strollers have smaller wheels than traditional strollers, which can affect ride comfort.
- The lightest strollers do maneuver as well as the heavier options and may lack some of your favorite features, like a reversible toddler seat, a large storage basket, or adjustable handlebars.
- Does the stroller make gate-checking easy, or is it a chore to get done?
My Experience With Best Travel Strollers
I also learned that needs vary by age. For example, the best travel stroller for toddlers is going to look a little different than a lightweight stroller for newborn babies, so I began to highlight those differences, too.
Then, you need to think about how you’re getting there. Do you need something that can easily be folded for travel on the road? Is it best to get one of the many umbrella strollers on the market? Does it need to be suitable for an airplane, and could it fit in an overhead cabin?
Will you be in the sun and need a canopy? (It was hard enough worrying about the weight of my own luggage, and then figuring out how to check a stroller was a whole new ball of wax!)
But don’t worry. I have done the research and had the experiences for you. And here are the results and picks for the best travel stroller to travel with kids!
Qualities of the Best Travel Stroller For Flying With Kids
So, what are we looking for in the best travel stroller? These are the qualities I value the most when I make this list:
- Size: The best travel stroller for air travel needs to be hand luggage compliant and be able to be checked at the gate if the airline allows it. If you need a double stroller, umbrella strollers also have doubles that can travel well (speaking from experience). Compact strollers make traveling with kids easier (especially with your travel bags!) See below for my recommendation for one of the best double strollers for flying with kids. Also, will it fit in an overhead bin if need be?
- Foldable: Those traveling by bus, car, or train will want a compact, foldable stroller. Some airlines may let you store it in an overhead cabin, but most don’t, in my experience. So if you want one, you can at least check at the jetway. Trains may allow you to store it in an overhead cabin.
- Ease of use: If you’re going to go go go the whole trip, you’ll definitely value a lightweight stroller! In fact, we had a lightweight travel stroller that we just used for travel.
- Compatible With Infant Car Seat: If you have a young infant, you will want to make sure you have one that is compatible with an infant car seat. Many on this list are for babies and toddlers who can sit in compact strollers or lightweight umbrella strollers. But there are a few at the end that are compatible with an infant car seat.
- Carrying strap: A carrying strap makes a stroller more portable as you can pick it up or carry it easily. But sometimes, the bumper bar or some other piece may turn into a handle.
The Best Travel Stroller for Flying, On-The-Go, and Lightweight Travel
Since traveling already puts a strain on finances, I’ve included a good mix of both budget and higher-end options! Here are our finalists:
- Babyzen Yo Yo
- Maclaren Atom Style
- UPPAbaby G-Luxe
- gb Pockit Air
- Dream On Me Lightweight and Compact Coast Rider Stroller
- Summer Infant, 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
- Joolz AER – Premium Baby Stroller
- BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller
- Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
- Plus, a few bonus suggestions!
Let’s dig into these options! Please note that the cost listed is the price at the time of publication.
Babyzen Yo Yo2
The Babyzen Yo Yo2 is on the higher end of strollers. At around $450, is expensive. That said, it can grow with your baby, and you may not need more than one as it is quite diverse and flexible!
But what makes this sleek and practical stroller one of my top picks for the best travel stroller for flying with kids is that it is light, easy to hand fold with one hand, and can grow with your little one from baby to toddler.
It’s so well designed and compact, as well as lightweight and sturdy that you can drive it in one hand. It can even be stored in the overhead bin on a plane! Now that’s an amazing stroller!
What I love, too, is that rather than having multiple strollers, this one grows with your child. The basic frame comes with a five-point harness and sunshade, and additional accessories can be added. You can get the bassinet for your infant or upgrade additional accessories like the parasol for additional coverage.
The portability, flexibility and growing with your child options make this one of the best travel strollers for flying with kids.
Maclaren Atom Style
What would our list be without a review of the Maclaren Atom Style ultra-compact stroller? The Maclaren Lightweight Stroller is an excellent choice for parents on the go. It’s one of the lightest strollers for traveling.
