When you’re a mom of three, you learn very quickly that the “perfect” full-size stroller for your everyday walks is often your worst enemy at an airport gate. After years of traveling with our kids, I’ve realized that the best travel stroller isn’t just the lightest one: It’s the one that doesn’t make you want to cry when you’re trying to fold it while holding a toddler and a diaper bag, trying to get through security at an airport.
I’ve tested my fair share of compact strollers, but there is one that consistently wins for our family. If you just want to know which stroller, it’s this stroller. If you want the full details, read on!
If you want the deep dive, you can read my full Ergobaby Metro+ review here, but today I’m breaking down why this is my top pick for a travel stroller in 2026 and how it stacks up against the other big names like the UPPAbaby Minu and the Babyzen YOYO.
What to Look for in a Travel Stroller
When shopping for a travel stroller, I prioritize three things:
- The Fold: Can I do it with one hand?
- The Size: Does it actually fit in an airplane overhead bin?
- The Comfort: Does it recline enough for a nap? (Because a nap-less vacation is not a vacation).
As a mom of three, I have had quite a few strollers over the years. I have purchased (and later sold) stroller after stroller looking for the perfect travel stroller that makes trips easier, not harder. I finally found one that I consider my “ride or die” – and that one stroller came with us on our 3 week European trip in 2025 and again summer 2026 in Scandinavia. AND – it’s still my favorite (single) stroller!
Top Strollers that Fit in the Overhead Bin
- Best storage capacity: Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Stroller ($499)
- Best for urban transit: Silver Cross Clic (or Jet 5) ($399)
- Most known among airlines and internationally: Stokke (Formerly Babyzen) YOYO3 ($499)
- Best value: Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller ($299)
- Read my in-depth Metro+ stroller review
- Best newborn-ready: Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller ($299)
- Most compact fold: Evenflo Hummingbird ($229)
- Smallest and Lightest Weight: Evenflo Hummingbird ($229)
- Most budget-friendly: Mamazing Ultra Air ($189)
My Top Pick Overall: The Ergobaby Metro+ (and Metro 3)
The Ergobaby Metro+ has been our “ride or die” for over a year a few reasons. Unlike many other ultra-compact strollers, it actually has plush padding. Most travel strollers feel like a piece of fabric stretched over a frame, but this feels like a real seat. One of my must haves was a travel stroller that can fold with one hand, which is why I didn’t buy the YOYO even though it’s one of the lightest on the market.
Why I love it:
- Newborn Ready: It has a true lie-flat recline, which means you don’t need a separate bassinet attachment for travel.
- Adjustable Handlebar: This is a game-changer if you and your partner are different heights (I’m 5’7”, and I never feel like I’m hunching).
- CushionRide™ Suspension: It handles cobblestones and uneven city sidewalks way better than the cheaper umbrella strollers.
- Overhead Bin Compatible: It fits in most major airline overhead compartments, meaning no waiting at the jet bridge for a gate-checked stroller.
- Folds with one hand!
For real-world testing photos, check out my full Ergobaby Metro+ stroller review.
Check out my favorite travel strollerThe Best Travel Strollers of 2026
While the Ergobaby is my personal favorite for everyday and travel, I know every family has different needs. Here is how it compares to the other “big hitters” in the travel gear world
Best Overall Overhead Bin
Bugaboo Butterfly 2
Universal Overhead Certified
Stokke / Babyzen YOYO3
Best Self-Folding Luxury
Nuna TRVL lx
Best Lie-Flat Recline
Joolz Aer+
Best Everyday Hybrid
UPPAbaby Minu V2
Best Padded & Newborn Ready
Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe
Suitcase-Style Trolley Pull
Silver Cross Jet 5
Smallest Fold Footprint
Cybex Libelle 2
Lightest Weight Full Canopy
Zoe Tour+ (The Tour)
Best Car Seat Hybrid
Doona All-in-One
How to Choose: Mom’s Quick Decision Matrix
Every family’s travel style is different. Match your travel priorities below:
If you fly frequently, overhead bin compliance is essential. Avoid the stress of gate-checking and damaged gear with strollers certified for standard airplane cabin bins.
For Disney World and trunk-packing road trips, you need instant one-handed folding, massive UPF 50+ canopy shade from intense sun, and ultra-lightweight frames you can lift repeatedly.
Traveling with an infant under 6 months requires lie-flat ergonomics or a seamless car-seat crossover for taxis, Ubers, and walking tours.
My Top Pick: Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe
If I had to recommend just one travel stroller that delivers maximum comfort without requiring expensive add-ons, it is hands-down the Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe. It provides the plushest seat cushioning of any compact stroller on the market, fits easily into standard airplane overhead compartments, and converts into a cozy newborn bassinet right out of the box.
Common Questions About Flying with a Stroller
Does a travel stroller (like the Metro+) fit in the overhead bin?
Yes! I have taken travel strollers on multiple flights, and as long as you aren’t on a tiny regional “puddle jumper,” the Ergobaby Metro+ fits perfectly. So does the YoYo, the Hummingbird, and more. This saves so much time (and prevents the airline from breaking your stroller during gate-checking).
I’ve had international gate agents tell me that we have to check the Metro because they think it won’t fit in the overhead, but I’m always ready with my dimensions and show them how compact it folds down. Most international airline attendants are used to the Stokke (formerly Babyzen) YoYo. It seems to be the most widely used airline stroller across the pond! Here we are pushing the Metro+ down the aisle on an airplane:
Can I use a travel stroller for everyday use?
For city living or quick errands, yes, you can definitely use a travel stroller for your everyday errands. If you’re doing long walks on gravel paths or through snow, you’ll still want your full-size stroller. But for the mall, the airport, or Disney? The Metro+ is all you need.
Do I need a lightweight travel stroller?
It’s totally up to you, but personally I like traveling with a lightweight travel stroller (or I guess you call it a travel pushchair across the pond!) because it makes everything so much easier! A light travel stroller that you can fold with one hand is a game changer. I wish they’d make interchangeable wheels for cities with cobblestones, but regardless, I think a lightweight travel stroller is 100% worth it.
Is a travel stroller worth it?
If you travel even once or twice a year, 100% yes. It makes navigating security and tight restaurant spaces so much easier. You can use a travel stroller as your everyday stroller, as long as you aren’t navigating gravel paths frequently.
You might also want to see my tips on flying with a baby or tips on flying with a toddler! And if you need a stroller that has seats for 2 children, this is my favorite double stroller. We’ve flown with it before and loved it!
If you don’t know about REBEL yet, you’ll want to read my review of REBEL for baby gear. Spoiler: It’s a great website to find open box items for steep discounts (like a new Metro+ stroller for 25% off)!
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