Yes, a stroller is allowed on most domestic and international flights at no additional cost. Parents can carry one stroller per child, in addition to their regular luggage. Compact cabin-approved travel strollers can be taken into the overhead compartments, or you can do a gate check-in of them (using them until you board the plane).
This guide helps new parents navigate air travel with an infant stroller and pram. It explains airlines' policies on strollers, ways to carry strollers on flights, lists some of the best cabin-approved strollers in India, and recommends the best airlines for traveling with a baby.
What Can Parents Expect When Flying with Baby
When you book an infant ticket for babies under 2 years old, airlines provide helpful policies to make traveling easier. Keep in mind that babies don't get their own seat—they sit in your lap during the flight.
While specific rules vary by airline, here's what most parents can expect:
Gate Check-In for Strollers:
You can use your stroller right up until boarding. After you board the plane, the gate agent will take your stroller and store it in the aircraft's hold. You'll collect it at the aircraft door when you land.
Priority Boarding:
Most airlines prioritize families with infants, allowing you to board early. This gives you extra time to settle your baby and get organized before other passengers board.
Special Services Available
Airlines offer baby-friendly services on request, including bassinets (for long flights), baby meals, and extra assistance throughout your journey. Contact your airline when booking to arrange these services.
How to Carry a Stroller in Flight?
Airlines in India typically allow one stroller per infant at no extra charge. You have three options for carrying your stroller, depending on what works best for your travel situation.
1. Use Your Stroller Until Boarding (Gate Check)
This is the most convenient option. Use your stroller throughout the airport and at the gate. Just before boarding, hand it to the gate staff. It's stored in the cargo hold and returned to you at the aircraft door when you land. This is the most common method for Indian airlines.
2. Bring It Into the Cabin (If Permitted)
If your stroller is fully collapsible and compact, ask the cabin crew if you can bring it aboard. Travel-friendly, ultra-compact strollers may fit in overhead bins like regular luggage. The cabin crew has final approval, especially on less crowded flights.
3. Check It at the Counter
If you prefer not to carry it to the gate, check your stroller at the airline counter before security. It travels in the cargo hold, and you'll collect it at baggage claim upon arrival.
Airlines in India generally allow one stroller per infant free of charge, but the carry method depends on its size and weight. Here is how it typically works:
Best Cabin-Friendly Strollers For Frequent Flyers in India
Here are some of the best cabin-friendly strollers in India:
| Rank | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loopie Hop | ₹17,999 |
| 2 | Stokke YOYO³ | ₹42,000 |
| 3 | Cybex Libelle | ₹29,000 |
| 4 | Cybex COYA | ₹57,000 |
| 5 | Silver Cross Clic | ₹35,000 |
| 6 | Nuna TRVL | ₹54,999 |
Stroller Policies of Domestic and International Airlines
| Airline Name | Stroller Baggage Notes |
| IndiGo | Allows one stroller/pram per infant for free. Compact models can be carried as hand baggage; others must be checked as baggage. |
| Air India | Air India allows one fully collapsible stroller for free. Note: Strollers are generally not permitted in the cabin and must be checked in or gate-checked. |
| Air India Express | One collapsible stroller or pram is carried free of charge for infants. Must be handed over at the check-in counter or gate. |
| Akasa Air | Offers one free stroller or pram per infant. Like most, they allow gate check-in or overhead cabin storage on request. |
| SpiceJet | One infant stroller/pram is free. However, they strictly state that strollers/pushchairs are not permitted inside the cabin and must be checked. |
| Emirates | Allows one collapsible stroller plus a carry cot or car seat for free. Complimentary strollers are also available at Dubai Airport (DXB). |
| Singapore Airlines | One fully collapsible stroller and car seat is free. Compact, lightweight, foldable strollers (within 115 cm total) may be allowed in the cabin. |
| Qatar Airways | One collapsible stroller or pushchair is allowed free of charge. They also offer a 10kg checked baggage allowance for lap infants. |
| Lufthansa | Allows one foldable stroller/buggy for free. Compact models (55 x 40 x 23 cm) are often permitted in the cabin. |
| British Airways | Infants are allowed one fully collapsible stroller and one car seat for free. Strollers can usually be taken right to the aircraft door. |
Protecting Your Stroller During Luggage Transit
If you want to protect your baby stroller during flights, you can follow these tips:
1. Use a stroller bag.
Put your stroller in the stroller bag in case of gate check-in or security check-in. This can shield your stroller from the scratches or dents it may sustain during handling.
Check out the Loopie Hop stroller bag, built to stand the test of long journeys, before your next trip.
2. Try for gate check-in.
Use the stroller until boarding, give it to the staff at the gate, and retrieve it upon landing. This prevents any early baggage handling damage.
3. Remove loose parts
Detach any accessory attached to the stroller, like cup holders, trays, etc. Carry them in a separate carry-on bag.
4. Insure stroller via airline
At booking, you can pay extra (₹500-1,000) to "insure" baggage, covering stroller damage/theft.
Useful Tips For a Smooth Flight with a Baby
Navigating the airport with an infant doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how you can breeze through:
1. Check-In Early: Give yourself plenty of time to check in and go through security at a relaxed pace.
2. Feed During Takeoff and Landing: Babies’ ears are sensitive to pressure changes, so nursing or bottle-feeding during takeoff and landing helps keep them comfortable. Some airlines like Air India also provide earbuds and lavatory assistance, all that you might need.
3. Request a Bassinet Seat (for Long Flights): If your flight is longer than a few hours, many airlines offer bassinet seating for infants—book it in advance!
4. Consult the Airlines: Sometimes you might not want to carry your stroller, and you are lucky to know that various airlines even provide the service of checking in strollers.
Read our detailed guide on "how to travel safely with your baby"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to carry a stroller in flight?
You can just wheel it right to the aircraft door! Tell the agent at check-in you want to "gate-check" it. They'll tag it, you use it through the airport, and then fold it into a protective bag before boarding.
Can a stroller be checked in?
Yes. Most airlines allow you to check in a stroller at the main counter or the boarding gate for pickup immediately upon arrival.
Which airlines allow strollers in the cabin??
In India, no major airline currently allows strollers inside the cabin. While some international airlines may permit compact strollers as hand baggage, Indian carriers require all strollers to be checked in either at the counter or at the boarding gate.
Which type of stroller is not allowed on a flight?
Non-collapsible, oversized, or extremely heavy strollers (over 20kg) are often restricted from gate-checking and must be handled as oversized cargo, usually incurring extra fees.
Can I carry a stroller in flight for free?
Yes. Almost all major airlines allow one collapsible stroller or pram to be checked in free of charge per infant, regardless of your ticket class.
What size stroller is allowed in a cabin?
Cabin-approved strollers must generally fold to roughly 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and weigh under 7-10kg to fit in the overhead bin.
Final Thoughts
Flying with a baby isn’t as daunting as it seems—especially when you know what to expect. Airlines make special accommodations to ensure your little one (and you!) have a smooth journey. With the right preparation, your baby’s first flight can be a fun and memorable experience.
So, pack those bags, grab your stroller, and get ready for an adventure. Happy travels with your tiny co-pilot!
