Review · Travel stroller
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus Review: The Best Stroller for Flying?
Short answer: The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is worth it if you travel often and want a light, compact stroller. Bugaboo lists it at $579 and 16 lb, with a one-second fold, a fully flat recline and a carry-on-size package. Small wheels and a 17.6 lb basket suit sidewalks and airports better than long walks.
Our verdict
8.7out of 10
Excellent
Best travel
Best for
- Frequent flyers who want a stroller they can take into the cabin
- City families with small apartments and little storage
- Parents who want a light second stroller or a main stroller for one older baby
Skip if
- You want one stroller for rough paths, grass and gravel
- You need a big basket for a full diaper bag
- You want a bassinet or a second-seat option
Pros
- 16 lb, light enough to carry up stairs or onto a train
- One-second, one-hand fold to 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in, IATA-compatible
- Seat holds up to 50 lb, so it lasts to about 4 years
- 4-year warranty when bought direct from Bugaboo
Cons
- Small wheels, 5.5 in front and 6 in rear, struggle on rough ground
- Underseat basket holds only 17.6 lb
- Reviews of the original Butterfly 2 mention a fixed handlebar and a rear wheel that chipped off-road
$579List price, October 2026
See it at BugabooPrices change often. Check the retailer before you buy.
The Butterfly 2 Plus is a strong travel stroller. At 16 lb and a 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in fold, it is far lighter and smaller than a full-size stroller, and Bugaboo says it meets carry-on dimensions. Compared with the original Butterfly 2, it adds a fully flat recline and a newborn foot cover at $579. The wheels are small, 5.5 in and 6 in, and the basket is modest. For one stroller that does everything, choose a full-size model.
Who is the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus for?
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is for parents who travel, live in small spaces or ride trains and buses. At 16 lb, it is a fraction of the weight of a full-size stroller, and it folds with one hand in about a second. It also suits parents who want a light second stroller to go with a larger main stroller. It works from birth to about 48 months, up to 50 lb, though Bugaboo recommends a car seat for newborn comfort. It replaced the original Butterfly 2, adding a fully flat recline, a newborn foot cover and a sturdier chassis, per Bugaboo, and Bugaboo lists it at $579. If you want one stroller that does everything, including rough paths, a bassinet and a big basket, a full-size stroller is a better match. The Butterfly is best as a travel and city stroller first.
How does the Butterfly 2 Plus ride and steer?
Bugaboo lists 5.5 in front wheels and 6 in rear wheels, which it calls bigger than before. A PureWow reviewer, writing about the original Butterfly 2, found the ride smooth, with easy turns in an airport and a park, and said it handled light off-road use. She also said a rear wheel chipped during off-roading and was replaced under warranty, and suggested going easier on rough terrain. A ProductReview.com.au owner of the original found it less smooth on dirt paths and grass. That is what you would expect from small wheels. The handlebar is 40.3 in, and reviewers at Mother and Baby and Half Half Travel say it does not adjust, so taller parents may find it low. For smooth pavement, shops and terminals, it is nimble and easy to steer one-handed.
- Maneuverability8.3 / 10
- WheelsFront 5.5 in, rear 6 in, with suspension
How big is the Butterfly 2 Plus when folded?
This is where the Butterfly 2 Plus shines. Bugaboo lists 16 lb fully assembled and a one-second, one-hand fold. The folded package measures 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in, which Bugaboo says meets IATA carry-on dimensions. Retailer listings put the original at 16.4 lb, and Strolleria lists the Plus at 16.7 lb, so expect around 16 lb. The unfolded size is 17.6 in wide, 37.2 in long and 40.5 in tall. It fits in the trunk of nearly any car, in a closet or under a restaurant table. PureWow's reviewer stored it in an overhead bin on a flight. Airlines set their own rules, so Bugaboo advises checking with yours, and some smaller planes may still need it gate-checked.
Is the Butterfly 2 Plus comfortable and safe?
The seat holds children up to 50 lb and has a five-point harness and an adjustable footrest. Bugaboo lists a sitting space of 26.8 in under the canopy, and a seat 11.8 in wide and 9.4 in deep. The canopy has UPF 50+ fabric and a peek-a-boo panel. On the Plus, the seat reclines fully flat, with a padded headrest extension and a built-in newborn foot cover. Bugaboo says the original Butterfly 2 reclines only semi-flat and has no foot cover. For that reason, Bugaboo still recommends a car seat for newborn comfort, and an adapter is sold separately. The fabrics are hand-wash, with a machine-washable seat inlay. It is a compact seat, so very tall toddlers may feel tight.
How much storage does the Butterfly 2 Plus have?
Bugaboo lists the underseat basket at 17.6 lb. That is more than most travel strollers allow, but far less than the 30 lb baskets on the UPPAbaby strollers. PureWow's reviewer called the basket sturdy but wanted more space, a common limit with compact strollers. Tom's Guide praised the basket, but a diaper bag and a few extras fill it quickly. Bugaboo's page also mentions a back pocket. The bumper bar, rain cover, car seat adapters and travel bag are all sold separately, so budget for them if you need them. Pack light for the flight, and use a bag that hangs from the handlebar for shopping.
