The Five Best Travel Strollers for Families who Fly
Traveling with kids is a thousand times easier when you have the right stroller — one that maneuvers through airports, folds fast at the gate, and survives cobblestones, curbs, and nap meltdowns. The wrong stroller turns a trip into CrossFit. The right one feels like a first-class upgrade.
After logging miles in airports around the world, researching parent reviews, and testing features in real travel scenarios, we’ve narrowed the options to five travel strollers that truly deliver for flying families.
Whether you’re chasing a toddler through Terminal B or pushing a sleepy preschooler through Paris, one of these will be your family’s MVP.
What Makes a Great Travel Stroller?
A stroller built for air travel needs to do more than fit in your trunk. Look for:
✔ One-hand fold — because you will be holding snacks, passports, or a child
✔ Lightweight frame — ideally under 15–20 lbs
✔ Cabin or gate-check friendly size
✔ Comfortable seat & recline — naps still matter on vacation
✔ Durability — travel trashes cheap strollers
✔ Good sunshade — airports aren’t the problem… destinations are
✔ Storage basket — snacks, water bottles, and the world’s most important stuffy go here
Now, let’s get to the winners.
1. Babyzen YOYO² — The Jet Set Standard
If the travel stroller market had a celebrity, this would be it.
Why families love it:
Folds small enough to fit in most overhead bins
Feels like pushing a full-size stroller
Carries kids from infancy through toddlerhood (with newborn pack option)
Who it’s for:
Parents who want premium performance and plan to use a travel stroller a lot — this one is an investment worth making.
Jet Set Verdict:
If we could only choose one stroller to take around the world, this is it.
2. Joolz Aer — Lightweight Luxury
The Joolz Aer is the quiet overachiever: sleek, sturdy, and unbelievably smooth.
Best features:
One-hand fold that’s shockingly satisfying
Deep seat and supportive padding for longer rides
Excellent canopy and ventilation
Who it’s for:
Families who want YOYO quality without the YOYO price — or who prefer a more ergonomic push.
Jet Set Verdict:
If your kid naps in strollers, consider this your sleep insurance policy.
3. GB Pockit+ — Tiny but Mighty
The stroller that went viral for folding smaller than a backpack — because it does.
Standout details:
Insanely compact fold
Great for public transit and tight hotel rooms
Weighs less than some toddlers’ lunch
Who it’s for:
Families who travel light, city hop, or need the smallest possible footprint.
Jet Set Warning:
Not ideal for long-haul pushing or uneven terrain — this is a minimalist’s dream, not an everyday stroller.
4. UPPAbaby MINU — Everyday Use Meets Travel Ease
If you already love UPPAbaby’s full-size strollers, this feels like coming home.
Strong points:
Solid suspension = smooth ride
Roomy basket for all the family essentials
Compatible with popular infant car seats
Jet Set Verdict:
This one’s for parents who want one stroller that works for errands, parks, and flights — without compromising comfort.
5. Kolcraft Cloud Plus — Best Budget Pick
Perfect for families who want travel convenience without spending premium stroller dollars.
Why it’s worth considering:
Under 12 lbs — easy lift at security checkpoints
Snack tray included (rare at this price point!)
Simple fold + shockingly good sunshade
Who it’s for:
Occasional travelers or families testing the travel lifestyle before committing to a pricier stroller.
Jet Set Verdict:
It won’t win design awards, but it will absolutely get the job done.
Final Takeaway: Which Stroller Should You Choose?
Your stroller shouldn’t limit your adventures — it should enable them. Pick the one that matches your travel style, and suddenly:
Airports feel easier
Cities feel walkable
Kids nap without protest
You enjoy the journey, not just the destination
That’s the Jet Set difference.
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps me make more great content for Jet Set Families!)