Reader's Question - Strollers and Connecting Flights
Sunday December 7, 2008
I receive lots of interesting e-mails with questions and comments, and am going to share some of them on a more regular basis. This question came from an e-mail sent to me about strollers and connecting flights:
"...It will be the first time I travel with an infant, I will be traveling from Lax to India with an 8 hour lay over in London. I have contacted Virgin Atlantic 3 times and I have received 3 different answers, so I am not sure what to expect. I am trying to see if its possible to receive the stroller when I arrive in London and then again have it checked in when the flight departs...I just want to make sure I receive the correct information and not be faced with problems when I depart from LAX. If there is anything you can tell me in regards to my concern I will appreciate it a lot. I am trying to minimize any problems I may face since I am traveling alone with an infant to a foreign country."
My Answer - You will get different answers sometimes as unfortunately not all airports even with the same airline have the same procedures.
The best guarantee to have a stroller with you is to bring an umbrella style stroller (which can be stowed on board). I haven't traveled on Virgin Atlantic with an infant, but I have traveled with my 20 month old on over 3 dozen flights (and over a dozen connections) using several different airlines so far and have always been able to get back my stroller when I've used one (I prefer to use a sling as I find it easier).
You need to GATE CHECK your stroller and get a stroller tag for it - don't check it in at regular check in, but ask for a stroller tag from the gate agent (if this is a problem depending on airport security, regular check in can provide you with a stroller tag to go through airport security with your stroller). Make sure both flight numbers are listed - your one to London and then onwards. That way it will be brought up at the end of your first flight. This should not be an issue, however if it is have them GATE CHECK just as far as London, and when you get to London (close to departure time for your connection) ask for another stroller tag for your London - destination flight.
Related articles I've written about infant travel and strollers include:
"...It will be the first time I travel with an infant, I will be traveling from Lax to India with an 8 hour lay over in London. I have contacted Virgin Atlantic 3 times and I have received 3 different answers, so I am not sure what to expect. I am trying to see if its possible to receive the stroller when I arrive in London and then again have it checked in when the flight departs...I just want to make sure I receive the correct information and not be faced with problems when I depart from LAX. If there is anything you can tell me in regards to my concern I will appreciate it a lot. I am trying to minimize any problems I may face since I am traveling alone with an infant to a foreign country."
My Answer - You will get different answers sometimes as unfortunately not all airports even with the same airline have the same procedures.
The best guarantee to have a stroller with you is to bring an umbrella style stroller (which can be stowed on board). I haven't traveled on Virgin Atlantic with an infant, but I have traveled with my 20 month old on over 3 dozen flights (and over a dozen connections) using several different airlines so far and have always been able to get back my stroller when I've used one (I prefer to use a sling as I find it easier).
You need to GATE CHECK your stroller and get a stroller tag for it - don't check it in at regular check in, but ask for a stroller tag from the gate agent (if this is a problem depending on airport security, regular check in can provide you with a stroller tag to go through airport security with your stroller). Make sure both flight numbers are listed - your one to London and then onwards. That way it will be brought up at the end of your first flight. This should not be an issue, however if it is have them GATE CHECK just as far as London, and when you get to London (close to departure time for your connection) ask for another stroller tag for your London - destination flight.
Related articles I've written about infant travel and strollers include:
Hi there,
Thanks for your enquiry. We’ve looked into the matter and have found the best way for you to be able to pick up your stroller at London Heathrow whilst you are in transit.
We recommend checking-in your baggage as normal at LAX, you are permitted to take the stroller with you up to the gate where you should then inform gate staff that you want the stroller to be short checked and are in transit therefore would like it tagged for London Heathrow rather than your final destination of India. They will then tag this accordingly and you will be able to collect the stroller from London Heathrow upon arrival. Once your transit period is over, you can check-in the stroller as normal to arrive at your final destination of India.
Hope you have a good flight.