16 Practical Tips for Flying with Kids (and Keep Your Sanity)

So you’ve got a family vacation coming up. And you get to fly to your destination! Are you excited? A little nervous? Well, check out these tips for flying with kids to calm your nerves and make it a smooth trip for everyone!

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You’re looking forward to getting on that plane to finally BE ON vacation, but that little voice in the back of your mind is reminding you of all that could possibly happen.

Will they fall and break their arm while running around the swimming pool, even though you’ve told them 100 times not to? Probably not.

Will they have an allergic reaction while eating shell fish at a beautiful beach destination? Well, let’s hope not.

Will they get stung by a sting ray while visiting Flamingo Beach Aruba? Seriously, what are the odds of that?

You don’t need plane travel to stress you out. Thus, the reason why this guide on tips for flying with kids is just what you need today.

Whether you’re going to check out the best beaches in Florida for families, visiting the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, or wherever your travels take you, it’s time to get excited about your trip!

Tips for flying with kids: how I manage to keep my sanity

Real quick – this travel guide is meant for younger kids, like tips for flying with toddlers, because that age can be challenging. But as my kids have gotten older, I’ve learned through each experience, so there’s some of that sprinkled in, too.

Ok, so let’s dive in.

1. Set some rules before you go

Talk to your kids about expectations and listening while on the plane and in the airport, why it’s important, and what will happen if they don’t. This obviously works depending on the age of your kids. But even if you’re experiencing air travel with toddlers, it’s important to remind them over and over again.

2. Keep your hand-held items minimal

Whenever you’re flying with kids, you want your hands available to help. Take a back pack or cross-body purse as a carry-on for a flight. This way you’re not carrying a suitcase or bag that requires a hand.

Use those shoulders! Make sure your important items (phone, passport, ticket, wallet) are within an easy-to-reach pocket.

These travel backpacks are my kids’ favorite and double as hiking backpacks as they’ve gotten older.

And as much as I’m team #carryon, when my kids are traveling with me, we almost always check bags so there’s less to worry about.

3. Bring snacks. Snacks. SNACKS! And more snacks.

Try to pack (and hand out) healthy snacks first like fruits, veggies and trail mix.

Pro tip: if you freeze liquid and it’s still frozen when you get through TSA, you’ll be able to carry it onto the plane. TSA will likely stop you and check it out, then pass you through when finding out it’s frozen. I often travel with protein milk so that I can give my kids a little more nutrition than I find at most airports.

As a bonus, the frozen drink can keep fruits and veggies cold, too! Just wrap them all together in a paper towel or small bag.

Review frozen liquid TSA policy.

You can also pack items that take a long time to eat, like suckers and mints. Also grab some protein bars, crackers or other foods for fillers in case of delays – remember you’re never guaranteed an airplane snack or service, especially if there’s turbulent skies.

Pro tip #2: if you’re traveling internationally, make sure you bring everything in the original package, so buy snack portions. And consume all fruits, veggies and nuts before you land in the new country.

4. Water bottles for everyone

Pack your own refillable water bottle. This is a staple for flying with kids! You can seriously save so much money on your trip by refilling your own cup. After you get through security, fill it up before you get on the plane.

Bonus: you won’t have to wait for your in-flight drink and snack.

5. Prepare for motion sickness

If your kids have ever complained about being car sick, or don’t like amusement park rides, you’d better think about what to do if they get sick on the plane.

I definitely can’t give medical advice, but ginger, mints and essential oils are a great place to start for little tummies. And make sure to check the seat back pockets for bags when you first board.

These motion sickness wrist bands are a safe alternative to medication, too!

Take it from me – this is one of the best tips for flying with kids! 🤢

6. Bring a small blanket or beach towel for the plane

A must-have on every trip is a beach towel for our carry-on luggage. While my family often goes to beachy destinations like enjoying Gulf Shores with kids, packing a lightweight beach towel doubles as a blanket on the airplane.

My kids also have a fun neck pillow that they attach to their travel backpacks and my daughter even packs an eye mask so she can sleep easily.

Comfort items for the win!

7. Each kid carries their own activities

This is true for all ages! As a general rule, let them bring only activities that will fit in their travel backpacks, that they can carry. And think seriously about letting them bring their favorite well-loved toy, unless they are at an age where they understand the consequences of leaving it behind.

