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16 Tips for Flying With Toddlers and Young Kids

Traveling with toddlers can be hard, at least if you're not properly prepared. Here, experienced flight attendants share their secrets for flying with young kids.

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With long security lines, cramped airplane seating, and busy waiting areas, flying isn't the most pleasant experience—and all of the frustration increases exponentially when you add a toddler into the mix. Some young children simply don't have the patience for airport security. They might despise sitting quietly for hours on end, and they might be uneasy during turbulence or get upset with the ear-popping changes in air pressure.

Thankfully, though, you can have a worry-free travel day with proper preparation and planning. Whether you're jetting off to your relative's house or Disney World, check out these stress-reducing strategies for flying (and traveling) with toddlers—some of which came straight from flight attendants.

Book an Early Morning Departure

If you're traveling with toddlers or young children, you should book an early morning departure. These give you the best chance of avoiding delays at takeoff and landing, a flight attendant named Patrick explains. "They are usually less crowded, too," he says. "Plus, everyone is tired and just wants to nap—kids especially."

Save Your Upgrades for Toddler-Free Travel

Traveling in first class with kids can be more stressful than it's worth. Mom Joanna recounts the story of traveling with her loud, lively toddler and incurring the vocal wrath of her first-class seatmates for the entirety of the flight. "It's not fair, but you're just going to get more empathy and support with kids in economy," says a flight attendant.

Talk to Your Kids About What to Expect

"My experience is kids do so much better when they know what to expect," says Shireen, a mom of three from Australia who's traveled to the U.S. several times with her kids. She recommends watching a Let's Go Play video on YouTube , which goes over the entire flight experience, from baggage check-in and ticketing to onboard etiquette and safety.

Dress in Layers and Skip Shoes With Laces

Whether you are changing climates or simply dealing with in-flight heat and/or air conditioning, you can and should be ready for drastically changing temperatures when traveling with a toddler. Wendy, a flight attendant and mom, suggests you dress your kids in comfortable layers—preferably without buttons, zippers, or anything that could prevent them from getting to the bathroom in time.

The same principle applies to shoes: Avoid laces and opt for slip-ons. "There's the added benefit of getting through airport screening that much faster," she says.

Bring Surprises

When flying with a toddler, a wrapped new plaything has two advantages: Kids love to unwrap stuff, and a new toy has more attention-grabbing pull.

Consider Using a Smaller Stroller

Getting through an airport without a stroller is unthinkable for some parents, so consider switching out your regular-size stroller for a small, compact umbrella stroller or travel stroller. Also, check your stroller at the gate before boarding; the crew will have it waiting for you when you get off the plane.

If you've got more than one little traveler with you, consider a kid harness (aka leash), Wendy suggests. "I was so against them until I saw a woman with three young boys using them in baggage claim. It made so much sense," she says, "with the exit doors to outside right there. Look, flying is stressful enough. Do what you need to do to protect your kids and your sanity."

Pack Just Enough

Flight attendants urge parents to pack enough essentials for the flight. "Unfortunately, you can expect there to be zero food on a plane that would interest a kid," says Lynn. "And we are so limited in what we can offer in terms of comfort items as well."

On the flip side, parents will struggle if they zealously overpack. "Usually, when it's one parent traveling with one or more kids, they'll bring way too much stuff in an attempt to keep their kids happy," Wendy says. "They forget they have to carry all that stuff off the plane with them, along with their kids."

Plan Your Packing List

To guard against over-packing while ensuring you don't forget anything critical, consider writing out a full packing list. Star or highlight those items that will need to be packed last minute (like the lovey your kiddo sleeps with or the tablet that's currently charging) so you have a checklist to consult one last time before heading out the door.

Sample Airplane Packing List for Toddlers

When packing your carry-on for the plane ride, use this list as a starting point:

• Comfort item: Consider packing one of your toddler's favorite comfort items in your carry-on for mid-flight snuggles. If the comfort item is a pacifier, be sure to pack more than one, lest it gets flung down the aisle or on the floor.
• Sanitizer, wipes, pull-ups, and diapers: You'll want these critical items within reach at all times during your travels. Not sure how many diapers to throw in the carry-on? One diaper per hour of travel is recommended.
• Electronic devices: If there is any time to let up on strict screen time rules, it's when you're traveling. Make sure that whatever device you're bringing is fully charged and ready to go—and don't forget the chargers for the flight back. Consider pre-loading the tablet or phone with your kids' favorite movies or shows for offline viewing.
• Kid-size headphones: Be sure to follow the basic rules of travel etiquette and pack comfy headphones your little one can wear while enjoying their favorite games or shows. Have more than one kid in tow? Consider investing in a splitter so both can enjoy the show with their own set of headphones.
• Art supplies: A small box of crayons and blank paper can go a long way when it comes to entertaining your toddler on a plane. Mix things up and pack some fun stickers or even plain sticky notes to add to the excitement.
• Plastic bags: You never know when you'll need an extra bag for wet clothes, a dirty diaper, or even just for trash, so pack a few extras.
• Water bottle: Toss an empty clean water bottle into your bag to fill after you get through security. Just make sure that it's leakproof!
• Healthy and fun mess-free snacks: While you don't necessarily want to load your kid up with sugar just before take-off, consider packing a mix of healthy and fun snacks that are relatively mess-free to keep their bellies full and happy. Cheerios, pretzels, crackers, string cheese, and granola bars are good options.

Be Prepared for Security

When you pack, make sure items that need to be removed during security are easily reached. Keep in mind that traveling with snacks may mean extra scrutiny during the screening process.

Prepare for Air Pressure Changes

If your child has recently had an ear infection or a cold, get your doctor's approval before flying. The change in cabin air pressure may cause pain for your toddler. After passing through security, stock up on enough water for everyone to get through a possible delay and have enough left for the descent, which is often the most bothersome time for ear pressure discomfort. Have your kids drink some right after takeoff and during the last 30 to 45 minutes of the descent. The swallowing helps with the pressure changes and gives an added hydrating benefit.

By All Means, Use Pull-Ups

Your little one may have moved beyond Pull-Ups into big kid underwear, but pull-up diapers are a great resource when flying with a recently potty-trained toddler or young child. "I even use them on my 6-year-old," says Wendy, who adds that it's much less stressful than having to race to the bathroom or deal with an in-seat accident.

Show Some Appreciation

Flight attendants love to receive a certain gratuity for dealing with toddlers. "Any kind of chocolate found in an airport, handed over at boarding, does wonders," says Patrick. Of course, it will have zero effect on the random bad-tempered, unprofessional cabin crew member. But it's a nice gesture nonetheless, particularly when flying during the holidays when most flight attendants will be working and away from their families.

"It will be so appreciated," he says. "And we will remember you and look out for you. And not only that, you'll probably score a free drink out of it."

Seat Kids Away From the Aisle

Aisle seats can be dangerous for toddlers and potentially give them a little too much freedom of movement. For example, little hands and feet can be bumped as people walk by and hot coffee and water may be just within reach as the food and beverage cart passes by. If you can, consider the window seat, which offers the benefit of a view and puts you between your toddler and any other passengers in your row.

Beware of Germs

Toddlers tend to get sit a lot, but you can try to avoid any travel-related illness by keeping your little one's hands clean. When flying with a toddler, wipe everything from hands to tray tables down with sanitizing wipes when you're getting settled in your seats—and above all else, do not send your kids to the bathroom without shoes. "The floor is a Petri dish," a flight attendant confides. "You're in the air, things jostle. That's not just water on the bathroom floor."

Keep Your Composure

There's not much you can do to assuage that passenger who complains the moment your child sneezes or giggles. Here's what you need to remember: As long as you're trying (and what parent isn't?), you've got almost everyone on your side. "An adult having an issue with a screaming child is acting like a child as well," offers a flight attendant and mother named Patience. "Don't engage. Just worry about your own child."

Choose an Airline With Kid-Friendly Perks

There's nothing a family-friendly airline wants more than happy, occupied kiddos. As such, many leading carriers have all kinds of kid perks to offer their littlest travelers from a wide array of their favorite TV shows and movies to kid-approved headphones and snacks.

