Gate checking baby gear (i.e. carseats, strollers) on most airlines at the time of this writing is still free as long as the gear meets the airline's requirements for a gate check (for example, American Airlines requires any stroller over 20 pounds to be checked as regular baggage; check with your airline to make sure your gear meets their requirements so there are no surprises at the gate!). However, to save time, when you get to the gate area, talk to the gate attendant immediately about needing a gate check. They'll tag your item and will answer any questions you might have right there and then so you don't have to worry about the process while trying to board the aircraft.
When boarding the aircraft, step to the side of the ramp (just before the aircraft door) to fold your stroller or any other preparations you need to to do prior to leaving the gear, so other passengers can pass you easily. Make sure the gate check tag is clearly visible on your gear so the crew know it needs to be loaded on the aircraft.
When deplaning the aircraft, you'll need to stand on the ramp to wait for the gate check items to be returned to you. Most of the time, gate checked items are not returned to passengers with other baggage items, but at the aircraft door. Again, it's helpful and considerate to stand to the side so other deplaning passengers can move past easily while you're waiting for your checked items to appear.
If you have any questions about any airline's policy, do check with the gate attendant prior to departure or with the flight crew before you deplane.
When boarding the aircraft, step to the side of the ramp (just before the aircraft door) to fold your stroller or any other preparations you need to to do prior to leaving the gear, so other passengers can pass you easily. Make sure the gate check tag is clearly visible on your gear so the crew know it needs to be loaded on the aircraft.
When deplaning the aircraft, you'll need to stand on the ramp to wait for the gate check items to be returned to you. Most of the time, gate checked items are not returned to passengers with other baggage items, but at the aircraft door. Again, it's helpful and considerate to stand to the side so other deplaning passengers can move past easily while you're waiting for your checked items to appear.
If you have any questions about any airline's policy, do check with the gate attendant prior to departure or with the flight crew before you deplane.
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