American Airlines Stroller Policy 2023 (Into The Cabin + FAQs)

American Airlines Stroller Policy 2023: Into The Cabin and Checked Luggage Rules Explained

From car seats to diaper bags, traveling with infant gear requires strategic planning. Understanding American Airlines‘ stroller policies in detail ensures your check-in goes smoothly.

As a mom of two who has flown American countless times, I will explain the latest rules including size restrictions, fees/exemptions, and some pro tips!

Key Things To Know

Before we dig into the nitty gritty details, here are the most vital things to remember about American Airlines‘ 2023 stroller policy:

Now let‘s cover what kinds of strollers are allowed where…

Can I Bring My Stroller Into The Cabin?

American Airlines allows lightweight, compact strollers in the cabin if they meet carry-on size rules – specifically less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles.

It must fit inside the sizers at the gate without being forced – so think simple umbrella strollers.

I always recommend having an ID tag on your stroller and avoid bringing ones with lots of loose parts that could get lost if gate checked.

To increase chances your stroller makes it into the cabin:

✅ Fly at off-peak times
✅ Use a compact, no-frills model
✅ Ask gate agents politely

Don‘t try to sneak oversized models past flight attendants once onboard – I‘ve been that mom trying to hide an enormous double jogger to no avail!

Stroller Statistics

To make sure your stroller qualifies for bringing into the cabin:

As you can see, simple umbrellas are your best bet for avoiding gate check and fit in the overhead bins quite nicely. Of course, always check your specific model.

Let‘s move on to checking rules if yours won‘t fly…

Free Gate Checking Under 20 Pounds

For strollers under 20 pounds, American Airlines allows free gate checking upon boarding the aircraft. This perk extends to one stroller per infant traveling.

The gate agent will give you an orange gate check tag to attach at the gate. You‘ll hand over your stroller right before boarding the jet bridge and retrieve it planeside upon arrival.

I love gate checking since it means I can use my stroller all the way to the gate without struggling through the airport. I don‘t have to wait ages at baggage claim either.

If traveling solo with baby, gate checking is definitely the way to go over lugging everything to check it at the ticket counter!

Heavier Strollers Must Be Checked At Ticket Counter

If your stroller weighs between 20-50 pounds, unfortunately it won‘t qualify for simple gate check.

You‘ll need to check these heavier models at the airline check-in counter instead, which means saying goodbye at the ticket counter. Not very convenient when wrangling a toddler!

American Airlines restricts gate checking to lightweight, portable strollers under 20 pounds. This excludes most full-size models and doubles.

You can still check 1 stroller per ticketed infant free of standard checked baggage fees. But it won‘t be planeside.

Keep this in mind when traveling with large jogging strollers, travel systems, doubles – check in early to leave yourself ample toddler wrangling time!

Comparing Airlines‘ Weight Limits

Policies vary a bit across major US airlines on the maximum size and weight permitted for gate checking strollers:

*Southwest doesn‘t use gate check tags but allows oversized items like strollers at the gate if passenger can easily transport item themselves.

So if you have a heavier jogger or double stroller, United or Southwest will be a bit more convenient than American or Delta.

Expert Tips and Final Thoughts

Over a decade of parental travel has taught me a few tricks when navigating airport stroller policies!

✔️ Add ID tags – gate checked items can get separated (though rare)
✔️ Pack foldable shoulder straps – to carry stroller through airport if needed
✔️ Print policy details – to show agents if questions arise
✔️ Come very early – to check strollers at counter stress-free

I hope this breakdown has helped explain the latest American Airlines stroller rules and regulations for 2024. Let me know if you have any other questions before your trip!

Bon voyage and safe travels with your little ones!