1Best for strict cabin limits
Cybex Libelle
At 18.9 x 12.6 x 7.8 in folded, the Libelle meets every airline stroller limit we checked, including United’s and Qantas’s 22 x 14 x 9 in. Its seat starts at 6 months.
- Weight
- 13.7 lb
- Folded
- 18.9 x 12.6 x 7.8 in
- Child up to
- 55 lb
- 22 x 14 x 9 bag
- Fits
Why it stands out
- Folds to 18.9 x 12.6 x 7.8 in, inside a standard US carry-on
- 13.7 lb with a 55 lb child limit
- Adapters for Cybex infant seats come in the box
- Current version adds a near-flat recline and front suspension
Watch out for
- Seat from 6 months only, no bassinet option
- Small, shallow basket (11 lb) and a short canopy
- Two-step fold, no bag or strap included
Read the full Cybex Libelle review
2Best for European airlines
Stokke YOYO5
The YOYO5 is 8.7 in thick and fits the 55 x 45 x 25 cm cabin stroller size Air France and KLM publish. It folds with the seat still on, and the bag is included.
- Weight
- 15.4 lb
- Folded
- 20.5 x 17.7 x 8.7 in
- Child up to
- 48.5 lb
- 22 x 14 x 9 bag
- Too big
Why it stands out
- Folds one-handed with the seat or newborn pack still attached
- 20.5 x 17.7 x 8.7 in, within Air France and KLM cabin stroller limits
- 22 lb basket limit, the biggest of the singles
- Shoulder strap and carry bag included
Watch out for
- Seat pack is for 6 months and up; newborns need the $150 newborn pack
- At 15.4 lb, it is heavier than the YOYO3 it replaced
- YOYO3 accessories do not fit the new frame
Read the full Stokke YOYO5 review
3Best for flying with a baby
Joolz Aer2
The Aer2 lies flat from birth and still fits the Air France and KLM stroller limit. On US airlines its 17.3 in width puts it over the 14 in carry-on size.
- Weight
- 14.3 lb
- Folded
- 20.9 x 17.3 x 9.2 in
- Child up to
- 50 lb
- 22 x 14 x 9 bag
- Too big
Why it stands out
- Seat lies fully flat, so it works from birth without a bassinet
- One-hand fold that stands on its own, with a shoulder strap and travel pouch included
- 17.6 lb basket, big for a travel stroller
- Up to 10-year warranty if you register it within 6 months
Watch out for
- At 20.9 x 17.3 x 9.2 in folded, it is wider than a 22 x 14 x 9 in carry-on
- Car seat adapters ($59.99) are extra
- Fabrics are hand-wash only
Read the full Joolz Aer2 review
4Smallest fold
gb Pockit+ All-City
Retailers list the Pockit+ All-City at about 18.9 x 13 x 7.5 in folded, and United names the Pockit among strollers it allows in the cabin. Stock is patchy.
- Weight
- 13.2 lb
- Folded
- 18.9 x 13 x 7.5 in
- Child up to
- 55 lb
- 22 x 14 x 9 bag
- Fits
Why it stands out
- Around 18.9 x 13 x 7.5 in folded (retailer figures)
- 13.2 lb with a 55 lb child limit
- Cybex infant seat adapters included
Watch out for
- Seat does not lie flat; 6 months and up
- Flexy frame and split push handles
- Several US retailers show it sold out
Read the full gb Pockit+ All-City review
5Best to use on the plane
Doona X
The Doona X is an FAA approved infant car seat with wheels. If you buy your baby a seat, it rolls down the aisle and becomes their seat.
- Weight
- 19.6 lb
- Folded
- 28.5 x 18 x 17.3 in
- Child up to
- 30 lb
- 22 x 14 x 9 bag
- Too big
Why it stands out
- Infant car seat and stroller in one, FAA approved for aircraft
- New 3-position recline in stroller mode
- LATCH base, infant insert and seat protector included
Watch out for
- 19.6 lb to carry as a car seat
- Outgrown at 30 lb or 32 in
- No basket; $850
Read the full Doona X review
6Best for long-haul with a newborn
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus
The Butterfly 2 Plus lies flat with a newborn foot cover. At 21.8 in it is just over the 55 cm Air France and KLM limit, but it fits Spirit’s 22 x 18 x 10 in.
- Weight
- 16 lb
- Folded
- 21.8 x 17.6 x 9.6 in
- Child up to
- 50 lb
- 22 x 14 x 9 bag
- Too big
Why it stands out
- Lay-flat seat and newborn foot cover, so no bassinet needed
- Adapters fit Nuna PIPA, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Clek and Bugaboo Turtle seats
- 17.6 lb basket plus a seat-back pocket
- 4-year warranty when bought from Bugaboo
Watch out for
- 16 lb, about 1.7 lb heavier than the Joolz Aer2
- Folds to 21.8 x 17.6 x 9.6 in, over a 22 x 14 x 9 in carry-on
- Adapters ($69.95) and transport bag cost extra
Read the full Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus review
Which Strollers Fit Airline Cabin Limits?
An airline’s published stroller limit is the only firm answer to "will it fit". Here is each stroller’s maker-published fold against those limits. Yes means it is within the limit on paper. Bin space and the crew still decide on the day.
Gate Check or Carry On?
Gate checking is free on Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue, and you usually get the stroller back at the aircraft door. The risk is damage. Gate-checked strollers ride in the hold with the bags.
Keeping a stroller in the cabin protects it, but it needs a small fold and an empty bin. Board as early as your group allows, because bin space goes fast.
Flying With a Car Seat
If you buy your child a seat, the FAA recommends an approved car seat as the safest way for them to fly. That is the case for a car seat stroller like the Doona X: it is the stroller through the airport and the seat on the plane. Rules for using car seats on board differ by airline; our airline stroller policies page covers 25 of them.
Flying with a newborn? Our travel strollers for newborns compares the lie-flat options.