Taking a family holiday could be just what you need, but if you’ve got little ones in tow, then sometimes the idea of taking a flight with a baby or toddler can be a bit daunting. However, with a cabin approved stroller at hand, it could get a whole lot easier, as you can wheel them right through the terminal, up into the aeroplane, you couldn’t get any closer if you tried.
There are lots of questions about cabin approved strollers and whether or not any compact stroller can be taken on board a plane, so we’ve found 11 strollers that are suitable for taking on board most airlines, and why you might choose to get one, rather than just take your regular stroller on holiday.
What is a cabin approved stroller?
A cabin approved stroller is one that airlines will allow you to take on board an aeroplane. They are lightweight, and fold up to within the dimensions required by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Those dimensions are: 22in (56cm), width of 18in (45cm) and depth of 10in (25cm), however you might find individual airlines have different rules.
Why buy a cabin approved stroller?
As mentioned above some of the advantages of having a cabin approved stroller are that they’re lightweight, they fold up very small, and of course you can go right up into the aircraft, without having to run through the terminal, with a toddler trying their best to keep up with you.
Best cabin approved strollers at a glance:
• Best overall cabin approved stroller: Joolz Aer+ - Buy now on John Lewis
• Best for a smooth ride: Babyzen YOYO² - Buy now on Amazon
• Best for sun protection: Cosatto Yo! - Buy now on Amazon
• Best for ease of fold: Didofy Aster 2 - Buy now on Kiddies Kingdom
• Best for using with summer footwear: Silver Cross Jet 5 - Buy now on Amazon
The best cabin approved strollers available in the UK
1.
Joolz Aer+
Best overall cabin approved stroller
MOTHER&BABY
www.johnlewis.com
Another award-winning travel stroller is the Joolz Aer, of which there is now a newer model called the Joolz Aer+. The original standard model was awarded Bronze for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024. The Joolz Aer has a brilliant one-hand fold, which is complete within seconds and this was a big hit with our testers for obvious reasons.
The stroller is also a made from sustainable materials and features a 5-point click-and-go buckle. Along with this, parents will be happy to hear it has a UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation, for those hot days on a summer holiday.
Pros
- Narrow design so it fits through tight spaces
- Fits in the overhead compartment
- Made from sustainable materials
- Lightweight at just 6kg so can easily be carried with one hand when getting off the plane
- Good ventilation in the hood
- Comfortable seat, useful for airport delays
Cons
- Seat recline could be smoother
- More expensive than others on the market
| Dimensions (folded): | H 21.5cm x W45cm x L53.5cm |
| Weight: | 6kg |
| Suitable for ages: | Birth to 4 years |
- Shoulder strap
- One-hand fold
- UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation
- Adjustable harness
- Click & go 5-point buckle
- 4-wheel suspension
- High handle bar for taller parents
- Reclines to sleeping position
- Comes with travel pouch and rain cover
- Available in six different colours
Best for a smooth ride
Babyzen YOYO² is a beautifully crafted stroller, designed to be used by newborns all the way up to 22kg (4 years). The Babyzen YOYO² has been a favourite amongst parents who regularly travel, and with good reason, the stroller is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and very easy to collapse too.
The stroller arrives ready to use, meaning there are no tricky bits to assemble before its first use, and it was a hit with our mum-tester, who said, "BABYZEN’s patented Soft Drive system creates a smooth ride for a stroller of this calibre. It can take the lumps and bumps of any pavement and grass/park terrain."
Pros
- Easy one-hand fold for when you are carrying other luggage
- Fits most airline cabin baggage restrictions
- Four-wheel suspension for all terrains
- Carry handle makes it easier to carry
Cons
- Price is for frame only, the colour packs are an additional £60-£80
| Dimensions (folded): | H52cm x W44cm x L18cm |
| Weight: | 6.2kg |
| Suitable for ages: | From birth to 22kg |
- Soft faux-leather handlebar
- UPF 50+ sun protection canopy with peekaboo window
- Zipped back pocket
- Safety wrist-strap
- Multi-positioning reclining backrest with a 5-point harness
3.
Cosatto Yo!
Best for a sun protection
Not only does the Cosatto Yo! look great with its vibrant colours, it’s also been crafted from over 34 recycled bottles, making it great for those who are eco-conscious.
This latest travel stroller from the popular baby gear brand, offers a UPF 100+ sun shade along with a rain cover to protect its precious cargo. The Cosatto Yo! also comes in four different designs depending on what you fancy for your little one.
