Are you a parent or caregiver planning to travel by air with a little one in tow? If so, you may be wondering which strollers are compact enough to fit in the airplane overhead compartment. With so many different stroller options on the market, finding one that meets both your needs and the airline’s size restrictions can be a daunting task. Luckily, we have done the research for you and have compiled a list of the best strollers that are designed to fit comfortably in an airplane overhead compartment. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the world of travel-friendly strollers.

Compact Strollers

Features of Compact Strollers

Compact strollers are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them an excellent choice for traveling. These strollers often feature a slim profile and a simple folding mechanism that allows them to be easily stored in tight spaces, like airplane overhead compartments. The compact design of these strollers makes them convenient for traveling through crowded airports and navigating narrow airplane aisles.

Benefits of Compact Strollers

One of the main benefits of a compact stroller is its portability. These strollers are typically lightweight and can be folded down to a compact size, making them easy to carry and transport. They are also great for parents who need to navigate busy airports and tight spaces, as their slim profile allows for easy maneuverability. Compact strollers also tend to be more affordable compared to some larger stroller models, making them a cost-effective option for families who frequently travel.

Examples of Compact Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller: The Babyzen YOYO+ is a popular choice among parents who travel frequently. It is compact and lightweight, weighing only 13.6 pounds. This stroller can be folded down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment, allowing for easy storage during flights.

2. GB Pockit Stroller: The GB Pockit Stroller holds the Guinness World Record for being the most compact stroller when folded. It weighs just 9.5 pounds and can be folded down to dimensions of 11.8 x 7 x 13.8 inches, making it ideal for air travel.

Umbrella Strollers

Features of Umbrella Strollers

Umbrella strollers are named for their unique umbrella-like folding mechanism. These strollers are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them a popular choice for traveling families. The umbrella folding feature allows for easy storage in tight spaces, such as airplane overhead compartments. Despite their compact size, many umbrella strollers still offer features such as reclining seats, storage baskets, and sun canopies.

Benefits of Umbrella Strollers

The main benefit of umbrella strollers is their lightweight and compact design. These strollers are incredibly portable and can be folded down to a small size, making them easy to carry and store. Their compact size also makes them ideal for navigating crowded airports and fitting through narrow airplane aisles. Umbrella strollers are also generally more affordable compared to larger stroller models, making them a budget-friendly option for families who travel frequently.

Examples of Umbrella Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Maclaren Mark II Stroller: The Maclaren Mark II is a lightweight umbrella stroller that is perfect for travel. It weighs only 7.3 pounds and can be folded down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. Despite its lightweight design, it offers various features such as a reclining seat, sun canopy, and a roomy storage basket.

2. UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller: The UPPAbaby G-LUXE is a stylish and lightweight umbrella stroller suitable for air travel. It weighs 15 pounds and can be folded down compactly. This stroller offers a full recline feature, an extendable SPF 50+ sunshade, and a large storage basket, making it a versatile choice for traveling families.

Travel System Strollers

Features of Travel System Strollers

Travel system strollers are designed to offer convenience and versatility for parents on the go. These strollers typically consist of a stroller frame and a compatible infant car seat that can be attached and detached with ease. The ability to transition from car to stroller seamlessly makes travel system strollers an excellent choice for families who frequently travel. Some travel system strollers are also compact enough to fit in airplane overhead compartments when the car seat is detached.

Benefits of Travel System Strollers

The main benefit of travel system strollers is their convenience and versatility. With a travel system stroller, parents can easily transfer their sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing their nap. This eliminates the need to wake the baby up and transfer them from car seat to stroller separately. Travel system strollers also offer compatibility with various infant car seats, allowing parents to choose a brand and model that best suits their needs.

Examples of Travel System Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Travel System: The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Travel System is a popular choice among traveling parents. The stroller frame can be folded down compactly, and when the infant car seat is detached, it can fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This travel system offers a durable stroller with all-terrain wheels and a car seat with enhanced safety features.

2. Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System: The Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System combines style and functionality. The stroller can be folded down with one hand and has a slim profile. When the car seat is detached, it can fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This travel system includes a stroller with adjustable handlebars, a car seat with a removable newborn insert, and a base with easy installation.

Lightweight Strollers

Features of Lightweight Strollers

Lightweight strollers are designed to offer a balance between portability and functionality. These strollers are typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and store. While they may not have all the features of larger stroller models, lightweight strollers still offer convenience for traveling families. Many lightweight strollers can be folded down to fit in airplane overhead compartments, allowing for easy storage during flights.

