Joolz Aer: Overhyped or Worth It? Here Is What I Found Out
Joolz Aer: Overhyped or worth it? After seeing this stroller everywhere in the family travel community, I wondered if it was worth it. With an upcoming overseas trip, I needed a reliable, compact stroller that could handle airports, cobblestone streets, and long days of exploring.
I’ve been traveling with my kids since they were four months old. Over the years, we’ve taken countless international flights, navigated busy airports, stayed in tiny Airbnbs, and traveled on streets that were unsuitable for strollers.
We’ve lived in Greece, France, and Israel: places where a lightweight, durable stroller isn’t just a luxury but a necessity. I’ve tested multiple travel strollers, including the highly praised Babyzen YoYo (review here), and I’ve spent hours researching every option before purchasing. I know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just clever marketing.
The Joolz Aer made my top three travel strollers list, but where does it rank? (hint: it’s pretty amazing). My goal is to make your decision easier by giving you a clear, honest breakdown with the pros and cons. Let’s get into it!
Related: Top 3 Slumberpod Alternative Options for Better Toddler Sleep
Table of Contents
1. My First Impression of the Joolz Aer
Right out of the box, the Joolz Aer + made a strong first impression with its sleek design and compact fold. The stroller FEELS like quality. The fabrics feel soft yet durable and the unfolding was effortless—one hand and it was ready to go.
I’ve heard MANY travel moms and my overseas basketball mom friends rave about this stroller, but experiencing it firsthand was a different story—and I have to say, so far it absolutely lives up to the hype. The base is sturdy and smooth, and the ergonomic seat with a secure 5-point harness feels both practical and luxurious. With its airplane compatibility, this stroller quickly earned its spot as a top choice for travel families.
2. How Light is the Joolz Aer +?
It weighs only 13.4 lbs ( ~ 6kg), which makes it pretty easy to carry around as it is one of the lightest strollers on the market.
Related: Is Cosco Car Seat Good for Travel? Review and Airplane Install
3. Dimensions
- Price: $ 449
- Weight: 13.3 lbs
- Folded size: 21 inches x 17.7 inches x 8.5 inches
- Item Dimensions L x W x H: 32.7″L x 17.7″W x 41.5″H
- Weight range for stroller seat: max weight 50 lbs
- Storage capacity: basket holds up to 11 lbs
- Special features: recycled materials, wide canopy, 5-point safety harness, true one-handed fold.
- Car seat compatible: Yes
Bassinet/ baby cot compatible: yes, it’s available for purchase on Amazon and their website.
4. Joolz Aer Pros and Key Features
The quality of Joolz Aer is undeniable, and there are many great features to this stroller. Here are some worth mentioning.
First, the handle is a great height at 40 inches. For reference, my husband is 6’6” and I’m 5’7” so this worked great for us. It’s made well and has a luxurious look and feel to it.
Wide Canopy/ Sun Hood
It has an UPF 50+ sun hood/canopy which offers excellent protection, it is super wide, which I haven’t seen with other travel strollers.
This zippered extension is a plus and the built-in mesh ventilation window allows for airflow, keeping your little one comfortable. So with its generous coverage, it’s perfect for naps on the go.
Buckles
The buckles are super easy to use and secure. You need to click in four of the straps so it takes a couple of seconds, but the release is one of the best I’ve seen.
You can easily unclip with one click of a button in the middle. It’s that simple.
Recline
The recline on the Joolz Aer + is pretty good, as it reclines to about 33 degrees. One thing to note is that to recline, you must find the zipper in the back of the seat fabric, and then unzip it. Doing this will make the seat pop out.
There is a buckle on the side that allows you to adjust the depth of the recline to your preferred position. The recline is gentle and has never woken up my child.
If you’re purchasing the stroller in Europe or Asia, you will get the full recline, however, due to the safety laws and regulations in the states, we do not get the full recline feature. With that being said, this wasn’t a deal breaker for me.
Basket
The basket is a good size and can hold up to 11 lbs. There is also a small pocket on the back of the seat where you can store your phone or wallet.
Brake/ Wheel Lock
The brake is pretty straightforward to use. It is one of the best out there from what I’ve tested. The best part is that it is flip-flop and barefoot friendly because you don’t need to use the top of your foot!
10-Year Transferrable Warranty
One of the best features for any parent is a warranty on a pricey product. With that being said, the Joolz Aer + has something even better. They offer a 10-year TRANSFERRABLE warranty on the stroller.
This means that if you decide to sell your Joolz stroller on the Marketplace (or sell it to a friend), the warranty will transfer to the new owner.
Honestly, I’ve never seen this before, but it gave me peace of mind before investing in the stroller because they stand by the quality of their products.
