A travel buggy, also known as a travel stroller, is usually recognized for its lightweight and foldable design. Nowadays, when we strive for minimalism, foldable strollers rank top on the market. This allows parents to get more space in doorways and makes our life much easier going with a baby wherever we want, such as public transport, narrow sidewalks, cafes, and restaurants.
Travel buggies are not only good for walking around the city or taking a road trip, but they are also brilliant for traveling abroad with babies, toddlers, and kids. Let’s take a look at the most compact strollers and choose your stroller for airplane.
Why do you need a travel buggy?
Travel buggy, aka travel stroller, falls in between a traditional stroller and umbrella stroller categories. While traditional stroller offers you a lot of space and other cool additional features, such as a cup a holder, and tray, it has some downsides:
- quite bulky
- folds partially or doesn’t fold at all
- very heavy (one of my nightmares was to lift the stroller in a tram or carry through multiple stairs when we lived in Prague)
Fair to mention, that traditional strollers are very stable and usually have all-terrain wheels that are perfect for walking on cobblestone. Plus, they can accommodate an infant car seat.
Read More: 21 Best All-Terrain Strollers
Umbrella strollers do not provide as much space or any additional stroller accessories. They are
Umbrella strollers are designed for parents who want to travel light, but usually, it’s chosen as a secondary stroller. They often wouldn’t offer adjustable seats, and their seat support as well as cushioning is quite limited.
- ultra-lightweight
- fast-fold
- have basic design
Read More: 14 Best Lightweight Umbrella Strollers
Travel buggy balances between both, traditional and umbrella strollers. They appear to be well-known as lightweight travel strollers and best fit as a stroller for airplane. Travel strollers are exceptionally easy to fold, they are narrow and light which lets you lift the buggy with one hand and move around the city. It is a lifesaver for the only parent who needs to handle his own child while folding the buggy.
One of the greatest advantages of travel buggies is that they are the best strollers to travel with on an airplane. Let’s take a quick glance at what it will look like when you are about to board the plane.
How to fly with a travel buggy?
Nowadays, the majority of flights will allow you to take one additional carry-on bag for an infant (less than two years old), and free check two pieces of baby equipment per infant (sometimes it is only one), such as a stroller for airplane, travel cot/ bassinet, or car seat.
Note: You must always check with your airline the rules on flying with a baby or toddler.
Read More: The truth about airplane bassinets
When you arrive at the airport before boarding the flight you have got several options:
Check your stroller with baggage
In this case, keep in mind that
- There is a certain risk of damage.
- It is highly recommended to cover the travel stroller with plastic.
- If your checked stroller doesn’t come out at the baggage claim, check the oversized luggage area.
Check the stroller at the gate
This is when somebody will take the buggy from you at the gate and you will pick it up outside the aircraft door when you arrive. It will be put in a special compartment too.
Note: Always remember to tag the travel buggy.
Take the travel stroller on the airplane
This is why below we will consider specifically strollers for airplane.
Note: Try keeping everything well-packed in bags before your pass the security and X-ray scan as you will need to fold the buggy and pass it through the scan.
What kind of stroller can I take on a plane?
A foldable stroller for travel is generally permitted to be taken with you on a flight. As a general rule, you will be allowed to take it in addition to your carry-on allowance. The stroller usually should not exceed the diameter of 25.5 cm (10 in) and the length of 92 cm (36 in). However, you shall always check the details with the airline you are flying with.
What should you look for in a travel buggy?
The main idea is that it should be a lightweight travel stroller. The best travel stroller is the one that has the following qualities:
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold
- Compact
- Sturdy
- Machine-washable
- Easy to take off the covers and layers to wash
- Has a lifetime warranty, especially if it comes to replacing the brakes
- Has a canopy
- Offers additional features, such as adjustable calf support
- Has a decent recline and adjustable seat
- Compatible with the add-ons, such as a cup holder, trays, child board, rain cover, etc.