Before boarding, be sure to check in with the gate agent about whether the airline offers priority boarding for families with young children. Often airlines call special boarding for families so they can board a little early so you'll have time to settle in. Other great perks to look for are family lounges or airports with areas for kids to burn off some steam during layovers or before boarding.

Related Articles

11 Tips to Make Flying With a Toddler Go More Smoothly

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, time your flight plans wisely, book a nonstop flight when you can, read this next, choose your seats carefully, get to the airport early, plan for the security line, think twice before boarding early, consider the flight attendants your allies, pack plenty of toys and snacks to keep your toddler occupied, pack extra supplies in your carry-on, ease ear pain, childproof your bags.

Keep in mind that traveling to and from your destination is a small portion of your trip. Soon enough, you’ll be spending time together as a family making memories, and it’ll all be worth it. 

What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com,  Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane ? August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, What to Pack When Traveling With Baby , November 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics,  Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics,  Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  Federal Aviation Administration,  Flying with Children , March 2021. Transportation Security Administration,  Traveling with Children . Up & Away, Safe Medicine Storage for Travel .

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15 Tips to (Actually) Enjoy Flying With Toddlers

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Traveling with my toddlers has been one of the biggest sources of joy (and frustration) in my life. As much as I love traveling on my own, there's something special about experiencing destinations, attractions, food and more through their eyes.

To encourage more families to travel with their children, we created this guide on how to fly with toddlers. The goal is to make travel easier so you'll go on more trips and create more lifelong memories.

1. Get passports for everyone

If you're traveling internationally, remember that everyone needs a passport — even toddlers and babies. Getting a passport can take a while , so be sure to apply for your child's passport right away. Currently, posted passport processing times are as follows:

Routine processing: Six to eight weeks.

Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.

In extreme situations, you may be able to receive a same-day passport within three to five days of travel.

The U.S. Department of State has a handy tool that shows where you can apply in person for a passport based on your ZIP code. Both parents or guardians must be present when applying for a passport for children under 16 years.

Because kids grow and change quickly, children's passports are good for only five years and can't be renewed. This time frame is much shorter than the 10 years that adults enjoy with their passports.

» Learn more: How to get a passport

2. Consider TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are two examples of Trusted Traveler programs that allow flyers to move through airport security more quickly.

Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian. Children 13-17 can as well but must have the TSA PreCheck icon on their boarding pass.

Global Entry, however, requires that every traveler be signed up, even young children. This nuance tripped us up when we were traveling home from Mexico when our daughter was 6 months old. Although it was an innocent mistake, the customs agent wasn't too forgiving.

TSA PreCheck is $78 and Global Entry is $100, and both memberships are good for five years. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is highly recommended if it's possible that you'll travel internationally in the next five years. The time savings at customs is well worth the $22 price difference. Numerous travel credit cards reimburse cardholders for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees. If you have multiple cards with this benefit, you can use a different card to pay for each of your family member's application fees.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

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» Learn more: A guide to TSA PreCheck with family

3. Have a notarized letter for solo-parent travel

If one parent is traveling with your toddler while the other is staying home, it's important to get a notarized letter that confirms the non-traveling parent's permission. I travel frequently with my kids while my wife is at her 9-to-5 job, and this document has come up frequently on international trips.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

4. Download apps and shows, charge devices

Before your trip, charge all of your electronic devices, including tablets, portable chargers and cameras. Many streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+, allow you to download movies and TV shows to watch when you're away from Wi-Fi.

Having a charged-up device and multiple hours of entertainment is a sure way to keep your toddler happy while flying.

Many airlines offer hundreds of movies, TV shows and songs free of charge. However, some airlines have removed seatback devices and rely on personal devices instead to provide this entertainment. Be aware that you may need to download the airline's app ahead of time to use these features.

If onboard entertainment is a key differentiator when flying with toddlers, consider booking tickets with JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines or Southwest Airlines — our top three picks in our analysis of the best airlines for in-flight entertainment .

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to in-flight entertainment, broken down by airline

5. Pack smart

Packing for adults and children can be complicated. Toddlers often need multiple changes of clothes every day due to spills, accidents and changes in weather. Packing cubes help to compress clothing to save space, and it may help to have a dedicated suitcase for each child.

When choosing where to stay, consider options that have on-site laundry facilities. This way, you can reduce how much you need to pack, as you can wash clothes midway through the trip.

» Learn more: Tips for planning family travel with points and miles

6. Bring a car seat — or rent one

Many parents have car seats that they know and love, so they're inclined to bring them along. Car seats offer a safer in-flight seat for the child and one that they're familiar with, which can help reduce the stress of flying. However, car seats are bulky, so it may not be worth the effort of bringing them on board.

If you want to check your car seat instead, get a car-seat bag. It will protect your car seat from dirt, moisture and damage. Plus, you can often fit additional diapers, clothing or toys in the space where your child sits.

For parents who are renting a car at their destination, consider renting a car seat from the rental car company. If you're a AAA member, you get one free car seat or booster from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty with each rental. Once your child graduates to a booster seat, compact, adjustable car seats from companies like Mifold can also be a good option.

7. Consider shipping items to your destination

While it can be an added expense, shipping some items makes life easier while traveling — especially if you're going to be away for a few weeks. Items that are disposable and bulky but lightweight make the most sense to ship, but any effort to lighten your airport load can be useful. Ideas include diapers, wipes and snacks, or heavy coats and shoes.

Before shipping, contact your hotel, vacation rental or other accommodation to make sure it can hold items until your arrival.

8. Seek out playgrounds inside the airport terminal

As parents, we know that our toddlers have tons of energy, which can spell trouble when they're sitting in a metal tube at 30,000 feet for hours at a time. Many airports have kids' play areas so your toddlers can burn some energy and be ready for a nice nap during the flight.

If there aren't any playgrounds at your airport, take your toddler for a long walk. My kids loved the moving sidewalks when they were younger (and sometimes even now). Just be respectful of others who are using the area to get to their flight or leave the airport.

9. Head to airport lounges for snacks

Airport lounges are a great way to spend time before your flight when flying with toddlers. There are several credit cards with complimentary or discounted lounge access . And many include complimentary admission for up to two or more guests or family members.

Inside the lounge, there are usually free drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and other perks. Some lounges even have dedicated kids' areas. Keep in mind that many travelers are there on business or just want to relax, so make sure your children are on their best behavior.

10. Hit the bathroom before boarding

It seems like Murphy's law that as soon as the plane starts to taxi, one of my kids announces (often, loudly) that they need to use the potty. This creates the uncomfortable choice between a glaring flight attendant and a possible accident on the seat.

To avoid this scenario, find out what time your flight starts boarding and use the restroom 15 minutes before then.

11. Keep their favorites handy in a small carry-on

Even when we check luggage, we bring backpacks for each of our kids that are stuffed with their favorite toys, games, books and snacks. It's a good way to keep them occupied — and their bellies full.

Having a strategically packed, lightweight carry-on also helps us avoid paying sky-high prices (literally and figuratively) on snacks when flying with toddlers.

12. Have a plan for ear pressure

Often, babies and toddlers have problems with ear pressure on takeoff and landing. This is partly because they don't realize the need to swallow to relieve this pressure. Breastfeeding, drinking from a bottle or sucking on a pacifier can help them with this process. I've also found EarPlanes to be an effective tool for regulating ear pressure for our family.

13. Indulge them

While parents often have rules about "TV time" and food for their children, when in the air, it's OK to bend those rules. The last thing you — or your fellow passengers — want is a screaming or crying toddler who isn't getting to watch yet another episode of "Team Umizoomi" or "Bubble Guppies."

At your destination

14. be prepared to carry them off the plane.

Traveling takes a lot out of everyone. Some toddlers are energized and ready to go the moment they reach the terminal, but most are tired from the process. As such, there's a strong possibility that your kid will need to be carried off the plane.

To keep your hands free(r) when traveling with a toddler, consider checking all bags beyond any strategically packed, small carry-ons. That way, you'll have one less thing to carry — or forget — when deplaning.

Many airline credit cards waive checked bag fees for the first bag of each passenger.

