*This article is current as at time it was written.  Airline policies can change so always check with your airline before travelling.

You’ve probably worked out that traveling with kids requires careful planning, especially when understanding airline policies regarding carry-on strollers and baggage allowances. The last thing you want at the airport is screaming kids AND nasty surprises! Each airline has specific regulations for families traveling with infants and small children. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering stroller and baggage policies for Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Carry-On Stroller and Baggage Policies
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Qantas

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: Passengers may bring collapsible strollers as carry-on baggage if they meet the airline’s size requirements. The stroller must be collapsed before boarding and fit within carry-on baggage dimensions. If it exceeds these dimensions, it must be checked in.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Infants without a seat do not have a carry-on allowance, but parents may carry essential items such as a diaper bag.

• Checked Baggage Policy:

•  Infants (under 2 years):

• Domestic flights: No checked baggage allowance, but up to three infant items (stroller, car seat, portable cot) can be checked for free.

• International flights: To/from the Americas: 1 piece up to 10kg (22lb) plus three infant items.

• Other international routes: 10kg (22lb) plus three infant items.

• Children (2-11 years): Same checked baggage allowance as adults plus two free child items (stroller, car seat, portable cot).

• Bassinet Policy: Bassinets are available on international flights and select domestic flights operated by A330 aircraft. They are designed for infants up to 11 kg (24 lbs) and 71 cm (28 inches) in length. It's recommended to request a bassinet at the time of booking, as availability is limited. (qantas.com)

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Air New Zealand

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: Strollers may be brought on board if they fit within carry-on baggage dimensions.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Infants (under 2 years) are allowed one carry-on bag.

• Checked Baggage Policy:  Infants do not have a checked baggage allowance but can check two free items (bassinet, car seat, stroller, or pushchair).  Children (2-11 years) have the same checked baggage allowance as adults and can check two free child-related items.

• Bassinet Policy: Bassinets are available on international flights for infants up to 11.8 kg (26 lbs) and 70 cm (27.5 inches) in length. It's advisable to request a bassinet when booking your tickets and reconfirm its availability closer to the departure date.(airnewzealand.com)

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Jetstar

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: Strollers are allowed as carry-on if they meet size limits; otherwise, they must be checked in.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Infant essentials can be carried on, but infants do not have a separate carry-on allowance.

• Checked Baggage Policy: Passengers traveling with infants or small children can check in any or all of the following items for free: pram, stroller, portable cot, highchair.

• Bassinet Policy: Bassinets can be requested for infants traveling without an allocated seat. It's recommended to request a bassinet at the time of booking, as availability is limited. (jetstar.com)

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United Airlines

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: United allows collapsible strollers within carry-on baggage size limits. Otherwise, strollers can be gate-checked for free.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Infant necessities like a diaper bag are allowed, but infants without a seat do not get an additional carry-on allowance.

• Checked Baggage Policy:

• Infants traveling with a ticketed seat follow the standard baggage rules.

• Parents may check strollers and car seats at the gate for free.

• Children with purchased tickets have the same baggage allowance as adults.

• Bassinet Policy: Bassinets are available on international flights for infants weighing up to 11 kg (24 lbs). It's advisable to request a bassinet in advance while booking your tickets and reconfirm its availability closer to the departure date. (united.com)

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Delta Air Lines

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: Strollers and car seats can be gate-checked for free.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Parents may bring additional child items such as a booster seat, infant seat, or breast pump as free additional carry-on baggage

• Checked Baggage Policy:

• Strollers and child safety seats are checked for free and do not count toward standard baggage limits.

• Items can be checked at the curbside, ticket counter, or gate.

• Bassinet Policy: Bassinets are available on international flights for infants up to 11 kg (24 lbs). It's recommended to request a bassinet at the time of booking, as availability is limited. (delta.com)

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Virgin Australia

• Carry-On Baggage Policy:

• Infants (Under 2 Years, Not Occupying a Seat): Adults traveling with an infant are entitled to an additional 7kg carry-on allowance for essential baby items, which may include: Baby milk (including breast milk) / Sterilized water / Juice / Baby food in liquid, gel, or paste form / Disposable wipes.

• Children (2-11 Years): Children have the same carry-on baggage allowance as adults.

• Checked Baggage Policy:

• Infants (Not Occupying a Seat):

• Economy Lite Fare: Entitled to check in three special infant items, such as a pram/stroller, portable cot, car seat, or baby capsule.