- Nice and easy handle to carry on the foldable buggy
The best strollers for travelling in 2021
Image | Name | Weight | Age/weight limit | Board on a plane | Buy Now |
 | Babyzen YoYo² | 13.6 lbs | birth - 48.5 lbs (22 kg) | Yes | |
 | GB Pockit Lightweight Travel Stroller | 12.3 lbs | 6 months - 55 lbs (25 kg) | Yes | |
 | Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single | 9 lbs | 6 months - 45 lbs (20.41 kg) | Yes | |
 | Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double | 11.4 lbs | birth - 24 months | No | |
 | Uppababy Minu Stroller | 15.2 lbs | birth - 33 lbs (15 kg) | Yes | |
 | Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller | 16.96 lbs | birth - 44 lbs (20 kg) | Yes | |
 | Bugaboo Bee 6 Complete Stroller | 20.7 lbs (9.40 kg) | birth - 50 lbs (22.67 kg) | No | |
 | Inglesina Quid Travel Stroller | 13 lbs (5.90 kg) | 3 months - 50 lbs (22.67 kg) | Yes | |
 | Joovy Kooper Stroller | 16.17 lbs | 6 months - 55 lbs (25 kg) | No | |
 | Summer 3Dpac CS | 16.5 lbs | 6 months - 50 lbs (22.68 kg) | N/A | |
 | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | 11.8 lbs | 6 months - 50 lbs (22.68 kg) | Yes | |
 | Cybex Eezy S Twist | 23.3 lbs | 6 months - 55 lbs (25 kg) | Yes | |
 | Cybex Libelle Stroller | 13.7 lbs | 6 months - 55 lbs (25 kg) | Yes | |
 | Graco Modes Duo Stroller | 42 lbs | birth - 50 lbs (22.68 kg) | No |
Babyzen YoYo²
“Best stroller for airplane travel”
Why people love it:
Babyzen YoYo² is a luxury stroller that has it all and more providing one of the best features. It comes in six different colors and offers an amazing color palette attracting everyone’s eye.
It is super lightweight and folds incredibly easily. Being considered the best travel stroller for flying, it is compatible with most airlines as it can be easily placed into an overhead compartment.
The new-look offers even more comfort and practicality, with a newly reinforced frame, independent suspensions on the four wheels, and a handlebar in faux leather.
As for a newborn solution, it offers a laying flat bassinet with an incredibly breathing fabric. It can be clipped to the Yoyo² frame in one click and remain maneuverable.
- Ultra-lightweight, 3 kg (6.7 lbs).
- Ultra-compact, disassembles into two half-shells for optimal storage.
- Comfortable and breathable 4.5 cm thick double mattress.
- Ventilated shell and canopy.
- Semi-hard shell and enveloping foot cover.
- Inner pockets to tuck away small items.
- Anti-UV (UPF 50+) water-repellent fabric.
There is another option for your newborn, which is called a newborn pack when the Yoyo² stroller folds and unfolds in a moment and can be carried over your shoulder anywhere you want.
- Folds into an ultra-compact single element.
- Folded cabin baggage dimensions.
- 2.5 cm mattress which lies completely flat.
- Head support and foot cover.
- 5-point harness.
- Pop-up canopy with two different opening positions.
- Anti-UV (UPF 50+) water-repellent fabric.
Finally, the travel buggy facing the road provides a 6+ color pack that you can simply swap with the bassinet or newborn pack. The best thing is that it is machine-washable and is very easy to place on a frame.
- Comfortable seat cushion.
- Five-point harness.
- Multi-position reclining backrest.
- Canopy window for keeping a constant eye on your child.
- Zipped back pocket to store essentials close at hand.
- Anti-UV fabric (UPF 50+) treated with waterproofing.
- YOYO² protects your child up to a weight of 22 kg (48.5 lbs).
Downside: It has a long strap that may not fit everyone in case if you want to hold it. Otherwise, it is perfect for carrying the travel buggy over your shoulder.
GB Pockit Lightweight Travel Stroller (All-Terrain)
“Best lightweight travel stroller”
Technical details:
- Weight: 17 lbs (7.70 kg)
- Age range: from 6 months up to 4 years of age
- Ultra-compact package: 20 x 34 x 42 cm (7.87 x 13.39 x 16.54 in)
- Compliant with airplane hand luggage
Why people love it:
GB Pockit is one of the world’s smallest folded strollers. Its name speaks for itself. One of the main features is that it has double wheels and an all-terrain function which allows every parent to maneuver easily on different surfaces, especially if we are talking about cobblestones (which is so appropriate for the European lifestyle).
In just two moves, GB Pockit folds down to a hand luggage size that fits an airplane overhead compartment. The new version offers a canopy and reclining seat which allows your baby to relax whenever he is ready.
Finally, GB Pockit is easily interchangeable with GB and CYBEX car seats, which makes it a perfect combo for your baby.