Size
Joolz Aer + weighs only 13.4 lbs, making it super lightweight and easy to use. It’s compact and easy to travel with, yet provides a comfortable seat for your kiddo. I can hold the Joolz Aer with one hand while also carrying my baby.
Although it’s lightweight it has never tipped over. It’s sturdy and super comfortable to push and maneuver plus it’s one of the smallest strollers out there.
One-Handed Joolz Aer Fold
The one-handed fold on the Joolz Aer + is the absolute BEST. It is one of my favorite features, and it makes this stroller stand out among all of its competitors.
All you have to do is push the two buttons at the same time and push forward.
To Open It Up
Opening up the stroller is simple as well. You push the two buttons on the handle at the same time and pull it open. Takes very minimal effort.
The Carrying Strap
The carrying strap on the Joolz Aer + is nice and stretchy, making it perfect for travel because I can just sling it over my shoulder and go up the stairs ( in Europe especially where there aren’t many elevators lol). Also, with this stroller I noticed the wheels are facing away from me, so it prevents my clothes from getting dirty.
Fits In Overhead Bin
One of the best things about this stroller is that it fits in most overhead bins on the plane.
It also comes with this black bag that you can bring with you to put the stroller in. It’s big enough for the child, yet small enough for the plane. I’m obsessed.
5. Joolz Aer Cons/ Things to Consider
While the Joolz Aer + is an amazing travel stroller, it’s not perfect. There are a couple of minor things that need improvement.
Extra Cost for Accessories
One of the biggest downsides of the Joolz Aer+ is that essential add-ons, like the bumper bar or snack tray, come at an additional cost. It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, considering all the great features this stroller offers, but it’s something to keep in mind.
There are plenty of accessories to choose from, but for us, the belly bar/snack tray was the only one we felt was truly necessary and had regular use.
Here are some of the other add-ons available:
- Raincover
- Car seat adapters
- Cup holder
- Bumper bar
- Carrycot/ Bassinet for Newborn (0-6 Months)
- Footboard
- Universal stroller snack tray
- LED light
- Footrest
Premium Price Point
The price of the Joolz Aer+ might be a drawback for some, as it falls into the luxury stroller category. However, its high-quality design, premium feel, and thoughtful features reflect that price tag.
That said, the ability to use this stroller from birth through 4+ years, along with a transferable warranty, adds significant value. In this case, you truly get what you pay for.
6. Joolz Aer vs Joolz Aer+
The Joolz Aer + addresses several of the previous model’s (Joolz Aer) shortcomings, adding a lap bar and, in the European version, a full recline—something many users wish was available everywhere.
The Aer+ comes with several small upgrades, including improved materials, a larger, wider canopy and basket, and a slightly better recline.
7. How Does the Joolz Aer+ Compare to Other Strollers
1. Joolz Aer +
- Weight: 13.4 lbs
- size/ folded up: 20.9” long by 17.7” wide by 9.1” high, 1.8 cubic feet. It is one of the lightest and smallest strollers you can buy.
- Price: $450
- One-handed fold? YES
- Does it fit the overhead bin? YES
- Is it car seat compatible? YES
- Quality: Great/ top
- Child Max Weight: 50 lbs
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
2. Babyzen Yoyo 2
( read my full review)
- Weight: 13.6 lbs
- size/ folded up: 22 x 18 x 8 in ( 55.9 x 45.7 x 20.3 cm).
- Price: $450
- One-handed fold? No
- Does it fit the overhead bin? YES
- Is it car seat compatible? YES
- Quality: Great/ top
- Child Max Weight: 40 lbs
3. Mamazing
Weight: 11.5 lbs
size/ folded up: same size as a 21-inch carry-on. H20.6 x W18.5 x D11 inch
Price: $199
One-handed fold? NO
Does it fit the overhead bin? Some
Is it car seat compatible? NO.
Quality: room for improvement.
Child Max Weight: 50 lbs
The Joolz Aer+ and Babyzen Yoyo 2 offer top-quality designs with overhead bin compatibility and car seat adaptability, though the Aer+ stands out with its one-handed fold and lifetime warranty.
The Mamazing is a budget-friendly option with a lighter frame that slightly compromises on quality and features yet gets the job done.
8. Other Moms’ Opinions
I’m just one of many moms who absolutely love the Joolz Aer. But don’t just take my word for it—here’s what other moms have to say!
- “Love my Joolz and have taken it on many cobblestones throughout Europe. Best purchase ever.” – Julia, Amsterdam.
- “We live in Europe and absolutely love our Joolz Aer+! We have the Uppababy Vista but our Aer + became our day to day stroller because of how much we love it.” – Carmen, France.
