To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue regulations to include strollers in the contract of carriage of air carriers and set a liability limit for damaged strollers, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 29, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to standardize protections and compensation for airline passengers whose strollers are damaged during air travel, improving the travel experience for families.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue regulations within 180 days. These regulations will require all air carriers to include strollers in their contract of carriage, tag strollers for careful handling, and establish a liability limit of $2,175 for damaged strollers, consistent with the Montreal Convention.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill addresses a common frustration for traveling families by providing clear rules and recourse for damaged essential equipment, improving the travel experience for parents and guardians who rely on strollers for child mobility.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that this bill could increase operational costs for airlines, potentially leading to higher ticket prices for all passengers, or that existing liability frameworks are sufficient, making specific legislation for strollers an unnecessary regulatory burden.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 1(a)
Stroller Inclusion and Handling Requirements
This provision mandates that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issue regulations within 180 days to require all air carriers to formally include strollers in their contract of carriage. Additionally, airlines must tag any stroller with a specific denotation indicating it requires careful handling during transport.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this ensures strollers are treated as essential items, not just regular baggage, providing peace of mind and clearer expectations for traveling parents regarding the care of their child's mobility device.
Critics contend
Some airlines might contend that existing baggage handling protocols are sufficient and that additional specific tagging requirements add unnecessary complexity and cost to their operations without a significant improvement in outcomes.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for enhanced consumer protection for families against potential increases in airline operational costs and logistical complexities associated with new handling and tagging mandates.
Section 1(c)
Financial Liability for Damaged Strollers
This section directs the FAA to amend existing regulations (section 254.4 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) within 180 days to establish a specific liability amount of $2,175 for damage to a stroller by an air carrier. This amount is to be set within the overall liability limit for all baggage under that section.
This subsection requires that any updates to the contract of carriage under the bill must be consistent with the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, commonly known as the 'Montreal Convention.'
Section 1(b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure new domestic regulations do not conflict with existing international treaties, preventing legal challenges and maintaining global consistency in air travel law.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures legal coherence, preventing conflicts with international law and providing a stable regulatory environment for airlines operating globally, which ultimately benefits all travelers.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against ensuring consistency with international treaties, as it is a foundational principle of international law and good governance.
Estimated impact: Ensures legal compliance and avoids international legal disputes, with no direct financial impact but significant legal stability for air travel.