Most airlines will let you take a pram on a plane, but each will have its own policy, so the best way to avoid stress and chaos while travelling with children is to do your research ahead of your flight and, in some cases, before you book your ticket!
That’s what we’ll be helping you with here. Below, you’ll find a wealth of information on taking prams on a plane, essential key points for each airline and its policies, and top tips on how to travel with a pram. We’ll even discuss the benefits of travelling with a pram, helping you make the decision as to whether it’s the right choice for your family holidays or not.
Key Points
- Most airlines allow parents and caregivers to travel with a baby stroller on domestic and international flights.
- Travelling with strollers and car seats offer families convenience, comfort, and savings!
- The best place to find information about an airline’s stroller policy is directly on their website.
- An umbrella-type collapsible stroller and other lightweight strollers are the best for travel.
Content in this article:
- Can You Take A Stroller On A Plane?
- What Kind Of Pram Can I Take On A Plane?
- How Do You Transport A Stroller On A Plane?
- Is There An Additional Cost For Travelling On A Plane With A Pram?
- What Are The Airline Pram Policies In Australia?
- What Are The Benefits Of Travelling With A Stroller On A Plane?
- How To Travel With A Stroller Easily?
Can You Take A Stroller On A Plane?
Yes, you can take both a stroller and a car seat on a plane, and most major airlines will allow you to bring your stroller onboard and store it in the overhead bin during the flight. In addition, airlines will typically also allow one car seat, booster seat, or approved child restraint system.
However, this is dependent on the airline’s own policies, and some may charge an extra fee or, depending on the size of your pram, you may be advised to leave it at the check in counter to be stored under the plane.
What Kind Of Pram Can I Take On A Plane?
You can take almost any kind of pram on a plane in Australia as long as it is in line with the airline’s policies. For example, some airlines have size restrictions, and if your pram exceeds these, you may be asked to check your pram with your other luggage at the check in desk.
This is something that you should absolutely look into ahead of your flight, as your pram may eat into your checked baggage allowance, and you could be charged an additional fee on the day.
If you’re super concerned and know for sure that you want to take your pram on the plane, you should think about investing in a travel pram. Most of these are airline-certified, meaning that they’re guaranteed to be permitted on the plane.
How Do You Transport A Stroller On A Plane?
In the rush of getting to the airport and organising your family, thinking about how to actually get your plane through security and onto the plane can slip to the back of your mind. Luckily, it’s fairly simple. Here’s what you need to do.
Prepare Your Stroller For Security Checks
You’ll be asked to place your folder on the security conveyor belt so it can be x-rayed as part of their checks. Ahead of this, it’s a good idea to remove anything you have stored (including your child) from the stroller, fold it if possible, and be ready to move through.
Doing this ahead of time will save you a lot of stress in the security line as well as angry glares from frustrated fellow passengers travelling with you.
Check Your Stroller At The Gate
Depending on the size of your stroller and the airline’s stroller policy, you may be asked to check your stroller at the gate.
Many airlines offer early boarding for families travelling with prams, so be sure to arrive a little ahead of this time to make things as stress-free as possible.
Once you’ve landed, your stroller is likely to be removed from the aircraft by crew members and left for you to collect from the bridge.
Storing Your Stroller In The Overhead Bin
Strollers that are small enough and can be folded flat may be counted as carry on luggage and can be stored in an overhead bin. A member of the crew will be able to help you with this, and, better yet, you won’t have to wait for it to be removed from the plane for you.
Taking your stroller onboard as carry on luggage also dramatically reduces the risk of it getting lost between transfers.
Is There An Additional Cost For Travelling On A Plane With A Pram?
This will entirely depend on the airline that you’re travelling with. Most airlines won’t charge if your child is under the age of two years old, and a pram will be counted as carry on luggage.
It’s best to check with your chosen airline ahead of your flight for their specific policies on this, though.
What Are The Airline Pram Policies In Australia?
Each airline has its own policies on additional fees and checking in with a pram, as well as children travelling in general. Below, we’ve gathered together some essential information for each of Australia’s major airlines.
Jetstar Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Jetstar’s pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
Yes, Jetstar allows you to bring a pram, stroller, portable cot, or highchair onboard for free and without any oversized item fees. However, this only applies to children under the age of two, whom Jetstar refer to as “infants”. Over this age, you’ll need to pay a fee starting from $30.
Can I Take A Pram To The departure Gate?
Yes, you can take a pram to the departure gate on a Jetstar flight. From here, a member of staff will take your stroller or car seat and place it on the plane, advising you of its whereabouts when you are onboard.
Does My Child Have A Checked Baggage Allowance?
Infants (children under two years old) not occupying their own seat do not have a carry on baggage allowance. Any essentials, such as nappies, baby food, or extra clothing, will need to be added to your own carry on luggage allowance.
Will My Child Need Their Own seat?