- “Literally just told my husband this weekend my Joolz Aer is my favorite baby purchase out of everything.” – Ashley, California.
- “I was able to fit this stroller in the overhead compartment of a small regional jet with ease – even the gate agent was impressed. When we are not traveling, we keep this in our trunk for easy and on the go use. We are heading to Switzerland next month, and will be using this exclusively! Highly recommend it to all parents.” – Vanessa, Michigan.
- “I have the Joolz Aer+ and I have travelled all across North America with it. I tried out the Bugaboo Butterfly and Joolz Aer+ at a store. Preferred the Joolz Aer+. I like the one-handed fold since I travel with my child alone, the travel bag it came with, lots of space for my child to grow into the stroller seat, easy to fit in an overhead bin, carrying strap (easy to put over my shoulder) and it is lightweight. A couple downsides is that you have to buy most of the accessories (bumper bar and foot rest), which increases the price and the lack of room for stuff under the stroller. I have an UppaBaby Cruz but use my Joolz Aer+ more often due to ease of use and it taking up less trunk space. I plan on taking my Joolz Aer+ to Japan.” – Jennifer, Arizona.
Hope this social proof gives you a clearer picture of the Joolz Aer’s pros and cons and helps you decide if it’s the right stroller for you!
9. Traveling With the Joolz Aer
Traveling with the Joolz Aer is where this stroller truly shines. Bring it onboard and store it in the overhead bin to avoid the nightmare of damaged gear—I’ve had a car seat come back covered in oil stains and my Uppababy Vista stroller frame completely broken before even starting my trip in Switzerland.
Nothing derails a vacation faster, especially with two little ones in tow. Thankfully, I had a baby carrier as backup, but trust me—learning from my mistakes is easier than dealing with the hassle yourself.
A compact, foldable stroller like the Joolz Aer is a game-changer when flying. If you check a stroller before boarding, it often ends up on the luggage carousel, leaving you juggling a baby or toddler through passport control—exhausting, to say the least ( especially if they haven’t had their nap).
While some short-haul flights return strollers at the gate, long-haul flights usually send them straight to baggage claim or even a connecting flight. Having the Joolz Aer with you makes airport transfers and layovers so much smoother.
Plus, it folds up in seconds and fits easily in the trunk or between car and taxi seats, leaving plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or whatever else you need to bring along.
10. Joolz Aer+ as the Primary Stroller
The Joolz Aer isn’t just a travel stroller—it’s perfect for everyday use, too. Whether you’re grabbing coffee with a friend, running errands, grocery shopping, or taking a stroll through the park, this stroller makes life easier. It’s compact yet practical, fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles without the bulk of a full-size stroller.
The only downside I can think of is the smaller basket, but that’s expected with a compact design. You can always clip your diaper bag to the back and wear a fanny pack for essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys.
If you don’t carry an oversized diaper bag, storage won’t be an issue. For newborns (0-6 months), Joolz offers a bassinet attachment, since the standard seat is only suitable from six months onward. With its smooth suspension and smart design, the Joolz Aer+ is a go-to for parents who need a lightweight stroller that keeps up with city life and frequent travel.
11. Overall Rating out of 10
I’m giving the Joolz Aer+ travel stroller a solid 9.8 out of 10, and here’s why: it’s sturdy, made with high-quality materials, and checks almost every box when it comes to what you need in a travel stroller. One of my favorite things? Its versatility. You can use it from birth up to age 5+ (depending on your child’s size), so it’s definitely worth the investment.
And here’s a standout feature that blew me away — the transferable warranty. I haven’t seen any other stroller brand offer that! It’s definitely the best on the market right now!
12. Joolz Aer Competitors
If you’re looking for a compact travel stroller, the Joolz Aer+ isn’t the only option. Here are three strong competitors, each with its own strengths.
1. Most Affordable Option: Mamazing
- Budget-friendly – about half the price of luxury travel strollers.
- Super lightweight – easy to carry and store.
- Great for everyday use – not as premium but still reliable.
If you’re looking for a solid travel stroller without breaking the bank, Mamazing is worth considering.
2. Most Versatile: Babyzen Yoyo
- The original compact travel stroller – loved by families worldwide.
- Can convert into a double stroller – attach a second Yoyo if you have two little ones.
- Lightweight & compact – easy to fit in overhead bins.
The biggest drawback? The seat has a slight recline, even at its most upright position, which some kids may not love. Also, folding requires two hands, making it a bit less convenient.
3. Best Overall: Joolz Aer+ (My Top Pick)
- One-handed fold – effortless, especially when traveling alone.
