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Traveling with children can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Parents know that flying with kids means doing many things at once. You need to keep your kids happy, make sure they’re comfortable, and handle airport tasks. Luckily, experienced parents, flight attendants, and travelers have shared tips to make flying easier.
With some planning and a positive attitude, traveling with children can be fun. It’s a chance to make great memories and show them new things. Most importantly, you can keep them safe and happy.
By considering a few tips for traveling with kids in the air, your family’s trip can be a lot easier and more enjoyable. Let’s explore the best tips for making your trip easier and more fun for your family.
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
Book Early Morning Flights
When you travel with young kids, early morning flights can help a lot. Airports are less busy at this time, so there are shorter lines for check-in, security, and boarding. This can make things less stressful for everyone. Also, early flights are less likely to be delayed, so your trip stays on time. This is very helpful for families.
Young children are also calmer in the morning. It is easier to keep them happy. Many kids (and adults) sleep better during early flights, especially if it’s close to their usual nap time. This helps pass the time and stops them from getting upset. You can bring snacks and quiet toys to make the flight even easier.
Skip Upgrades When Flying With Kids
While flying first class is nice, it is usually better to stick to economy when travelling with children. First class may be quieter and fancier, but any noise or movement from your children may be more noticeable and less welcome.
Economy class is used to the noise and energy generated by children. More families fly economy, so it feels more comfortable. Economy class also often gives you easier access to things like seats near the front or toilets, which can be helpful with small children.
Flying economy can also save you some cash, which you can use to pay for family-friendly perks like extra baggage, early boarding or in-flight snacks and entertainment. And if you're going on a real holiday without the kids, save first class for later, when you can really enjoy the white-glove service.
Set Expectations for Kids
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Children deal with new experiences more comfortably when they know what to expect. Before the trip, prepare your children for what may happen on this journey. Even role-playing the process of passing through security and sitting in an airplane will help.
💡You can watch videos together about airport and flight procedures; this will make it all seem like fun, not something to fear.
Explain every part of the journey in simple terms in as much detail as possible. For instance, when you are in security, your child's luggage will go through a machine; they need to wait to hear the announcement for boarding and find a place to sit down. They have to stay seated, putting on their seatbelts and being quiet during flight.
💡Give small jobs to those old enough, such as carrying a backpack or buckling a seatbelt.
Setting clear expectations makes them feel safe and involved, which reduces their worries, making the trip easier for all. It can even help them work together and feel more responsible.
Dress Comfortably and in Layers
When flying with kids, comfort is very important. Airplane temperatures can change from cold to warm, so it’s smart to dress your kids in layers. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t hurt their skin while sitting for a long time.
💡Lightweight sweaters or hoodies are good choices because they can be added or taken off easily to stay comfortable.
For bathroom trips, pick clothes without buttons or zippers that might take time. Elastic waistbands are great for young kids. Shoes should be easy to slip on and off, which helps with quick security checks and gives comfort during the flight. They are also easy for kids to remove if they want to relax or stretch their feet.
Also, pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on in case of spills or accidents. Dressing your kids in the right clothes will keep them comfortable and make the trip easier for everyone.
Pack Surprise Toys
It can be hard to keep kids entertained during a flight, especially on long trips. A fun idea is to pack a new toy or activity as a surprise. Kids love new things, and a toy they haven’t seen before can keep them busy for a long time. You can wrap the toy like a gift to make it even more exciting. Unwrapping it can be a fun treat, especially if it’s for good behavior.
Pick toys that are small, easy to clean, and good for travel. Sticker books, coloring pads, magnetic puzzles, and small building kits are all great choices. If your child likes screen time, you can load a tablet with new games, apps, or shows. Just be sure to bring headphones so the sound doesn’t disturb other passengers.
💡Giving the surprise toy at the right moments—like during takeoff or when your child starts to get bored—can help keep them happy. This will make the trip easier and more fun for the whole family.
Use a Compact Stroller
A lightweight, compact stroller can be a big help when traveling through a busy airport with young kids. These strollers are easy to push through crowds, fit through security, and are simple to use when boarding or getting off the plane. Many compact strollers also fold up quickly, which is great when you need to carry other things.