Pros
- Lightweight at just 7kg so it can be carried in one hand
- Fully reclinable comfy seat unit can be used from birth
- Quick-release 5-point safety harness
- Comes with industry-leading 4-year guarantee
Cons
- Brake quite hard to get off once it's been pushed down
- Hard to push on rough terrain
| Dimensions (folded): | H25cm x W45cm x L56cm |
| Weight: | 7kg |
| Suitable for ages: | Birth to 25kg |
- UPF 100+ sun protection hood
- Rain cover
- Storage pocket on the rear of the hood
- Spacious basket and storage pocket
- Front and rear suspension with lockable wheels
- Cushioned chest pads
- Quick release five-point harness
- One hand auto-lock
Best for adjustable handlebars
The Ergobaby Metro+ might be a compact stroller designed to take on holiday, but that doesn’t stop it from featuring everything you’d expect when it comes to comfort and convenience.
The adjustable handlebar is a great feature allowing parents of different heights to easily change it according to their needs, it also offers night-reflective details for safety, and can be used from newborn.
Our reviewer said, ‘The folding mechanism made it effortless to take up and down, you could almost do it one-handed!’
Pros
- Sleek, streamlined design is great for tight spaces
- The compact fold can even fit in car footwell
- Adjustable handlebar, perfect for parents of different heights
Cons
- Shopping basket could be more secure
| Dimensions (folded): | H25cm x W44cm x L54cm |
| Weight: | 7.8kg |
| Suitable for ages: | From newborn - 22kg |
- Adjustable leg rest
- Perforated vegan leather handlebar
- Night-reflective details
- Hidden ‘newborn nest’ flaps
Best for storage basket
MOTHER&BABY
www.bugaboo.com
Another high-performer when it comes to cabin approved strollers is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller scored 4.5 stars from our testers, and we can see why. The storage basket can hold up to 8kg, and it can be used from six months, with an almost fully lie-flat recline.
Coupled with the all-important UPF 50+ canopy, this stroller be exactly what you’re looking for. Like several other designs we've listed, the Bugaboo Butterfly also features a carry strap, and comes well within the size requirements.
Read our full review of the Bugaboo Butterfly
Pros
- Compatible with certain car seats
- Carry strap makes it easier to take with you
- Easy fold for when you have your hands full
Cons
- Not suitable for newborns as it doesn't lie flat
| Dimensions (folded): | H54cm x W23cm x L45cm |
| Weight: | 7.3kg |
| Suitable for ages: | 6 months - 4 years |
- Underseat basket holds up to 8 kg
- Full suspension
- UPF 50+ sun canopy with extendable breezy panel
- Almost fully flat one-hand recline
6.
Cybex Coya
Best for one-handed fold
www.mamasandpapas.com
Arriving fully assembled, the Cybex Coya is a ‘breeze’ in the words of our tester. The stroller features machine washable fabric covers which are perfect for the sticky situations.
Boasting a one-handed fold and unfold feature, the Cybex Coya is great for busy parents who will no doubt have their hands full. Once folded, the stroller also has a carry strap, making it easier to take with you, when your hands are full.
Pros
- Lightweight at just 6.6kg, great carrying in one hand
- Ergonomic near flat recline is great for baby sleeping
- Carry strap for when your hands are full
Cons
- Shopping basket is tricky to reach
- Recline position in upright still appears quite reclined
- Price is at the higher end
| Dimensions (folded): | H52cm x W44cm x L18cm |
| Weight: | 6.6kg |
| Suitable for ages: | From birth to approx 4 years |
- Fabric covers machine washable at 30°C
- Carry strap
- Good sized storage basket
- Sleek overall design
Best for smallest when folded
Pockit+This stroller comes in various models, we particularly liked the GB Gold Pockit+ because it offers all-terrain wheels and a sunshade which has UPF50+. This cabin approved stroller has one of the smallest sizes once it’s been folded up, and although it’s a two-handed job to fold it, it is quick and easy to do.
It can be hard to get to the storage basket when the back is fully reclined, but that’s a small inconvenience for this reasonably priced stroller, which is incredibly lightweight.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight, at just 4.6kg it's perfect for travelling
- Approved by several airlines
- Easy to fold and store so it does take up space while on holiday
- One of the smallest strollers available when folded
Cons
- Might not last until 4 years, as listed
| Dimensions (folded): | H42cm x W34cm x L20cm |
| Weight: | 4.6kg |
| Suitable for ages: | Birth - 4 years |
- Extendable sunshade with UPF50+
- Cover machine washable up to 30°C
- Swivelling and lockable front wheels
- Easy folding with two handles
- Adjustable backrest
- Two different ways to fold, with one very compact
Gold for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024
Hauck The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller was awarded Gold for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024, and with good reason. With one-handed folding, the frame is very stable, meaning that your child gets a comfortable ride whatever the surface you take them on. Along with this, the stroller includes a canopy with UV and UPF 50+ built in, so you’ll be sorted for any hot weather.