15. Involve them in the planning

Although most toddlers can't read, they can still be involved in planning your family's daily activities. Give them some options and let them select what your family does. Or plan some free time in your schedule and let them take the lead.

They'll love "being in charge" — and you never know where they'll take you. How's that for adventure?

How to travel with a toddler, recapped

Flying with a 2-year-old or other toddler-aged kiddos can be challenging, but also highly rewarding. It takes extra time to pack and plan your trip, but you'll get to experience both new destinations and some of your old favorites through the eyes of a child.

Don't wait to travel until they get old enough to remember the trip. While your toddler may not remember anything, they'll still enjoy being in the moment. You'll have memories that last a lifetime, and you can always take pictures and videos to share as they get older.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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10 Tips for Traveling on a Plane With a Toddler

By: Devon Kuntzman, PCC     Published: October 31, 2023    Updated: November 18, 2023

Traveling can be stressful, especially with toddlers! And if you’re a parent of a toddler, then you know just how the idea of traveling on a plane with a toddler can feel daunting. Yes, travel in general can be so worthwhile, filled with memories and unforgettable experiences. But the logistics of traveling with toddlers on a plane can be filled with lots of big emotions – for both parents and toddlers! Today I’m sharing all of my best advised effective and practical tips for flying with toddlers to make your experience through the airport and airplane as smooth as possible!

10 tips for traveling on a plane with a toddler

Plane travel essentials for toddlers, make airplane travel easy for everyone, frequently asked questions.

From the never-ending packing lists to boarding a big plane with lots of new people and different sounds, just about everything in regard to traveling with toddlers can feel overwhelming. But with a little extra prep work and planning ahead, traveling with toddlers on a plane can be simplified so you feel more prepared and your toddler feels more at ease.

Follow these 10 essential tips for traveling on an airplane with your toddler.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This does NOT impact my recommendations as I only recommend products I believe in. Thanks for supporting Transforming Toddlerhood in this way.

Book direct flights if possible

Even without toddlers, traveling on a direct flight is simply better. So if you’re flying with young children, and have the option, choose to book direct flights to shorten the travel time and minimize the risk of travel disruption.  

Take advantage of pre-boarding wisely

Some airlines will offer pre-boarding for families with children ages two and under, while other airlines are more vague with pre-boarding options for small children. If you are traveling with another adult…divide and conquer! While you stay behind and let your little kids burn off some preflight energy, have the other adult board the plane and find your seats, wipe down the tray tables and seats with sanitizing wipes , secure overhead storage for carry-ons, and install the car seat. 

Avoid the aisle seat 

Make sure to have your toddler sit in the window seat. In general, this is a safer option as it will give them a bit more freedom to move without risking running down the aisle or interfering with a service cart or flight attendants. Yes, it can feel awkward to ask a stranger to get up if you and your toddler need to get to the bathroom, but people are generally understanding. 

Book a seat for your toddler 

If your toddler is less than two years old and it’s in your budget, book an extra seat for your toddler. You won’t regret it. Having the extra space will be appreciated by both you and your child. While flying is overall very safe, severe turbulence is becoming more common due to climate change. For this reason, especially, it is safest for your toddler to be in a toddler car seat in their own seat. Check your car seat to see if it is FAA-approved and if it will fit in an airplane seat. For older kids, this airplane harness is a great way to offer added seat belt safety! 

Pack your diaper bag efficiently using zippered bags for easy access

I absolutely love using these clear bags for toys so that toddlers can see their options easily. I also love using these zippered bags for other items like granola bars and snack pouches.

Pack an extra change of clothes 

For parents and kids – we know that spills happen. Luggage gets lost. Having extra clothes easily accessible can be a lifesaver and save you a lot of stress. Focus on packing comfortable clothes and dressing in layers. Never hesitate to bring your kids to the airport in their pajamas during early morning or late night flights.  

Bring all the snacks!

Toddlers are constantly growing (and eating)! And there’s no better way to keep a toddler happy and occupied with a snack. So pack all of their favorites. You can never pack enough options, which is why I love these snack spinners that will keep their bellies full and their minds busy.

Set realistic and reasonable expectations

Travel days are tough for adults and toddlers. Especially because traveling usually involves upside-down schedules and routines being thrown off which results in a lack of sleep. Your toddler may become more easily dysregulated due to overstimulation, a missed nap, and simply not being at home. This can mean more whining and tantrums. Don’t worry about onlookers – stay present and focus on yourself and your child.  

Be flexible with schedules

Keep the routine but don’t hold yourself to a strict schedule. For example, bring your chid’s special lovey and sound machine for naps but don’t expect your child to nap at the same time they would at home. Routines can be soothing for toddlers because they create a sense of safety through predictability. Anticipate that your toddler might have more screen time than usual, and that’s just fine.  

Keep in mind that flying on an airplane with your toddler is temporary. If you find yourself struggling, visualize arriving on your vacation or back in the comfort of your own home. Think about how good it will feel to get there. Hold onto these visualizations and keep bringing them to the forefront of your mind if things get tough. Remember, you and your toddler are human. So give yourself and your toddler some grace on travel days! 

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers in the car on a road trip or flying on an airplane, getting to your destination can be made easier and smoother with all of my favorite toddler travel essentials ! 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.  I also share affiliate links of other companies. This does NOT impact my recommendations as I only recommend products I believe in. Thanks for supporting Transforming Toddlerhood in this way.

Potty Seat Reducer

This potty seat reducer folds up and comes with its own travel bag that you can toss right inside of your diaper bag. Potty seat reducers make the toilet seat smaller and safer for your toddler, which is why they are essential for setting your toddler up for success in public (or airplane) restrooms.

Spill-Proof Snack Cup

Avoid losing those precious snacks all over the airplane with this one-piece silicone spill-proof snack cup.

Spill-Proof Sippy Cup 

No need to worry about your child’s water or milk getting spilled with these no-spill sippy cups.

Food Catching Bibs

Keep your toddler’s clothes clean from baby food with these silicone food-catching bibs that catch all the snack crumbs. They are easy to wipe off and roll up for travel so you can toss them right into your diaper bag.

Travel Baby Carrier

We love a good baby carrier! Having a supportive carrier that travels easily is essential to freeing up your hands and making your trip through the airport more comfortable for you and your toddler. 

Keep your toddler busy and having fun with this reusable mess-free painting activity that is perfect to do right on the airplane tray tables.

Reusable Sticker Books

Stickers are a toddler’s best friend! These reusable sticker activity books are a great way for your child to practice fine motor skills while traveling.

Travel Busy Board

Busy boards are a wonderful way to keep your toddler busy with endless options to practice many different types of fine motor development. This busy board zips right up for travel, giving your toddler lots of ways to explore and play on the go.

Travel stroller

Having a great travel stroller is essential to keeping your toddler comfortable and contained plus your hands-free. My personal favorite is the BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller because it fits easily in most overhead compartments. 

Suction Cup Spinners

This fun (and affordable) little suction cup spinner travel toys stick to the window or tray table! My personal favorite suction cup spinners are made of high-quality silicone, which makes them great for teething too! 

If you’re looking for more travel must-haves, check out my favorite Plane Travel Toys & Essentials for toddlers to help make flying more tolerable for you and your toddler.

Whether you have a toddler or not, traveling can be stressful and overwhelming. But with a little prep work and a lot of patience, you can do this!

Regardless of whether you’re gearing up for your first flight with your toddler or looking to fine-tune your travel experience based on your last flight with your kids, I am here for you! If you’re looking for more guidance and support as you navigate all things toddlerhood, don’t miss out on any of the Transforming Toddlerhood Parenting Classes to help you out along the way!

There are many things that make traveling with a toddler on a plane challenging. Changes in routine, sleep schedules, and the overstimulation of new places, faces, and sounds all contribute to the challenges of traveling with a toddler on an airplane.

Doing some prep work to feel prepared for flying with a toddler is so important! One of the best ways to stay organized when traveling on a plane is to pack your travel essentials in clear, zippered bags so you can see your items and belongings for quick and easy access.

Snacks, toys, and extra clothes are all basic essentials to pack for travel on a plane. Oh, and more snacks!

