Flying with kids
Flying with kids can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies and preparation, you can make the experience smoother and even enjoyable for both you and your little ones. Here’s our ultimate guide packed with practical tips that every parent needs to know!
Plan Ahead Like a Pro
The key to a stress-free flight is thorough preparation. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Essentials to Pack: Include snacks, baby food, diapers (bring extras!), wipes, comfort items (like favourite toys or blankets), a change of clothes (for both parent and child, I’ve been caught out before, where I’ve been covered in god knows what!), entertainment (books, toys, tablets), and noise-cancelling headphones for kids. Now is not the time to worry about screen time.
- Documents and Travel Bags: Make sure all boarding passes, IDs, and travel documents are in one easy-to-reach folder. It’s hard enough managing kids in an airport without hunting for paperwork!
- Timing is Everything: Try booking direct and well-timed flights. Early morning flights tend to have fewer crowds, while red-eye flights might help sync with your child’s bedtime – if you’re lucky, they will sleep through the flight, but it’s a risk you take! Short-haul flights? Pack snacks and reminders for “ear-popping” tricks!
Check out our essential packing tips here.
Don’t Forget the Basics when flying with kids
Making sure your child is fed, hydrated, and comfortable will take you a long way.
Ear Pressure Tips: Help ease those little ears during pressure changes by giving them a pacifier, bottle, or sippy cup. For older kids, chewing gum or sucking on lollipops can do the trick.
My first flight with my three-month-old baby was a disaster; I had nothing with me, and he screamed the entire journey! Moms were offering all kinds of things to settle him, but nothing worked. When my second was born, he was introduced to the pacifier early on!
Snacks for the Win: Kids get hungry at unpredictable times. Pack plenty of their favourite snacks to avoid in-flight meltdowns. However, be cautious with sugary treats as hyper kids on a plane can be challenging!
Comfortable Clothing: Dress your kids in soft, loose clothing. Bring an extra layer like a sweater or blanket for chilly cabin temperatures. I often ask the flight attendant for a spare blanket as planes can get very cold!
Making sure your child is fed, hydrated, and comfortable will take you a long way.
Keeping Kids Entertained on Flights
Bored kids can lead to restless kids, so avoiding boredom is a top priority.
New Toys = Magic: Stash away a couple of small, inexpensive new toys or treats for emergencies. Introducing something new can be a lifesaver in calming a meltdown.
Bring an Activity Arsenal: Pack a variety of lightweight toys, colouring books, puzzles, and age-appropriate games. Rotate activities every hour to keep things fresh. One successful flight involved large Lego blocks that kept my child entertained for hours!
Download Shows & Apps: Pre-load their tablets or devices with shows, movies, and interactive apps. Bonus tip: Save a surprise game or movie for moments when they’re extra restless.
We’ve rounded up golden nuggets of advice from parents and flight attendants to make your flight easier:
Download Shows & Apps: Pre-load their tablets or devices with shows, movies, and interactive apps. Save a surprise game or movie for extra restless moments.
Anxiety often grows when things don’t go as planned. Remember, kids feed off your energy. Stay calm and flexible.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Delays, spills, or mid-flight tantrums can happen. Stay prepared with extra clothes, additional snacks, and a calming mindset (don’t worry about what others think! – anyone with a child or who even knows has most likely been there!).
- Be Realistic: Traveling with kids isn’t going to be perfect, but it’s temporary (thankfully!). Adjust expectations and focus on getting through one moment at a time.
- Ask for Help: Flight attendants can be a great resource if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to tap into their experience and kindness.
Tips for Flying with Kids from the Experts
We’ve rounded up a few golden nuggets of advice from parents and flight attendants to make your flight easier:
- Reserve Seats Together: Avoid last-minute stress by booking your seats in advance to ensure you’re sitting together.
- Burn Extra Energy Pre-Boarding: Find an empty gate or kids’ area in the airport and encourage your children to move around before boarding. They’ll be a lot calmer once seated! Many airports now have kids’ playgrounds, so be sure to check if your airport does before arriving—it’s worth getting there early just so the kids can have that extra run-around time!
