[CathysCAT]

We're bringing an umbrella stroller (sturdy kind, not the little $15 kind) for our 5 yr old. I know the walk at Liberty International Airport (still want to call it Newark Airport) can be long depending on where the gate is. DS is very moody when it comes to walking a lot. Never know when he'll just plop on the floor and say his legs are too tired to walk any more. Somone said I should Gate Check it. Can someone explain this more? Will this count as a piece of carry-on luggage, or a piece of checked in luggage? Should I put a luggage tag on it? This is our first time flying with the 2 DS's. Do the airlines do anything special for 1st time flyers? Any tips for flying are appreciated. Also- your thoughts on locking luggage. We had to buy luggage because we never went anywhere before, and we also bought locks that are TSA approved. Are there any set rules for this at EWR or MCO airports?

[boucher0911]

You can gate check the stroller and no, I don't believe it counts as a piece of luggage. Just a warning, though - we gate checked our stroller on our last trip and on the return flight, our stroller was damaged (not inoperable, but enough that it's a pain in the neck to use now) and we had to order replacement parts for it through the manufacterer. While they were only $30, I'm still fighting with Southwest to cover it since it was their fault (and I have to deal with a damaged stroller until the parts arrive). Yes, put a luggage tag or sticker with your info on it. It is possible someone may have the same one and you know what can happen there.

I know Southwest gave my niece a pair of "wings" on our trip since it was her first time flying. They used to be pins, but the ones she got were pretty cheap plastic with double sided sticky tape rather than an actual pin like they used to give out.

We don't lock our luggage because I know they have every right to open it anyway if they see something they need to check out. I have heard horror stories of the security people rifiling through and leaving everything a mess, but I figure it's better to leave it unlocked so they don't have to bust up the lock getting into it if they need to.

Hope that helps a little!

[chiasgirl]

We just use zip ties to secure our luggage. That way they can cut them off and replace them as needed. When they do, they leave a note inside and replace the zip tie with one of theirs. (We put a pair of nail clippers in the outside of 1 suitcase so that we can remove the zip ties at our destination.)

[CathysCAT]

Thanks for the info. Should we rather check it in with regular luggage? Would that make any difference? Or can you bring it on the plane with you? Would it fit in the luggage compartment or underneath the seat? We haven't used a stroller for DS in almost 2 years. But he still gets tired of walking. The park strollers didn't look too comfy from pics on websites, so we decided by buy another stroller just for the trip. This way, DS can crash in the stroller and even nap if it comes to that. Any more thoughts on using it at the parks, DTD, or Typhoon Lagoon (I don't think we'd need it there?).

I'll have to convince DH that locking luggage may not be a good idea. I think I read somewhere that people fasten those self-locking plastic ties. They can just be cut off and then you'd know if security got into your luggage. I know not to put anything of great value in check-in luggage. Keep all of that with you on the plane. I think this flying thing is what's going to make me get the jitters. I've only been on a plane 4 times in my whole life.

[CathysCAT]

Thanks, Chiasgirl. That's what they're called- Zip Ties. Good idea about the nail clippers in an outside pocket. Can you bring them on the plane with you?

[boucher0911]

I don't think they allow you to carry them on b/c they are too large. Checking it with your regular luggage probably won't make much of a difference. Everything gets thrown around like sacks of potatoes any way you look at it. I should have expected that the stroller would get damaged, but I was really upset because, like you, we had purchased the stroller specifically for the trip so it was still pretty new. Just irritating more than anything.

And yes - I think bringing the stroller is a good idea - opposed to renting one at the parks. DS napped in his everyday (it reclines) so we didn't have to leave the park mid-day for a nap. Plus it was nice to have at places outside the parks (DtD, outlet shopping, etc...) where stroller rentals were not available.

[CathysCAT]

Yes, we searched the Internet to buy a new stroller (Combi for $70 (free shipping and no taxes)) that was sturdy enough to hold a 50-lb kid without the wheels breaking the first time you hit a bump! That happened when we bought a cheap $15 one when he was only 2 or 3. Didn't last very long. If it makes it back home OK that would be great. We'll probably donate it to the Church Thrift Shop anyway. Just hope it makes it safely on the way down! Thanks for the advice. How old is your DD? Does she survive all of the walking?

[boucher0911]

That is my niece in my pic - she is 7 yo. She surprised us by walking (in jelly sandals, no less!) all day, every day (except one day we did rent a stroller so she could relax, but she barely fit in it!). Kids never cease to amaze me!

[Maria]

When we flew last year they put our stroller down below with any wheelchairs. It was waiting for us as soon as we got off the airplane. It was nice having it for the kids while we got our luggage, it was a long walk to baggage claim.

[CathysCAT]

Thanks, again for sharing your stroller experiences.

[BuzzLightyear]

We were always able to bring the stroller right up to the door of the airplane. From there they store it for you and it's waiting in the same place, just outside the door upon arrival.

[karliebug]

We have checked our stroller many times. When you get to the gate you just ask an attendant for a tag and when you get off th e plane it will be waiting for you. Very conveinent. You won't regret bringing it,that's for sure

[_landry]

We did the same. I pushed my DD in it right up until we boarded. Then when we were getting off the plane, they had it waiting so that I could push her through the airport again. It is nicer than checking it in with your luggage, because you can use it throughout the airport. And MCO is a pretty large airport.

Also, I urge you to put the luggage tag on it also. My friend swears that she got someone else's stroller (that looked just like hers) on one of our trips. She said it just didn't feel the same.

The strollers at the park don't look very comfortable, but my kids love them. They are perfect for napping because you can lay down flat in them. We go in Dec. so we always have a jacket, sweatshirt, or blanket for a pillow. We left our umbrella stroller at the resort and used the park strollers instead!!

[Dopey]

Some years ago we checked our stroller, were charged $30.00 because a person had to take the stroller to the plane and off the plane. that was the airline's explanation for the charge. In reality they charged us the money and then made us take the stroller to the plane in Chicago and take it off the plane in San Francisco. Needless to say we were a bit upset and since we put the charge on a credit card later disputed the charge and did not have to pay.
So watch out and never ! pay cash or by check, should they want to charge you, for things like that.

[Cincy]

By all means take the stroller. Take it to the gate. Right before you get on the plane they will take it and put it under the plane. As soon as you get off it is at the gate waiting for you.

Do not check it in with your checked luggage. If for some reason your luggage does not get on the plain (this happens alot) it won't be in Florida when you get there and that will be a pain.