Now, I am a huge Maclaren lightweight stroller fan. In fact, when we needed a double stroller for our toddlers when we lived in London with kids, Maclaren was a great choice, and I would say it’s one of the best double strollers for flying with kids. Double travel or double umbrella strollers are ideal for two kids who aren’t able to fully walk independently yet or, like in my case, when you have twins.
With its compact and lightweight design, it’s easy to transport and store, making it perfect for travel. The stroller has multiple recline positions, including a full recline for naps and a large sun canopy to protect your little one from the sun. It also has a mesh, peekaboo window, air vent, and zippered storage pockets!
The included accessories, such as the rain cover and storage bag, add to the convenience of this stroller. Overall, it’s a great investment for parents looking for a practical and functional stroller.
UPPAbaby G-luxe
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller is a premium lightweight stroller that is perfect for families who travel, and it’s a great airplane-friendly stroller. It also has a shoulder strap for carrying when it’s folded, and you can easily do the one-handed fold. How’s that for convenience? You’ll thank me later once you realize how handy that shoulder strap is.
Its name tells you all you need to know. This stroller is luxurious! When our oldest was a baby and toddler, we loved the UPPAbaby brand, and the G-Luxe Stroller is ideal for easy traveling. It boasts a sleek and stylish design and is easy to maneuver with its four-wheel suspension system. It may be the only stroller you need!
The stroller has a one-handed recline, adjustable footrest, and a large canopy to keep your child comfortable and protected from the sun.
The adjustable footrest and leg rest and the seat reclines make it great for naps. It collapses to a compact fold, and it has ample storage space underneath. The stroller’s aluminum frame and easy fold make it easy to store and transport.
This stroller also includes a removable cup holder and a large storage basket. Overall, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a top-quality stroller that provides both style and functionality. Whether you are going to Disney World with a toddler or heading to London with your kids, this stroller is one of the best travel strollers on the market.
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe Double stroller is the double version of my favorite single stroller. Sleek, sturdy, and compact, this is definitely one of the best DOUBLE STROLLERS for flying with kids. It also has a nice five-point hardness and an adjustable shoulder strap.
There’s also the Uppababy Minu V2, which other people say makes a good stroller for flying and traveling. The Uppababy Minu V2 is one of the best folding strollers and comes with a bumper bar you can use as a handle to carry (a bumper bar makes carrying this stroller easier).
In just seconds, you can go from using the Uppababy Minu V2 to a folded stroller simply by sliding and squeezing a button on the stroller’s handlebar.
The Uppababy Minu V2 is a good travel stroller with potential for everyday use. Just beware: it may not fit in an overhead compartment, but it does have a nice adjustable canopy with a mesh peekaboo window.
And the Uppababy Minu V2 looks very stylish, but parents love that the under-seat basket, canopy, and seat fabric can be taken out for handwashing. The brown leather accents and black fabric of the Uppababy Minu V2 remind you of a luxury car. So there’s no need to worry about stains or your kids dropping something.
However, one of the negative aspects of the Upababy Minu V2 is that the handlebar isn’t adjustable, which is inconvenient for sure. But the other Minu V2 features may make up for that, depending on what you’re looking for.
gb Pockit Air
This GB Pockit Air stroller is only 10.4 lbs, and yet has a weight capacity of 55 lbs! So, even though it comes in at just under $160, it’s well worth the convenience as it is one of the lightest travel strollers on the market.
A great lightweight stroller, this is another of the best travel strollers out there and even handles rough terrain well. The mesh fabric is great for warm weather, but it also comes with a padded inlay for cooler climates.
It’s an extremely lightweight, compact stroller, so it does not come with additional storage. But it’s so small and light! Plus, you can always use stroller hooks for your diaper bag if needed.
This fantastically minimalistic foldable stroller has dimensions of 11.8 in. x 7.1 in. x 13.8 in. It’s a cabin-size stroller that may fit in an overhead bin (depending on the airline) and makes for a great airplane stroller for airplanes.
