The Best Cabin Size Strollers for 2023

Our pick of the best cabin size strollers for travel will help make your life much easier when traveling by plane with a baby or toddler.

Being able to take strollers on airplanes has become a bit of a game changer over recent years. Today many of the best travel strollers are small and compact enough to take on the plane as hand luggage.

Small enough to be pushed down the airplane aisle and easy to fold and store in the overhead compartment, these compact strollers are a lifesaver for traveling parents.

Taking your stroller on the airplane rather than checking it in also means that you have the stroller in the airport with you both before you take off and as soon as you land, making it easy to tackle those long airport corridors with your baby or toddler.

These lightweight foldable strollers are also small enough to easily fit in the trunk of the car alongside your luggage (useful for road trips too) and easy to tuck away in a hotel closet. If you’ve ever had to accommodate a family plus luggage plus full-size stroller in one hotel room, you will definitely appreciate this.

You may also like these articles:

• Best Double Strollers for Travel
• Best FAA Approved car seats for plane travel
• Best car seat travel bags
• Best travel car booster seats
• Best travel pillows for kids 

Cabin sized stroller comparison

Before we get into the details, here is a quick glance look at our pick of the best cabin strollers and their key features:

What to Look for in a Cabin Sized Stroller 

When choosing a small stroller for air travel, there are several things to be aware of:

•  Size
• Age & Capacity
• Easy Fold
• Comfort
• Recline
• Car seat compatibility
• Storage
• Wheels & Suspension
• Sun canopy
• Cost

Don’t just go for the smallest and lightest stroller thinking that will be best for the airport and plane. Because chances are you will be using this stroller for duration of your vacation too. And maybe even once you get home. 

You therefore need to think about your child’s comfort, whether it is suitable for them to take naps in, whether it can handle any rough terrain in your holiday destination, whether it provides adequate sun protection and whether it has adequate storage… among other things.

Let’s take a closer look at the main features you need to be aware of.

Size

A compact size is obviously hugely important if you want to take the stroller onto the airplane with you as you need to ensure that it is small enough to fit in the overhead bin and complies to the airline cabin baggage allowance. You also want it to be light enough to easily carry if needs be.

The most common size dimensions for cabin luggage allowance with the major airlines are 22” x 14” x 9” (56cm x 36cm x 23 cm). However there is often a little room for manoeuvre. The weight limit for cabin baggage is usually 7kg or 15lb per person. 

Be aware that some large international airlines allow a larger hand luggage allowance, while some smaller domestic airlines will allow less. It is definitely worth checking with your chosen airline before you fly. 

Age & Capacity

One size does not fit all when it comes to airplane strollers and so you need to ensure the stroller you choose is a good fit for your child. Do you need it to be suitable for newborns? Will it accommodate a larger toddler?

Easy Fold 

Having an easy folding mechanism is always a priority with strollers but particularly so with a travel stroller for the plane. 

You will probably feel the pressure to collapse the stroller quickly after boarding the plane and you will be doing it in a confined space. You will also need to do this when going through airport security, and possibly when getting in taxis at the airport. 

A one-handed folding mechanism is the ideal for ease of use when travelling with kids. 

Comfort

If you are taking a stroller on vacation with you, you need to make sure it is comfortable for your baby or toddler. Chances are you will need it while sightseeing and you may need it for naps either during the day or in restaurants at night. 

Recline

Reclining seats are super important when you are travelling as routines tend to get out of kilter and there is often a time when you want your kids to be napping on the go. 

Look for an easy reclining mechanism and a multi-level recline. Also consider if a flat or almost-flat recline is important to you.

Car Seat Compatible?

Being able to attach a car seat to your travel stroller to create a travel system is super handy. This enables you to easily switch from car to stroller at the airport by taking the baby out of the car and clipping onto the stroller.

It also means that you can use the stroller from birth, using the car seat capsule. And if you are planning to take an FAA approved car seat onto the plane, you can take it right onto the plane attached to the stroller, then store the stroller into the overhead locker. Too easy. 

Note in the majority of cases, you will need to purchase car seat adaptors separately. 

Storage

We all know that storage space in strollers can be super useful for storing all those extra diapers, snacks, water bottles etc that come with travelling with kids. It can also be helpful for helping carry your cabin baggage through the airport. 

