5 Best Lightweight & Compact Travel Strollers for Airplane

Take your stroller all the way to the plane door with these great compact models

One piece of essential baby kit that revolutionised for us between our first and third child is the travel stroller.  Forget bulky 3-piece travel systems, when you’re eyeing up travelling with your tots, ultra-compact is the way to go.

You don’t have to give up on too many luxurious stroller features for an ultraconvenient way to travel with your kids – all the way to the plane! Yep, no need to gate check these models as they count as carry-on and will fit in the overhead locker of (most) planes.

We’ve picked out our five favourite strollers for airplane travel and give you plenty of alternative value options to choose from too.

This post is part of our tried and tested travel product reviews and recommendations series

What to look for in a compact travel stroller

(If you’re brand new to the stroller game, I suggest you read this post first to get a better understanding of what you should be looking for in a travel stroller). 

Wheels – You will notice the big difference between the ultra-lightweight models and what we’d call your everyday models is the wheel size. In order to be so compact and convenient, wheels are not removable and tend to be hard rubber, 6″ wide or less.

You do lose some of the ride comfort and ability to glide over rough surfaces that you do get with a bigger stroller, especially with pneumatic wheels. Check that the wheels still have good manoeuvrability and suspension. They’re not designed to off-road but you shoulds till get a smooth ride.

Height and width – Another concern many parents have with a compact is that your taller toddler can quickly outgrow them.  Make sure they still have decent head clearance and bottom wiggling room. Smaller children can easily fit most models through to 4 years+ but larger children do struggle with this type of stroller, mostly on the seat width and depth.

Seated position – Due to their design, compact brands are only designed for 6 months plus when you’re child can independently sit upright. It’s likely you still want your tot to be able to nap on the move though, so watch out as some cheaper models lack the recline function. It can add a little more bulk but a necessary additional feature.

Travel systems – Although we are reviewing these strollers for toddlers, we have noted for each brand when they come with a travel system so, with adaptors, the product can be used with a car seat attachment from newborn.  See also our guide to COMPACT DOUBLE STROLLERS if you’re also planning for future needs.

Suncover – Likewise, getting them to nap is easier when the sun is not glaring in their eyes.  Many of the brands we looked at had somewhat compromised on the sun cover to get smaller and lighter, but we still think the sun canopy is an essential travel feature.

Handlebars – None we have reviewed come with adjustable handles so may not suit extra tall parents. That said, Mr Globetrotter is 6 foot and has had no issue with the Nano, and taller friends have used the Yoyo  – the tallest we look at without complaint.

Folding mechanism – the time tested art of one-handed metal origami.  I think we’ve all been there, child on hip, bags dropping off our shoulders.  Check that the folding mechanism really is as simple as they say it is!!

Basket space – Compact size can mean compact everything.  We all know your diaper bag/day pack needs to go somewhere still, bottles, blankets, nursing cover, sling – you name it!  We have used our stroller organiser still on ones we’ve personally reviewed without issue, but still having good access to a decent-sized storage basket underneath is essential while travelling.

Lighter models are more susceptible to tipping so do be careful on attempting to hook larger bags of the handlebars. The manufacturers specifically warn you not to, but I know most will try anyway, at your peril!!

Storage Bag – Not all brands we reviewed came with the travel bag and carrying straps included.  Even though the stroller comes with you on the plane, I still much prefer to keep my stroller neatly packaged in its own bag when not in use on the plane – or in case overhead bins are full, flight attendants may still ask you to stow it.

Value for money – Will this new stroller only be for your travel adventures a few times throughout the years, or are you looking to ditch your baby stroller and make this your everyday stroller?   Think about how much use you will get and therefore the amount you are willing to invest into yet more baby gear.

We promise you, if you are regular travellers this is one of the best investments you will make in those early years. 

Best Compact Plane Strollers

** Whilst we have listed these brands as overhead locker compliant, please do check with your individual airlines. You will have no issue on wide-bodied long-haul aircraft but smaller domestic planes may have tighter restrictions and require you to check your stroller at the gate.  Be prepared for this eventuality with either the supplied storage back or get yourself a generic gate check bag to keep your stroller safe. 

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