- TSA PreCheck Makes a Difference: If you are travelling in the United States, and if you can, apply for TSA PreCheck to speed up the security screening process. Kids under 12 can accompany you through the expedited line.
- Consider Separate Seats for Babies: If room in your budget allows, purchasing an additional seat for a baby’s car seat can make the plane journey more comfortable and secure.
The Bottom Line
Flying with kids can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, the right tools, and a calm mindset, you can make the journey as smooth as possible. Focus on creating a positive experience for your family, and you might even enjoy the adventure.
Don’t forget, the most important thing is your attitude. Kids will pick up on your energy. Stay relaxed, and you’ll set the tone for a much calmer and enjoyable flight! It’s not always easy, but you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Kids
What should I pack in my carry-on for my kids?
Make sure to pack essentials like snacks, a change of clothes, favorite toys or books, wipes, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget headphones and a tablet loaded with their favorite shows! Trust me, a well-packed carry-on is a lifesaver when traveling with little ones.
How do I keep my kids entertained during the flight?
Bring a mix of activities to keep boredom at bay! Think coloring books, puzzles, small toys, and a few episodes of their favorite shows or movies. Rotate activities to keep things exciting, and don’t forget to pack a surprise toy or treat as a backup plan.
What are your top tips for surviving long-haul flights with kids?
Break the trip into manageable chunks, plan activities for each “leg” of the flight, and take advantage of in-flight breaks to stretch or walk in the aisle. Also, try to sync up naps with the flight schedule and pack familiar comfort items, like a blanket or stuffed animal, to help them relax.
When is the best time to fly with kids?
If possible, aim for flights that align with your kids’ sleep schedules or less busy travel times. Early morning flights can be less crowded, while red-eye flights might work for kids who sleep well on planes. Every child is different, so pick what suits your family best!
How do I handle ear pain during takeoff and landing?
Have your kids drink from a sippy cup, chew gum (if they’re old enough), or suck on a pacifier—anything that encourages swallowing. Older kids might find comfort in chewing snacks or blowing through a straw. Keeping them distracted with a game or story can also help.
Should I bring my own car seat or use one on the plane?
If you’re flying with a toddler or infant, bringing an FAA-approved car seat can make the flight more secure and comfortable—plus, it’s familiar to them! Check with your airline beforehand to make sure it fits in the seat. For older kids, a travel booster might be a lighter option.
How do I keep kids calm during delays or long layovers?
Kids can get restless, so have a back-up plan! Bring extra snacks, explore kid-friendly airport areas, or play simple games like “I Spy” or Simon Says. Some airports even have play areas where kids can burn off extra energy. Don’t forget to recharge devices if you’re stuck for a while.
What if my child has a meltdown mid-flight?
Stay calm, take a deep breath, and try to figure out what’s bothering them—are they hungry, tired, or overwhelmed? Bring out a comfort item or distraction, like a special snack or toy, and offer plenty of hugs for reassurance. Most passengers are more understanding than you think!
Do I need to pre-order a kids’ meal on the plane?
If your airline offers kids’ meals, it’s a good idea to pre-order it. Otherwise, pack a meal or snacks your kids love (and will actually eat). You don’t want to rely solely on in-flight catering when picky eaters are involved.
Any tips for managing a baby on a flight?
Try to book a window seat for privacy or look into bulkhead seats for more space. Feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure, and pack extras of everything—diapers, clothes, baby food—because you never know when delays might happen.
Bon voyage and happy travels! ✈️
Check out:
Packing essentials for family
Travelling with Kids – it’s travel, but not as you know it!
20 Travel Tips for travelling with a baby or young toddler
How to have a family road trip without losing your cool!
Find out the best times to fly for a great deal.
And in case you need a laugh, because let’s face it, sometimes flying with kids requires a sense of humour – here are some funny quotes about travelling with family.
