💼 Cabin bag
Not permitted in the cabin. Check at the gate — most US airlines allow one pram free of charge.
✈️ Hold (checked)
Free gate check on most US airlines. Can be collected at the gate on arrival.
Pram / pushchair
Common questions
Yes, in most cases. Most airlines allow you to take a pram through the terminal and to the gate, where it is tagged and checked at the aircraft door just before boarding. It is then placed in the hold and returned to the gate on arrival rather than sent to baggage reclaim. This means you have it available for the full duration of your journey through the airport.
Gate-checking prams at the aircraft door is standard practice on most airlines in the US, UK, EU, and elsewhere. The main variation is whether the airline charges a fee — most US and European carriers allow one pram free of charge, but some budget airlines may have different policies. Confirm with your specific airline before travel, particularly on low-cost carriers.
Fold the pram before you board and attach the airline's gate-check tag, which staff will give you at the boarding gate. Remove any detachable items — rain covers, toys, or accessories — and take them into the cabin with you, since gate-checked items are not always handled gently. Label the pram with your name and flight details in case it is misrouted.
Yes — add extra time for check-in and security, since navigating a pram through a busy terminal and checkpoint takes longer than travelling without one. At security, you will typically need to fold the pram and place it on the X-ray belt while carrying your child separately through the metal detector. Arriving 15–20 minutes earlier than you normally would gives you enough buffer.
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Browse all Baby & Family →Based on official United States security guidelines. Rules vary by airline and route — always verify with your carrier before travel. · Rules last verified May 2026.