I learned a valuable lesson this week. Never take your nice stroller on an airplane.
My family and I had to take an unexpected trip to California for a funeral. Flying with a baby always presents challenges, but when you are traveling with a baby, you need as many hands free as possible. So, it is always a good idea to take a stroller with you.
My husband and I purchased a stroller when our third was born that was a very expensive brand. We bought it used to save on costs. It has been a great stroller and a lifesaver. When you are traveling with a baby, you have luggage, car seats, diaper bags, sippy cups, toys, etc. So, a nice sturdy stroller to take with you is ideal when you are spending a long time somewhere.
Well, in my case, this was a big mistake. We checked our stroller at the airplane right as we were boarding. This involves trusting that your stroller will be put below the plane and back up on the ramp for when you exit the plane. We did this on our first flight, and on the connecting flight. And, I have done this same thing on many, many flights before. However, when our stroller was sitting on the ramp after our second flight, we could not open it. I panicked. How would we survive on a 5 day trip with 3 kids without a stroller? Sure enough, the airline bent the frame of our stroller damaging it to the point where it was no longer safe to use. I was furious.
I filed a complaint, and now will have to fight with the airline to get them to take care of it. They make you sign that they are not responsible for damages, but in my case, I consider the stroller a loss, not just damaged. Because it is no longer in working condition. This will be a fight that I am definitely up for fighting.