You can bring your diaper bag, baby food, snacks, a travel stroller, and carseat through airport security.

You can travel with a car seat by simply either checking it at the counter or gate, but make sure it’s in a travel bag for protection. If your child has their own seat assignment, you can fasten them right into their toddler car seat during the flight (which is the most preferred and safest option for flying), as long as it is FAA-approved and fits in an airplane seat.

OTHER TODDLER TIPS YOU MAY ENJOY

Devon Kuntzman, PCC

As a toddler expert and mama, Devon is on a mission to transform the myth that toddlerhood is terrible. She empowers toddler parents to overcome the challenges of toddlerhood, nurture development and create confidence in their skills by being the Confident Leader & Guide through using positive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate parenting tools.

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How To Travel Alone With a Toddler on a Plane

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How To Pack and Prepare

• Things I Needed

Things I Bought But Didn’t Use

Other helpful tips.

The thought of traveling alone with my 26-month-old toddler for her first flight this summer was overwhelming, to say the least. But, I was determined to be prepared. After reading what seemed like hundreds of articles to ready myself, I started to feel a little more at ease There were all types of suggestions like "book the flight during nap time," "pack snacks," "bring these exact coloring books."

I also spoke to other moms, crowdsourced on Instagram, and spent hours meticulously and methodically packing. Honestly, I was probably over-prepared but I didn't want to risk a meltdown—from me or from my toddler. I was ready...or at least physically. All those preparations still didn't negate the fact that I was still a little terrified to travel with my "terrible 2s toddler" for the first time.

If you're a parent of a toddler, then you know that you can't really plan for everything. Toddlers are wonderfully unpredictable. Naturally, I came up with all sorts of "what-ifs" like what if she had a tantrum or a blowout as we boarded? Would there be a fussy refusal to wear a mask on the plane? We had a long journey ahead of us—6 hours total—and I feared the worst but hoped for the best.

All in all, my daughter did great on her first long trip. But after taking two planes, two trains, and countless car rides, I learned a thing or two about what to bring, and what I definitely should have left at home.

If you have a trip coming up with your toddler, I may not be able to completely erase your fears or those nagging "what-ifs," but I certainly can let you in on how to prepare, what to pack, how to deal with fussiness, and more.

Depending on your destination (a hotel, an Airbnb, staying with family), it's incredibly helpful to send as many necessities as possible ahead of time. After all, packing these things or loading them onto a plane with you, is just not feasible.

However, if shipping things is just not economical or feasible for you, you can also rent gear if you're traveling to a larger town.

I was staying with family, so I shipped a car seat to my mom before I arrived. This way, I knew exactly what would be waiting for me once I got there. If you choose to ship instead of rent, just be sure to send it with enough time for your family or friends to properly install the seat before you get there.

My choice was the new-to-market Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Car Seat , but it was a little confusing for them to install. So, my step-dad went to a certified car seat installation location for help.

If you have family that will be installing the car seat for you as I did, you may want to contact the local police stations and fire departments to see if they offer this service. You also can search for a location or a specialist near your destination . After all, you don't want to try to install a car seat after you just spent hours flying.

Think Through Sleeping Arrangements

When it comes to toddlers, you probably already know how active—and curious—they are. That's why it's so important to think through the sleeping arrangements and try to determine what will work best for your family.

Even though my daughter probably could have slept in a twin bed or on a cot, I still sent a pack and play to my parents' home—especially because she is still in a crib at home. For me, I just felt more comfortable having her "contained," especially in an unfamiliar room. Plus, because she still sleeps in a crib at home, I didn't want her first taste of freedom to be while we were on the road in someone else's home.

My daughter is used to a pack and play, so it made sense to use one on the road. My pick was the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light . It's super easy to set up, was larger than some other models, and is recommended for children up to 3 years old.

Of course, if you're not staying with family or friends, you may not have the option to ship a pack and play. But, you can call your hotel to reserve a crib or a pack and play for your stay if you want.

Overall, my suggestion is to try to replicate your toddler's sleeping environment at home as much as you can. After all, your toddler will be adjusting to so many new things, that having some familiarity—especially at bedtime—will help things go more smoothly for both of you.

Be Strategic About Packing

Rather than try to pack all the extras that go with having a toddler—like diapers, wipes, and bubble bath—I placed an order for curbside pickup at the local Target. There, I was able to find all of my daughter’s favorite snacks and drinks, diapers, wipes, and even a fun bathtub mat. My family picked it up the day before I arrived, leaving enough time for them to shop for anything that was unavailable or missing.

Then, when it came time to pack for our trip, I packed one large suitcase that I checked and didn't have to include all those bulky items. If you're using one suitcase, like me, be sure to save room for those all-important gadgets that are a necessity when you have a toddler.

In my suitcase, I included important things like her white noise sound machine and my video monitor, the Nanit monitor —things that are absolutely necessary but could ultimately be replaced if my luggage was lost.

Meanwhile, in my carry-on, I made sure to pack things that could not be easily or immediately replaced like her sleep sack, her lovey, and her blanket. Plus, I knew I would need these items soon after arriving at my destination since my arrival coincided with her nap time.

Take time to think through what things you can buy once you get there, what can be replaced if it is lost, and what you need to keep on your person at all times.

For me, life without my daughter's lovey and blanket would have been a real challenge, so I made sure to keep those things with us in our carry-on. Plus, if I needed to whip them out on the plane, they were always within reach.

There is nothing worse than for a 2-year-old to ask for their blankie only to be told that it is in the underbelly of the plane. That was not something I wanted to try to explain to my toddler at 30,000 feet surrounded by complete strangers!

Necessities for the Airport and on the Plane

When you are traveling through the airport and flying on a plane with a toddler, there are a few items that are an absolute must. Aside from the things you traditionally have handy in your purse or diaper bag—snacks, diapers, wipes, and toys—you'll also want to think about how your child will be sitting on the plane. Here's my list of must-haves for the plane.

Snacks were the number one item that moms told me to pack, and that advice really paid off. I carefully packed all different types of shelf-stable snacks in her bento box lunchbox, and that kept her occupied before boarding and while in the sky.

If you don’t have a large bento-box style lunchbox , using a crafting box—or even a large weekly pill container—with many small compartments is a great way to separate snacks. Not only are you separating the snacks in an interesting way, but the novelty of having so many things to explore can keep your child occupied for a good bit of time.

I included mostly familiar snacks, as well as some new, yummy foods to spark her interest. We flew during her normal morning snack time, so she was hungry. Plus, it was fun for her to try new things. Get creative when packing snacks for your flight. You will be glad you did.

Wipes and Diapers

When you have a toddler, you can never have too many wipes. After all, there are diapers to change as well as messy fingers and faces to deal with. In my bag, I included travel packs of both gentle wipes for diaper changes and wiping her face as well as anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning the tray table, seat, and armrests.

You also want to be sure you have plenty of diapers during your travel time. Count out how many diaper changes you would normally need during that timeframe and then add a few more. You never know when your toddler will have a diaper malfunction.

To make things easier on me, I changed her diaper in the airport bathroom before each flight. I wanted to avoid changing her on the plane if I could. There's nothing worse than trying to navigate a tiny airplane bathroom with a fidgety toddler.

Changing Pads and Extra Clothes

Instead of using the travel changing pads that come in most diaper bags, I opted for disposable dog training pads. As weird as that might sound at first, they are great for bathroom changing tables.

By using these large pads, I didn't have to worry about transferring germs back into my bag. I just tossed them when I was done. Plus, they are great for mopping up water in a pinch in case of a spill.

Another thing to pack in your carry-on just in case? A change of clothes for both you and your child. Accidents happen and there is nothing worse than traveling 6 hours with food or other stains on your clothing.

Coloring or Drawing Tablet

Many people suggest bringing a coloring book and crayons on your trip. While this is a great idea, in theory, I don't know many toddlers that can be trusted with regular markers or crayons, including my 2-year-old.

For instance, on the first leg, we used a Melissa & Doug on-the-go coloring book. It came with regular markers, and even sitting right next to her, my daughter managed to color the tray table. On the way home, I spotted crayon marks on the window shade from a previous passenger, so I know all parents of young ones deal with this.