• • • Other Fare Types: In addition to the three special infant items, one 23kg checked bag is allowed.

• • Infants (Occupying a Seat):

    • Economy Lite Fare: Entitled to check in three special infant items.

    • Other Fare Types: Allowed one 23kg checked bag plus three special infant items.

• • Children (2-11 Years):

    • Economy Lite Fare: Entitled to check in two special equipment items, such as a pram/stroller or car seat.

    • Other Fare Types: Allowed the standard checked baggage allowance plus two special equipment items. (virginaustralia.com)

• Stroller Policy: Strollers are considered special infant items and can be checked in free of charge. Parents have the option to check the stroller at the check-in counter or at the departure gate (gate check). For gate check, request a gate tag for your stroller during check-in or at the gate. Upon arrival, the stroller will be available either at the aircraft door or in the oversized baggage area, depending on the airport's procedures. 

• Bassinet Availability: Virgin Australia does not offer bassinet facilities on any of its flights, including both domestic and international routes. (executivetraveller.com)

• Alternative Options: Parents are encouraged to bring their own Child Restraint System (CRS) that complies with Australian design standards (AS/NZS 1754: 2013 and onwards). Some car seats are suitable for use on aircraft seats when restrained using the aircraft seat belts.
  
  

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Emirates

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: Passengers are permitted to bring one carry-cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. If there is no space, these items will have to be checked in.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Infants without a seat do not have a carry-on allowance, but parents may carry essential items such as a diaper bag.

• Checked Baggage Policy:

• Infants (under 2 years): No checked baggage allowance, but up to two infant items (stroller and car seat) can be checked for free.

• Children (2-11 years): Same checked baggage allowance as adults.

• Bassinet Availability: Emirates provides bassinets for infants up to 2 years old who do not have a booked seat under a child's fare. (emirates.com)

• Dimensions and Weight Limit: The bassinets measure approximately 29.5 inches (75 cm) in length, 13 inches (33 cm) in width, and 8.8 inches (22 cm) in depth, accommodating infants weighing up to 24 pounds (11 kg). (upgradedpoints.com)

• Booking Procedure: Due to limited availability, it's advisable to request a bassinet during the booking process or afterward via the "Manage a Booking" feature on Emirates' website. (emirates.com)

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Singapore Airlines

• Carry-On Stroller Policy: A compact, foldable lightweight stroller can be carried on board if it weighs less than 7kg, with the sum of length, width, and height not exceeding 115cm. The stroller must be properly packed in a suitable bag prior to boarding and remain unused during the flight. If it does not meet these requirements or if there is no space in the cabin, it will be checked in.

• Carry-On Baggage Policy: Infants without a seat do not have a carry-on allowance, but parents may carry essential items such as a diaper bag.

• Checked Baggage Policy:

• Infants (under 2 years): No checked baggage allowance, but up to two infant items (stroller and car seat) can be checked for free.

• Children (2-11 years): Same checked baggage allowance as adults.

• Bassinet Availability: Bassinets are available in Premium Economy and Economy Class and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Dimensions and Weight Limit: Each bassinet measures 29.5 inches (75 cm) in length, 13 inches (33 cm) in width, and 8.2 inches (20.8 cm) in depth, suitable for infants up to 30 pounds (14 kg).

• Booking Procedure: To secure a bassinet, it's recommended to request one during the booking process or by contacting Singapore Airlines directly, as availability is limited. (singaporeair.com)

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General Tips for Traveling with Strollers and Children

Verify Airline Policies: Always check the airline’s website or contact customer service to confirm stroller and baggage regulations.

Size and Weight Restrictions: Ensure your stroller meets the airline’s size requirements to avoid last-minute hassles.  Our Lucci travel stroller (when packed in it’s travel bag with bumper and rear wheels removed) should fit most airline carry-on policies but not all.

Gate Check Option: If your stroller is too large for carry-on, ask about gate-checking to retrieve it upon arrival.

Label Your Equipment: Attach a name tag to strollers and car seats in case they are misplaced.

Use Protective Covers: Consider using gate check bags such as the Edwards & Co Travel Bag to prevent damage during transit. Both our travel prams Otto and Lucci include complimentary travel bags with your purchase.

By understanding airline policies and planning ahead, you can make flying with children a smoother and stress-free experience.