Which Airlines Allow You to Take a Pet Stroller?

It is becoming much more common for strollers to be used for dogs, whether due to the dog’s health and mobility issues, or just their general comfort and safety. Not surprising then, some airlines have begun to make allowances for the transportation of pet strollers.

It’s probably possible to fly with a pet stroller on many airlines, subject to your baggage allowance and fees for additional baggage. Although it’s best to check in advance before turning up at the airport. But these airlines have clear policies on their website about flying with pet strollers.

Airlines That Transport Pet Strollers for Free

There are a couple of generous airlines that stipulate in their pet policy that they transport pet strollers for free.

In Europe, the only airline that I’m aware of that offers this benefit is Air Malta, an airline that I have previously used to fly with my dog to and from the island of Malta. On their website, they state that the “carriage of a pet stroller is free of charge”. View their full pet policy.

In the United States, there are two airlines that offer this benefit. First up, JetBlue state that “pet strollers are considered assistive devices and can be checked at the ticket counter for no charge.” Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your pet stroller while you walk through the terminal, there is the option to gate-check the stroller. View their full pet policy.

The second American airline with a generous policy for pet strollers is Southwest Airlines. As part of their pet policy, they states that “pet owners can also check a pet stroller or crate for free.” See their full pet policy.

Additionally, the recently launched Korean airline t’way is very pet-friendly. As well as permitting pets up to 9kg to fly in the cabin for quite reasonable prices, they will also check one pet stroller or car seat per pet, free-of-charge, even at the gate. Check their full pet policy.

Airlines That Transport Pet Strollers as Part of Your Baggage Allowance

On some other airlines, it’s possible to transport your pet’s stroller as part of your checked baggage. Depending on whether or not you exceed your baggage allowance, this is either “free” or charged at standard excess baggage rates.

If flying in European, this benefit is available with Brussels Airlines, based in Belgium. Their website states that “pet strollers must be checked in as part of your baggage allowance… If your pet stroller excess the free baggage allowance, excess baggage fees will apply.”

Curiously, they state that pet strollers cannot be used in the airport, which given the size of some airports is disappointing, but this is because they will not transport pet strollers as hand luggage. View their full pet policy.

Two American airlines also have a similar policy. Firstly, American Airlines states that “pet strollers must be checked at the ticket counter, and all checked bag fees apply.” View the airline’s full pet policy.

With Hawaiian Airlines, your options are more flexible. There is the option that “strollers may be checked at the check-in counter for a fee”. Alternatively, if your stroller meets the size requirements, it can be “carried onboard as one of your carry-on items”. The latter option means your stroller would travel for free, but in lieu of another item. View their full pet policy.

If travelling with Air Canada, the rules depending on whether your pet is flying in the cabin or in the hold. If you have a pet travelling in the cabin, then “pet restraint devices (e.g. pet strollers and car seats) are accepted as checked baggage only”, with all checked baggage rules applying. They further clarify that “this is because you are allowed one standard carry-on item and your pet in its carrier already counts as that one item.”

Alternatively, if your pet is flying in the checked baggage compartment, pet restraint devices are allowed either as checked baggage or as your standard carry-on item, as long as it meets carry-on baggage size restrictions, although it can’t be gate-checked. View their full pet policy.

Finally, PAL Airlines now covers pet strollers as part of their new pet policy, that nows allows small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin. They state that they permit both pet strollers and pet car seats as checked baggage, with checked baggage rules applying. View their full pet policy.

General Stroller Policies for Airlines

Many more airlines have general stroller policies that are aimed at strollers for human children. Some airlines may allow you to transport pet strollers under the policy, including for free. However, it’s always best to check in advance, as some airlines may only provide these benefits if you have children in your booking.

For instance, I’ve heard reports of someone transporting their pet stroller for free with United Airlines. United Airlines have the following stroller policy: “Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They’ll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin.”

However, elsewhere on their website it does state that it applies to only “one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you’re traveling with”, which seems to exclude strollers for pets.

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