Stroller weight and airline restrictions?

Ok, so we will be traveling from Hawaii to Palm springs next week.  I'm a bit nervous as this will be the first time traveling with my son.  One of the problems I am facing is whether I should purchase a new stroller.  There are notices up on the airline websites saying large, non-collapsible or strollers over 20 lbs need to be checked at the gate.  My stroller weighs 22 lbs but does collapse  

Don't want to check the stroller cause we will need it in the airport especially since it is not a direct flight. 

Does anyone know if they actually weigh the stroller?  How would they know it's 22 lbs? 
Should I chance it and take what I have or should I buy a new stroller and rent a car seat with the rent a car?

I decided I am going to buy a cheap umbrilla stroller and check the carseat as baggage. I am not going to buy him a seat on the plane so i wont need the carseat during flight. There is an awesome stroller by cosco that has a sunshade and a little storage on the bottom but is still a umbrilla stroller and ranges $29-35 online. I first saw it in target but my target is out of them.

I have not seem them weighing the strollers at the gate in past flights last year. I would call and ask about the not collapsible though.

yeah I saw some pretty decent reasonable ones line as well, but because I waited til the last minute there is no time for that unless I want to spend a ridiculous amount on shipping.

Have fun on your trip :)

This is new as far as I know.  I've never had my stroller weighed or even had anyone inquire how much the thing weighed.  With all the new guidelines with luggage weight and everything.  It would NOT surprise me if they weigh the thing. 

Checking it is not practical if you're changing flights, but could use a baby carrier as oppossed to a stroller.  2 options.  Call the airline, see how much they'll charge you for the extra 2 pounds.  (they shouldn't but it sadly won't surprise me if they do)  Or, save yourself the stress and buy a smaller cheaper stroller (unless you'll be using your stroller alot at your destination, in which case you'll want your normal stroller more likely than not)

Ahhhh  the joys of air travel.  I got charged 20 bucks because my suitcase was 1/2 a kilo over last time!! 

yes, it is a new policy that started in June of this year.  They will not charge you if it is over 20lbs you just can't check it at the gate.  Just trying to figure out if there is something downstairs before you pass through security that weighs the strollers, otherwise I don't think  there is upstairs.  Oh well I shall soon find out.

Gate checking it is what you'd want to do anyway.  That is when you check it right at the door to the airplane.  This way you'd have it in the airport right up until you board the plane.  Sounds like it doesn't matter if it weight 22 lbs if you go this route anyway.  However, if it is a nice stroller I'd advise getting a cheap one for travel anyway as they can get tossed around a lot on the plane and you don't want a nice expensive one broken!

actually this is when it does matter.  They say if it weighs more than 20lbs you can't gate check it.  Just trying to figure out how they are going to figure it out?

We just went back east in August and the flights were so full they wouldn't even let people bring on strollers they made everyone check them in but didn't charge.If you take it as carry on they don't weight it they didn't weight any of our carry on so if its 22 pounds I'm sure you can get away with it.

This is what I am hoping for!  Thanks

As Paula said - check at the gate - ie meaning the door of the airplane.  You're not going to need it on the plane itself anyways, so it shouldn't be a big deal.  They also bring them off the plane and up to you at the plane door once you arrive at your destination....I see airlines doing this all over the world.  You'd push your sun through the ramp thing that connects to the plane, take him out at the door of the plane and onto the plane...and vice versa upon arrival. 

Happy travels.  Make sure you are feeding your son as you go up/down on the airplane...the sucking/swallowing combined helps his ears pop...and give the stink eye to anyone who complains if he cries.