Similarly, the popular “Water Wow” coloring books claim to be mess-free, but my daughter quickly figured out how to unscrew the cap and promptly dumped water over her entire outfit. The best option, I learned on the way home, is to stick with something electronic while on the plane. You won’t lose any marker caps or risk the ink drying up. I opted for an electronic LCD tablet and it worked out great.

A Safety Device

For children flying on an airplane, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends a Child Restraint System (CRS). If you chose to use a car seat, you’ll need to double-check the dimensions of the car seat and the airplane seat. I also strongly encourage you to you install the car seat in a window seat location.

If you choose to bring a car seat, you can have your child sit in the seat while traveling through the airport. Buy a travel cart specifically made to wheel a car seat or a special travel strap that attaches to your rolling luggage. Remember, children over 2 and children sitting in a car seat must have their own seat on the plane.

For me personally, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to handle my carry-on, our stroller, my toddler, and a car seat, so I opted for the CARES Child Safety Device . This is a seatbelt-like harness that is FAA-approved for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. It folds up and weighs less than 1 pound, so it’s not a burden to put in your carry-on. What's more, I was able to quickly install it on my own in under 2 minutes.

Stroller and Bag Cover

A travel stroller is a must in case your gate is the very last one in the terminal like mine was. Toddlers don’t tend to walk fast, so having a stroller is key to being on time. Before boarding, I folded the stroller and put it in a gate check bag . There was plenty of room left in the bag for coats or anything else I didn’t physically need with me in the cabin. I bought my gate check bag on Amazon for under $20.

I heard from other moms that gate check bags get quite dirty and sometimes rip due to rough handling, so I didn't want to spend too much. As you get to the jet bridge, fold your stroller and put it in the gate check bag (mine is bright red and says " gate check" in large letters ). The attendant will tag the bag.

Then, you just leave it at the bottom of the bridge, just before entering the plane. Most of the time, you can retrieve it after the flight in the same spot you left it, just after exiting the plane on the jet bridge. In certain instances, it may be sent to baggage claim, so be sure to listen for announcements. Gate checking strollers or car seats is a free service, so make sure you take advantage of it.

Backpack for Your Child

Although there are super cute rolling luggage options for kids, I knew I would get stuck wheeling my daughter’s suitcase while also trying to push her stroller. Instead, I opted for a “ busy backpack ,” which doubled as a toy as well as a backpack to hold sticker books , snacks, and her iPad.

Her busy backpack has snaps, buttons, a zipper, a faux shoelace, buckles, and colorful numbers printed on the straps. She LOVED carrying the backpack around because it gave her a sense of independence, and also really helped me out to have some extra packing space.

There are certain items I thought would be a must for traveling that I didn't end up needing. I definitely leaned on my daughter's iPad for a few moments of quiet time.

Meanwhile, some people swear by headphones, but I never used hers. In addition, placemats were something I thought would keep us safe from germs, but simply wiping her tray table down with a wipe was faster and easier. Here's what I could have left at home.

I bought special placemats with sticky edges for the tray table. When it comes down to it, you have just a couple of minutes to get situated and get your child occupied when you first get on the plane.

So, I didn’t bother using these placements—it was much quicker for me to just wipe down the table with an anti-bacterial wipe. These placemats might be helpful if you’re eating a full meal on the plane, but on my short trip, we only had snacks, so I would advise leaving them off your shopping list.

Though her iPad was a lifesaver, we did not use the headphones I brought along especially for this trip. First, she didn’t want to keep them on her head.

Second, the plane was so loud it provided built-in white noise and drowned out the sound of her iPad unless you were within a foot of the device. Furthermore, all the other passengers were wearing headphones, so I knew she wasn’t bothering anyone by having her iPad volume on low.

Preparing for a trip with your toddler can feel overwhelming. You never know if your child might get overwhelmed by a large population of people or feel claustrophobic on the small aircraft. Although you can't plan for everything, here are some additional tips that can help you survive traveling with your little one.

Have a Back-up Plan

I live in New York City, so I don’t own a car or a car seat. But, when we were leaving we were able to quickly and easily call an Uber with a car seat to go to the airport. However, when we landed at home, there were no cars with car seats available, and every car service was at least 2 hours away.

Eventually, I took the Air Train home (an option from both Newark and JFK in the New York area) but it was a long, unexpected, and difficult leg of my journey. Transferring to multiple trains with a 50-pound suitcase and a baby in a stroller was not easy.

That's why you need a backup plan in case things don’t go as scheduled. Rather than rely on Uber and public transportation, you may want to schedule a car service in advance for airport transfers or have someone meet you at the airport. Just make sure they have a car seat already installed if you're not traveling with yours.

Beware of Packaging

I bought some quiet, mess-free, sensory toys called Wikki Stix for the plane ride that were great. You can create an endless array of different shapes and the Stix have a textured feel that's not sticky.

However, I was surprised that the packaging was so loud and obnoxious. I would encourage you to open any new toys at home (away from your child) and repackage them in a less disruptive bag or box. There's nothing worse than crinkling plastic and packaging that disturbs those around you.

Wrap "Presents"

One thing that worked well for me was buying some small, new toys and trinkets and wrapping them in tissue paper. When my little one started getting fidgety, I would tell her I had a "present" for her. Not only was this a new and exciting toy, but the extra step of taking off the tissue paper added a few minutes to the experience.

I bought some small Blippi toy vehicles, Melissa & Doug's Lace and Trace pet set, and even wrapped a couple of sticker packs. Toys don't have to be expensive to be exciting. In fact, my mom famously tells me that I used to be most excited to individually unwrap an entire box of Band-Aids on long car rides.

It's normal to feel rushed when you have a little one. But, try not to stress over taking an extra minute to put your bag in the overhead or find your boarding pass in your giant purse. People are remarkably kind when they recognize that you are traveling alone with a little one.

Plus, take advantage of the early boarding with small children. This will give you extra time to get situated and you will feel less like you are holding people up. And, don't be afraid to ask for help—multiple people along my journey helped me with my luggage. Most likely, someone has been in your shoes before, and they will be eager to assist.

A Word From Verywell

Traveling alone is stressful to begin with, and can be especially worrisome if you have a tot in tow. We hope these tips help you plan for a less stressful trip so you can enjoy your vacation or trip with your little one.

Federal Aviation Administration. Flying with children .

The Car Seat Lady. Before you fly, know your rights !

By Dory Zayas Dory Zayas is a freelance beauty, fashion, and parenting writer. She spent over a decade writing for celebrity publications and since having her daughter in 2019, has been published on sites including INSIDER and Well+Good.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids

From activity books to wipes galore, everything you need for your next flight with kids.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

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Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

The trick to flying with young kids? Careful preparation. Our writer has traveled the world with twins, and she knows that flying with children can be miserable if you don't bring the right items on board with you. But with the right tools, a flight with your youngsters is not just feasible but can even be fun. We've rounded up all the supplies you’ll need for feeding, cleaning, soothing, and entertaining little ones — plus transporting all that cargo. So use this guide to prepare properly for your next family flight .

Packing Checklist for Flying With Kids

We've broken down all categories of things you’ll need to pack when flying with children and included the exact items we’d recommend.

Read more about our specific recommendations below and start your own checklist, too.