More tips for flying with kids

Are you feeling better about airplane travel yet? Whether you’re first time flying with kids or just haven’t done it in a while, it’s best to be prepared. Let’s keep going.

8. Pick a window seat for your kid

If it’s the first time you’re flying with kids, it can be great entertainment for them to watch out the window. A window seat can also help with motion sickness, too.

9. New activities and things to do

It’s really fun for young kids to present them with new little toys and games throughout the flight to keep boredom from creeping in.

You can also walk around the airports during layovers. Make a fun game of walking laps in the area close to the gate. Clever, interactive games like Eye Spy works in the car, so why not the airport? There’s so much to see between people-watching, shops and restaurants.

Pro tip: search for fun things to do at the airport during your layover. Some airports even have playgrounds, a big win when doing air travel with a toddler.

Related: Travel Bucket List Ideas: How to Create Your Ultimate List

10. Don’t bring rolling toys or activities on a plane!

One of the best tips for flying with toddlers is to keep rolling toys to a minimum. No cars, markers, balls, etc. I learned this early on when traveling with my toddlers years ago! Because coloring is a great way to pass the time, I do recommend taking some supplies with you, like these triangle-shaped crayons.

11. Hand-held electronics are a life saver when flying with kids

Well my kids have used a variety of electronics for airplane travel over the years. I typically have them hold off and do their other activities, but for long flights like a vacation to Maui with kids, screen time is just fine with this mama!

Be sure to sync or load content before you go! Don’t count on WiFi on the plane, or at least not enough to download content, and the last thing you want is to be stressed out at the airport while you’re trying to download favorite shows.

Also don’t forget headphones for your kids. Planes are very noisy and your kids will need them.

12. Sync kids games to your phone

For younger kids, you can always sync games and shows to your phone. You just never know when a battery will die! For older kids with devices, make sure everything is charged and bring extra cords and a power bank just in case!

13. Bring layers (one of the most essential tips for flying with kids)

As previously mentioned, temperature in planes can be extreme, so be prepared by packing layers in your carry-on or wrapping jackets around waists and tying them. You’ll want to leave space in your kid’s backpack for activities and toys.

14. Have your kids potty several times before getting on the plane

This is also an area that you could talk to your kids about in advance. Reiterate the importance of going potty as many times as you ask them to, so they’ll just accept it at the airport. Then make sure you go after security.

I’d recommend about ten minutes before boarding begins, if possible. Keep in mind that lines at airports and during the flight can be long so try to manage it ahead of time.

As much as you can prepare, just know that when nature calls, there’s not much you can do about it except to be understanding.

One of the best things you can do when flying with toddlers is to pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on just in case!

15. Plan plenty of time

This one is SUPER important! We all know, everything takes longer with kids. When you’re planning your trip, if you have multiple flight options, go for the one with the longer layover.

So if you’re given the option of one hour or two, choose two. This allows time for potty breaks, food, and getting from one terminal to the next.

Likewise, one of the best tips for flying with kids is to plan to arrive at the airport extra early on your way to vacation and back home. Everyone is less stressed out when you have ample time at the airport.

16. Bring your patience when flying with kids

Traveling can be stressful on parents and kids. Remember that the airport might be a new place for your kids, so they might want to explore and ask lots of questions.

Meanwhile, all you want to do is to get to the gate. Make a commitment ahead of time to bring your patience during the flight and all the connections.

Some things will go great when you’re flying with kids, and you may have something unexpected happen at the airport or during your flights. But you know what? That’s ok.

You’ll probably have a great vacation anyway, creating experiences that you can cherish, and maybe a few you can learn from!

So, are you ready to go flying with kids?

Flying with kids can be fun, if you approach it with the right mindset!

You will make memories that last a lifetime, and stories to tell for years. You will probably take a gazillion pictures, and you might even get a great one of the whole family smiling at the camera.

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You’ll show your kids that life can be different than their normal, everyday routine, and that new places can be a lot of fun. You will feel stressed at times, but overjoyed at others. Just being real here!

Vacations are all about the experience, and flying with kids is part of it! Happy flying! ✈️

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