This bill directs the FAA to regulate the inclusion of strollers in airline contracts of carriage and establish a specific liability limit for their damage.
Ryan Mackenzie
Representative
PA-7
This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require airlines to include strollers in their contracts of carriage and apply a "handle with care" designation. The FAA must also establish a specific liability limit of \$2,175 for any damage caused to a stroller by an air carrier. These regulations must be finalized within 180 days of the law's enactment.
New Bill Guarantees 'Handle With Care' for Strollers on Flights, Sets $2,175 Liability Limit
Ever tried flying with a stroller? If you have, you know the anxiety of watching it disappear down the conveyor belt, hoping it makes it to your destination in one piece. A new bill aims to ease that worry significantly by making airlines include strollers in their contracts of carriage and tag them with a "handle with care" designation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will have 180 days to roll out the rules for these changes.
Stroller Safeguards
This isn't just about a polite request; the bill mandates that airlines treat your stroller like the essential gear it is. It means airlines can no longer dodge responsibility by claiming strollers aren't covered under their standard baggage agreements. Think of it as a clear signal to airlines: this isn't just a piece of luggage; it's a critical item for families traveling with young children, and it needs proper handling. This move, outlined in Section 1 of the bill, is a big win for parents who often feel like they’re navigating an obstacle course just to get through an airport.
Damage Control: A Clear Cap on Liability
Beyond the "handle with care" tag, the bill also tackles what happens if your stroller does get damaged. Within 180 days, the FAA must update its regulations to set a specific liability amount for airline-damaged strollers: a solid $2,175. This figure falls within the existing liability limits for all baggage, but by making it specific to strollers, it removes any ambiguity. No more haggling over what your stroller is worth after it’s been through the wringer. This provision (also in Section 1) is designed to align with international air travel rules, meaning whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, you’ll have a clear expectation of compensation if things go sideways.
What Counts as a Stroller?
The bill isn't leaving room for interpretation on what exactly qualifies. It defines a stroller as "a collapsible carriage designed as a chair in which a small child may be pushed." It also includes "any other device used to hold children while on the move." So, whether you’ve got a standard umbrella stroller or a more specialized travel system, it looks like this bill has got you covered. This clear definition helps prevent airlines from trying to sidestep the rules based on the type of child-carrying device, ensuring broad protection for traveling families.