Entertainment 

• Best Tablet: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
• Best Headphones: Puro Sound Labs BT2200s Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
• Best Tech Stand: Airglo Cell Phone and Tablet Holder
• Best Coloring Book: Unicorn Imagine Ink Magic Ink Book
• Best Book: "Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey"
• Best Activity Book: On the Plane Activity Book
• Best Craft: Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks
• Best Game: Magnetic Travel Games
• Best Set: Mini Voyager 4-7 Jetsetter Travel Kit
• Best Sound Machine: Frida Baby Portable 2-in-1 Sound Machine
• Best Pillow and Blanket: Roamwild Kids Travel Pillow and Travel Blanket Set
• Best Portable Bed: Flyaway Kids Bed

Food and Drink

• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Yeti 12-ounce Kids Water Bottle
• Best Lollipops: Ring Pops (20 Count)
• Best Snacks: Healthy Snacks Variety Pack
• Best Snack Activity: Fred Match Up Memory Snack Tray
• Best Changing Pad: SkipHop Portable Baby Changing Pad
• Best Multi-purpose Wipes: Hello Bello Unscented Baby Wipes
• Best Face Wipes: Baby Wipes by Boogie Wipes
• Best Surface Wipes: Lysol Disinfecting Surface Wipes
• Best Hand Sanitizer: Kinia 8-pack Hand Sanitizer Holders
• Best Diaper Bag: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
• Best Crossbody Bag: Kibou Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
• Best Kids Backpack: Herschel Backpack Kids 9L
• Best Wheeled Backpack: Jansport Driver 8 Backpack
• Best Carry-on Suitcase: Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Spinner
• Best Ride-on Suitcase: Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox 19-inch Ride-on Carry-on

Accessories

• Best Luggage Trackers: Apple AirTags
• Best First Aid Kit: PreparaKit Take Along First-aid Kit
• Best Storage Bags: Hefty Slider Storage Bags

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Entertaining kids is absolutely critical to keeping the peace on any flight. For babies and younger kids, one rule of thumb is to think of entertainment in 15-minute increments; bring enough options to rotate activities often. For older or generally tech-minded kids? Well, the magic power of screens sure comes in handy.

Best Tablet

Amazon fire hd 10 kids edition.

Why We Love It: This tablet has plenty of storage space and comes in a virtually indestructible case.

What to Consider: This isn’t as full-featured as, say, an iPad, so kids will outgrow it eventually.

Tablets are great for long-stretch occupation — just be sure to download your child's favorite shows and movies ahead of time rather than relying on airplane wifi to stream. Amazon’s Fire for kids simpler and less expensive than standard adult versions, and it comes with an indestructible, kid-friendly case with a stand. The Fire HD 10 also includes a two-year guarantee and a yearlong subscription to Amazon Kids+. We find this to be a great investment to keep children from ages 3 to 5 occupied.

Best Headphones

Puro sound labs bt2200s volume limited kids headphones.

Why We Love It: These Bluetooth headphones have a safe maximum volume for kids.

What to Consider: They are pricier than some alternative kids' headphones.

In the same way that you’ll likely lean hard on that tablet to keep kids occupied, you'll depend on quality kids' headphones to go with it. This compact but powerful pair is made to protect early hearing damage by following the World Health Organization’s recommendation of an 85dB-limited volume range. The Bluetooth capability has a 30-foot range of movement so the child can feel free to move about the cabin, too.The lightweight, durable headphones come in nine fun colors.

Best Tech Stand

Airglo airplane travel essentials.

Why We Love It: This universal tech holder is a great hands-free solution for use in planes, cars, and more.

What to Consider: It might not be the most secure stand for larger phones or tablets.

This nifty gadget is the brainchild of a flight attendant who saw a need for a phone stand that would allow passengers to watch movies and TV shows on long flights. Now kids can also watch on your devices hands-free with this tool that fits any brand’s gadgets. It folds fairly flat when not in use, and this lightweight stand could also be repurposed to hang a bag on a chair or tray table.

Best Coloring Book

Bendon unicorn imagine ink magic ink book.

Why We Love It: This compact book is small, self-contained, and mess-free.

What to Consider: The cover is slightly misleading: This book isn’t actually full of unicorn themes.

These invisible ink activity books are self-contained — no crayon collection to roll under plane seats — and guaranteed mess-free. Kids just use the Imagine Ink marker to stay busy with 16 pages of games, all in a portable-size book just right for tossing in a travel bag. We've found invisible ink books particularly effective for children aged 3 to 6.

Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Paperback

Why We Love It: This book is challenging for kids of all ages (including pre-readers) and delivers on a healthy dose of nostalgia for parents as well.

What to Consider: A book will never be as tempting as a tablet for tech-addled kids.

Books that challenge little ones keep them entertained. And Where’s Waldo does just that — even for kids who aren’t reading yet. The paperback book is not only small and lightweight for travel, but its journey motif fits in nicely with vacation adventures, too.

Best Activity Book

On the plane activity book.

Why We Love It: This lightweight book gets kids excited about their flight, with plane-themed games and activities.

What to Consider: You’ll need to bring and keep track of your own coloring implements.

Engage kids in the excitement of travel with this activity book that has an airplane journey theme. Think: spot the identical pilots on their way through the airport, true-or-false airplane and flying facts, and more. Just pack a pencil (or probably two).

Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks for Kids

Why We Love It: This generously stocked wax stick kit has plenty of sticks to share between or among siblings.

What to Consider: You'll probably leave some sticks on the floor and in the seats.

This set of wax craft sticks will be a novelty for most kids, and waxy sticks won’t roll away as easily as crayons or markers. This kit comes with 300 sticks in 15 colors and two different lengths, plenty for multiple siblings to have a go. Kids can endlessly shape and reshape them with no noise and no mess.

The Purple Cow Magnetic Animal Homes Matching Puzzle

Why We Love It: Magnetic pieces keep this tin game set together for play on the go.

What to Consider: Pieces are only magnetic on one side.

Nothing’s more frustrating than trying to travel with a game that’s rendered immediately useless after some essential piece slides irretrievably under an airplane or car seat. This compact game set provides a frustration-free alternative with magnets that keep everything together. We recommend it for children over 2.

Mini Voyager 4-7y Jetsetter Travel Kit

Mini Voyage

Why We Love It: This kit combines a customized array of kids entertainment items into one grab-and-go bundle.

What to Consider: You may save money by finding and buying all of these items separately (if you have the time and inclination).

If creating a DIY bag of entertainment ideas for every flight seems like a lot of work, buy this kit, which compiles it all for you in one convenient bundle. Choose from multiple items to build your own customized pack based on your kid’s interests and ages, including stickers, books, toys, and games.

When kids don’t get adequate rest, the whole thing goes off the rails in a hurry — for everyone. In addition to comfy clothes and layers, these packable items help keep children warm, soothed, and rested on the plane.

Best Sound Machine

Fridababy 2-in-1 portable sound machine.

Why We Love It: This portable sound machine also has a nightlight, and it hooks onto a tray table hinge or arm rest.

What to Consider: It can be hard to differentiate the buttons in the dark.

This little machine produces five soothing sounds for kids, including shushing and a heartbeat. It has an adjustable strap, so you can hook it onto an arm rest or or tray table hinge, or a car seat or stroller once off the plane. During your flight, just but be mindful of using anything beyond pink noise in flight out of respect to your fellow passengers. Conveniently, it also has a nightlight with three glow levels which could help you locate items in a dimmed cabin, too.

Best Pillow and Blanket

Roamwild kids travel pillow.

Why We Love It: This cute and cuddly set is a pillow, blanket, and toy all in one.

What to Consider: While the sleeve-style cover adds comfort to an armrest, it’s still an armrest — so it may be too firm for some kids’ tastes.

A travel pillow and blanket are always useful tools in keeping children cozy for long flights. This one has a niche feature: After you remove the blanket, the sleeve-style toy slides over any armrest to transform it into a kids’ pillow. So, it’s a penguin toy, a comfy pillow, and a warm blanket, all in one cute and compact package.

Best Portable Bed

Flyaway kids bed.

Why We Love It: Not just a place to sleep, this comfy surface also keeps toys and accessories from rolling onto the floor.

What to Consider: You’ll be happy to have it on the plane, but then you’ll be committed to traveling with it for the duration of your trip.

When kids are overtired, everyone loses. And a tool like this can be just the ticket for helping them sleep on long flights. The bed for babies, toddlers, and little kids inflates in 90 seconds and deflates quickly, too. It comes in a carry bag with a pump included, and it can be wiped clean.

When it comes to traveling with kids, you’ll always need more snacks than you think. Think you’ve packed enough? Great, now double it. And don’t forget a refillable water bottle to kep your kiddo hydrated.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Yeti rambler jr. kids bottle.

Why We Love It: This water bottle is impressively leakproof and made to withstand a beating.

What to Consider: The bottle itself is heavy, especially compared to its relatively small 12-ounce payload.