Though very easy to tuck away during train, car, or bus travel, reviews have noted that this may not be the best lightweight stroller for a newborn – a child who is unable to sit up by themselves would do better with a sturdier option. But for toddlers and older, this may be a great travel stroller!
There’s also the gb Obit+ All City Stroller, which is one of the best strollers that lets you do the one-handed fold easily with the push of two buttons. It has a high-end look with faux leather on the handle and bumper bar.
If you’re looking for a stroller with a comfortable ride for your child and passes the one-handed fold test easily, the gb Obit+ All City Stroller is worth checking out.
Dream On Me Lightweight and Compact Coast Rider Stroller
It doesn’t get much more budget-friendly than this less-than-$ $73 Dream On Me Lightweight and Compact Coast Rider Stroller (though we do have one more, even less expensive option on my list)! But with almost 4,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s absolutely a quality purchase.
It sure is light–just 13.5 lbs, and it’s a compact stroller! It’s certainly light enough to take advantage of the easy, one-hand folding feature while you’re holding your baby with your other arm. To make it more fun, it can be adjusted to work as a scooter or rider as well. It would also fit in an overhead bin nicely.
The wheels are super smooth, but reviewers have noted this isn’t the best option for use on gravel or dirt.
Summer Infant, 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
The least expensive travel stroller on my list, it’s also extremely highly rated, with over 14,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. The Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller was $60 at the time I’m writing this.
It definitely gets points for maneuverability. It’s just 11 lbs and gestures auto-lock, anti-shock front wheels. And it has extra storage! Because of this, it would be a top pick for the best stroller once your child can sit unassisted.
One reviewer noted that they took this stroller through Costa Rica, another on the streets of San Diego, and another still through Mexico. That is to say – it’s easy to use anywhere!
Joolz AER – Premium Baby Stroller
The Joolz AER stroller is definitely higher-end. It’s $449 but has plenty of perks to make up for the cost. This stroller is about 13 lbs but rides extremely smoothly. It’s great on grass, dirt, or concrete. It also comes with a travel bag, and this umbrella-style buggy can be used with confidence even on rainy days.
And did I mention it’s super stylish and comes with a neat travel bag? The muted earth tones are always fashionable! Another neat feature is that the stroller stands on its own and automatically locks into place.
Judging by the reviews, this is a fantastic travel stroller for toddlers. One parent, who titled their review “Buy this stroller, it’s awesome – tired parent review,” wants to save the rest of us weary parents the time needed to research a great, toddler-proof stroller. So here I am sharing their discovery!
As far as weight, the Joolz AER is not the heaviest or lightest stroller by any means. Even with an average weight, it is still pretty manageable to carry.
BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller
At just under $110 at the time of writing this, the BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller is one of the least expensive strollers that fit in an airplane overhead bin and has what it takes to survive the trip. It’s also a great lightweight stroller for newborns to 18-month-olds with a hard, thickened board for spine protection. It’s a great airplane stroller!
When you have others handling your luggage, or you’re tossing it into your car without much thought (we’ve all been there!), you want to make sure the fabric won’t rip or the metal won’t bend. And since the reviews highlight how durable this BABY JOY stroller is, it seems perfect for the task!
Another review mentions how easy it was to use this BABY JOY stroller through the airport and all around Disney World. So, if that isn’t a testament to the convenience and durability of this stroller for intense travel, I don’t know what is!
Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller
Our higher-end option for air travel is the Ergobaby Metro+, another foldable stroller that comes in at $299.
It’s a little heavier at 17 lbs, but it’s durable. The fact that it is car seat compatible is also convenient, supporting you and your baby at every stage of travel and making it a top lightweight stroller for a newborn. If you’d like, there are plenty of other accessories you can purchase to add on, such as a footmuff for chilly weather, an additional support bar for your baby to hold onto, and an extra carry bag for the stroller once it’s folded up.
