Best Travel Strollers & Airline Tips (Holiday Travel from Canada)
- Dennis S.
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14
Travelling with a tiny co-pilot over the holidays can feel like a relay race—security, snacks, naps, repeat. The right travel stroller makes everything smoother: quick fold at security, comfy naps in terminals, and (sometimes) a fast tuck into the overhead bin. Here’s a simple, parent-tested guide to help you pick fast and fly happy.
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Quick Picks (fast choices by real-life needs)
Best overall — Bugaboo Butterfly 2
One-hand fold, comfy seat, big canopy, and a compact fold many families have tucked in the overhead on larger planes (crew and space permitting).
Smallest fold for flying — Cybex Libelle
Super light with one of the tiniest folds you’ll find; made for zipping through airports and sliding into tight spaces.
Comfy and compact — Joolz Aer+
Easy one-hand fold, supportive seat, and a lovely push for such a small stroller—great for long connections and naps.
Best travel system convenience — Nuna TRVL lx
Instant travel system with Nuna infant seats, no adapters; easy fold when you’re solo parenting.
Tiny legend with tons of accessories — BABYZEN YOYO²
A proven travel favorite with a slim, tidy fold and a big ecosystem of add-ons.
Great value — Baby Jogger City Tour 2
Light, compact, widely stocked in Canada, and comes with a carry bag—nice balance of price and performance.
Worth a look — Silver Cross Jet 5
Very compact, “cabin approved” by the brand, and dressed up nicely for holiday trips.
What actually matters for holiday travel
Fast, small fold: You want a stroller that collapses in seconds and takes up very little space.
Light to lift: Under about 7 kilos simply feels easier when you’re juggling snacks and passports.
Comfy seat & big canopy: Airports are bright and noisy—shade and a cozy seat help little ones rest.
Simple storage: A useful basket and a back pocket keep wipes, hats, and tickets handy.
Canada airline reality (Air Canada & WestJet)
Air Canada: One stroller per child is accepted free. Small fully folding strollers are welcome; larger ones are checked at the counter. If there’s room, crew may let very compact strollers onboard, but plan to gate-check.
WestJet: Strollers and car seats are stored at no charge; most families gate-check compact strollers. Carry-on allowance varies by fare, so always check your booking.
Bottom line: Even if a brand says “cabin friendly,” the final call is aircraft, space, and crew. Pack a gate-check bag and expect to hand the stroller over at the door—if you get overhead space, treat it as a bonus.
How to pack so the gate is easy
Bring a gate-check bag to protect fabric and keep everything together.
Remove extras (cup holders, snack trays) before you get to the gate.
Label it with your name and phone number.
Bring a baby carrier for hands-free boarding and naps.
Winter tip: Toss a small towel in the bag so wet wheels don’t soak your trunk later. (Airlines generally don’t cover stroller damage—bags help.)
FAQs
Q: Will my stroller go in the cabin?
A: Sometimes. If the stroller is very small and there’s space, crew may allow it. Most families gate-check in Canada—plan for that and you’ll be happy if it fits onboard.
Q: Do airlines charge for strollers?
A: Air Canada and WestJet accept strollers at no charge for children. Policies can change—check your booking before you pack.
Final thoughts
Holiday travel can be fun with the right gear. Choose a small, quick-fold stroller that matches your routine, pack a carrier and a gate-check bag, and you’ll move through airports like a pro. If you’ve flown with any of these from Calgary or Toronto, share your tips—they help other parents travel with confidence!
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