Staying hydrated with kids while traveling is a must, and this water bottle means business. The Yeti is durable, spill proof, and double-wall insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) for hours. Plus, a straw cap makes it easy for kids to sip on the go.

Best Lollipops

Ring pop individually wrapped bulk lollipop variety party pack.

Why We Love It: It acts as both a snack and a bribe — er, reward , that is — and can help reduce ear discomfort on planes.

What to Consider: Nope, there’s no nutritional value here!

Lollipops and their ilk are a multifunction tool for traveling with kids: It’s a snack! It’s a reward! It keeps them busy! And the act of swallowing while sucking on them can also ease ear pressure on takeoff and landing. Even better, Ring Pops are a smart, toy-like alternative to stick lollies for hands-free holding.

Best Snacks

Stuff your sack healthy snacks variety pack organic care package.

Why We Love It: This variety pack includes 18 different flavors to keep kids interested.

What to Consider: The packaged snacks may be organic, but they are still processed food.

Having kids means having snacks handy at all times; traveling makes it all the more necessary to keep kids fed and comfortable to combat whining. This variety pack includes 25 organic packaged snacks from 19 different brands; 18 different flavors keep them intrigued as little surprises unfold throughout a long journey.

Best Snack Activity

Fred match up memory snack tray.

Why We Love It: Dispensing snacks this way keeps the experience fun for kids — and prolongs the process to keep them busy, too.

What to Consider: Make sure your child is able to push buttons.

Snacks serve two important functions: nutrition and amusement. For that reason, try to prolong these food breaks as a way to keep kids busy and amused. Try putting different snacks into this fun tray with compartments; it’s fun for littles to discover treats behind each door, and it adds time to the whole process. For slightly older toddlers and children, you can make a memory game out of it.

Keeping kids clean — and cleaning up after them — has long been a top concern among traveling parents. A global pandemic only underscored the importance of traveling with wipes and sanitizer.

Best Changing Pad

Skip hop pronto changing station.

Why We Love It: When you travel with your own changing pad, you’re guaranteed a non-public surface no matter where you are.

What to Consider: A separate changing pad may not be necessary if you have a diaper bag that comes with one.

Change a diaper on the go without fear of exposing baby to gross, public surfaces. This changing pad takes the form of a clutch, with a large mesh pocket that holds four diapers and accessories, plus a translucent wipes case. A front zipper pocket holds essentials like keys and cash. Drop it in any bag, or clip it on a travel stroller or luggage handle instead.

Best Multi-purpose Wipes

Hello bello unscented baby wipes.

Why We Love It: You can use these extra-soft baby wipes on just about everything.

What to Consider: These full-size packs aren’t tiny.

Is there nothing a baby wipe can't do? From diaper changes to on-the-go hand cleaning to wiping up half-eaten miscellany, traveling with baby wipes is a must. These are super soft with aloe and chamomile extract — and no alcohol, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens.

Best Face Wipes

Boogie wipes.

Why We Love It: These hypoallergenic, ultra-soft saline wipes are great for cleaning snotty faces and even clearing airways.

What to Consider: If you don’t want to pack a bag full of different wipe options, this specialty product might be the first to go.

With kids, runny noses are just about guaranteed for chunks of the year, and they're even more likely when you add in the fatigue and exposure from traveling. These hypoallergenic and alcohol-free cloths are designed expressly for nose-wiping, with gentle saline, vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.

Best Surface Wipes

Lysol disinfecting wipes to-go pack.

Why We Love It: You’ll find tons of uses for this travel-sized package of wipes when traveling through public spaces with (or without) kids.

What to Consider: These are ideal for surfaces, but they are not for use on kids’ faces.

These germ-busting wipes are ideal for cleaning nonporous surfaces like a tray tables or seatback entertainment screens, and they're a must for both safety and peace of mind when traveling with littles known to touch everything.

Best Hand Sanitizer

Kinia 8 pack empty mixed kids hand sanitizer.

Why We Love It: These cute and colorful hand sanitizer holders keep gel easy to access for frequent cleanups.

What to Consider: Be advised these containers come empty, so you’ll need to fill with your favorite brand.

In addition to wipes, hand sanitizer is a must for quick cleaning on the go. Keep your gel handy by filling these colorful jelly wrap silicone carriers. The 1-ounce, flip-top-cap bottles attach with adjustable silicone cords to backpacks, diaper bags, and just about anywhere else.

Depending on kids’ ages and sizes, they may be candidates to tote their own cargo. Backpacks, rolling bags, and even ride-on options help keep the process moving smoothly. Adults, on the other hand, can benefit from bags that keep hands free in case they need to carry tired children or hold little hands along the way.

Best Diaper Bag

Dagne dover indi diaper backpack.

Why We Love It: This bag is sleek, chic, and unisex, and it delivers on functionality with tons of specialized compartments.

What to Consider: It's spacious and deep, so smaller items can be hard to spot in a hurry (and when are you not in a hurry when traveling with kids?).

Traveling with kids means prioritizing performance in a diaper bag ; we're huge fans of Dagne Dover because the brand fuses functionality with style so well. Done in chic, 100-percent vegan neoprene, this backpack-style diaper bag also clips to a stroller upon arrival. It includes a mini changing mat and extra pouches, with an extra zipper opening for easy access to wipes.

Best Crossbody Bag

Kibou diaper bag.

Why We Love It: This crossbody doubles as a compact diaper bag for hands-free convenience.

What to Consider: A diaper bag this small obviously isn’t a feasible option for longer outings or multiple babies, so consider your usage.

This vegan-leather waist pack, which extends into a crossbody, is a great choice for traveling through airports and wearing on the plane. The ultra-compact diaper bag has tons of features so you can travel hands free: A built-in waterproof pocket holds 20 wipes wet for up to a week, a detachable changing pad unfolds from the back flap, a hook holds a pacifier or key, slots secure credit cards or cash, and the nylon lining is wipeable and stain resistant. It's even possible to use this as a regular bag once your little ones are out of diapers, too.

Best Kids Backpack

Herschel heritage backpack | kids.

Why We Love It: Encouraging kids to carry their own backpack builds independence while keeping the family’s cargo moving.

What to Consider: This kid-size version is best for ages 3 to 7; move up to youth size for older kids.

Herschel has just the right size backpack for children preschool age and up to carry their own gear — both to help out the family and to develop a bit of self reliance. This kid-proportioned version is just 13 inches high and has a removable sternum support strap. The next size up is right for youths ages 8 to 12 and, at 15 inches high, it also features a 13-inch laptop or tablet sleeve.

Best Wheeled Backpack

Jansport driver 8 core series wheeled backpack.

Why We Love It: A rolling backpack keeps the weight off kids’ backs and holds a solid amount of cargo.

What to Consider: This well-equipped pack is substantially sized and a better bet for grade school ages and up.

This 21-inch rolling backpack is packed with features for bigger kids. It has two spacious main compartments plus skate wheels and a telescoping handle for a smooth ride. An exterior mesh bottle pocket stretches to fit large bottles, and a 15-inch laptop sleeve has a buckle to keep technology extra secure. It comes in an array of solid colors and appealing prints, and you can easily tuck away the shoulder straps when not in use.

Best Kids' Carry-on Suitcase

Rockland london hardside spinner wheel luggage carry-on.

Why We Love It: Kids can grow with this 20-inch spinner, small enough to manage but large enough to hold proper cargo.

What to Consider: A 20-inch spinner will be too large for preschoolers to easily maneuver.

When it comes to kids’ roller bags, we advocate for choosing a piece small enough for them to manage but large enough to hold a meaningful amount of cargo. To be worthwhile, it must be an efficient use of hands and bin space, not just a character-shaped gimmick that holds very little. Our writer's twins have these durable hardside cases, which they’ve carried independently since age 6 (going on three years and many miles and still going!).

Best Ride-on Suitcase

​​stokke jetkids bedbox.

Why We Love It: This wheeled ride-on suitcase transforms into a leg rest or bed in flight.

What to Consider: Not all carriers permit the use of items like these as leg rests while in the air.

