Travel Like a Boss: The Best Gate Check Stroller Bag
If you fly with a toddler regularly, you probably already know that gate-checking your stroller is the most annoying part of air travel. That’s why we think you should get a stroller bag, which lets you check your stroller directly at the gate, rather than dragging it through the airport. After researching dozens of bags, speaking with industry experts, and testing seven bags with a total of four different strollers, we’ve found the best gate-check stroller bag for most travelers. It’s simple to use, made of durable material, and available in several colors.
| # | Name | Preview | Rating | Action |
| 1 | J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Premium Padded Car Seat Travel Bag |  | 9.7 | |
| 2 | Stroller Travel Bag for Airplane Gate Check-in |  | 9.0 | |
| 3 | J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Standard & Double Strollers |  | 8.4 | |
| 4 | V VOLKGO Gate Check Double Stroller Bag for Airplane Travel |  | 8.4 | |
| 5 | J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Single Umbrella Strollers |  | 7.8 |
How We Evaluated Each Product
We took each bag through the packing and unpacking process four times and measured how easy each bag was to use, how much space it took up, and how securely it kept each stroller contained.
We then traveled with each bag, checking them repeatedly to see how well they kept the stroller contained during the trip, both on the road and in the air. We also took notes on how easy they were to carry, and how comfortable they were in general.
We checked each bag for any signs of wear and tear, whether there were any fraying edges or damage to the zippers or handles.
After we got home, we checked each bag again to see how easily they were able to be cleaned: whether dirt or stains came off with a damp cloth or a little bit of laundry detergent.
J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Premium Padded Car Seat Travel Bag
Here’s What We Have Found
The J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack has been protecting car seats for almost 20 years, and it’s the only gate check bag we’ve tested that actually works. Every other bag we tried either broke, or the strap tore through the fabric, or the buckles got stuck in conveyor belts. But the Ultimate Backpack has a simple design that works, and it’s built to last.
This bag has extra-thick padding, tough and water-resistant fabric, and comfortable, supportive straps. It’s also spacious enough for multiple passengers’ things—more so than most other bags we tested.
We don’t think you should have to spend a lot of money to get a decent car seat bag, especially since the majority of people will only need one per family. The J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack is an excellent car seat bag at an amazing price.
Stroller Travel Bag for Airplane Gate Check-in
Here’s What We Have Found
The Stroll2 airline gate check stroller bag is the best option for travelers who want to travel lightly and prefer to have their stroller with them at all times.
It’s big enough to fit most single, double, and jogger strollers, and the airline staff usually accepts it for gate checking free of charge (though you may have to ask).
The bag is made of a sturdy, water-resistant fabric with a smooth, strong zipper, and it has fully padded, adjustable backpack straps for extra protection. The Stroll2 has a fully enclosed cover that provides additional protection for the stroller, and it folds into an attached pouch that you can slip into your handbag or hand baggage when not in use.
It also comes in a variety of fun colors, and the name card slot makes it easier to spot at the airport.
J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Standard & Double Strollers
Here’s What We Have Found
The J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Standard & Double Strollers is the only bag we tested that’s airline certified. It’s made of durable yet lightweight and water-resistant material with double-stitched seams for strength.
This bag has a drawstring closure with an adjustable lock and webbing handles for easy lifting. It stuffs quickly into an attached spandex pouch and is compact enough to fit in a stroller basket, stroller cup holder, backpack, or carry-on bag.
The bright color and large logo help you identify your stroller at the airline gate and ensure that it’s returned to you after your trip.
It’s also equipped with an ID box to easily write your name. We don’t recommend this bag for baggage check, because it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as the other hard-sided bags we tested.
V VOLKGO Gate Check Double Stroller Bag for Airplane Travel
Here’s What We Have Found
We’ve tested an array of stroller bags, and the VVolkgo Gate Check Stroller Bag (affordable and spacious enough to fit most twins or larger strollers) is the best.
The bag’s two padded, adjustable backpack straps make it easy to carry; its lockable zipper is a security bonus; and with its robust construction and protective padding, it’s better at protecting your stroller than other bags we’ve tried.
While other companies offer free shipping on returns, we found that VVolkgo’s customer service was faster and more responsive.
J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Single Umbrella Strollers
Here’s What We Have Found
The J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag is the best option for protecting your car seat from airline handling. It’s airline-certified, so you can be confident that your precious cargo will arrive safely.
The J.L. Childress bag is also the only option that fully protects your stroller from getting dirty and germy during gate check. Its sturdy, yet lightweight and water-resistant design is made from double-stitched seams for strength.
The Gate Check Bag stuffs quickly into an attached spandex pouch (a plus for the occasional flyer) and is compact enough to fit in a diaper bag, backpack, stroller basket, or carry-on bag. We don’t recommend it for baggage check because it doesn’t have a hard shell.
The J.L. Childress bag has a drawstring closure with an adjustable lock to keep your car seat secure, and a webbing handle for easy lifting. Bright red and in the shape of an airplane, it’s also the only option that comes with an ID box to help you keep track of your gate check luggage.
You can use it to protect your stroller, too, or other things you want to keep clean and safe while traveling. It’s also the cheapest option we tested. If you’re looking for a little more protection from your stroller, or you want a slightly more upscale look, the J.L. Childress Deluxe Gate Check Bag will do the trick.
Some Factors That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
After spending hours researching and testing stroller bags, we narrowed our list down to the finalists.
We considered the following criteria:
Ease of Use
The best bags are easy to load and unload. The zippers should be able to withstand repeated opening and closing without getting stuck or snagging. A more straightforward design is always better than a more complicated one, especially if it’s harder to pack and unpack.
Capacity
A good bag should be able to hold everything you need for a day trip—which means being able to fit your child’s car seat as well as all of the baby gear you wouldn’t want to leave behind. You may have additional items that you want to bring along (such as toys or snacks), so a big pocket for extras is helpful.
We also looked at how much each bag could expand when stuffed full. This helped us assess how much extra space each offered for bulky items like large diaper bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you carry a stroller through security?
The answer to this question depends on the specific airport’s security policy. Some airports do not allow strollers through security, while others do. It is always best to check with the airport ahead of time to see what their policy is.
2. Can you take a stroller through airport security?
Yes, you can take a stroller through airport security. However, you may be asked to remove the stroller’s wheels for inspection.
3. Are strollers allowed in airport security?
It depends on the airport. Some allow them through the security checkpoint, while others do not.
4. What do I do with my stroller at airport security?
You will need to remove your child from the stroller, and fold the stroller up. You will then need to carry the stroller through the metal detector.
5. How do you get a stroller through airport security?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. In general, you will likely need to remove your child from the stroller and carry them through the metal detector. You may also be required to remove the stroller from its carrying case and send it through the metal detector separately.
