About the Author: TernX have asked a mum and experienced long-distance traveller to help us understand why parents ditch the idea of gate-checking their pram in favour of a carry on pram. Our author, Anne, has travelled to over 20 countries on 5 continents. She is a mum, an avid traveller and the founder of a travel content site called Quebec Wonders.
I remember wondering if I’d be better off checking my pram or buying a carry on pram before my first solo international trip with my toddler. This was not only my first solo trip, but also our first flight and first trip together, which brought unique challenges and required extra preparation to ensure comfort and safety for both of us. Unfortunately, none of my friends had done a 30-hour solo trip with their kids, so I couldn’t seek advice from them.
I knew a carry on pram would be useful for naps inside the terminal, but I wondered how I could possibly manage a toddler, a carry on suitcase, a laptop bag, and a carry on pram whilst walking from the entrance of the plane to my seat! I just don’t have enough hands right? Or so I thought.
As my pre-solo-trip anxiety set in, I ended up purchasing a carry-on pram and THERE IS NO GOING BACK for me! Hopefully, my experience will help you make up your mind on what’s best for you and your situation in regard to traveling with kids.
Table of Contents
My Take on Flying with a Carry On Pram on International Flights
Can You Take Pram on a Plane?
A pram can be taken on a plane as long as it fits within the airline’s carry on requirements. Airline policies and airline's policies regarding baby strollers vary depending on the carrier, so it's important to check these before flying.
As a general rule of thumb, most airlines allow one stroller per child to be checked free of charge. Baby strollers are often included in the checked baggage allowance or as checked luggage without additional cost or extra cost, but this can vary depending on the airline. Prams that are within the size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches/ 56 x 36 x 23cm are allowed on the plane.
How to Take Pram on Plane?
Always check with your airlines before flying. Some airlines allow you to take your pram on the plane as long as they fit within the carry on requirements. If your pram is bigger than the requirements, you may need to gate check your pram, which means you have to leave it at the jet bridge to be placed in the belly of the plane.
Can I Take a Pram on Qantas Flight?
To bring a pram on Qantas flight, it has to meet carry on baggage requirements. You will also need to be able to lift and fit the pram in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you.
Is it Worth Getting a Travel Stroller?
As a travel content specialist living in Australia but covering topics in North America such as things to do in Quebec City with kids, I have come to specialise in LONG TRIPS! And most of the time, I travel with my daughter on my own.
There’s no doubt flying with children is exhausting, but there are ways to make life easier for us as parents. In the plane itself, booking an airplane bassinet is a must if your child is under the weight and age limit for it. Inside the terminal, a pram will make a huge difference when it comes to your child’s comfort and your ability to quickly travel to your next gate or to the baggage area.
When choosing the best travel stroller for your needs, reading reviews and gathering valuable insights from other parents' experiences can be extremely helpful.
My personal experience is that a carry on pram is worth it for two main categories of reasons:
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for speed and
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to help carry stuff (your child obviously, but also your other bags, toys and snacks)
Choosing the Right Pram for Air Travel
Selecting the perfect pram for air travel can make all the difference in your journey. From my experience, the best stroller for flying is one that’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and compact enough to fit in the overhead bin on most airlines. Many airlines have strict size and weight restrictions for carry on items, so it’s important to double check your chosen stroller’s maximum dimensions before you fly.
Collapsible strollers are a game-changer for parents on the go. Models like the gb Pockit Stroller and the BabyZen Yoyo+ are popular for a reason. They fold down small enough to be considered hand luggage on many major airlines, yet are sturdy and comfortable for your child. If you’re traveling with a young child or infant, you might want to look for a travel system that includes a car seat attachment, such as the Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller. This way, you can move seamlessly from car to plane without disturbing your baby.
When choosing a stroller, consider your child’s age and size, as well as the type of travel you’ll be doing. For longer trips or if you’ll be navigating busy airports, a lightweight stroller that’s easy to fold and carry is essential. Some strollers are even designed to be pushed with one hand, leaving your other hand free for your carry on baggage or to hold your child’s hand. Ultimately, the right pram will help ensure a smooth journey for both you and your child, no matter which airlines you’re flying with.
For me, it wasn't until I found the TernX Carry On that traveling solo with my child became so much easier. All I needed was this 2-in-1 pram, a carry-on suitcase and stroller in one. I didn’t have to worry about juggling too much baggage or risk my stroller being lost or damaged due to gate checking. Everything I needed was right there with me, making the whole travel experience far less stressful.
Packing and Preparing Your Pram
Properly packing and preparing your pram before your flight can save you a lot of hassle at the airport and at your final destination. Start by checking your airline’s policies—different airlines have different rules about whether strollers count as checked baggage, carry on items, or if they can be gate checked for free. Knowing this in advance will help you avoid any surprises at the check in counter or boarding gate.