Children under the age of two years old and not occupying a separate seat do not require a ticket for outbound or return flights. However, only one infant can be included for each adult.
Virgin Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Virgin Australia’s pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You can take a pram onboard a Virgin Australia flight whether you have a Lite, Choice, Flex, or Business fare. You are also entitled to carry a 23kg bag onboard as part of an infant’s “special items” on all fares except Lite.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
Yes, although you must have your pram tagged at the check in desk. Following this, it will remain with you until you reach the boarding gate, where a member of the ground crew will collect it.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Infants under the age of two years old are entitled to three special infant items and a 23kg baggage allowance on all fares except Lite (which only entitles them to three special infant items). Children over the age of two years old to a 23kg bag and two special items.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children under the age of two who are not occupying a child seat won’t need their own ticket. For children aged between 2 and 11 years old, a ticket is needed.
Qantas Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Qantas’ pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
Yes, you can take a pram for free on a Qantas flight as it will be included under “infant items”, of which you’re entitled to take three weighing up to 32kg collectively. This includes strollers, car seats, capsules, cots, and bassinets.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
You can take a pram to the boarding gate, although Qantas will also provide you with a stroller free of charge if you have checked your stroller with the rest of your baggage. This will be collected from you when you reach the boarding gate.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Carry on and checked baggage allowances for children are generally the same as they are for adults on a Qantas flight. However, children under the age of two years old are also entitled to three special infant items weighing no more than 32kg collectively.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children under the age of two years old and not occupying a seat do not need their own ticket. Those occupying a seat in a child safety seat will need a ticket. Children over the age of two years old require a ticket charged at the applicable child fare.
Singapore Airlines Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Singapore Airlines’ pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You can check in a fully collapsible stroller with Singapore Airlines free of charge, along with a car seat. You may also carry a compact, lightweight stroller onboard as long as it is foldable, as well as 6kg in cabin baggage allowances.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
Yes, you can take a pram to the boarding gate on a Singapore Airlines flight, and if you dot not intend to take your stroller on board, it will be collected by a member of the ground crew.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Your child has a baggage allowance of up to 10kg, 23kg, or 32kg, depending on your fare and any upgrades you’ve opted for. In addition, they are also entitled to check in a fully collapsible stroller and car seat.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children between the ages of two and twelve years old will require their own ticket, which needs to be purchased together with an adult ticket in a single transaction. Newborns between 48 hours and seven days old must have medical clearance to fly.
Air New Zealand Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Air New Zealand’s pram policy for both international and domestic flights.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You are entitled to take both a stroller and car seat onboard an Air New Zealand flight, and they won’t count towards your checked baggage. You are also allowed to take both a stroller and car seat onboard, even if your fare does not include baggage. However, in both instances, the stroller must be fully collapsible and able to fit in an overhead locker with the rest of your baby equipment.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
You can take your pram to the boarding gate on an Air New Zealand flight, and if the flight is full, you may be asked to check your stroller at the gate regardless.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Your child has the same baggage allowance as an adult fare on an Air New Zealand flight, but infants under the age of two years old are only entitled to a carry on bag. In addition, they may also check a pram, car seat, bassinet, or port-a-cot.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Infants under the age of two years old do not need a ticket and travel for free on Air New Zealand flights. Children over the age of two years old will need a ticket at the current applicable fare.
Cathay Pacific Airways Pram policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Cathay Pacific Airways’ pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
Yes, you can check a collapsible pram for free on a Cathay Pacific Airways flight, as well as one piece of luggage weighing up to 10kg. An infant cot may also be carried on board along with a nappy bag as long as it can fit on shelving and be properly secured.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
Yes, your stroller will go through the gate check procedure and be taken away by a member of the ground crew. It will then be returned when you reach your destination, ready for you to collect.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Your child will have a baggage allowance of up to 23kg depending on their destination and will also be entitled to check one car seat and one stroller without affecting their 23kg allowance.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
This depends on the type of ticket you have: infant or child. Infants do not need their own ticket, while a child over the age of two years old will require a ticket at the applicable fare.
AirAsia Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about AirAsia’s pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
Yes, you can take a pram on an AirAsia flight for free. However, this is the only baggage allowance infants are entitled to.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
Prams and strollers may be used up until the boarding gate before they are checked into the hold. If needed, a stroller will be supplied to you free of charge outside the aircraft door or at the baggage carousel.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Infants do not have a baggage allowance on flights operated by AirAsia but are entitled to check a pram or stroller free of charge.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children under the age of two years old do not need to hold a ticket and travel for free. Children aged over two years old will need a ticket and will be charged the appropriate fare.