- Larger canopy – provides better sun protection than the Yoyo.
- Transferable Lifetime warranty- not offered by any other companies.
After testing and researching multiple options, I personally recommend the Joolz Aer+ over all of the above. It’s well-made, stylish, and built for long-term use.
13. Is the Joolz Aer+ Worth It?
Absolutely! With its smooth ride, one-handed fold, and premium design, the Joolz Aer + is one of the best travel strollers on the market right now. While no stroller is perfect, its few drawbacks are minor compared to its overall convenience.
It’s built to last, making it a smart investment—plus, you can easily resell it later on Marketplace to recoup some of the cost.
If you want a lightweight, high-quality stroller for travel and everyday use, the Joolz Aer+ is a top choice.
14. Where Can I Buy the Joolz Aer Stroller?
You have a few options when it comes to purchasing the Joolz Aer +:
- Amazon – Fast and convenient delivery. I ordered mine here and highly recommend using Amazon Prime for quick shipping.
- Joolz Website – Buy directly from the brand. Shop here.
- Joolz Store – Find a retailer near you using their store locator.
- Nordstrom – Carries the Joolz Aer+, but availability may vary. The last time I checked, it was sold out.
For the fastest and most hassle-free experience, Amazon is my top pick! Check out the current price.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age is Joolz Aer suitable for?
The Joolz Aer (and Joolz Aer+) is suitable for babies 6 months and up, but with the addition of a bassinet or carrycot, it can be used from birth. Once your baby reaches 6 months, you can transition to the standard seat. With a weight limit of 50 lbs, it comfortably accommodates toddlers and even older kids. In fact, I know a 5-year-old who still rides in it! So if you’re looking for a stroller that grows with your child, the Joolz Aer+ can be used from newborn stage to around 5 years old.
2. Is the Joolz Aer worth it?
Absolutely! After testing multiple top-rated travel strollers, I can confidently say the Joolz Aer+ is worth the investment. It’s lightweight, durable, and built with high-quality materials. The extra-wide canopy offers superior sun protection, and its compact fold makes it perfect for both travel and everyday use. Plus, the lifetime transferable warranty is a huge bonus—adding even more value to this luxury travel stroller.
3. What age is the Joolz Aer for?
Joolz aer is for newborns up to 5 years old (or 50 lbs). With the addition of a bassinet or carrycot, it can be used from birth, and once your baby reaches 6 months, you can transition to the seat.
4. Can you bring Joolz Aer on a plane?
Yes, you can bring the Joolz Aer + on a plane, and you should! It’s compact enough to fit in the overhead bin, making it a great option for air travel. Plus, it comes with a black storage bag, which is perfect for protecting the stroller, whether it’s in the car or the plane.
5. Is the Joolz Aer cabin approved?
Yes, the Joolz Aer+ is cabin-approved and FAA-approved. Its compact design allows it to fit in most airline overhead bins, making it an excellent choice for travel. With that being said, always check your airline’s luggage policy before your trip, as rules can vary. The Joolz Aer+ weighs 13.4 lbs (6 kg) and folds down to 53 × 45 × 23 cm.
6. How do you fold the Joolz Aer+ stroller?
To fold the Joolz Aer+ stroller, press both buttons on the handle at the same time, and push forward. This can be done one-handed and only takes a few seconds.
7. Differences between the Joolz Aer purchased in the USA vs purchased in Europe.
The biggest difference between the Joolz Aer purchased in the USA vs Europe is that the one purchased in Europe features a full recline (allowing the seat back to lay completely flat) so your baby can rest more comfortably. However, the U.S. version does not offer a true lay-flat recline due to safety regulations.
8. How compact is the Joolz Aer+ stroller when folded?
When folded, the Joolz Aer + stroller is 53 × 45 × 23 cm. It is one of the smallest travel strollers available.
9. Can you use a car seat with this stroller?
Yes! You can use a car seat with this stroller.
According to the Joolz website, the Joolz Aer/Aer+ is compatible with car seats from Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex, including models like the Nuna Pipa, Maxi-Cosi Pebble, and Cybex Cloud Q—when used with the Joolz Aer/Aer+ car seat adapters.
The car seat adapters are sold separately. To check if your specific car seat model is compatible, refer to this compatibility chart.
Written by: Melanie Suggs
Melanie is a nurse, a coffee-lovin’ mama of two, and a frequent flier who has visited 17+ countries, lived overseas in Asia, Europe, and the States, and has taken her toddlers on over countless domestic + international flights.
With her extensive experience in flying and traveling with her family, she developed a passion for helping parents travel with ease through tips, suggestions, and reviews on her blogs.