However remember that you will need to be able to easily empty it once you get in the plane and need to collapse the stroller for storing in the overhead locker.

Some strollers also have a handy zipped pocket on the back of the seat where you can secure essentials like phone, keys or passports. 

Wheels & Suspension

While you won’t need fancy front wheels or suspension to push the stroller through the airport, you may need this once you arrive at your destination. 

Consider what the terrain will be like when choosing your stroller – this will not only make your life easier but will mean a more comfortable ride for your child too. 

Sun Canopy

If you are planning to use the stroller once on holiday, look for one that has a large, extendable canopy that can protect your kids from sunlight and block out excess light during nap times. 

A peekaboo window can be handy for checking on your child from behind too. 

Cost

There is a lot of choice when it comes to travel strollers so having a clear idea of your budget before you start will help you narrow down your search. 

Also consider how much use you intend to get from your travel stroller. If if is just for a one-off vacation, then you will want to spend less than if you envisage this being a stroller you will use full time. 

Cabin size stroller reviews

Here we review some of the top travel strollers for the plane to give you an idea of their features, plus pros and cons to help you make an informed decision and find the right stroller for your family. 

BabyZen YoYo2

The BabyZen YoYo was the original cabin size stroller that started the trend and it is still one of the best on the market today, making it a great choice. 

With its comfortable seat cushion and 4 wheel suspensions with shock absorption, your child will enjoy a smooth and comfy ride. 

The YoYo2 is easy to manoeuvre one-handed and it folds and unfolds with one hand too. A padded strap allows you to carry it comfortably over your shoulder.

It features a multi-position reclining backrest and a sizeable sun canopy with a peekaboo window for keeping an eye on your child.

A storage basket allows you to store up to (5 kg) of gear and is easily accessible from the front or back, while a zipped back pocket means you can keep essentials like phone and keys close at hand.

It is not a cheap travel stroller, but with 9 trendy colours and plenty of accessories to choose from including cup holder, foot board, parasol and footmuff, this is a stroller to invest in for everyday use, not just for a plane stroller. 

As is, it is suitable from 6 months old, but you can also purchase the newborn pack, bassinet and/or car seat to use it from birth. 

Bugaboo Ant

As with other Bugaboo strollers, the Ant has a reversible seat that can be positioned facing the parent or facing the world.

It has a comfortable seat with three recline positions, although note that it does not recline flat when forward facing. 

Storage is good in this lightweight travel stroller with a handy and accessible rear basket and a large under-seat basket while a large sun canopy will protect your child from harmful rays. 

The Ant accommodates infants from birth, but it is recommended to use the  cocoon insert (sold separately) for added comfort and protection. With the bugaboo car seat adapters you can easily add the car seat too.

Like the BabyZen YoYo, this is at the higher budget end but with many accessories available for this stroller, it is a worthwhile investment for an everyday stroller.

Note that the carry strap and transport bag are sold separately.

gb Pockit+ All Terrain

Another ultra compact travel stroller suitable for the plane, the All Terrain folds down easily in 2 simple steps and can be carried effortlessly with the attached handle. It is also self-standing when folded.

Front swivel wheels make one-handed pushing and steering a breeze, while the wheel lock gives you increased stability on uneven terrain.

The seat can be reclined in infinite positions and a large canopy provides shade and sun protection.

This lightweight stroller is suitable from 6 months old or from birth using the included adapters with any CYBEX infant car seat or the Cot to Go infant cot accessory. It is a great option for a low cost stroller.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra compact

The Baby Jogger City Tour has long been a favourite among traveling parents thanks to its lightweight frame, comfortable seat and ease of manoeuvring. The new ultra compact model now makes it perfect for taking on board the plane too. 

Its multi-position padded seat reclines to a near-flat position, while adjustable calf support provides comfort for growing children.

The one hand, one-step fold and auto-lock ensures easy transportation and storage and it also includes carry bag to protect the stroller from dirt and scratches when traveling.

It has a large sun canopy with peekaboo window and a large storage basket that holds up to 15 lbs.

You can create a travel system by adding a Baby Jogger infant car seat using adapters (car seat and adapters sold separately).

