Cabin Size Strollers: 8 of the Most Compact Airplane Strollers

One of the times you really need a travel stroller is at the airport, particularly for that long walk to baggage reclaim and the usual snaking queue at immigration. Whilst some airlines do their best to help by providing you with courtesy strollers as you disembark, this is sadly not the norm.

Cabin sized strollers or ‘airplane strollers’ can make a huge difference, especially if you have a tired child to contend with. We’ve found an airplane stroller to be so useful for this stage of travel, as mine inevitably fall asleep just as we are landing!

This guide will help you decide on which is the best compact stroller for you, and even better, they are cabin sized strollers, perfect for plane travel – as they can fit in the overhead locker or stowage bin.

What kind of stroller can I take on a plane?

The best option is to know your airlines cabin baggage regulations and maximise them to the hilt by bringing a compact cabin sized stroller as your permittable carry on or hand luggage for the flight. A small pushchair is useful for all modes of transport.

This may mean you will have to sacrifice another travel bag under your carry on allowance.

You may still be able to take on a smaller bag for you and a diaper/nappy bag if there is also an additional lap infant baggage allowance. (For flying with a lap infant tips, see here)

Strollers which will meet most airline carry on dimensions:

Check your stroller measurements below and then see the airline carry on sizes and weight for your airline in the next table.

Airline Carry On Limits

This is the size your cabin stroller needs to be if you are bringing it onboard in place of a piece of hand luggage or carry on.

The good news is – at the end of this post, I’ve a guide that will help you not only with the allowances fo adults but the additional infant lap carry on allowances so you can work out whether you can bring a stroller as carry on plus another bag.

I’ve spent a couple of days going through over 20 airlines lap infant carry on allowance and the adult cabin baggage allowance, so you can work out which is the best stroller for air travel and which travel stroller could be used as a cabin size stroller.

Remember, you would have to sacrifice some or all of YOUR cabin bag allowance to bring this on. However, if you have a potentially long wait in an immigration queue or a transit stop where you can’t access your stroller, then this could be well worth the trade off.

Remember, if you have extras added such as stroller sunshade covers, you will need to make sure they can either fit in the stroller, or your luggage.

Compact and lightweight features obviously make the best and the most practical choice of travel stroller. Airplane wise, double strollers are unlikely to fit in the overhead stowage bins, but will be permitted to go in the hold, so I concentrate on single pushchairs here.

The Latest Compact Cabin Sized Strollers

Top Tip: Check what your adult cabin baggage allowance is, as you may be able to bring your compact stroller with you in place of (not in addition to) your carry on allowance.

At a Glance Comparison Table of the most compact cabin sized strollers. For further details of each – see below.

Image	Name	Weight	Measurements
	gb Pockit+ All City	12.5lbs/5.7kgs	Max weight Capacity: 55lbs Age suitable for: 9 – 17 kg/From 6 months up to approx. 4 years. Dimensions when folded:/L19 xW 33 x H48cm (7.5 x 13 x19″)
	Silver Cross Jet 5	16 lbs/7kg	Max weight Capacity: 55lbs Dimensions when Folded: L10 x W14.5 x H24.5″ (L25cm W37cm H63cm) Age suitable for: Suitable for newborns, infants and toddlers up to 55 lbs (25kg approx. 3-5 years old)
	Joolz Aer +	6 kg/13.22lbs	Folded dimension: 54 cm x 45 cm x 23cm (21.26″ x 17.72″ x 8.86″ ) Age suitable for: From birth with the cot
	BABYZEN YOYO2	Lightweight for a scalable stroller: 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs) in the 6+ version, 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs) with the newborn pack or 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs) with the bassinet	Max weight capacity: 22 kg (48.5 lbs) Folded dimensions: 52 × 44 × 18 cm (20.5 × 17.3 × 7.1 in) Age suitable for: From birth with newborn pack
	BABY JOY	6.8kgs/15lbs	Max weight capacity: 50 lbs/22.6kg Folded 20″ x 10″ x 28.5″ (L x W x H) Age suitable for: Suitable for 6-36 months babies and toddlers.
	Uppa Baby Minu	17lbs/7.7kgs	Max Weight capacity: 50lbs/22.6kg Folded Size: 52.1 x 58.4 x 33 (20.5 x23 x 13″) Age suitable for: 6 months +
	Bugaboo Butterfly	7.3 kg	Max Weight Capacity: 22kg Dimensions when folded: 45 x 23 x 54 cm Age suitable for: 6 months – 4 years
	Colugo Compact	7.6kg	Max weight capacity:55lbs/15kgs. Age suitable for 6 months + Dimensions folded: 17” x 24” x 10”

8 of the Most Compact Airplane Strollers Compared

gb Pockit+ All City

Made for city life, crowded restaurants, small spaces on trains, buses and planes, the Pockit + All City stroller is designed for smoother surfaces, (so not ideal for cobbled streets).