Fiji Airways Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Fiji Airways’ pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You can check a pram for free on a Fiji Airways flight as long as it is collapsible and does not exceed 32kg in weight. It is important to note, however, that Fiji Airlines does not permit prams in the cabin, and all strollers must be checked with the rest of your baggage.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
While strollers are not allowed in the cabin on a Fiji Airways flight, you may be able to check your pram at the boarding gate. This entirely depends on the capacity and status of the flight though, so you’ll need to ask at the check in desk.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Children over the age of two years old are entitled to a 7kg baggage allowance for both economy and business classes. Infants under the age of two years old have a 3kg baggage allowance, and this is added to the accompanying adult allowance of 7kg.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children under the age of two years old do not require a ticket if they are not occupying a seat, but an additional 10% of an adult fare is applicable. A ticket and accompanying child fare will be required for infants occupying seats as well as children over the age of two.
Emirates Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Emirates’ pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You can check any type of stroller into the hold on an Emirates flight free of charge. You can also bring a collapsible travel pram into the cabin without any extra charge.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
Yes, you may bring your pram to the boarding gate on an Emirate flight. The ground staff will collect your stroller from you at the gate, load it onto the aircraft, and return it to the bridge before you arrive at the terminal gate.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Your child has a 10kg checked baggage allowance on an Emirates flight as well as a 5kg cabin bag allowance.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children aged under one year old do not need to hold a ticket on an Emirates flight. Children aged between two and eleven years old will need to hold a ticket, and this is discounted from the full adult fare.
Etihad Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Etihad’s pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You can check a pram for free on an Etihad Airways flight, and once you have, you will be provided with a complimentary stroller to help you navigate the airport.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
If you prefer, you can keep hold of your checked stroller until you reach the boarding gate, where a member of the ground crew will collect it from you without any addition charge.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
This depends on your destination. The checked baggage allowances for children travelling to or from USA and Canada is 23kg, while all other destinations is 10kg. Children are also allowed to take carry on bags onboard that do not exceed 5kg in weight.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children over the age of two years old need to hold their own ticket on an Etihad flight.
Qatar Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Qatar’s pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You can take a pram for free on on a Qatar flight, however it must be checked into the hold. There aren’t any weight or size restrictions, although using a collapsible pram is usually best.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
No, you cannot take a pram to the boarding gate on a Qatar flight and your stroller must be checked into the hold with the rest of your luggage. Many airports have complementary strollers for instances like this that can be left at the boarding gate, though.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Children and infants travelling on a child ticket are entitled to check up to 23kg of baggage into the hold, depending on the destination.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
A single child under the age of one year will not need to hold their own ticket. Children older than this will need a ticket and will be charged at the applicable fare rate.
Rex Airlines Pram Policy
Here’s everything you need to know about Rex Airlines’ pram policy.
Can I Take A Pram For Free?
You may take a pram on a Rex Airlines flight without any additional charge, although it must be checked into the hold. Only an approved car safety seat or capsule is permitted into the cabin.
Can I Take A Pram To The Boarding Gate?
Your stroller must be checked into the hold with the rest of your luggage, so you cannot take a pram to the boarding gate on a Rex Airlines flight.
Does My Child Have A Baggage Allowance?
Your child has a baggage allowance of up to 15kg depending on destination and fare type.
Will My Child Need Their Own Ticket?
Children aged between two years old and 12 years old will need to hold their own ticket which will be priced at the applicable rate for the flight’s destination.
For more information on all of the above airlines, it is best to visit the airline’s website directly or contact a customer service department.
What Are The Benefits Of Travelling With A Stroller On A Plane?
There are loads of reasons why travelling with a stroller on a plane is a good idea. Here are some of the biggest benefits.
It’s Convenient
Travelling with a fully collapsible pushchair on a plane is undeniably convenient for parents as you will be able to easily move through the airport with minimal distraction and, hopefully, minimal tantrums. It also gives your child some familiarity with home when they are in a new environment.
It Saves Money
Bringing a stroller on your trip can help to save money as it eliminates the need to rent or purchase a stroller when your family arrives at your destination.
It’s Safe
It’s likely that the reason you purchased your stroller in the first place is because it has features that guarantee your child is safe while they are in it. By taking your stroller with you, you keep these safety benefits and don’t need to worry about the quality or performance of a rented stroller.
How To Travel With A Stroller Easily?
It may seem like travelling with a stroller could cause a bit of a headache. It is worth doing though as it offers both safety and familiarity for your child, not to mention it makes the whole experience much easier for you.
One of the best things you can to do make travelling with a stroller easier is to invest in a lightweight, foldable stroller.These are easy to fold and unfold, giving you all of the perks of a traditional stroller without all the extra bulk. They’re also allowed in the cabin on most airlines, so you can keep a close eye on your stroller throughout your trip.
We also recommend using a stroller bag as this will provide extra protection for your pram from any scratches and scuffs.
Final Thoughts
With the correct preparation, you can decrease or eliminate the stress of travelling with a pram on a plane. However, knowing what kind of stroller to bring, the regulations, and the right way to store and transport will make all the difference in the world. So, be sure to do your research before you book your plane tickets!