Hello,

Sorry for the Off topic post here but it is somewhat related to WDW. My family is going for our 1st trip to WDW in the beginning of May. We will have my then 20 month old son along with my 5.5 yr old twin girls. We are flying United nonstop from San Francisco to Orlando.

This is the first time we've flown with our kids (We always goto DL every year thus we drive). We are debating the stroller issue regarding our son. The twins dont need one anymore, or if they do we'll just rent at the parks but as you know it will be a different story with the 20 month old.

One option, and I think our best option given we will have to be waiting at airports etc., would be to "gate check" our stroller. My question is when you get off of the aircraft will the stroller be available to you at the gate or do you have to pick it up at baggage claim? Since we will be using DME this would kind of be a hassle since we are skipping baggage claim all together.

I called United, and as a lot of companies these days, it seems they outsource their Customer Service Line to India. I couldn't understand the lady, the connection was horrible and to say her information was ambigious would be an understatement. She told me that we could use an umbrella stroller as a carry on but she could not determine if a gate checked piece of luggage is delivered back to you at the gate.

Anyone with kids have experience with United?

I don't use a stroller (good thing, since I don't have kids :D ) and don't recall United specifically - but every airline I've been on, GATE checked strollers, whether umbrella or mondo-huge things, have been available at the door of the aircraft, right where they were left. Make sure you get the right colored tag for this from the agent at the gate.

Every time we fly my stroller is waiting for me as we walk out the airplane door. I always gate check it.

We went to Disney World last April with my 5 year old, 4 year old twins and 17 month old. We took our umbrella for the baby and only had to rent a double stroller about 2 of the 10 days we were there. The 3 big kids could all sit in the double without too much trouble. Have a great time!

That's good news, thanks for the replies.

Yep, it's right there when you come out the door of the plane. If it isn't there yet, just wait there and someone will bring it up through that door at the end of the gangway.

Very frequent United Airlines flyer here.

It's already been said but...any bag, item, stroller that gets a "Gate Check" tag...gets hand carried down the stairs of the JetWay, and stored in a special section of the underbelly...and it's brought right up to the door of the plane upon landing. You may have to step aside during disembarkation to let other people pass, and wait a few minutes as they bring items up one-by-one by hand. No need to go to baggage claim, unless you've checked other luggage when you checked-in landside.

Your non-stop SFO-MCO on United will be aboard a 757-200 aircraft. (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/United_Airlines_Boeing_757-200_A.php) Make sure you have secured pre-assigned seating for you and your family as soon as you are ticketed. Assuming you're flying in Economy Class...there is no longer free hot meal service. Instead you'll have a choice of "Buy On Board" snack boxes for $5 each as listed here:

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51257,00.html

...and as your flights are scheduled at over 5 hours in length, you'll also have a "Fresh Food" option (also $5 each) as listed here:

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51284,00.html

They only accept cash onboard...so make sure you have some green stuff with you if you think you might want to order any of those.

The India Call Center is often dreadful. Sorry you had to go through that. Unfortunately, I know just what you're talking about from many first-hand experiences.

Anyway...enjoy your trip! :)

Opus1guy,

You rock thanks for the information............