How does the Butterfly 2 Plus grow with your baby?
Scroll through the stages below; the 3D stroller changes as you go. Drag it to turn it.
1 · Seat, reclined
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01 · The early months
Seat, reclined
Birth to about 48 months; car seat recommended for newborn comfort. Fully upright to fully flat, padded headrest extension
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02 · Sitting up, through the toddler years
Seat, upright
The seat is rated to 50 lb, so most children can ride until they no longer need a stroller.
Will the Butterfly 2 Plus fit in an overhead bin?
Bugaboo says the Butterfly 2 Plus folds to 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in, which meets IATA carry-on requirements, and it advises checking with your airline. Reviewers of the original Butterfly 2 back this up in practice. A PureWow reviewer stored it in an overhead bin and pushed it down the aisle, and a Tom's Guide writer said it is compact enough for the overhead bin. A caution: BabyGearLab's travel stroller roundup, which did not cover the Butterfly, found only one of its 12 strollers carry-on compatible, so carry-on claims are not guaranteed. Bugaboo itself says to confirm with the airline. Airlines and aircraft differ, and flight crews decide on the day. Plan for a possible gate-check, and consider the optional travel bag. Even then, it is among the easiest strollers to take on a plane.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus vs Stokke YOYO3 vs Nuna TRVL
| Spec | Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus | Stokke YOYO3 | Nuna TRVL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7 | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| List price | $579 | $499 | $575 |
| Weight | 16 lb | 13.7 lb | 13.6 lb |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 9.6×17.6×21.8 in | 20.5×17.3×7.1 in | 24×20.3×11 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 48.5 lb | 50 lb |
| Bassinet included | No | No | No |
| Seats two children | No | No | No |
| Type | Travel | Travel | Travel |
Stokke YOYO3: Another carry-on travel stroller that folds small. Nuna TRVL: A one-hand-fold travel stroller that pairs with Nuna PIPA car seats.
How we rated the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus
Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.
Weighted total8.7— Excellent
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus full specifications
| Type | Travel |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16 lb (fully assembled, per Bugaboo's US page; Strolleria lists 16.7 lb) |
| Folded size (L×W×H) | 9.6×17.6×21.8 in (IATA-compatible folded size as Bugaboo lists it, 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in; Bugaboo does not label the axes, so recorded as listed order reversed (depth x width x height, 21.8 in being the height)) |
| Open size (L×W×H) | 37.2×17.6×40.5 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb |
| From birth | Yes, fully flat recline with a newborn foot cover; Bugaboo recommends a car seat for newborn comfort |
| Seat age | Birth to about 48 months; car seat recommended for newborn comfort |
| Recline | Fully upright to fully flat, padded headrest extension |
| Basket | Up to 17.6 lb |
| Fold | One-second, one-hand fold |
| Wheels & suspension | Front 5.5 in, rear 6 in, with suspension |
| Car seat compatibility | Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna and other infant car seats, adapters sold separately |
| Converts | Single stroller only; no second-seat option |
| Travel | Folded size meets IATA carry-on dimensions; Bugaboo advises checking with your airline |
| In the box | Stroller base, Seat with adjustable footrest and five-point harness, UPF 50+ sun canopy, Underseat basket |
| Safety | IATA-compatible folded size (Bugaboo); no JPMA or ASTM listing found |
| Released | 2026 |
| List price | $579 (Bugaboo US list price, October 2026; the original Butterfly 2 was reported at $599 by PureWow) |
What to buy instead
Another carry-on travel stroller that folds small.
Stokke YOYO3
8.6 — Excellent. 13.7 lb, folds to 20.5×17.3×7.1 in, $499.
A one-hand-fold travel stroller that pairs with Nuna PIPA car seats.
Nuna TRVL
8.4 — Very good. 13.6 lb, folds to 24×20.3×11 in, $575.
A car seat that turns into a stroller, for newborn travel.
Doona+ Car Seat & Stroller
7.7 — Good. 17.2 lb, folds to 26×17.4×22.4 in, $550.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus FAQ
Is the Butterfly 2 Plus different from the Butterfly 2?
Yes. The Plus replaced the original Butterfly 2 on Bugaboo's US site at $579. It reclines fully flat, adds a padded headrest extension and a newborn foot cover, and has a sturdier chassis. The one-second fold, 50 lb limit and carry-on-size fold are the same.
How much does the Butterfly 2 Plus weigh?
Bugaboo lists 16 lb fully assembled for the Plus. Retailers list 16.4 lb for the original, and Strolleria lists 16.7 lb for the Plus, so expect about 16 lb. It folds to 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in, which Bugaboo says is IATA-compatible.
Can a newborn use the Butterfly 2 Plus?
Bugaboo lists the stroller from birth to about 48 months, and recommends a car seat for newborn comfort. The Plus reclines fully flat and has a built-in newborn foot cover. The original reclines only semi-flat. Car seat adapters are sold separately.
What is the Butterfly 2 Plus weight limit?
The seat holds up to 50 lb, or about 4 years, and the underseat basket holds up to 17.6 lb. That is more than most compact strollers allow in the basket. Bugaboo lists the wheels at 5.5 in at the front and 6 in at the rear.