Top Travel Strollers That Fit In An Airplane’s Overhead Bin

While plenty of strollers are small and lightweight for travel, only a few on the market are actually compact enough to fit into an airplane’s overhead compartment bin.

Most umbrella strollers still require checking or gate-checking, leaving them vulnerable to getting dirty—or getting tossed (and broken) on the jetway. Understanding airline carry-on policies is crucial, as they vary widely, and some airlines don’t allow strollers as carry-on items regardless of their size. Always check your airline’s specific policy before traveling.

Below, we explore some of the best travel strollers designed with ultra-compact folds that make them potential candidates for overhead bin storage, alongside practical considerations for flying with a stroller.

Ultra-Compact Stroller Options for Overhead Bins

Here are several leading contenders for the most compact travel strollers that could potentially fit in an overhead bin.

Stokke YOYO3

The Stokke YOYO3 is often considered a benchmark for luxury in the travel stroller category. It boasts features typically found in larger strollers, such as compatibility with infant car seats or bassinets, foam wheels, and all-wheel suspension, ensuring a smooth ride. The YOYO3 folds down to an incredibly compact size and can be sprung open effortlessly with just one hand. For easy transport, you can use its included shoulder strap or purchase the padded babyzen yoyo travel bag (link not used as per instructions).

Stokke YOYO3 lightweight travel stroller being used in a city

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 20″L x 17″W x 7″H
• Weight: 13.6 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna (with adapters)
• Comes with carry bag: Yes (draw string bag)
• Price: $449

Bugaboo Butterfly

Introduced in Summer 2022, the Bugaboo Butterfly brought notable enhancements to the travel stroller design. It offers generous storage space capable of holding up to 17.6 pounds, a large extendable sun canopy for superior protection, and a taller backrest accommodating taller toddlers. This stroller is travel certified to be IATA compatible, suggesting it is designed to meet the requirements for overhead compartments on most airplanes, as well as being suitable for train travel and fitting easily into car trunks or hallway closets. If you’re also looking for solutions for multiple children, exploring options like a best travel double stroller for flying might be helpful, though they typically don’t fit in overhead bins.

Bugaboo Butterfly compact travel stroller folded

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 17.72″L x 9.06″W x 21.26″H
• Weight: 16.1 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Bugaboo Turtle One and Turtle Air, and select car seats from Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna (with adapters)
• Comes with carry bag: No, but has a carry strap
• Price $479

Cybex Libelle 2

Falling into an “Ultra Compact and Lightweight” category, the Cybex Libelle 2 is renowned for having one of the smallest folds globally. Although its weight is comparable to other travel strollers, its exceptionally compact fold truly distinguishes it. Its incredible portability needs to be seen to be believed.

Cybex Libelle 2 travel stroller showing its ultra-compact fold

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 13.6″L x 7.8″W x 20.6″H
• Weight: 13.7 lbs
• Compatible car seats: Cybex and GB car seats (with included adapters)
• Comes with carry bag: No
• Price: $299.95

Joolz Aer+

The Joolz Aer+ earns its name by being one of the lightest travel strollers available, weighing just 13.4 pounds. It features a simple one-hand fold and an elastic strap for convenient shoulder carrying. Utilizing patent-pending materials, the seat of the Joolz Aer+ provides exceptional comfort with its plush padding and a notably tall seat back measuring 21.7 inches, accommodating taller children.

Joolz Aer+ lightweight stroller ideal for travel

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 21″L x 17.7″ W x 8.5″ H
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna (with adapters)
• Comes with carry bag: Yes and carry strap
• Price: $449

Silver Cross Jet

The Silver Cross Jet 5 blends the elegant aesthetic and feel of the Silver Cross brand with highly practical features designed for travel. Weighing 15.87 pounds, the Jet is sized to be carry-on compatible. It can also be wheeled like a suitcase using the stroller’s handlebar and an included luggage sleeve for easy airport navigation. The Jet is suitable for newborns thanks to its lie-flat seat recline or by attaching an infant car seat.

Silver Cross Jet premium travel stroller being rolled like luggage

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 24.5″ x 14.5″ x 10″
• Weight: 15.87 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna (with adapters)
• Comes with carry bag: Yes (carry sleeve)
• Price: $479.99

Options for Larger Cabins or Gate Checking

These next options are also very easy to manage while traveling. While they might sometimes fit in larger airline overhead compartments, they are also excellent choices for gate checking, particularly when protected in a travel bag. Understanding airline policies like the american airlines carry on rules can help manage expectations for fitting items onboard.

Nuna TRVL

Appropriately named the TRVL, Nuna’s lightest and most compact stroller is engineered specifically for effortless transportation. Available in two models, the TRVL and TRVL lx, both are compatible with all Nuna PIPA series infant car seats without needing any adapters. Impressively, the stroller folds almost entirely by itself. You can use the bumper bar to lift and carry the stroller and store it in the included carry bag when boarding your flight.

Nuna TRVL easy-folding travel stroller

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 11″H x 24″L x 20.25″W
• Weight: 13.6 pounds (without bumper bar or canopy)
• Compatible car seats: only Nuna PIPA Series infant car seats
• Comes with carry bag: Yes (draw string bag)
• Price: $450-550

UPPAbaby MINU V2

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is designed for convenience, folding in just one step with a single hand. Its updated spring-loaded folding lock makes collapsing and unfolding even easier than its previous version. Weighing less than 17 pounds, it incorporates benefits commonly found on larger strollers, including a substantial 20-pound storage capacity, bassinet compatibility with adapters, an included child bumper bar, and an optional ride-along board for an older sibling.

Mother pushing UPPAbaby MINU V2 compact travel stroller

Key Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 12″L x 20.25″W x 23″H (11.5″ L without bumper bar)
• Weight: 16.9 pounds
• Compatible car seats: UPPAbaby MESA, MESA V2, or MESA Max car seats (with specific adapters) or with Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, and Nuna PIPA Series car seats (with different adapters)
• Comes with carry bag: No, but has a carry strap
• Price: $399.99

Conclusion

Finding a travel stroller that fits in overhead bin compartments is a key concern for traveling parents seeking to simplify their journey. While airline policies remain the ultimate determinant, certain strollers are engineered with ultra-compact folds specifically to meet these needs. The models highlighted above represent some of the most popular and highly-regarded options in this niche, offering convenience, portability, and features designed for the traveling family. Always verify the latest dimensions and airline regulations before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.