We went to Boston, Cape Cod, and Nantucket this past week! Cape Cod was on our bucket list and it ended up being so much fun. We saw all the cute towns, and the girls had a great time!

One of the main questions I received when I posted my travel stories was about traveling with the UppaBaby Vista stroller! We have the UppaBaby Vista Stroller and absolutely love it for its sturdiness and versatility. We call it “the tank” because the big wheels can withstand all terrain we put it through (sand, grass, mud…etc.)  There is ample storage underneath for all the baby gear, and it is convertible to fit a toddler seat, bassinet, and/or car seat depending on your needs. So naturally when it comes to traveling with the kids, we simply don’t want to go anywhere without it.

Traveling With The UppaBaby Vista Stroller

The honest truth is that it took a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to travel with the Vista stroller. We have flown 7 times round trip with it, which means 14 times through security and getting on the plane, and now we have it down to a science! I’m laying it all out here in the hopes that we can help some families have an easy time while traveling with the UppaBaby Vista Stroller.

Prepare Yourself For Travel

When moms ask me about traveling with the Vista, I tell them to “prepare yourself” by practicing! The fact that you’re reading this means you’re on the right track. The first time we flew with Sidney she was 2 months old and we had no idea what we were doing. We got to the airport with all of our gear and didn’t understand how to break down the stroller, how to put it in the bag, or what needed to go where. It resulted a lot of sweating and cursing and it is a wonder our marriage survived. Not ideal, haha.

Before you go, watch some videos about how to fold up and break down the stroller, as well as how to put it in the carrying case. Then, I recommend practicing at least once do you know where all the buttons and levers are located, and how to fold everything properly so it fits in the case. UppaBaby has a good video on how to put the Vista Stroller in the travel bag. They have a bunch of videos on their YouTube Channel that are helpful, or you can just search how to do it on YouTube.

The Vista Carrying Case is a must for air travel. If you register your stroller and travel bag with UppaBaby, their TravelSafe Program covers any damage incurred to your stroller during air travel. So far after 14 flights, our stroller is still in tip top shape. The travel bag fits the stroller frame and toddler seat, or the frame + bassinet. It is an expensive stroller so I recommend protecting your investment.

Adapters

The UppaBaby Vista stroller allows for a bunch of different configurations depending on how many kids you have and their ages. Decide what pieces you are bringing (car seat, toddler seat or both) and figure out which adapters you need, as well has how to take them on and off the frame. UppaBaby has a Vista Expansion Tool that helps you find the right adapters for that gear you want to attach. The frame won’t fit in the travel bag with the adapters on it. And try to remember if you have the toddler seat or the rumble seat. They look the same but have different adapters.

We have this adapter for the toddler seat on top, and this one for the car seat (on top by itself or on bottom with the toddler seat). Due to weight distribution you can only configure it a certain way. You can see a photo of our configuration below.

Don’t forget the car seats

While you’re at it, re-familiarize yourself with your car seat(s), and practice uninstalling and installing them. You don’t want the Uber to arrive and have to spend half an hour figuring out the car seats while your kids are screaming. And If you have a travel bag for the car seat(s) then practice putting them in the bag(s). We have the UppaBaby Mesa infant car seat for Rosie and the corresponding travel bag. Sidney goes in the Britax One4life car seat, and it has a travel bag with wheels.

Checking Your Bags

So you’re at the airport now and checking bags. Some airlines have a policy that you have to check a stroller that weighs over 25lb. The Vista weights 26.6lb. That policy is utter bullshit so I recommend checking at curbside because those guys don’t care. If you want to check the stroller, then you probably put it in the travel bag before you left for the airport. We happen to have a very energetic toddler who needs to be contained at times. We need the stroller for storage otherwise my back would just collapse while schlepping through Chicago O’Hare Airport.

Is your toddler going to sit in their car seat on the plane? Or will they sit in their seat by themselves? Sidney sat in her car seat on the plane until she turned 3 because she needed to be contained and she was most comfortable that way. Familiarize yourself with how to install the toddler car seat on the plane (you might need a seat belt expander or something). If your toddler is sitting in their own seat, then put the car seat in its travel bag and check it with your bags. Most airlines allow you to check a car seat as a “special item” for free.

Getting Through Security

This is a two person job but it isn’t impossible by yourself. The Vista  stroller needs to be folded, and the large rear wheels need to be removed to put it through the belt on the security machine. An infant car seat will fit through the machine, and a toddler car seat will have to be taken out of its’ bag and screened by an officer. Just throw all of your carry on bags with the gear carrying cases on the belt, too!

When we do this step, I carry the baby and hold Sidney’s hand while Dan disassembles and reassembles the stroller. He is a pro at it. As soon as I can put the baby down in her car seat, I have my hands free to help.

Once you get through the people scanner, pop the wheels back on, get situated, and you’re good to go. You might have 8 items on the security belt that you need to account for, not to mention some children in your arms or at your heels. Just take your time and make sure you account for everything.

Boarding The Plane

Finally, you’re at the gate! Boarding is in about 10 minutes. Fold up the stroller and put it in the travel bag. The rear wheels have to come off, and the front wheels have to fold in a bit so it fits properly. Any adapters have to be removed. The toddler seat detaches, its’ foot rest folds all the way down, and the bumper bar also comes off. Don’t listen to the reviews that say the stroller doesn’t fit in the bag. It fits perfectly, but it just takes practice to get it right. We also put the infant car seat in its’ travel bag. Take it to the desk to get a gate check tag. You’ll most likely have to roll it down the jet bridge and hand it to the baggage handler. Woohoo!

You Did It!

Flying with children takes a lot of planning, but it is also so rewarding to make memories through travel. Making sure the kids are comfortable and happy is key. Which is one of the reasons we love traveling with the UppaBaby Vista stroller. You’ll be be so happy you brought it with you! We have flown to Boston 4x, Palm Springs, New York, and Seattle with this bad boy and have no regrets!

Vista + Travel Accessories:

 

 

If you have any questions that I didn’t cover, feel free to email me: glassofglam@gmail.com.

–Roxanne

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