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Can you check a car seat and stroller for free?

Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.



Yes, in 2026, almost all major commercial airlines—including global carriers like Delta, United, and Lufthansa—allow you to check one car seat and one stroller per child free of charge. These items do not count toward your standard baggage allowance. For maximum convenience, you can choose to "gate check" them, meaning you use the stroller through the airport and hand it over at the aircraft door just before boarding. The crew will then have it waiting for you at the jet bridge upon arrival. Alternatively, you can check them at the ticket counter when you first arrive at the airport. Many 2026 travelers use protective travel bags to prevent damage during transit. It is important to note that if you wish to use a car seat on the plane, it must be FAA-approved (or the local equivalent) and you must have purchased a dedicated seat for the infant, as "lap infants" cannot use seats in the cabin.

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You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.

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One infant's carrying basket or fully collapsible stroller, pushchair, car seat, or CARES harness. A small fully collapsible stroller can be stored in the overhead bin if there is space available. A large stroller must be accepted as checked baggage only.

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An umbrella-type collapsible stroller or any type of foldable stroller within the standard cabin bag size and weight after folding is allowed (if cabin stowage is available). You can check in strollers free of charge.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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Gate Checked Items Are Rarely Lost! An airline losing your car seat would surely start your vacation off on the wrong foot. Sometimes airlines have car seats available for passengers in instances they lose yours. However, it's not a guarantee and you never know the condition of the one they provide.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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The stroller must be folded and packed entirely into a suitable carrier bag prior to boarding. The stroller must not be opened and used in the aircraft cabin at all times. Compact foldable light-weight strollers will be checked in if there is no space in the cabin.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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First, choose the bulkhead, the window, and near the toilets. These seats are the most convenient spots for families when flying. Second, if you have an infant, get a bulkhead seat, and request a bassinet, a crib that attaches to the cabin's front wall.

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Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.

MORE DETAILS