One of our testers said she her daughter loved it so much she didn’t want to get out, she explained, “I love that the covers are removable and washable as we all know how much toddlers adore snacks! It was extremely comfortable for my 2 year old - so much so she refused to get out of it!”
Read our full review of the Hauck Travel N Care Stroller
Pros
- Lightweight at just 7kg, so it can be easily carried in one hand
- One-handed folding which is so much easier when travelling
- Large storage basket for changing bag and toys
- Easy to clean surfaces, perfect for sticky fingers
Cons
- The hood could extend more
| Dimensions (folded): | H34cm x W50cm x L58cm |
| Weight: | 7kg |
| Suitable for ages: | Birth - 25kg |
- Handy and compact travel companion
- Agile, comfortable and safe travel
- Practical handling for active parents
- One-handed folding
- Suspension
- UPF 50+
- Light, handy and robust
- Self-standing and small folding
- Adjustable seating and lying area
- Canopy with UV protection and peek-a-boo window
- Easy to care material
- Large storage basket
9.
Joie pactTM
Best from birth
Joiewww.johnlewis.com
Made for parents who want a featherweight, compact stroller, the Joie pactTM is a very reasonably priced cabin approved stroller. Despite having a slightly shorter age range than most (birth to three years), this stroller can also be used with a car seat giving it more uses than the average travel stroller.
The Joie pactTM is also very versatile as it has an adjustable handle height, a canopy with UPF 50+, which is also water repellent, and a lie-flat option for use from birth. This stroller is very slightly outside the restrictions set out by the IATA, however some reviewers have been allowed to take it on board an aeroplane.
Pros
- Convenient carry strap for when your hands are full
- Includes its own storage bag
- Compatible with certain models of Joie car seats
Cons
- The backrest doesn't fully rise
| Dimensions (folded): | H56.5cm x W52.5cm x L24cm |
| Weight: | 6kg |
| Suitable for ages: | From birth to 3 years |
- 5 point harness
- Lockable front swivel wheels
- Dual wheel suspension
- Adjustable leg rest
- Handle height adjustable from 97 to 105.5cm
- One-hand recline adjustment
- Multi recline positions
10.
Didofy Aster 2
Best for ease of fold
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
The Didofy Aster 2 is a beautifully finished compact fold stroller, suitable to take on most aeroplanes. Not only is the stroller lightweight and easy to steer through busy airports, it’s also very easy to fold up with the MagicFold. The MagicFold does exactly what you’d expect with the press of a button, for both folding and unfolding… Magic!
This cabin approved stroller also has an extendable waterproof hood with UPF 50, which seems pretty much standard these days, perfect for getting away to warmer countries. While it is only forward facing, it can be used from birth as it has the option for a lie-flat position.
Read our full review for Didofy Aster 2
Pros
- UPF50 waterproof extendable hood
- MagicFold - self shutting mechanism
- Lightweight at just 6.2kg so you can easily carry it
- Carry handle makes it easier to carry
- Large shopping basket
- Cup holder
Cons
- Can scuff easily
- Rain cover ripped easily
- Only forward-facing option
| Dimensions (folded): | H25cm x W55cm x L47cm |
| Weight: | 6.2kg |
| Suitable for ages: | From birth to 22kg |
- MagicFold – press the button to fold and unfold
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy steering
- Stands upright when folded
- Extendable UPF50 waterproof hood with peekaboo window
- 5-point cushioned harness
- Adjustable footrest and multi-position reclining backrest
- Lockable swivel puncture-proof wheels
- In-built suspension
- Large storage basket
Best for using with summer footwear
Silver CrossWith a name like Silver Cross you can rarely go wrong, and this cabin approved stroller continues to show why they are a trusted brand. This latest model, the Silver Cross Jet 5, is a brand new looking stroller suitable for taking on board planes, whether your child is a newborn or a toddler.
Along with all the usual things you’d expect from a travel stroller, such as a compact fold, the Silver Cross Jet 5 can be pulled along like a suitcase, handy for when you’re already carrying things on your shoulders. The folded dimensions are very slightly outside the IATA requirements, however it is believed to be accepted on many airlines.
