Can You Gate Check a Collapsible Wagon?
Can You Gate Check a Collapsible Wagon?
When preparing for a trip, especially with family or a lot of gear, collapsible wagons are incredibly useful for transporting belongings. But what about when you're flying? Many travelers wonder if they can gate-check a collapsible wagon when flying, especially within the USA. This article will explore the policies around gate-checking, carry-on luggage, and how airlines handle collapsible wagons.
Gate Checking a Collapsible Wagon
Gate-checking is a popular option for strollers and similar items, and collapsible wagons can fall into the same category. Some of these wagons are compact and foldable and well-suited for gate-checking. However, it’s important to verify each airline’s specific policy.
Some airlines may require you to check collapsible wagons at the baggage counter, while others allow gate-checking if the wagon is compact enough and meets their size requirements.
Airline Policies on Gate-Checking Collapsible Wagons
To help you prepare for your flight, here’s an overview of the gate-checking policies for collapsible wagons by major U.S. airlines:
American Airlines:
Each ticketed customer is allowed to check one stroller and one car seat free of charge. However, there are specific conditions regarding their handling:
Stroller Weight: If the stroller weighs over 20 lbs (9 kgs), it must be checked at the ticket counter, meaning it will go into the cargo hold of the plane.
Other Strollers: All other strollers can be checked at the gate before boarding. This implies that if the stroller is lightweight (under 20 lbs), you can bring it to the gate, and it will be checked just before you board the aircraft.
Limitations on Checking: If you have both a stroller and a car seat, you can only check one of them at the gate.
Checked Luggage Requirements: Standard checked baggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and must weigh no more than 70 pounds (32 kg). Items exceeding these limits may incur additional fees.
More on their website: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/optional-service-fees.jsp
More info about travel with baby: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/traveling-children.jsp
Delta Air Lines:
Strollers and child-restraint seats (like FAA-approved car seats or booster seats) can be checked free of charge and do not count towards your baggage allowance. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
Checking Before Security: You can check these items before going through airport security, which typically means they would be placed in the cargo hold for the flight.
Checking at the Gate: Alternatively, you can choose to check them at the gate. This means you can bring the stroller or car seat with you up to the gate and hand it over right before boarding the aircraft.
Checked Luggage Requirements: Overall Dimensions: The combined length, width, and height of the bag must not exceed 45 linear inches (114 cm).
Individual Size Limits: Each dimension (length, width, height) should not exceed 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm). This measurement includes any handles or wheels.
Exceptions: Small musical instruments in the overhead compartment or under the seat are exempt from these size limits.
More information: https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/carry-on-baggage
More about travel with kids: https://www.delta.com/us/en/children-infant-travel/children-infant-baggage
United Airlines:
United Airlines allows gate-checking for collapsible wagons, provided they are lightweight and compact. As with other baby gear, they are returned to you at the gate upon arrival. United Airlines does not have specific weight limits for carry-on luggage. In theory, a folding wagon can be brought on board if its folded dimensions are within 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).
For more updated information, it's better to check United Airlines' official baggage policy on their website: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/carry-on-bags.html
More information about travel with children: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/traveling-with-children.html
Southwest Airlines:
Southwest Airlines has provided a clear answer to this question. It’s clear that the stroller does not go directly on the plane; instead, it must be checked, either at the curb, ticket counter, or gate, and will be treated as checked baggage rather than a carry-on item.
More about this article: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/stroller-and-child-items-policy
More information about checked baggage: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/checked-baggage-policy
JetBlue:
https://www.jetblue.com/help/traveling-with-lap-infants
This passage states that checking a child safety seat does not count toward the checked baggage allowance, and there are no fees associated with it. However, items such as playpens, wagons, and other infant beds do count as checked baggage and must comply with size and weight requirements.
Checked Luggage Requirements: Checked bags should not exceed 62 inches (157.48 cm) in total dimensions or weigh more than 50 pounds (22.68 kg). Additional fees apply for oversized or overweight baggage.
Gate-Check Policy: Strollers and other baby gear, such as collapsible wagons, can be gate-checked. Be sure to check with customer service before your trip to confirm your specific wagon's eligibility.
More information about checked luggage: https://www.jetblue.com/help/checked-bags
Key Tips for Gate-Checking Your Collapsible Wagon
Measure your wagon: Most airlines have specific standard for carry-on luggage and checked bags. If your wagon exceeds these dimensions, you may need to check it in as regular luggage.
Confirm with your airline: Policies can change, so always check with your airline prior to your flight to avoid surprises at the gate.
Check weight limits: While gate-checking is often free for baby gear, oversize or overweight wagons may incur additional fees depending on the airline.
Prepare for easy folding: Some airlines may ask you to demonstrate that your wagon folds compactly, so practice folding it efficiently to avoid delays at the gate.
Recommended Collapsible Wagons for Air Travel
Although most folding strollers exceed the carry-on size limits set by airlines, travelers can still take advantage of the option to check strollers or folding wagons for free with many airlines. This policy allows parents and guardians to transport their child’s gear without incurring additional fees or using up their standard baggage allowance. Before traveling, it's important to confirm each airline's specific rules, as some may allow gate-checking strollers or wagons, while others may require checking them in at the ticket counter. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, especially for families traveling with young children.
Next, we will recommend a few strollers suitable for outings with a baby, as well as wagons ideal for carrying items during vacation trips.
For kids:
Sekey Kids Folding Handcart
Unfolded size: 49.2” x 22.83” x 34.64” (125 x 58 x 88cm)
Folded size: 34.25” x 22.83” x 12.20” (87 x 58x 31cm)
Weight: 29.54kg (65lbs)
For vacation:
Sekey 220LBS Collapsible Wagon Heavy Duty 120L Large Capacity
https://sekeystore.com/products/sekey-220lbs-collapsible-wagon-120l-capacity-3021
Unfolded size: 31.5” x 17” x 20” (80 x 43 x 51cm)
Folded size: 17” x 11” x 20” (43 x 27.5x 50.5cm)
Weight: 5.4kg (12lbs)
With the right preparation, collapsible wagons can be a convenient companion for air travel. Whether gate-checking or carrying them on, you’ll enjoy hassle-free transport of your belongings on your next trip.
