Joolz Aer2 fitted into Airplane Overhead bin

Best Strollers for Airplane travel and Overhead Bin Storage

Oct 14, 2025

Every new parent deserves a travel stroller on their registry—even if you’ve already fallen in love with that full-size stroller and coordinating car seat combo. But before you commit to the big setup, let’s talk about what you’ll actually reach for most days.

We’re here to challenge the idea that “bigger is better.” While that luxury travel system might look picture-perfect, the reality of airport terminals, busy sidewalks, and quick errands calls for something smarter and more streamlined. A great travel stroller makes life on the go easier—whether you’re catching a flight, hopping in and out of the car, or dashing through Target with your coffee in hand.

The Value of a Compact Travel Stroller

Enter the compact travel stroller—tiny but mighty. Designed to fit in most airplane overhead bins, these strollers make airport travel a breeze and give parents one less thing to stress about at the gate. But their superpower goes beyond air travel: they seamlessly transition into everyday life, pairing with infant car seats for newborn days and later serving as lightweight, grab-and-go strollers for errands, walks, and adventures.

When you’re juggling diaper bags, snacks, and nap schedules, size, weight, and maneuverability matter. You don’t need to haul out your heavy-duty stroller for quick outings or trips through crowded spaces.

The best travel strollers offer:

Easy maneuverability in tight spaces
Compatibility with popular infant car seats
Compact folds that fit in trunks and overhead bins
Lightweight frames that make carrying effortless

That means more room in your car—and more freedom in your day (plus space for all those “unexpected” Target finds).

A full-size stroller still has its place, especially if your family loves long walks or off-road adventures. But with one high-quality compact stroller and one durable all-terrain option, you’re set for every stage.

And for many families—especially city dwellers or frequent travelers—a compact travel stroller might just be the only one you’ll ever need.

Our team has rounded up the best strollers for airplane travel and overhead bin storage—each one tested for portability, comfort, and real-life usability—so you can find your perfect match without the guesswork.

Our Top 5 Stroller Picks for Airplane Travel and Everyday Use:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 folded in cab seat with luggage

How We Chose the Top 5 Best Strollers for Airplane Travel

At Strolleria, we’ve spent years helping families find the perfect stroller for every stage of parenthood—and as parents ourselves, we know firsthand what truly matters. From quick errands to cross-country flights, we’ve tested and talked through it all.

With the right stroller, you can simplify your first year (and beyond), keeping one compact, reliable piece of gear that truly does it all.

To make things easy, we narrowed our list to five standout travel strollers—the newest and most trusted models that balance quality, function, and style. Each stroller met our strict criteria for what makes a travel stroller worth the investment:

Airplane-friendly design: Folds small enough for overhead bin storage and approved for most airplane cabins.
Effortless folding: One-step, one-handed fold for parents who always have their hands full.
Sun protection built-in: UPF 50+ canopies keep little ones shaded and comfortable wherever you roam.
Infant car seat compatibility: Works with leading car seat brands to create a custom travel system from day one.
Lightweight design: Each stroller weighs in under 17 lbs for easy carrying and lifting.
Premium materials: High-quality fabrics and finishes built to last through years of adventures.
Reliable performance: Durable, smooth, and ready for everyday use and travel alike.

These are the strollers we trust most to handle everything from airport terminals to the daily routine—without compromising on comfort, safety, or style.

Why Does Overhead Bin Fit Matter

Traveling with a baby means juggling a lot—and the last thing you want is to be separated from one of your most essential pieces of gear. While gate-checking a larger stroller can seem convenient, it comes with a few “what-ifs” that no parent wants to face mid-travel.

Sure, in the best-case scenario, your stroller is waiting for you when you deboard—just as you left it. But we all know travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Tight connections, misplaced luggage, or rough handling can turn your trusty stroller into a source of stress. Unfortunately, even the best airlines aren’t immune to mishaps, and arriving at your destination with a damaged or missing stroller can throw your trip off course fast.

That’s where overhead bin–approved travel strollers make all the difference. These ultra-compact designs fold down small enough to fit right above your seat, meaning your stroller stays with you for every leg of your journey. No waiting at the gate, no wondering if it made the connection, no risk of loss or damage.

Keeping your stroller close isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. With a cabin-approved stroller, you can travel confidently knowing your baby’s ride is safe, secure, and ready to roll the moment you land.

Now, let's dive into our top 5 picks!

Bugaboo Butterfly 2

Bugaboo has long been known for exceptional engineering, quality, and performance—and the Butterfly2 absolutely lives up to that reputation. As the second iteration in the Butterfly series, Bugaboo carefully considered parent feedback to improve on their already beloved travel stroller, resulting in what’s arguably the most popular cabin-approved stroller sold in the U.S. today. The Butterfly2 earns major points for a few standout features: it has the largest seat back in its category, providing generous room for growth and comfort for both infants and taller toddlers. It also boasts all-wheel suspension that’s sturdy enough to handle cobblestones—perfect for international travelers or city dwellers looking for one compact stroller that can smoothly maneuver busy streets and sidewalks.