💡You can use gate-check services to keep the stroller with you until you board. This way, your child has a comfortable place to sit while waiting, and you can carry your bags easily. After you land, the stroller will be waiting for you at the gate to help you move to your next place.
If you’re traveling with more than one child, you might want to use a stroller with child harnesses or leashes. These help keep your kids close while allowing them to move a little. This makes walking through the airport safer and less stressful.
Pack Smartly
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Packing for a trip with kids can feel like a lot, but if you focus on the basics, it will be easier and less stressful. Packing carefully helps you be ready for surprises without carrying too much.
Here’s a checklist to help you:
- Comfort Items: Bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or something your child loves. These items can help them feel calm and settled, especially during long flights or layovers.
- Sanitary Supplies: Pack wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, and diapers or pull-ups (even if your child is potty-trained). These are important for keeping things clean and dealing with spills or messes.
- Snacks: Bring healthy, easy-to-eat snacks like pretzels, crackers, fruit pouches, or granola bars. These will help keep your child from getting hungry or cranky. Avoid snacks that are sticky or likely to spill.
- Entertainment: Pack fun things to keep your child busy. Tablets with movies, games, or apps are great, but remember headphones to block out noise. Small toys like coloring books or puzzles can also be fun without screens.
- Plastic Bags: Bring a few resealable plastic bags for wet clothes, trash, or other messes. They are small but useful for organizing.
By packing smart and staying organized, you’ll have everything you need to keep your child comfortable and entertained, making the trip smoother for everyone.
Prepare for Security Checks
Going through airport security with kids can seem hard, but being ready can make it faster and easier. Start by organizing your bags. Put things like electronics, liquids, and baby formula or milk in a place where you can easily reach them. This will make it quicker to get them out for screening.
Some snacks, especially liquids or gels like yogurt or applesauce, may need extra checks. Allow extra time for this to avoid rushing. It’s a good idea to pack snacks in clear, resealable bags so security can see them easily.
If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, strollers, car seats, and baby carriers might need to be checked separately. Explain to your child that their things will go through a special machine but will come back quickly.
💡Wearing slip-on shoes and avoiding metal accessories will save time for everyone. If you have older kids, ask them to help with their own items to keep them busy and reduce stress.
By staying organized and knowing what to expect, you can get through security more easily and have a smoother start to your trip.
Manage Air Pressure Changes
Flying with kids can be hard because of air pressure changes during takeoff and landing. This change can cause ear pain or discomfort, especially for children, since their ear tubes are smaller than adults’. Luckily, there are ways to help.
Encourage your child to drink water. Swallowing helps their ears feel better. If your child uses a pacifier, offer it during takeoff and landing. Sucking on it can help them swallow and ease the pressure. Older kids can chew gum or eat snacks to help with this too.
💡 If your child has had ear infections or gets ear pain on planes, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before the trip. Your doctor might suggest medicine or other ways to prevent ear pain.
For very young kids or babies, holding them upright in your arms can help with ear pressure. Stay calm and comfort your child if they feel uncomfortable.
Don’t Skip Pull-Ups
Even if your child is potty-trained, it’s a good idea to bring pull-ups on the flight. Air travel can be unpredictable, with delays, turbulence, or long times without easy access to bathrooms. These situations can lead to accidents, especially if your child is asleep or distracted.
Pull-ups give you extra peace of mind. They help prevent stress and make sure you're ready for any situation. On longer flights, or if your child is nervous about using the airplane bathroom, having a pull-up can be a helpful backup.
💡For older kids who might feel shy about using the bathroom on the plane, pull-ups can be a private and practical solution. It lets them relax without worrying about accidents. If your child tends to get fidgety or restless, pull-ups can also ease their anxiety, helping them enjoy the flight more.
Packing a few pull-ups doesn’t just help prevent accidents—it also helps you stay calm and organized, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
Show Appreciation to Flight Attendants
Flight attendants work hard to make flights smooth and comfortable, especially when you’re traveling with kids. A small thank-you note or a box of chocolates can show your appreciation for their help. When flight attendants feel appreciated, they are more likely to offer extra help, like assisting with bags, giving extra snacks, or making your child feel special.