It’s compatible with the gb and Cybex car seat and has a much better sun-hood than the original Pockit, it reclines and is an upgrade on the Pockit Plus 2018 model.

• Weight 12.5lbs/5.7kgs
• Folded L19 xW 33 x H48cm (7.5 x 13 x19″)
• Age suitable for: 9 – 17 kg/From 6 months up to approx. 4 years.

This cabin size strollers is available on Amazon world wide and Walmart for US residents

Silver Cross Jet 5

The Silver Cross Jet 5 is an upgrade on the Silver Cross Compact. It boasts a coordinating, fully-extendable UPF 50+ hood with an air-flow ventilation system, rear wheel brakes, front wheel suspension and is very light thanks to the aluminium frame.

The fully extendable UPF50+ hood has an air-flow ventilation system with pop-out sun visor. Expect a full recline and adjustable footrest

Best of all, it folds small enough to fit in most cabin space on an airplane and can even be wheeled like a small suitcase!

The Silver Cross Jet 5 can be wheeled along like a cabin bag and the Jet 5 stands on its own when folded. 

What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

“It’s been brilliant for travel – super compact, lightweight and great for naps on the go as reclined to fully flat position”

Pros: Full recline and 1 Motion Fold and rain cover included.

UPF 50+ extendable sun protection canopy and pop-out sun visor

• Weight:15.87 pounds/ 7kg
• Dimensions: L33 x W20 x H41.5″
• Folded: L10 x W14.5 x H24.5″ (L25cm W37cm H63cm)
• Age suitable for: Birth up to 55lbs in USA/25kgs in UK
• (Read more about it from Amazon worldwide or Silver cross website)

Joolz Aer+

This pram is lightweight at 13.4 lbs/6.07kg and fits in airline overhead bins.
• The reclinable seat gives ultimate neck & back support and can carry up to 49lbs/22kgs.
• Dimensions when folded: L: 21 in x W: 17.7 in x H: 8.5 in/L 53.5 cm
x W 45 cm, H21.5 cm

FOR USA AND AUSTRALIA: The buggy is suitable for children that can sit unaided, (usually after 6 months old, but in addition you can purchase the AER+ carrycot on the stroller and then it is suitable for newborns.) For UK and EU markets the stroller can be used from newborn as it has an additional recline option to flat .

We took the Joolz Aer+ on holiday to Greece. We did a lot of research beforehand and felt this pram was the best on the market for our travel and daily needs. We were not disappointed and really couldn’t fault it. The stroller comes with a useful shoulder strap, carry bag and raincover.

Ease of folding/unfolding – this is so easy. It can be done one-handed whilst holding the baby which is so handy. You simply push two buttons together on the handle and it collapses / unfolds, even with accessories like the bumper bar attached.

Recline – this was excellent and provided a comfortable place for many naps on the go. We also liked the upright position. Our baby was really happy in it. My only gripe would be the break is harder to reach with the full recline.

Hood – the hood comes down so far over the baby, so only his feet were sticking out – this was a big plus point for us and not having to worry about the sun being on him and also helped with providing a dark space for naps.

Storage – this is really good, considering the size of the pram. You can easily fit a coat, carrier, handbag.

Handling – we were really happy with the handling. It felt really smooth to push around. That said, we were mostly pushing it on paths or inside.

Style- we liked how stylish it looked, which isn’t the primary reason you buy a pram, but is just an added bonus.

Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa, Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa Lite, Nuna Pipa Lite R, Nuna Pipa Lite LX, Maxi Cosi Pebble, Maxi Cosi Pebble Plus, Maxi Cosi Pebble Pro, Maxi Cosi Coral, Cybex Cloud Q, Cybex Cloud Q plus, Cybex Cloud Z, Cybex Aton Q i-size, Cybex Aton 3, Cybex Aton 4, Cybex Aton 5, Joolz iZi Go, Joolz iZi Go Modular by BeSafe, Joolz iZi Go Modular X1 by BeSafe, Besafe   iZi Go Modular, Besafe   iZi Go X1, Clek Liing, Joie i-gemm, Avionaut Pixel

• Weight: 13.4 lbs/6.07kg and fits in airline overhead bins.
• Max weight of child: 49lbs/22kgs.
• Dimensions when folded: L: 21 in x W: 17.7 in x H: 8.5 in/L 53.5 cm
  x W 45 cm, H21.5 cm
• Dimensions unfolded L: 32.7 in x W: 17.7 in x H: 41.5 in

BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller

The Babyzen YOYO is another stroller, and arguably the best known – which meets most airlines cabin baggage allowances and can be used as a carry on baby stroller.

It is not as light as the original GB Pockit for plane travel – but it weighs in at a very light 13lbs/6.2kg only a fraction more than  the GB Pockit Plus City, but with a lot more functions.

It is consistently rated highly as a contender for the best lightweight travel stroller.

The YOYO comes with a storage bag and a shoulder strap so you can easily carry the BabyZen on board a plane.

Suitable for children up to 48.5lbs/22kg.

It’s narrow enough to fit in most airplane aisles and will easily fit into the hat rack and meet many airlines cabin luggage requirements. 

This compact travel stroller feels sturdy and is often used as a daily stroller because of all its features; including multi recline, a sun canopy, rain cover and generous under seat storage.

It is on the pricey end of the market but if it is used daily and used for travel, then it may save you from buying a separate travel buggy.

These compact pushchairs are quite popular in Europe because they fit through narrow doorways and offer a smooth ride. The YOYO, is on the pricier end, but saying that, it does have a lot more functions and could easily be an everyday stroller, not just for travel.

I also have a full review of the original BabyZen YOYO here.

The Babyzen Yoyo2 is an upgrade with these measurements:

• Lightweight for a scalable stroller: 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs) in the 6+ version, 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs) with the newborn pack or 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs) with the bassinet
• Folded cabin baggage dimensions*, dimensions: 52 × 44 × 18 cm (20.5 × 17.3 × 7.1 in)
• Unfolded dimensions: 106 x 86 x 44 cm (41.7 x 33.8 x 17.3 in) in the 6+ and newborn pack versions, 106 x 96 x 44 cm (41.7 x 37.8 x 17.3 in) with the bassinet
• YOYO² protects your child up to a weight of 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
• Carry over the shoulder with its padded shoulder carry strap
• Supplied with a carrying bag
• Some other accessories available

Pros

• Good recline
• Compact

Cons

• Like many others the handlebar isn’t adjustable.

BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller (6 months +)

The Baby Joy is a great option if you are looking for a cabin size stroller and comes with a sturdy bag for convenient carrying, making it a backpack pushchair. It doesn’t recline fully but 150 degrees is close.

The Baby Joy is so small in measurements that it meets most airline cabin baggage rules when folded. This compact stroller weighs 15 lbs and measures 20″ x 10″ x 28.5″ (L x W x H) when folded.

Pros:

• 3 seating modes including 150 degree recline
• 3 footrest modes
• This lightweight stroller is suitable for 6-36 months babies and toddlers.

• Weight: 15lbs /6.8kgs
• Folded 20″ x 10″ x 28.5″ (L x W x H)
• Age suitable for: 50 lbs/22.6kg This lightweight stroller is suitable for 6-36 months babies and toddlers.

This cabin size strollers is available on Amazon world wide and Walmart for US residents

Ergobaby Metro+

The Ergobaby is sleek, lightweight and compact and makes a great cabin sized stroller as it folds down to fit into most overhead airplane bins with a folded size of 21x17x9 inches.

Rare for a compact travel stroller, it features an adjustable handlebar height and has a good recline function. This travel includes a rain shield and has a UV 50+ sun canopy.

• Weight: 21.6lbs
• Dimensions when folded: 21x17x9 “
• Recline: Yes
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag:Available separately here
• Sun Canopy: Yes
• Max Weight Capacity: 50lbs
• Age: Newborn (with the newborn nest) to toddler Metro+ is usable from birth up to 22 kg, or 4 years, whichever comes first.
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes, comes with Graco/Chicco adaptors.