Benefits of Lightweight Strollers

The main benefit of lightweight strollers is their portability. These strollers are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who frequently travel or use public transportation. Despite their compact size, many lightweight strollers still offer features such as reclining seats, sun canopies, and storage baskets, providing comfort and convenience for both the parent and child. Lightweight strollers are also typically more affordable compared to larger stroller models, making them a budget-friendly option.

Examples of Lightweight Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller: The Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is a lightweight and compact option for air travel. It weighs only 13 pounds and can be easily folded down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This stroller offers a reclining seat, an adjustable canopy with a peek-a-boo window, and a large storage basket.

2. Joovy Groove Ultralight Lightweight Stroller: The Joovy Groove Ultralight Lightweight Stroller is a popular choice among parents who travel frequently. It weighs only 14 pounds and can be folded down compactly. This stroller features a reclining seat, an oversized sun canopy with UPF 50+ protection, and a spacious storage basket.

Foldable Strollers

Features of Foldable Strollers

Foldable strollers, as the name suggests, are strollers that can be easily folded down for storage and transportation. These strollers typically have a simple folding mechanism and a compact design, making them ideal for air travel. Foldable strollers can be conveniently stored in airplane overhead compartments, eliminating the need to check them in at the gate. Despite their foldable nature, these strollers still offer various features such as reclining seats and storage baskets.

Benefits of Foldable Strollers

The main benefit of foldable strollers is their space-saving design. These strollers can be easily folded down to a compact size, making them convenient for storage in tight spaces, such as airplane overhead compartments. Foldable strollers are also lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. Additionally, many foldable strollers offer features such as reclining seats, sun canopies, and storage baskets, providing comfort and convenience for both the parent and child.

Examples of Foldable Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller: The Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller is a compact and foldable option for air travel. It weighs only 13 pounds and can be folded down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This stroller offers a reclining seat, an adjustable sun canopy, and a storage basket.

2. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller: The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller is designed for travel convenience. It weighs 14 pounds and can be folded down compactly for storage in an airplane overhead compartment. This stroller features a multi-position reclining seat, an extended UV 50+ sun canopy, and a spacious storage basket.

Carry-On Strollers

Features of Carry-On Strollers

Carry-on strollers are specifically designed to be small enough to fit in airplane overhead compartments, allowing parents to keep their strollers near them during flights. These strollers are typically lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and transport. Despite their small size, carry-on strollers still offer features such as reclining seats and storage options.

Benefits of Carry-On Strollers

The main benefit of carry-on strollers is the ability to keep them near you during flights. Instead of checking in your stroller at the gate, you can simply fold it up and store it in the airplane overhead compartment, ensuring that it is easily accessible when needed. Carry-on strollers are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to maneuver in airports and other crowded spaces. Additionally, many carry-on strollers offer features such as reclining seats, sun canopies, and storage baskets, providing comfort and convenience for both the parent and child.

Examples of Carry-On Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Zoe Tour+ XL1 Lightweight Travel Stroller: The Zoe Tour+ XL1 Lightweight Travel Stroller is a compact and lightweight option for air travel. It weighs only 11 pounds and can be folded down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This stroller features a reclining seat, an extendable sunshade, and a large storage basket.

2. Pockit Lightweight Stroller: The Pockit Lightweight Stroller is designed to be one of the most compact strollers when folded. It weighs just 9.5 pounds and can be folded down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. Despite its small size, this stroller offers a reclining seat and a small storage compartment.

Convertible Strollers

Features of Convertible Strollers

Convertible strollers are designed to adapt and grow with your child. These strollers typically offer multiple seating positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. Convertible strollers often include a bassinet attachment for newborns and a toddler seat for older children. While some convertible strollers may be too large for airplane overhead compartments, there are compact and foldable options available that can still fit in tight spaces.

Benefits of Convertible Strollers

The main benefit of convertible strollers is their versatility. With a convertible stroller, you can use the same stroller from infancy through toddlerhood, eliminating the need to purchase multiple strollers as your child grows. Convertible strollers often offer features such as reversible seats, reclining options, and adjustable handlebars, providing comfort and convenience for both the parent and child. Additionally, there are compact and foldable convertible strollers available that can be stored in airplane overhead compartments during travel.

Examples of Convertible Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus Stroller: The Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus Stroller is a versatile and convertible option for air travel. While the stroller itself is not foldable, the bassinet attachment is compact enough to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This stroller offers a reversible seat, an adjustable handlebar, and durable all-terrain wheels.

2. Silver Cross Wave Stroller: The Silver Cross Wave Stroller is a luxury convertible stroller that offers versatility and style. While the stroller itself may be too large to fit in an airplane overhead compartment, the bassinet attachment is compact and foldable. This stroller features multiple seating configurations, an extendable sun canopy, and a large storage basket.