The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is available in a choice of five colours.

gb Pockit+ All City 

If you are planning more of an urban adventure with your travel stroller then this compact stroller is perfect. Designed with front wheel suspension and slim wheel profile, it is ideal for smooth city streets and easy manoeuvring 

The adjustable seatback with stepless recline function means you can recline the seat to exactly where you want it, while the large sun canopy provides adequate shade. 

The gb Pockit + All City is easy to fold and is self standing when folded and has a spacious shopping basket to store away your belongings. 

This stroller is travel system ready with any CYBEX infant car seat or Cot to Go infant cot accessory using the included adapters. A rain cover and travel bag are also available as separate accessories.

Mima Xigi 3G

The quick and easy one-hand fold on this foldable stroller makes it perfect for airplane travel.

The 3-position reclining seat gives added versatility while the adjustable handlebar is also padded for comfortable driving. 

The sun canopy comes with two extra extension flaps to provide extra sun protection and ultimate privacy for napping, while the canopy roof window allows you to keep an eye on your child and also provides ventilation.

This stylish stroller is available in a choice of 5 colours, including ebony, charcoal, argento, champagne and denim. We also love the funky transparent wheels.

A raincover is included and other accessories available to purchase include the mosquito net, which is handy for nap time, travel bag and footmuff.

This stroller is suitable for use from newborn with the carrycot (sold separately) and is travel system compatible with car seat adaptors (also sold separately).

Besrey Lightweight Baby Stroller

This lightweight stroller has a four-wheel shock absorber system, and SUV grade front and rear suspension shock absorbers to ensure a smoother ride across a variety of terrains.

With a multi-angle recliner with near-flat recline and an adjustable footrest, it makes it suitable for newborns. At just 12lbs in weight it is super lightweight, however, with a capacity of just 33lbs, this stroller is not as suitable for larger toddlers as some other strollers in our list.

This Besrey Airplane stroller has a large basket that is easily accessible from the rear and a large sun canopy with Peek-boo Window.

It is also car seat compatible with connector straps. The stroller includes a carry bag and rain cover.

Joolz Aer Baby Stroller

This travel stroller has a one-handed quick fold mechanism to ensure it goes down in a single, intuitive motion and has an integrated transport lock to keep it closed.

It offers smooth manoeuvring, a reclinable seat and a large sun hood with a mesh peek-a-boo window.

There is a sizeable storage basket underneath the seat, which can hold up to 11 pounds and a zippered storage pocket on the back to keep phone, keys, passports etc close at hand. 

It is suitable from 6 months old as is or from newborn with a bassinet or car seat (both sold separately).

This stroller is available in 6 stylish colors and comes a comes with a handy shoulder strap for comfortable carrying, clear plastic rain cover and travel bag included.

Uppababy Minu

This travel stroller has a one-handed action fold, multi-position reclining seat and an extendable canopy with vented window.

The hand-sewn, leather handlebars with perforated pattern give extra grip and breathability and make it comfortable to steer. 

It has a roomy basket that is large enough for storing a diaper bag or shopping bags and a storage pocket to keep essentials such as keys and phone within reach.

A handy shoulder carrying strap and storage bag are included.

Suitable from 3 months, or from birth with the Birth Kit, or car seat adapters (both sold separately).

Note that this stroller is also slightly larger than some others on the list when folded so do check with your airline regulations.

Cybex Eezy S Twist 2

This Cybex stroller features a 360° rotating seat that allows you to easily swivel your child’s seat from front-facing to parent-facing. You can also recline the stroller, including to a near-flat position in either the parent or front-facing positions.

NOTE: This stroller is larger and heavier than other strollers on our list so it is not as convenient for carrying or for storing in the overhead locker on the plane. We have included it here as it offers a cheaper alternative to the Bugaboo Ant if you are looking for a small stroller that allows you to rotate the seat from rear to forward facing.

However we do recommend you check the dimensions of your airline carry on limits before purchasing. 

An all-wheel suspension system ensures a smooth ride on various surfaces and a one-hand compact fold feature for easy folding and opening. It is also self-standing once folded to help keep it clean. 

The extendable sun canopy offers a mesh window for keeping an eye on your child, while a storage basket underneath and zippered back pocket keeps your essentials handy.

Compatible with any CYBEX infant car seat or the CYBEX Cot S, the Eezy S Twist 2 can be used as a convenient travel system with the included adapters.

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