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon and Ergo Baby .

Bugaboo Butterfly – 1 Second Fold Ultra-Compact Stroller – Lightweight & Compact

The stroller has an easy one handed fold using two buttons pressed together and it can be done with one hand. As you flick it open it often goes straight into place, but other times I have to push the back of the seat to click it all into place (I can use my knee so still one handed).

Folding it down is also done with the same two buttons pressed together and pushing down on the handle.

It doesn’t lie flat and therefore is only suitable from 6 months but it lies back enough to look comfortable for longer sleeps (111°-145°). There are two positions, upright and reclined and it can be changed one handed between the two. The seat is only forward facing.

This Bugaboo stroller is designed for children up to 22kg/around 4 years which is bigger than most in the travel stroller category.

My petite 6 year old (21.5kg) has ridden in it on some longer days and it is still easy to push and tall enough in the seat to handle her. At 5 foot 9, I often struggle with stroller’s that don’t have a height adjustable bar, but I find the Butterfly is still comfortable to push.

The basket is a reasonable size and I can fit our changing bag under there.Once folded, the stroller is a very compact 45 x 23 x 54 cm which means it fits in most car boots (we have a Ford S Max 7 seater and with all 7 seats up I could fit in several folded Butterflys).

It it also approved as cabin luggage and can slide into the overhead lockers easily..

We have tried it so far on Air India, British Airways and Vietnam Airlines and it was a comfortable fit in the lockers – something that made a stopover much more comfortable for all of us! It is unusual to be given your pushchair or stroller back for stopovers as you will usually collect any stroller at your final destination. Being able to use a super compact foldable stroller in-between connecting flights was incredibly useful! Read more on the Bugaboo Butterfly here.

• Weight: 7.3 kg
• Dimensions when folded: 45 x 23 x 54 cm
• Recline: Yes
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag?: No
• Sun Canopy: Yes
• Max Weight Capacity: 22kg
• Age suitable for: 6 months – 4 years
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes – with adaptors available separately. Compatible with Bugaboo Turtle One and Air by Nuna & other Maxi-Cosi® infant car seats.
• Dimensions unfolded 92.5 x 45 x 102.4 cm

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon

Colugo Compact Stroller

The Colugo is light at 7.26 kgs/16lbs and comes with a cupholder, rain cover and carry backpack. As it comes, it’s suitable for 6 months old babies and older. But there is an Infant Kit for 0-5 months.

Folded up it’s 17” x 24” x 10” (fits in an airplane overhead bin) and can take a capacity of 55lbs/15kgs.

The UPF canopy is 50+ and it can be folded ONE handed.

What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

“It’s a one handed fold and I legit felt like I could conquer the world holding a baby in one hand and folding down the pram with the other. It’s great for 6m+ and was lighter than my son at that age.”

INFANT BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE GUIDE TRICK

The guide below shows what many airlines will allow as carry on for a standard economy seat if you are flying with an infant. (Infant/child hold baggage is also included)

By looking at the adult hand baggage allowance and measurements, you can see if you can bring your foldable stroller in place of your bag cabin allowance, meaning you can have your stroller with you for the walk to baggage reclaim and passport control and stow it in the overhead compartment bin during the flight.

Just click on the image to enlarge or print.. With the guide above for the best stroller for airplane travel, you can see which one fits these allowances.

Why you should you trust our reviews

As an ex flight attendant, I know the rules and keep up to date with the industry. I started this website when my baby was a newborn, during my generous maternity leave as we started flying with her since she was 11 weeks old.

We tried and tested a few strollers on flights with each child and found our preferences. As this site has grown and new products have become available, we have reached out to readers who have joined our Facebook groups and asked them what have been the best cabin sized travel strollers for them.

This way, we have real parents offer their personal experiences for a range of strollers under different conditions all over the world.

These strollers have been used on planes, trains and other public transport, packed in cars, brought along for a Disney trip or pushed along cobbled streets in Europe. Whereas others have been carried as a backpack when a toddler refuses to be buckled in!

We’ve carried them, folded them as hand luggage or gate checked them and tested them in everyday situations from newborns to toddlers and beyond.