European Strollers

Features of European Strollers

European strollers, also known as prams or pushchairs, are highly regarded for their quality and design. These strollers often prioritize comfort, durability, and style. European strollers typically feature a robust frame, superior suspension for a smooth ride, and luxurious fabrics. While some European strollers may not be designed specifically for air travel, there are lightweight and foldable options available that can still fit in airplane overhead compartments.

Benefits of European Strollers

The main benefit of European strollers is their superior quality and design. These strollers are often built to withstand various terrains and weather conditions, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for your child. European strollers typically offer ample storage space, adjustable handlebars, and reversible seats, providing convenience and versatility for both the parent and child. While not all European strollers are travel-friendly, there are lightweight and foldable options available that can be stored in airplane overhead compartments.

Examples of European Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Cybex Priam Stroller: The Cybex Priam Stroller is a European stroller known for its luxurious design and functionality. While the full-size version of this stroller may be too large for airplane overhead compartments, the lightweight version, known as the Cybex Priam Light Seat Stroller, is compact and foldable, making it suitable for air travel. This stroller offers a reversible seat, an adjustable handlebar, and an extra-large storage basket.

2. Stokke Xplory Stroller: The Stokke Xplory Stroller is a stylish and innovative European stroller known for its high seating position and ergonomic design. While the full-size version of this stroller may not fit in an airplane overhead compartment, the Stokke Beat Compact Stroller is a lightweight and foldable option that is suitable for travel. This stroller features a reversible seat, an adjustable handlebar, and a roomy storage basket.

Airline Approved Strollers

Features of Airline Approved Strollers

airline approved strollers are specifically designed to meet the regulations and guidelines set by airlines for in-cabin stroller storage. These strollers are typically compact, lightweight, and foldable, making them suitable for storage in airplane overhead compartments or under the seat. Airline approved strollers often meet specific size and weight restrictions, ensuring that they can be accommodated on various airlines.

Benefits of Airline Approved Strollers

The main benefit of airline approved strollers is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your stroller meets airline regulations. By choosing an airline approved stroller, you can avoid potential issues or conflicts when traveling. These strollers are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easily stored in tight spaces on airplanes. Airline approved strollers often offer features such as reclining seats, sun canopies, and storage options, ensuring comfort and convenience for both the parent and child during travel.

Examples of Airline Approved Strollers for Airplane Overhead

1. Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Jet Stroller: The Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Jet Stroller is designed to be airline approved for overhead storage. It meets the size and weight restrictions set by most airlines, allowing for hassle-free travel. This stroller offers a reclining seat, an adjustable sun canopy, and a spacious storage basket.

2. UPPAbaby MINU Stroller: The UPPAbaby MINU Stroller is another airline approved option for air travel. It features a lightweight design and a compact fold, allowing it to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. This stroller offers a one-handed recline, an extendable sunshade, and a large storage basket.

Tips for Traveling with a Stroller

Check Airline Regulations

Before traveling with a stroller, it is essential to check the regulations and guidelines set by your airline. Different airlines may have specific requirements regarding stroller size, weight, and storage options. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure that your stroller meets the necessary criteria for in-cabin storage.

Measure the Stroller

To determine if your stroller will fit in an airplane overhead compartment, measure its dimensions when folded. Pay attention to the length, width, and height of the folded stroller, as well as any protruding or detachable parts. Ensure that the measurements comply with the airline’s guidelines for overhead storage.

Packing and Protecting the Stroller

To protect your stroller during air travel, consider using a stroller travel bag or a protective cover. These accessories can help prevent damage to your stroller and keep it clean during transit. Additionally, remove any detachable parts or accessories and securely store them to avoid loss or damage.

Gate Checking the Stroller

If your stroller cannot fit in the airplane overhead compartment, you may need to gate check it. Gate checking allows you to keep your stroller with you until you board the plane, and it will be returned to you immediately upon arrival at your destination. Request a gate check tag from the airline staff, and securely attach it to your stroller before boarding.

Utilizing Stroller Bags

Consider investing in a stroller bag or a travel bag specifically designed for strollers. These bags provide additional protection and make it easier to transport and store your stroller during travel. Some stroller bags have wheels or backpack straps for added convenience when navigating airports.

By following these tips and choosing the right stroller, you can ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience with your child. Whether you opt for a compact, umbrella, travel system, lightweight, foldable, carry-on, convertible, European, or airline approved stroller, there is a wide range of options available to suit your needs and preferences. Happy travels!