Pros
- Can be pulled along like a suitcase
- Flip-flop friendly brake for when you're in holiday mode
- Great material and quality gives reassurance
- Easy to assemble making it quick to get going
Cons
- Can be tricky to open
- More pricey than some
| Dimensions (folded): | H60cm x L25cm x W37cm |
| Weight: | 7.5kg |
| Suitable for ages: | Birth – 22kg |
- One-hand recline
- Lie flat mode for newborns
- Large UPF50+ hood with a pull-out sun peak
- Adjustable calf support
- Good sized storage basket
What is a cabin approved stroller?
A cabin approved stroller is one that is especially designed to fold up into the required dimensions, set by the IATA and individual airlines. These types of strollers are the perfect travel companion to a family with young children.
What type of stroller can I bring on a plane?
Your stroller will need to be a cabin approved stroller in order for you to take it on board with you, otherwise it will need to be checked like other large pieces of luggage and put in the hold of the plane. In most cases, checking a stroller, and other baby equipment is free, however it will depend on the airline.
What have the airlines said about cabin approved luggage?
Despite the IATA setting out some rules over the sizes of cabin approved strollers, each airline has their own restrictions, which should be checked before intending to travel. Below are the restrictions on some major airlines.
easyJet
The easyJet website states, that if you wish to bring a stroller on board, ‘They will need to be stowed in the overhead locker, should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm, (including any handles or wheels), and need to be purchased as a ‘large cabin bag’ when you book your flight.’
Jet2.com
Strollers are not allowed in the cabin of Jet2 aircraft, instead the website says, ‘a collapsible pushchair/buggy and/or a car seat and/or a travel cot can be carried in the hold free of charge, as long as the total weight of these items doesn’t exceed 10kg. Anything exceeding this will be charged for in line with our excess baggage policy, subject to space and availability.
'And for your convenience, you can take your collapsible pushchair/buggy all the way to the plane steps/air bridge, where we’ll put it in the hold and you can get it back at baggage reclaim.’
British Airways
British Airways' website states, 'You’ll find generous baggage allowances with free carry-ons, children over 2 are given the same allowance as adults and essentials such as child seats and pushchairs are included.'
However, the website also states that pushchairs within certain larger dimensions can be taken up to the aircraft door. There they must then be handed over to be placed in the hold. In certain destinations it will then be returned to the aircraft door on arrival.
To take advantage of this service, 'It must be a single piece, slimline, fully collapsible pushchair,' and 'Maximum dimension size including wheels: Height 38cm, Length 117cm, Depth 38cm.'
Emirates
For travellers with Emirates, it is dependent on the space in the aeroplane as the website says passengers are, ‘Permitted to bring one carry‑cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. If there is no space for these items in the cabin, they will have to be checked.’
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic state: ‘Pushchairs that are a maximum of 23 x 36 x 56cm (9 x 14 x 22 inches) when folded are permitted in the cabin with you as your hand baggage.’
However, it also says: 'Please note pushchairs carried onboard are part of your hand baggage allowance, not an additional item. If your buggy does not fit in the baggage sizer at check in or at the boarding gate, the pushchair will be tagged by ground staff and checked in either at check in or the boarding gate. You must be able to place your foldable pushchair in the overhead bins unaided.'
Ryanair
Ryanair's website reads, 'You can bring 2 items of carry-on baby equipment for free.
'This can include a pushchair/buggy, car seat, booster seat or travel cot. These will need to be tagged at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate. You will be able to use your pushchair/buggy until you get to the steps of the aircraft. Depending on your arrival airport you may find it at the steps of the aircraft or in the arrival's baggage hall. Check with the ground staff as you disembark the aircraft.'
However, it is also understood that passengers may take a stroller on board for free, if it is within the hand luggage dimensions (55 x 40 x 20cm), and there is space on board.
TUI
With the same dimensions for hand luggage as Ryanair, TUI will allow passengers to take on board buggies that are within those dimensions. The website says, 'You can take 1 piece of hand luggage per person (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg and with maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm on a TUI Airways flight.
'You must be able to lift your hand luggage into the overhead storage compartments yourself.
'You can take your pushchair or buggy through security, right up until you get on the plane, where we’ll put it into the luggage hold for you. You won’t usually get access to the buggy again until you get to the baggage reclaim area in your destination.'
All the information is correct at the time of writing, but we advise checking the airline you are flying with as their luggage restrictions may change.
Anna Sky Magliola is a freelance writer for Mother&Baby. She's a mum to a three-year-old little girl and an active volunteer with her local NCT branch, where she is branch coordinator. Anna Sky has worked for Bauer Media (Mother&Baby's parent company) for 17 years as a digital content editor.