Joolz aer2 vs bugaboo butterfly 2

[novamama]

Hi there! I’m torn between these two models. What are your opinions? I’d like to purchase a travel buggy for plane travel and would need to bring it on board whilst flying low cost companies. Any thoughts?

If they're being strict then neither would fit into the Ryanair large cabin bag sizer, both would fit in the easyJet bag sizer.

Do you absolutely need to have it in the cabin? We just give ours up at the steps and get it back either on the tarmac or at baggage claim. Really couldn't be arsed wrangling another item onboard!

Thanks for the reply! It’s sometimes cheaper to buy “priority” than hold luggage from companies that don’t allow 2 baby items. And was thinking if I buy a travel stroller would be great to have the option of bringing to cabin. But I’m with you with the luggage amount

I flew/fly a lot with my little boy by myself. It would have been a struggle carrying him, a buggy, my rucksack and his changing bag up the steps and through the plane! And he was mostly in a carrier.....a sweaty mess I was.

easyJet and Ryanair both allow free child items though - which carriers don't?

You’re a real life super hero!! I cannot imagine traveling solo 😱 Wizz air only allows 1 baby item sadly. So was going to check in baby car seat as the one item and purchase priority for cabin luggage (the pram)

Ah ok, never flown with Wizz but I believe they have pretty much the smallest size allowance, so do double check! I think the smallest buggy when folded (and therefore within all size regulations) was the Cybex Libelle.

But I wanted one with a lie flat seat for better naps on holidays!

I was lucky - he likes flying and always napped on the plane, I breastfed so I didn't have to faff with bottles, and we didn't have long flights.

I have the Aer 2. I really like it. I think the Aer is slightly smaller overall when folded. I did test the Butterfly, but not the 2 model, the original. Things I like better on the Joolz; lighter, taller handle height, felt more stable when pushing, frame less likely to scratch, travel bag included, should strap is elasticated so easier to wear, quicker/easier to fold, better wheels (although Bugaboo have put larger wheels on the Butterfly now too). The Butterfly has a bigger basket I think, but the Aer 2 one is bigger than the Aer+ model, and I find it adequate for daily use.

Sorry @novamama I didn't actually answer your question. I don't have experience with either of your fave buggies, would lean towards the Joolz one though. But that's also larger than Wizz priority bag size? Only by a bit but I have no idea how they are with that stuff.
One of our Ryanair flights literally every person had to put their bags into the sizer before boarding (or paying!).

Thanks a lot @TheOnlyWayisGerard. I also liked that the joolz is lighter. I wasn’t so sure about the way the straps tighten. How do you find them?

@Datsafunnyonea fair point.
The large cabin bag dimensions are:
Wizz Air: 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Ryanair 40 x 20 x 25 cm
easyJet 56 x 45 x 25 cm.

Gosh, I didn’t realise they were quite as different.

Joolz aer 2 folded size is: 53 x 44 x 23.5 cm
Bugaboo butterfly 2 folded size is: 55.5 x 44.8 x 24.5 cm

So joolz aer2 is smaller than the bugaboo butterfly2, but not enough to fit in the wizz air cabin. I suppose I answered my question.

Honestly on all my many low cost flights I've had my bags checked twice I think. I've never taken anything larger than permitted because I'm a scaredy cat, haha! So maybe get your buggy of choice and try to take onboard anyway. So many people say they've always been allowed the Yo-yo in the cabin, when that's also a bit too big for Ryanair for example.

There's enough to think about before a holiday with little ones without having to analyse buggy dimensions and cabin bag sizes! But wizzair do seem a bit mean with their child free items.

@novamamaIt has taken a bit of getting used to, but it works the same as our car seat, so it’s become second nature now.

I looked at the Joolz Aer+ and the bugaboo butterfly. I went for the Joolz in the end because the shade came down lower, which was better for holidays and it had better ventilation. I love the one hand fold and it is really light. No regrets at all about buying it, I've taken it on several flights.

@Lyla82thanks for the insights Lyla. Previously I would’ve totally chosen the aer+ over butterfly 1. However, now new versions of both are available (joolz aer2 and butterfly2) which are both pretty much on par with each other including lie flat seat and shade size/ height. There is a difference in the weight indeed though, the joolz aer2 being lighter and also the strapping mechanism is distinct.

No raincover with the bugaboo butterfly 2 which is insane for the price! Just not a fan of the Joolz recline, had anyone used both joolz aer+ and aer2 if there is any improvement?

I know this is old but in case still relevant - you should check the cost of adding extra baby equipment. On ryanair for example you get 2 free baby equipments but then can add more for only £15 so you dont need to get priority for it or pay for normal hold luggage. I dont know whether wizz air is the same but worth checking. We always checked our buggy as it was too big and ryanair did actually break it once though we were also massively overloading it so who knows.