Kindness can lead to even more kindness. Your thoughtful gesture might get you unexpected perks, like extra space, priority service, or even a small toy for your child.
💡Remember, flight attendants are busy and deal with many passengers. A simple thank you, smile, or compliment can make a big difference and help make the flight more pleasant for everyone.
By showing appreciation, you not only make the flight better but also create a positive atmosphere that makes the journey more enjoyable for your family.
Seat Kids Safely
When booking seats for young children, it’s best to avoid aisle seats. While aisle seats may seem good for easy bathroom access, they can be unsafe. Passengers walking by or beverage carts can bump into your child, especially during meal service.
A window seat is a safer choice. It keeps your child away from the aisle, reducing the risk of accidental bumps. Plus, kids enjoy looking out the window during the flight, watching clouds, and staying distracted during takeoff and landing.
💡If you have more than one child, book seats next to each other, like two window seats. This way, they can enjoy the view together or feel more comfortable next to each other. Always make sure your child is safely strapped in with a seatbelt or harness. If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, some airlines offer bassinets for added comfort.
Stay Sanitary
Airplanes are busy places, and even though the cabin crew keeps things clean, it’s smart to take extra steps to stay sanitary, especially with kids. The small space makes it harder to avoid germs, but a few simple actions can help.
Start by wiping down surfaces like tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles with sanitizing wipes. These are touched by many people and can have germs. Don’t forget to clean the in-flight entertainment screens and control panels too.
💡Keep hand sanitizer close and remind your kids to use it often—after touching shared surfaces, before eating, or before touching their faces. Keep it handy, as there may not be soap and water available during the flight.
💡When using the airplane bathroom, make sure your kids wear shoes to avoid contact with the bathroom floor. You might also want to bring disinfectant wipes to clean the toilet seat and other surfaces.
Remind your kids not to touch their faces and to wash their hands as much as possible. These simple steps will help keep everyone healthy and fresh during the flight.
Choose Kid-Friendly Airlines
Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash
When flying with young children, picking the right airline can make a big difference. Many airlines offer special services for families, like priority boarding. This lets you get settled with your child before the plane gets crowded, making the start of your flight much easier.
Kid-friendly airlines also offer things like child-friendly snacks, such as fruit pouches, crackers, or special meals for picky eaters. Some even have in-flight entertainment, like movies, games, and TV shows for kids. This can help keep your child busy and calm during long flights.
💡Check what services the airline offers before you book. Some airlines have family boarding, which lets you board early with your children, helping you get ready without the rush. They may also provide bassinets or special seats for babies and toddlers.
Also, look into the airline’s rules for traveling with kids. Check if they allow extra items like strollers, car seats, or diaper bags. Some may let you bring other things, like a portable crib or a cooler for baby food.
Sample Packing List for Flying With Kids
To make your trip easier, here’s a helpful list of things to pack:
Comfort Items:
- A blanket, stuffed animal, or favorite toy for comfort.
- A pillow or neck cushion for naps.
Sanitary Supplies:
- Wipes (baby wipes or sanitizing wipes) for quick cleanups.
- Hand sanitizer for on-the-go hygiene.
- Diapers and pull-ups (even if your child is potty-trained, accidents happen).
- Tissues for runny noses or spills.
Snacks:
- Easy-to-eat snacks like crackers, pretzels, granola bars, string cheese, or dried fruit.
- Healthy fruit pouches or applesauce cups for no-mess snacks.
- Sippy cups or spill-proof water bottles (empty before security).
Entertainment:
- A tablet or device with movies, shows, or apps your child likes.
- Noise-canceling headphones to block out cabin noise.
- Coloring books, crayons, and stickers for fun without screens.
- Small puzzles or magnetic toys that won’t make a mess.
Extras:
- Plastic bags for wet clothes or trash.
- Travel sickness remedies (like bands or medicine) in case of turbulence.
- A refillable water bottle (fill after security).
- A change of clothes for each child for spills or accidents.
- Extra pacifiers or bottles if needed for comfort.
Flying with kids does not have to be stressful. Thoughtful planning, flexibility, and these practical tips will turn your family's journey into a fun and memorable one. From keeping the kids entertained with surprise toys to managing in-flight challenges, being prepared ensures a smoother ride for everyone.
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