Read More: Car Seats
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single Stroller
“Best overall”
Technical details:
- Weight: 9 lbs (4.08 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 17.7 x 7.1 x 22.24 inches
- Compliant with airplane hand luggage
- Lifetime warranty
- Age range: 6 months – up to 45 lbs (20.41 kg)
Why people love it:
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 offers additional features that make this travel buggy rank in the top 5.
It is a perfect stroller for airplane and fits well into an overhead compartment covered in a carry bag which is included. The new version offers adjustable calf support which makes it so relaxing for toddlers. The seat support can be adjusted at any height reaching an almost flat recline.
It is easy to fold with two clicks. You can also unfold the buggy with only one hand while carrying your baby in the other. The storage basket is surprisingly spacious too. And there is a canopy with a peekaboo window, which allows you to see your child at all times.
As been mentioned, it is newly re-designed. One of the other nice features is that it is now compatible with an infant car seat. It also offers a click connect car seat adapter that is compatible with Baby Jogger City Go and Graco car seats.
Finally, there is a three-way to ride now with Baby Jogger City Tour
It also offers a belly bar now.
Potential downsides:
- Brakes, but this is why you have a lifetime warranty. Although I have used this make on a daily basis with lots of traveling included for almost two years and a half before one of the brakes got worn out.
- The fabric can’t be taken off for a machine wash. However, it is easily washable with a soft sponge.
IMPORTANT: Do not use any brushes or hard sponges on a piece of fabric, you will ruin it! Use only soft materials to gently clean the fabric.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double Stroller
“Best double stroller for travel”
Technical details:
- Weight: 11.4 lbs (5.17 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 37.2 x 26.1 x 40.3 inches
- Age range: 0+ – 24 months
Why people love it:
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Double Stroller is similar to a single stroller option. It has a compact lightweight design that fits through a standard doorway. Again, a new design offers using the stroller from birth by adding two carrycot infant bassinets which are purchased separately.
Lightweight and durable rubber composite tires provide a smooth and nimble ride. Plus, this double stroller also offers adjustable calf support which provides extra comfort for your baby.
Uppababy Minu Stroller
“Best for travel”
Technical details:
- Weight: 15.2 lbs (6.90 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 18.25 x 23.5 inches
- Age range: 0+ – up to 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Compliant with airplane hand luggage
Why people love it:
Uppababy is one of my favorite brands on the market because it seems they think of every possible parent’s need and create their products accordingly. The Uppababy provides amazing solutions for stroller and car seat combo as well as tandem double strollers.
The main features are
- One-hand action fold with shoulder carry strap
- Stands when folded
- Leather handlebars with a perforated pattern for extra grip
- Multi-position reclining seat
- Five-point adjustable harness
- Large basket and storage pocket to keep essentials within reach
Uppababy Minu stroller is designed to fit in the majority of the overhead bins of airplanes. It has truly one of the most beautiful designs that will fit many families.
Other amazing features that allow this make stand out are
- Ventilated canopy with an extendable UPF 50+ sunshade
- A strap that allows you to carry the travel buggy over the shoulder
- Compatible with Mesa I-Size Infant Car Seat
- Compatible with other Cybex and Besafe infant car seats (get your adapter)
- You can place up to 9 kg of items in the Uppababy roomy storage
- Lastly, it offers an Uppababy “From Birth Kit” – an incredibly comfy cocoon that can be easily attached to a Minu stroller in seconds.
Mountain Buggy Nano V3 Stroller
“Best for newborns and innovative brand”
Technical details:
- Weight: 16.96 lbs (7.70 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 19.4 x 9 inches
- Age range: 0+ – up to 44 lbs (20 kg)
- Compliant with airplane hand luggage
Why people love it:
Mountain Buggy Nano is an ultra-light solution providing a full recline fabric sling seat. They also thought of using the stroller from birth offering the whole travel system which may include an additional cocoon for a newborn (purchased separately).
You can get a universal car seat adapter for this stroller too and use whichever car seat you prefer. A travel bag for your mountain buggy is included which allows you to minimize the damage. As with previously seen buggies, this one also unfolds quickly with only two clicks.
The brand constantly improves their design and remain extremely competitive on the travel buggy’s market. This year of Ox, they introduced the art of traveling light with Nano+ which has an incredibly gorgeous print, “heart of gold”. This limited edition has a striking gold and white geotile pattern.
