[AliC]

I flew American Airlines with my two children and was told when I went to check in that I could not bring my stroller. I have a 1 year old and a 3 year old, it is crucial I have the stroller. The AA manager who called herself the "top dog" told me that there is a new policy where the stroller has to weigh less than 20 lbs. I weighed my stroller to prove to her it weighed less than 20lbs, and it did, weighing in at 15. I must have made her mad by questioning the policy because she told me it was her decision whether or not I was allowed to take the stroller and her decision was no.

I had a 2.5 hour layover with a baby and a 3 year old. It was stressful for me and unsafe for my children. I got to the next airport and was told by 2 AA employees that she was wrong and she should have let me take the stroller. I have complained to the AA website (because that is all you can do, no customer service desk or phone number) and I am awaiting thier reply. This woman, who told me I could not talk to anyone besides her because she is the manager, and the only one is charge, ruined my flight.

[A320FAN]

I have to side with AA on this one as many people who have these bulky strollers do not even bother to fold them up. I applaud American for taking these steps. This is from AA.com regarding strollers:

Carry-On and Checked Item Allowances

Carry-on and checked item allowances for children vary depending on whether or not a seat is purchased for the child.
If a seat is purchased for a child, the standard carry-on baggage and checked baggage allowance apply.
If a seat was not purchased for an infant, that infant does not have a carry-on or checked baggage allowance. However, the following items are allowed over and above the carry-on allowance for the adult traveling with an infant:

• Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child (may also be checked)<LI sizcache="3" sizset="228">Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child (see details for stroller acceptance below)
• Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child

IMPORTANT NOTE

All strollers, car seats and similar infant/child items should be labeled with a name and contact phone number.

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Infant Seat or Child Restraint Devices

If you do not purchase a seat for your infant (under two years of age):

• An approved child safety seat can be carried on board
• The device cannot be used in a seat unless there is an unoccupied seat available next to the adult traveling
• Due to many events that occur during the last several minutes before departure time, we cannot be certain that an unoccupied seat that meets the above criteria will be available until the final boarding process
• If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the infant seat/child restraint device to your final destination. Please check with the gate agent for further details

When traveling internationally, infants without a seat but paying 10% of an adult fare are allowed one piece of checked baggage not to exceed 45in/115cms 50lbs/23kgs.
You may want to consider checking the infant/car seat or child restraint device at the ticket counter. However, American is not responsible for damage to infant/child restraint devices and loss/damage of any items attached to the device, whether these items are checked at the ticket counter or the gate.
Infant/child restraint devices include, but are not limited to, strollers and car seats.
For taxi, takeoff, landing, during turbulence, or when the Fasten Seatbelt sign is on, American accepts only FAA approved infant seats/child restraint devices that are certified for use in aircraft.

Stroller Acceptance For a Ticketed or Lap Child

Stroller TypeFeaturesUmbrella Stroller

• AA highly recommends using this type of stroller
• May be taken onboard the aircraft as long as it fits in the overhead bin
• Exempt from carry-on allowance and baggage charges
• May be checked at the gate

Fully Collapsible Stroller Weighing Less Than 20 lbs.

• May be checked at the ticket counter
• May be checked at the gate
• May not be carried on the aircraft
• Exempt from baggage charges

Large Stroller or Non-Collapsible Stroller or Heavy Stroller Weighing Over 20 lbs.†

• Strongly discouraged to avoid damage. Facilities were not designed to accommodate these types of strollers
• May be checked at the ticket counter†
• May not be carried on the aircraft
• Exempt from baggage charges

Please note: American is not responsible for damage to any stroller not properly packed in original packaging.

†Effective June 1, 2011, large, jogging, non-collapsible strollers, or those over 20 lbs will no longer be accepted at the gate and therefore must be checked at the ticket counter. There is no charge as long as a child or infant is traveling.

[AliC]

I was in accordance with all of American Airlines stipulations on Thier website. My stroller was under 15 pounds and both of my children had purchased seats. I believe all passengers should have the same luggage rights regardless of their age.

[A320FAN]

Originally Posted by AliC

I was in accordance with all of American Airlines stipulations on Thier website. My stroller was under 15 pounds and both of my children had purchased seats. I believe all passengers should have the same luggage rights regardless of their age.

The point was that is was bulky, and many people who have these strollers, just simply do not bother to fold them up, thus leaving those strollers in more of a position to receive damage while the aircraft is in flight. I am still siding with American. if the stroller is bulky regardless
of it's weight, you need to check it as regular luggage at the ticket counter.

[A320FAN]

By the way why did you file this under US Airways? This belong under American Airlines

[jimworcs]

A320fan... I am impressed at your psychic powers and ability to determine the stroller was bulky from the information provided. The alternative explanation is that the AA representative was doing what many stupid airline employees do... getting it wrong and then getting arsy when it is pointed out to them.

[The_Judge]

I'm no expert but............no, I'm no expert. I"m sure the OP is right on.

[Gromit801]

Originally Posted by jimworcs

A320fan... I am impressed at your psychic powers and ability to determine the stroller was bulky from the information provided. The alternative explanation is that the AA representative was doing what many stupid airline employees do... getting it wrong and then getting arsy when it is pointed out to them.

Who needs psychic powers? The OP clearly stated two children. One stroller for both. Means a double stroller. They are bulky. Elementary Watson.

[torsionbar]

Hi, new from Australia and I think you must go for the lighter stroller that is from GB Pocket Stroller rushk com.au/gb-pockit-stroller and I think it is in different colours!