Why We Love It:

IATA Compliant
Tallest seat back in category
Full suspension
Easily Accessible Storage Basket
Ride-on-board accessory available

Highlights:

One-second fold and unfold
One-hand seat recline, from fully upright to deep recline
Adjustable leg rest with one-hand adjustment
One hand steering
Extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy with mesh peek-a-boo window
Carry strap
Crafted with 60% recycled aluminum, which reduces CO2 emissions by 16%
Built to last with premium-quality materials
PFAS-free water-repellent fabric coating
Modular design makes repairs easy, if needed
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

Best for:

Airport travel
Everyday suburban travel system use
City living and public transportation
Older infants and taller toddlers

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Must-Have Accessories:

Cybex Coya

Cybex is an industry leader in both safety and innovation, and the Coya reflects that expertise beautifully. This stroller delivers smart design touches that make daily life easier while offering exceptional value. It comes with included infant car seat adapters, ready to pair seamlessly with Cybex and Nuna infant car seats right out of the box. Cybex also brings a nod to its car seat heritage through the stroller’s clever “one-pull harness” system—just pull down on the center strap for a perfect fit, just like you would with a five-point car seat harness. Another thoughtful detail is the removable comfort inlay; when taken out, it reveals a mesh seat back that provides breezy airflow for warm-weather travel or summer strolls.

Why We Love It:

Included infant car seat adapters
One pull harness
Removable comfort inlay
Breathable mesh back rest

Highlights:

Overhead bin compatible
One handed fold and unfold
One hand recline
Adjustable leg rest
Integrated carry strap
3-section extendable sun canopy protects with UPF50+ protection and mesh peek-a-boo window
Front wheel suspension
Infant car seat compatible with included adapters

Best for:

Airport travel
Everyday Suburban travel-system use
Older infants, toddlers

Cybex Coya Must-Have Accessories:

Joolz Aer2

The Joolz Aer2 was one of the most anticipated stroller launches of 2025, following the success of the beloved Aer and Aer+. Backed by a remarkable 10-year transferable warranty, it’s easy to see why Joolz has earned such a loyal fan base. Weighing just 14.3 lbs, the Aer2 remains impressively lightweight while maintaining four-wheel suspension for a smooth ride. It’s also compatible with a matching cot accessory, offering the most comfortable and supportive setup for newborns.

Why We Love It:

IATA Compliant, overhead bin approved
4 wheel suspensions
One-hand adjustable leg rest
Cot accessory available
Ride-on-board accessory available

Highlights:

One-step, one-hand fold
3 position one-hand recline - seated, relaxed, sleep
Ultra large sun hood, with UPF50+ protection and ventilation panel
Integrated carry strap
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

Best for:

Airport travel
City life
Suburban travel system use
Everyday use
Newborns, infants and toddlers

Joolz Aer2 Must-Have Accessories:

Silver Cross Clic

Silver Cross is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, and the Clic captures that reputation while blending elegance with everyday practicality. It stands out for its fully flat recline, making it perfectly suited for newborn use right out of the box. While infant car seat compatibility makes it convenient for quick travel or daily errands, the Clic goes a step further—offering a newborn-friendly alternative that’s even more comfortable than a car seat for longer strolls. On the days when you do want true snap-and-go convenience, the Clic accepts top infant car seats directly, without the need for adapters. No extra pieces, no fumbling—just effortless use in a beautifully crafted package. Even more impressive, it’s the lightest stroller on our list, weighing in at under 14 lbs.

Why We Love It:

Fully flat, Newborn-ready reclining seat
Included newborn apron
IATA compliant
Bumper bar included
Directly compatible with the Nuna PIPA RX, Nuna PIPA Urbn and Joie Mint (no adapters needed)

Highlights:

Overhead bin approved
One-hand, self-standing fold
Pull-out shoulder strap
One-hand recline
UPF 50+ sun canopy
Genius™ magnetic buckle
Adjustable calf support
Pavement-gliding wheels designed for smooth city strolling
Anti-crease fabric

Best for:

Airport travel
Suburban travel system use
Newborns, infants, toddlers

Silver Cross Clic Must-Have Accessories:

UPPAbaby Minu V3

If you haven’t heard of UPPAbaby, we won’t say you’re living under a rock—but let’s just say it’s one of the most recognized and trusted names in baby gear. Known for combining thoughtful design with parent-favorite features, UPPAbaby consistently delivers—and the Minu V3 is no exception. It features a fully flat, newborn-friendly recline with a built-in newborn barrier for added safety and comfort. With all-wheel suspension, GREENGUARD Gold Certification, and a generous 20 lb undercarriage basket, it’s ready for anything from long layovers to daily errands. Travel days are far more manageable thanks to the nap-friendly recline and easy access to essentials right from the oversized basket. The Minu V3 also shines for city use, navigating sidewalks and tight spaces with reliable, everyday performance.