Bugaboo Bee 6 Complete Stroller
“Best complete stroller”
Technical details:
- Weight: 20.7 lbs (9.40 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 39.76 x 21.1 x 42.91 inches / 101 x 53 x 109 cm (L x W x H)
- Age range: 0+ – up to 50 lbs (22.67 kg) with a bassinet/ carrycot purchased separately
Note: It will not fit the overhead compartment of a plane, but can be checked at the gate.
Why people love it:
This is one of the complete travel strollers best fit for urban life and holidays. This is one of the lightweight options in the Bugaboo series providing an easy fold. It can be used from birth as your child grows. You can purchase carrycot and seat as one package. Plus, it is compatible with numerous well-known infant car seat brands, such as Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Nuna, Britax-Romer, and Chicco.
Although the Bugaboo Ant stroller is lighter and more compact, Bugaboo Bee provides an advanced suspension, folds in one piece, and assures top maneuverability.
Safe for babies up to 50 lbs, it accommodates kids as they grow. They’ll snuggle into the plush seat as the extendable footrest and backrest ensure a cozy, smooth ride. With the lightest push, neutral color palette, height-adjustable handlebar, and vegan-leather grips, the Bugaboo Bee 6 offers style and comfort in one stroller.
The greatest features of this travel buggy are
- Machine-washable
- Reversible seat and a breathable mesh material supported by ventilation holes in the back of the seats to ensure your child’s comfortability
- Premium quality construction
- Canopy features an extra breezy panel and a peekaboo window
Potential downsides
- It doesn’t fit the overhead compartment
- It is heavier than the other travel buggies compared to today
Additional accessories
- Sun canopy
- Bee breezy sun canopy
- Cup holder
- Comfort wheeled board
- Breezy seat liner
- Parasol +
- Soft wool blanket
- Smartphone holder
- Swivel wheels replacement set
- and more!
Inglesina Quid Travel Stroller
Inglesina Quid is an amazing lightweight and foldable stroller that is perfect for travel. It is stylish and comes in a variety of fabulous colors. You can see Italian style with a naked eye. First of all, it fits nearly everywhere providing a convenient carry handle. Secondly, it features an easy-to-open folding design and a one-touch foot brake. I personally love leg rests in strollers because it just makes that difference for the baby when they nap. Finally, Inglesina Quid has a multi-suspension system that allows traveling across various terrains.
Technical details:
- Stroller weight: 13 lbs (5.90 kg)
- Stroller Dimensions: 18.31 x 29.92 x 40.55 inches
- Weight limit: 3 months up to 50 lbs (22.67 kg)
A potential downside:
- Does not accommodate a car seat.
Additional features are
- One-touch foot brake
- Lockable swiveling front wheels
- Multi-point suspension
- Self-standing stroller
- A built-in carry handle on the side
- Adjustable leg rest
- A flap on top for added ventilation and visibility
- Spacious storage compartment
- A five-point safety harness
Joovy Kooper Stroller
“Best for parents”
Technical details:
- Weight: 16.17 lbs (7.33 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 34.53 x 21.06 x 40.94 inches
- Age range: 6 months – up to 55 lbs (25 kg)
Note: It will not fit the overhead compartment of a plane, but can be checked at the gate
Why people love it:
Although this travel buggy may not fit in the overhead compartment of the plane, with a one-handed fold and lightweight frame, the Joovy Kooper is great for traveling with limited cargo space. It has a customizable recline that is perfect for naps on the go. The canopy is huge enough to protect your baby. Plus, the wheels are big enough and quite sturdy for an effortless push and it offers more space for kids and stuff. You can fill in the storage space up to 15 lbs (6.80 kg).
One of the greatest features, apart from its amazingly attractive price, is that the Joovy Kooper’s seat fabric is removable and machine washable. It also has a leg rest, but it went further, offering adjustable three-positions.
Summer 3Dpac CS Stroller
“Best value”
Technical details:
- Weight: 16.5 lbs (7.50 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 30.8 x 20.5 x 40.5 inches
- Age range: 6 months – up to 50 lbs (22.68 kg), or from birth with infant car seat
Why people love it:
Being a super light travel stroller, summer 3Dpac CS offers additional features that make this brand unbeatable compared to others.
First of all, it doesn’t require any adapters for the infant car seat. Secondly, it includes a bunch of additional items for your comfort, such as
- cup holder
- storage pocket and storage basket
- large peek-a-boo window
- carry strap
- adjustable recline
- adjustable leg rest (same as in Baby Jogger City Tour)
- single-foot brake
- child snack tray
And all this you get for an extremely sweet price which makes this brand the best value.