If your stroller needs to be checked, investing in a sturdy stroller bag is a smart move. A stroller bag protects your pram from bumps and scratches as it moves through baggage claim and the aircraft hold. Before packing, remove any loose items like toys, cup holders, or rain covers, and tuck them into your carry on luggage to prevent them from getting lost. Fold your stroller according to the manufacturer’s instructions and secure it with a luggage strap or bungee cord to keep it compact.
Don’t forget to label your stroller with your contact information and a luggage tag, just in case it gets separated from you during your flight. If your stroller is coming on board as a carry on item, make sure it’s easy to fold and fits within the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Taking these steps will help ensure your stroller arrives safely and is ready to use as soon as you land.
Pram Travel Safety
Safety is always my top priority when traveling with my child, and that includes making sure our stroller is used correctly throughout the journey. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, use the harness to secure your child, and engage the brakes whenever you stop, especially in busy airport terminals or on the jet bridge.
Airlines may have specific requirements for how strollers are stored or secured during the flight, so it’s a good idea to check their policies before you travel. When moving through the airport, keep your child within arm’s reach and be mindful of other passengers, especially during boarding and at baggage claim.
If you’re traveling alone, ask airline staff or ground crew for assistance if you need help folding your stroller or getting it onto the plane. By staying alert and following these safety tips, you can help ensure a smooth and secure journey for both you and your child, no matter where your travels take you.
How a Carry On Pram Helps Parents in the Terminal
A carry on pram stands out as a recent invention that significantly simplifies the life of parents travelling with their kid(s). This is true of course at our destination, but in the case of carry-on prams, the main point of difference is that it can truly improve our overall experience at the airport and traveling to and from the airport:
It Saves Space in the Taxi
The benefit of having a small pram extends beyond the airport. For me, traveling with a carry on pram has sometimes meant I could order a regular taxi instead of a maxi taxi. Where I live, a maxi cab is pricier than a regular cab and there are fewer of them, so the carry on pram means I can get to the airport faster and cheaper.
It’s Allowed All the Way to the Plane’s Door
Unlike bulkier strollers that require gate-checking, a carry on pram can accompany you right up to the aircraft's door. I've been on flights where strollers needed tagging and gate-checking well before boarding. Let me tell you, it's highly inconvenient if you're trying to let your little one sleep as long as possible.
I’ve also seen gates where gate-checked items have to be dropped off a good 100 meters before the plane’s door. That’s not great if you don’t have enough hands to carry an infant and toddler, plus the rest of your carry-on items.
No Need to Wait for Gate-Check Items
When I land and the aircraft's door opens, I like to get moving as soon as possible, whether it's to my next gate or to the baggage claim.
But with gate-checked strollers, you can face extended waits. You might be among the first to disembark but end up being the last to leave the gate due to delays in retrieving your stroller. Depending on which airport you land in, gate checked strollers may even get sent to oversize baggage claim which means if you have a connecting flight, you will not have access to your stroller. With a carry on pram, there's no need to worry about any of these scenarios. You're in control and ready to go as soon as you step off the plane.
Faster Travel to the Next Gate
Short connections are especially stressful when traveling with kids and one of the main reasons I like having a carry on pram is the peace of mind it affords for efficient travel within the terminal.
Navigating through busy or large airports with a carry-on pram is a lot more efficient than walking. A carry on pram also removes the stress of waiting for a gate-checked stroller as mentioned earlier. I really can't picture myself running with my toddler in my arms, a backpack on and my rolling suitcase. With the TernX travel stroller I know I'm not exposing myself to that risk at all.
Naps Between Connections
Children thrive on routine and your child may feel more comfortable and secure in their own pram, which can be particularly useful on long journeys. A pram provides a comfortable space for your child to nap or rest during layovers. My experience is that a well-rested child behaves a lot better on flights, so I don’t try to keep my daughter awake if she’s tired. I’m all in for airport naps and it has served me well.
Your Child Always has a Seat
Having a pram with you inside the airport guarantees your child always has a comfortable seat, regardless of how crowded the food court or terminal may be. It also provides them with their protected personal space while waiting in lines or during boarding, while all the adults have to stand inside each other’s bubbles.
Can Carry Other Bags
Inevitably, children will want to walk and run in the terminal, so they won't use the pram the entire time. During those moments, I use my carry on pram to give my back and shoulders a break. I use it for my laptop bag or diaper bag. With the TernX carry on, I can already store away essentials in the luggage compartment in the first place without needing to carry any additional bags. So, I don't have to worry about aching shoulders.
My Take on Flying with a Carry On Pram on International Flights
For me, a carry on pram is an invaluable companion on international trips. It makes me faster, it significantly reduces my stress of missing connections and it gives me an option for naps on the go. I highly recommend the TernX travel stroller for your travels. Hopefully, you've found some useful information here to help you plan your family's next international trip!
Wondering "what kind of stroller can I take on a plane", check out this article, everything you need to know about flying with a stroller.