Why We Love It:

GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Fully flat, newborn-ready recline
Newborn barrier for carriage mode
All-wheel suspension
Largest storage capacity in category
Travel bag with UPPAbaby's TravelSafe Program (warranty)

Highlights:

Overhead bin compatible
One-step one-handed fold
Reclining seat
Adjustable leg rest
No re-thread harness
Zip-out, extendable, UPF50+ water repellent canopy with mesh peek-a-boo window
Integrated carry strap
Large easily accessible under carriage basket holds up to 20 lbs
Durable materials like 100% full grain leather and aluminum
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

Best For:

Airplane travel
City Use
Everyday suburban travel system use
Newborns, infants and tall toddlers

UPPAbaby Minu V3 Must-Have Accessories:

Airplane Travel Strollers Compared: Specs and Dimensions

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Folded and Shoulder Carry

Recommended Use:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: up to 50 lbs
Cybex Coya: 6 months to 55 lbs
Joolz Aer2: 6 months to 50 lbs
Silver Cross Clic: from birth to 55 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: from birth to 50 lbs

Weight:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: 16.09 lbs
Cybex Coya: 14.6 lbs
Joolz Aer2: 14.3 lbs
Silver Cross Clic: 13.2 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: 16.7 lbs

Folded Dimensons:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: L 17.02 x W 9.06 x H 21.8″
Cybex Coya: L 20.5 x W 17.3 x H 7.1″
Joolz Aer2: L 20.9 x W 17.3 x H 9.2″
Silver Cross Clic: L 18.3 x W 9.8 x H 21.3"
UPPAbaby Minu V3: L 10 x W 18 x H 21.5″

Open Dimensions:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: L 37. x W 17.6 x H 40.5"
Cybex Coya: L 31.1 x W 17.3 x H 38.2"
Joolz Aer2: L 33.5 x W 17.7 x H 41.9"
Silver Cross Clic: L 32.3 W x 18.3 x H 41.3"
UPPAbaby Minu V3: L 34.5 x W 18 x H 41.5"

Storage Basket Capacity:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: 17.64 lbs
Cybex Coya: 11 lbs
Joolz Aer2: 17.6 lbs
Silver Cross Clic: 11 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: 20 lbs

What's in the box:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: Stroller, carry strap, seat inlay
Cybex Coya: Stroller, carry strap, infant car seat adapters
Joolz Aer2: stroller, travel pouch
Silver Cross Clic: stroller, bumper bar
UPPAbaby Minu V3: stroller

Warranty:

Bugaboo Butterfly2: 1 year extendable to 3
Cybex Coya: 2 years
Joolz Aer2: 10 year transferable
Silver Cross Clic: 2 years extendable to 3
UPPAbaby Minu V3: 3 years

FAQs About Strollers for Airport Travel

What to look for in a travel stroller?
- Overhead bin fit, infant car seat compatibility, deep comfortable recline, easily accessible storage basket, one-handed one-step fold, integrated carry strap, corresponding travel bag.
Are all travel strollers overhead bin approved?
- No, many strollers marketed for travel system use do not fold down small enough to fit in an overhead bin. Look for IATA compliance, and always check approved folded dimensions with the airline.
What is the approved overhead bin folded dimensions for carry-on strollers?
- It is advised to check in with specific airlines, however most carry-on over head bin approved strollers fold within the dimensions of 22" x 18" x 10" which is standard carry-on size.
Do all travel strollers take an infant car seat?
- No, not all travel strollers can be used as a travel system, always check compatibility and availability for needed adapters.
Are travel strollers good for newborns?
- Yes, with the right features a travel stroller can be perfectly suited for newborn use. Beyond infant car seat compatibility its also important to prioritize fully flat reclining seats of corresponding cots or bassinets for longer periods of newborn strolling.
Are umbrella strollers good for travel?
- Umbrella stroller are light weight and fold narrow but not so compact. They are not overhead bin approved or infant car seat compatible. They also typically require a two hand push while tri-fold travel strollers (like the ones on our list) offer premium features and one-hand steering.
Are travel strollers good for rough terrain?
- No, travel strollers are not considered to be all-terrain. All-terrain strollers feature much larger wheels which contribute to large size and heavier builds. While some travel strollers do feature advanced all wheel suspension it is recommended to be realistic in your expectations. If you also need a stroller for hiking or beach use, we recommend purchasing a full size all-terrain stroller and a travel size stroller to fully cover all of your family's needs.

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Questions?

Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about travel strollers, feel free to reach out to us at cs@strolleria.com.

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