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
“Best for budget and storage”
Technical details:
- Weight: 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 31.25 x 18 x 39 inches
- Age range: 6 months – up to 50 lbs (22.68 kg)
- Compliant with airplane hand luggage
Why people love it:
As you may have noticed from the specification, this travel buggy wins the competition becoming one of the most lightweight travel strollers. It can fold with one click using one hand and be brought on a plane as carry-on luggage.
Very convenient in use, it has all the features that are a must for a travel buggy like this:
- Five-point harness adjustable harness
- Reclining seat
- One-hand fold
- All-terrain wheels
Besides, it has a three-tier extended canopy with a peek-a-boo window. But this is not the only advantage that makes this brand stand out from others.
The greatest of them all is that Kolcraft Cloud Plus is super affordable to anyone providing great value for the product. It also has a lot of storage beneath. Too much, I’d say.
Cybex Eezy S Twist
“Best for functionality”
Technical details:
- Weight: 23.3 lbs (10.56 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 32.3 x 17.7 x 41.3 inches
- Age range: 6 months – up to 55 lbs (25 kg)
- It fits in the overhead compartment of some planes, please check the dimension guides of an airline you are about to fly with
Why people love it:
Cybex is a very well-known brand specializing in child car seats, strollers, baby carriers, and furniture. This is why Cybex is a great brand to consider for the entire travel system and combos.
Cybex Eezy S Twist travel buggy offers any Cybex infant car seat (that can be purchased separately) using the included adapters.
You can position your baby according to his needs. Cybex Eezy S Twist reclines into a near-flat position. This brand also offers all-terrain wheels that can avoid bumpy rides and provide comfort driving on cobblestones.
Like with other brands, you can fold Cybex Eezy with one hand and store it in a self-standing position. It offers an XXL sun canopy, but the downside is that it doesn’t provide a peek-a-boo window to monitor your baby on the go.
Apart from the car seat adapter, Cybex Eezy S Twist includes a cup holder and a rain cover which turns to be a great saving deal. Additionally, you may wish to purchase such accessories as a parasol, snack tray, or travel bag.
Cybex Libelle Stroller
“Best for portability”
Technical details:
- Weight: 13.7 lbs (6.20 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 28.7 x 20.3 x 40.9 inches
- Age range: 6 months – up to 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Compliant with airplane hand luggage
Why people love it:
Weighing 8.80 lbs (4 kg) less than Cybex Eezy S Twist, it makes the perfect addition as a travel buggy in your household. You can take it anywhere on a trip because it will fit easily in overhead compartments, under train seats, or in the trunk of your car. This travel stroller is portable enough that you can take it practically anywhere.
Similar to Cybex Eezy you can add an infant car seat, the adapter is already included in the offer. Plus, you will be able to remove the seat from the frame and place the infant car seat independently that it looks nice.
Downside: it is up to you whether you are comfortable using two handlebars instead of one.
The package includes car seat adapters
Additional accessories
Graco Modes Duo Stroller
“Best for riding combinations”
Technical details:
- Weight: 42 lbs (19 kg)
- Product Dimensions: 46 x 25.5 x 45 inches
- Age range: from birth using the infant car seat and up to 50 lbs (22.68 kg)
Why people love it:
Graco Modes Duo Stroller is one of the best strollers for twins or two children with a close age gap. It is a better and newer version of the Graco Ready2 Grow double stroller. This is also one of the best double strollers made for travel.
Besides, apart from being an excellent tandem stroller, it has a built-in standing platform and a bench seat. Two toddler seats are completely removable and reclining, so there is no problem to replace them both with infant car seats or create one of the 27 riding options at your convenience. In the end, this is the stroller you can use every day. The even better news is that this stroller is very affordable compared to its competitors!
More features include
- 27 riding options which is the record among all the brands we have discussed today.
- Accepts two Graco Click Connect infant car seats
- Includes a standing platform
- Includes a bench seat
- Includes two removable and reclining toddler seats
- Locking front swivel wheel for superior maneuverability
- Extra platform wheels
- One-hand standing fold
- Includes child’s arm with cup holders
- One-step brakes
- Extra-large basket storage
- Includes parent cup holder
- Three-to-five-point harness system
Verdict: Although it is overall a bit heavy, if you want more space, more options, and more convenience, the Graco Modes Duo is the best choice.
Have you chosen the best stroller for traveling yet?
Share with us which one it is and enjoy the time out with your baby!
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