What Is American Airlines Stroller Policy? (A Full Guide)

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about American Airlines Stroller Policy and traveling with children.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or older kids, it’s important to plan and prepare for a smooth, stress-free experience.

You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.

So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

American Airlines Stroller Policy

American Airlines allows customers to check strollers for free at the ticket counter or gate. Customers may also bring a stroller on board to store in the overhead bin or underneath their seats. Strollers must meet certain requirements to be taken on board.

For safety reasons, customers with strollers are asked to wait until all other customers have boarded the plane before boarding themselves. Once on board, any items that could cause injury must be removed from the stroller and placed in the overhead bin or under their seat.

What Strollers Should You Bring?

When deciding which strollers to bring on a flight, it’s important to keep American Airlines’ policy in mind. The airline requires strollers to be foldable and weigh less than 20 pounds, as well as measure no more than 22″ x 14″ x 9.” Strollers that don’t meet these requirements must be checked at the ticket counter or gate.

For families with small children, American Airlines offers the option to check car seats for free at the ticket counter or gate. Car seats must meet the same requirements as strollers (foldable, less than 20 pounds, and measure no more than 22″ x 14″ x 9″).

When it comes to choosing a stroller, it’s important to find one that meets American Airlines’ requirements and is comfortable for your child. Lightweight, compact strollers are ideal for travel, but you might also want to consider strollers with features like adjustable handles and cup holders. Just make sure that your chosen stroller meets the airline’s policy requirements.

For more information about American Airlines’ stroller and car seat policies, please visit the ‘Traveling With Kids’ page on their website.

What Else Can You Bring to the American Airline?

In addition to strollers and car seats, American Airlines also allows customers to bring other items, such as diaper bags and child carriers. Diaper bags must weigh no more than 10 pounds and fit under the seat in front of you. Child carriers, such as slings and backpacks, can be taken on board and stored in overhead bins.

If you are traveling with children, it’s important to be aware of American Airlines’ policies and consider bringing only the items that are necessary. Keeping these restrictions in mind will ensure a smoother, more comfortable flight for everyone on board.

Strollers at the Front Desk

When checking in at the ticket counter or gate, American Airlines allows customers to check strollers for free. Customers should properly fold their stroller and remove any items that could cause injury before checking it in.

How Do You Get Through Security With a Stroller?

Getting through security checkpoints with a stroller can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First and foremost, it’s important to be organized and have all of your documents ready.

Make sure that the stroller is properly folded and that any items that could be considered dangerous are removed. You may also have to have the stroller inspected by a security agent, so it’s best to arrive at the airport with plenty of time.

Lastly, make sure you have a plan for getting your stroller to and from the gate. Some airports offer stroller carts that can make transporting the stroller easier and faster, so it’s worth inquiring about these services before your flight.

More Tips to Travel With Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers can be challenging, but with a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can make your trip on American Airlines go smoothly. Here are some additional tips to consider:

Pack plenty of snacks: Toddlers can get cranky when they are hungry, so make sure to pack plenty of snacks for the flight. Bring a variety of healthy options such as fruit, crackers, and cheese.
Bring entertainment: Toddlers can easily get bored during a long flight, so make sure to bring plenty of entertainment. This could include coloring books, stickers, small toys, or a tablet with preloaded movies or games.
Consider bringing a stroller: If you have a layover or need to walk long distances in the airport, consider bringing a stroller. American Airlines allows strollers to be checked for free at the gate.

Check-in online: Checking in online before your flight can save you time and make the boarding process smoother. You can also choose your seats in advance to ensure that you are seated together with your toddler.
Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. American Airlines flight attendants and ground crew are often willing to lend a hand to families with young children.
Be prepared for ear pressure: Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable for toddlers. Consider bringing a bottle or sippy cup to help alleviate the pressure.
Dress for comfort: Dress your toddler in comfortable clothing for the flight. Layers are a good option as the temperature can vary on the plane.

How to Travel on American Airlines With Older Children?

Traveling with older children can be a different experience than traveling with toddlers, but it still requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you travel on American Airlines with older children:

Involve your children in the planning process: If your children are old enough, involve them in the planning process. Ask for their input on where to go, what activities to do, and what to pack. This will help them feel more invested in the trip and excited about it.
Pack light: Older children can often carry their own bags, so encourage them to pack light and bring what they need. This will make it easier to navigate the airport and carry luggage on the plane.

Bring entertainment: Older children may have different entertainment preferences than younger children, but it’s still important to bring something to keep them occupied during the flight. Consider bringing books, magazines, tablets, or other devices with movies or games.
Consider seating arrangements: Depending on the age and maturity level of your children, you may want to consider seating arrangements. If you have younger children, you may want to sit together as a family, but if you have older children, they may prefer to sit separately.
Bring snacks and drinks: Older children may have more specific food preferences, so bring snacks and drinks that they enjoy. This will help keep them satisfied during the flight.

Encourage responsibility: Traveling with older children is a great opportunity to encourage responsibility. Encourage them to keep track of their belongings, navigate the airport, and help with tasks such as checking in or boarding the plane.
Discuss safety procedures: Make sure to discuss safety procedures with your children before the flight. Explain what to do in case of an emergency and make sure they know where the emergency exits are located.

By following these tips, you can make your trip on American Airlines with toddlers and older children a positive and memorable experience for everyone.