That extra weight gives you an adjustable handlebar and a bit of that extra underneath storage space. And it’s so adjustable and spacious! It can also carry up to 50 lbs, which is crazy convenient.
Bonus Options:
A few additional ones not on this list but that many people love because they come with universal car seat adapters include:
Baby Jogger City Tour
The Baby Jogger City Tour is a great stroller for traveling. We used to have one, plus the scooter add-on for our older son to stand and ride. One thing to note, however, is when more than one child is in the Baby Jogger City Tour, it is heavy to push.
It does not fold down as easily as other of the best travel strollers for flying with kids. However, these make great everyday and infant travel strollers. and of all the strollers, it’s one of the best for napping on the go. It also has a single break that stops both wheels and they sell snack trays that can make it easy for little ones to access their travel snacks!
The Baby Jogger City Tour has infant car seat compatibility with Cybex Infant Car Seats and the Mesa Infant Car Seat, as it has a universal seat adapter, so it is one to consider if you are looking for full-sized strollers. Plus, I like that the child in the back sits higher than the one in the front.
The reclining seat provides a lot of room, and the drawstring used to push and pull the seat forward and back is very easy to use when you need to adjust the seat. And another thing I liked was that the Baby Jogger handled well in the gravels when some other strollers didn’t. If you want, you can add a snack tray for snacks and sippy cups.
It will not fit in an overhead bin, but you can usually check these strollers at the jetway. An alternative to this stroller is the Baby Jogger City LUX Stroller, which is best for the youngest globetrotters, with a max weight of 25 pounds.
Note that the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 stroller replaced the original City Tour stroller with a slightly wider street, slimmer folding, and sleeker design. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 stroller also has a car seat attachment that you can use for three months and up as a travel system if you buy a compatible car seat. Other nice features of the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 are that you can machine wash the seat fabric, and it is easy to do the one-handed fold.
One negative depending on what you’re looking for, is adapting it for a second child. You can’t do this with the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, but they do have a double travel stroller. And it may or may not fit in overhead bins depending on how big the storage area is. Of all the strollers, this one is a less expensive one that’s great for napping on the go.
On a side note, Baby Jogger is just a brand name. They do not have jogging strollers as of now.
Baby Jogger City Mini
Besides the Baby Jogger City tour, this stroller is another popular option for many families as one of the favorite travel strollers. It is easy to steer, includes a car seat adapter for infant car seat compatibility, like the Cybex Infant Car Seat, or has a decent storage basket underneath so it can fit your diaper bag (or you can use a stroller hook), and it is easy to drive.
It is a great infant stroller for traveling, though it doesn’t fold down as easily as the lightweight travel strollers and doesn’t have an adjustable leg rest. However, it is good for everyday use and for travel if you don’t want to have a separate umbrella stroller for traveling.
Like the Baby Jogger City Tour, it will not fit in the overhead compartment, and you will likely need to gate-check it. But one nice thing is that it is considered one of the compact travel strollers on the market.
Mountain Buggy Nano
One reason people like this Nano as a compact stroller is that it has a narrow, compact stroller, is car seat ready without needing a universal car seat adapter, and the stroller folds with an easy two-step process. It provides a comfortable ride with a nice reclining seat.
It is compatible with airline carry-on luggage and can be usually checked at the jetway and may fit in the overhead cabin. This stroller can even fit in a travel bag. But most of all, it has all the features kids and babies need, including a reclining stroller seat, a sun canopy, a comfortable stroller seat, and is easy to drive.
Other strollers to consider for traveling include:
- The Silver Cross Jet (The Silver Cross Jet has a small storage space, though, but parents love that it can fold down into the size of a rolling suitcase, and you can carry it by the bumper bar. Plus, the Silver Cross Jet moves smoothly, and you can do the one-handed fold, making it better for navigating busy places like cities and airports). Many parents preferred this stroller over their travel system. One thing to note is that it was challenging to get the Silver Cross Jet locked into the upright position.
- The Colugo Compact Stroller – The Colugo Stroller is one of the best value options with nice high-end features at a price you can afford.
- Munchkin Sparrow Stroller ( great for fitting in overhead bins on a plane.)
- Cybex Libelle Stroller or Cybex Coya (This is another stroller that fits in overhead bins, and one feature people love is that you can’t accidentally hit the brake because it’s behind the stroller basket. The Cybex strollers also make a great, inexpensive secondary stroller.)
- Zoe the Traveler ( This is a simple, light stroller that folds easily and comes with an adult cup holder, but the storage space only fits a small tote bag. You just push a button and push the stroller forward for an easy one-handed fold.)
- Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller (The Bugaboo Butterfly stroller has advanced four-wheel suspension, is compact in size, has a rain cover, spacious storage space, and a nice seat cover. Plus, the Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller has plenty of storage and two carrying options.)
- Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller – The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller is very light, has a simple folding mechanism, and comes with trays for kids and adults. It may be too big for overhead bins, and it doesn’t have a carry strap.
- Thule Shine Stroller – Many parents consider this the best reversible stroller, and it is one of the best for gate checking.
FAQ’s
What is the Best Travel Stroller to Take on a Plane? What kind of stroller do you need for a plane?
The criteria I used to judge the best travel stroller for air travel are hand luggage qualification, whether or not it fits in an overhead bin, and its overall durability. You may be able to store it in one of the overhead bins, and it needs to be able to take a beating, as traveling can be hard on travel strollers.
I gave extra points for storage and comfort – because even babies find those long airport visits tiring and deserve to be comfy while they’re waiting around with the rest of us! I always recommend a lightweight stroller as they are easier to push.
One thing to note is that many airlines won’t allow you to store them in an overhead cabin. But you can typically check them at the gate and leave them at the jetway. They are usually waiting for you on the jetway at your arrival destination.
Can You Use a Travel Stroller as an Everyday Stroller?
Absolutely! I’d recommend choosing one that is car-seat compatible for ease of use (unless you’re one of the lucky ones with great public transportation).
It all depends on your needs. So whether you need storage, something lightweight, or something to keep out of sight, any of the options above would be great for everyday use, depending on how much you are using it.
I do like the under-storage area to be sizeable. And, living in London with three kids and having to put a lot of miles on our stroller, umbrella strollers are not the best type of stroller for daily use. It isn’t practical, and it simply won’t last. But if you use it a bit every day, a travel stroller can be used for everyday use.
Can you take a travel stroller on a plane? What strollers fit in airplane overhead?
You can take a travel stroller on a plane if it fits in the airplane overhead. From this list, the Babyzen Yo Yo2 claims to fit in the overhead bin. Ultimately, it is up to the airline and the flight crew if you can put your stroller in the overhead bin or if you will have to check it at the gate.
Is it Worth Getting a Travel Stroller?
It depends! How often are you traveling? What’s your overall budget? What is the method of travel?
We traveled a lot, so we had separate travel strollers and portable car seats specifically for travel. But if you don’t travel often or won’t need it much in your destination, then you may not need a stroller just for travel.
If this is a one-time destination trip, or your child is just about to the point at which they’re a year or so away from no longer needing a stroller, it may not be worth the investment. However, all of the budget options I’ve listed above could make it worth getting a stroller just for travel to add some convenience to your trip!
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Stroller
At the end of the day, of all the strollers on this list, the best travel stroller is the one that will make your life easier on your family trip! Think about what you value the most: easy storage, ease of use, or something you can take anywhere and everywhere.
As a frequent traveler with kids, I can say that any of the strollers on this list would make a great option. Whether you’re looking for something light and compact size that will fit in an overhead storage bin, something with a comfortable folder strap and seat padding, or some other feature, you’ll love any of these options
Whatever that answer may be, you can be sure there’s a stroller here that will fit your budget and your travel itinerary! Lightweight strollers can make traveling with kids easier. So, if you decide you need one, I hope this list will help you find the one that best suits your needs
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