This ride-on rolling suitcase has hidden talents beyond scooting through the airport: It transforms into a leg rest, or an in-plane bed, to help keep kids comfy and rested during the flight, too. Bonus: It even includes two sheets of stickers for kids to personalize their own luggage.

It may seem overwhelming to keep track of all the things you need to bring, especially after you've left home. GPS trackers can be lifesavers for locating your items during the journey, and a small first aid kit and plastic slider bags prepare for just-in-case moments and help clean up mid-flight messes, too.

Best Luggage Tracker

Apple airtag 4-pack.

Why We Love It: Track your kids’ stuff — or even your kids themselves — amid hectic environments like airports.

What to Consider: These tiny trackers are made to interface with Apple devices only.

In crowded, chaotic environments — especially when the dependability of baggage handling could use improvement — a small GPS tracking device tucked into a bag can make all the difference in reuniting with it after, say, a kid blithely walks away from their belongings after being distracted by a candy display. You can also use these tags on children themselves, with an array of specialty wristbands, keychains, and necklaces designed to incorporate the tags for wearability.

Best First Aid Kit

Preparakit small compact first aid kit for kids.

Why We Love It: This well-stocked first aid kit covers the basics in a compact, highly portable package.

What to Consider: You can save money if you choose to compile your own kit with customized supplies.

This TSA-approved mini first aid kit contains all the essentials for babies and toddlers in a package just about the size of a wallet. The curated array of 50 items includes bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, thermometer strips, and more. There’s also additional room to add your own prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Best Storage Bags

Hefty slider storage bags.

Why We Love It: They have a stand-up bottom for convenience.

What to Consider: They're less durable than sturdier bags made for freezer storage,

There are so many uses for slider storage bags while flying with kids: Use them within backpacks to organize cables, toys, and snacks. Or, use them to separate wet or soiled items, and to collect trash tidily. Plus, they’re super lightweight and waterproof.

Prioritize new or special items

When it comes to keeping kids entertained during a long flight, they’re most likely to stay engaged when playing with something that is new to them. Now’s the time to choose new or rarely used games, books, toys, and technology to pack in your kit for maximum novelty value.

Consider portability

You may be accustomed to your full arsenal of supplies at home, but carefully consider how portable and necessary each of these items is before committing to travel with it. Luggage fees add up, arms and hands quickly fill, and only the truly portable items are usually worthwhile to bring along on travels with kids.

Children over the age of two must have their own ticket, and therefore are entitled to the same baggage privileges of other ticketed passengers in the category. Check your airline and ticket class for the specific baggage allowances.

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food (including purée pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage, according to the TSA regulations ; these are considered medically necessary liquids. Just make sure to take these items out of your carry-on bag to be screened separately.

The same permission applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, like ice packs and freezer packs.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and a frequent traveler. She’s also a twin mom with plenty of hard-earned experience from world travels with kids.

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11 Essential Tips For Flying With A Toddler

Everything a parent needs to know to make that flight a whole lot less hellish.

Flying with a toddler presents an entirely different set of challenges than flying with a baby . And it’s due mostly to mobility. Toddlers don’t like to sit still. They’re also more headstrong, prone to meltdowns, and have fleeting attention spans. But the stress of traveling with a toddler doesn’t have to end with your forsaking air travel until they’re teenagers. It just takes some proper planning, smart packing , and a little mental preparation.

For the latest guidance on traveling with babies and young children during COVID, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

To help, Fatherly compiled top tips for flying with a toddler. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Get To The Airport Early

When it comes to flying with kids, some argue against arriving at the airport too early because it means entertaining them for a longer stretch of time outside the comforts of home. The simple fact remains, though: airport stress is dictated by your departure time. And the less time you give yourself to go from the parking garage to the gate ⏤ especially with a toddler in tow ⏤ the more stress you will create. Traveling with a toddler, especially when they’re walking, takes significantly more time than traveling on your own. Arriving 90 minutes to two hours before your flight ensures no matter how long the check-in or TSA lines are, or how slowly they’re moving, you’ll never have to sweat missing your flight. Even better, it gives you a chance to regroup ⏤ order lunch, feed the kid, buy a book you won’t be able to read ⏤ when you get inside the terminal.

2. Split Up When You Board

While all airlines allow parents with children to board first, it’s not always the smartest move. Remember, it usually takes a half-hour for everybody else to board and the plane to start moving ⏤ that’s a lot of time stuck in your seat with a restless 3-year-old. The better strategy is to have one parent board the flight early to stow the carry-ons, gate-check the stroller/car seat, and, if you’re concerned about germs, disinfect the armrests and tray tables. Meanwhile, the other parent walks/entertains the kid in the terminal until everybody is on board, and then boards last.

3. If They’re Still Under 2, Consider Buying Them A Seat

Obviously, this decision depends on one’s finances, but if you’ve got the money to buy an extra seat ⏤ book it. Being able to give a toddler their own space, rather than bouncing them on your lap for three hours, is a game-changer. There’s a reason some parents oppose the idea of “Lap Toddlers” so much ⏤ sure it’s cheaper, but man can it be a nightmare if they won’t sit still.

Two other things: First, if you do purchase a separate seat but don’t elect to bring the car seat on board, consider a CARES harness if you’re concerned about safety. Designed for kids one and up who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds, the FAA-approved harness is both easy to set up and throw in your carry-on bag. And second, if the child is approaching that 2-year-old cutoff but still flying as an infant in arms, don’t forget to bring a copy of their birth certificate or other proof of age. You never know when you might run into a gate agent who’s convinced your giant kid is really 3-years-old, and you’re trying to steal a free flight.

4. Book A Window And An Aisle Seat

If you do go with the lap option, book the aisle and window seats and leave the middle one open. As middle seats are the last to be filled, this increases your odds of scoring your toddler a seat without paying. Worst case scenario, if somebody is sitting there, you can simply offer to trade them the more desirable window seat. Whatever you do, though, don’t give up that aisle seat. You’re going to want easy access to the bathroom and the ability to walk around with your kid.

5. Don’t Fly Too Late In The Day

Ever hung out with a 2-year-old at 5 p.m. on an afternoon when they didn’t get a nap? It’s not a pleasant experience. It may not always work, and your kid may be too distracted to sleep regardless of what time you take off, but booking flights that coincide with their nap schedule at least give you better odds for a smoother trip. Or, if you can’t fly when they usually sleep, try to plan the trip during periods of the day when you know they’re happiest ⏤ for a lot of kids, that’s in the morning. If you do choose a late-day flight, do your best to make sure they get a nap before heading to the airport.

6. Gift Wrap Cheap Toys

Obviously, you don’t want to bring an entire toy box but your main objective while flying with a toddler is to keep them occupied. And the more games, toys, or books you bring along, the easier your job will be. We’ve had great luck with the Water Wow! coloring books , Melissa & Dave’s Reusable Sticker Books, and wax Wikki Sticks, but every kid has their favorites. In addition to toys they already know and love, take a trip to the dollar store before your flight and stock up on cheap stuff you don’t mind losing or accidentally leaving on the plane. And then wrap them individually in wrapping paper like it was Christmas Eve. Whenever your child gets restless during the flight, break out a new toy and help them unwrap it. Let them play with the paper, then the actual toy, and when the child tires of both, well, there’s always Cheerios.

7. Kiss Screen-Time Restrictions (Temporarily) Goodbye

No matter how opposed you are to screen time under normal circumstances, flying is not the time to stick to your principles. It’s not. I’ve tried, and it was awful. That doesn’t mean you have to hand your 18-month-old an iPad loaded with every season of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood as soon as the flight takes off, but some screen time can come in handy when attention spans start to wane. A few hours staring at a phone or tablet isn’t going to permanently damage your kid’s brain. Depending on how long the flight, be sure to download a movie or two, episodes of their favorite television shows, and some digital kid’s books before you leave the house ⏤ just in case you don’t have access to the internet on the flight. And, more importantly, for everybody’s sake: Buy a trusted pair of child headphones and test them out before you go.

8. Download Audio Books

Even better than apps, movies, or TV shows, download their favorite books in audio form. That way their minds stay engaged but they aren’t mesmerized by a screen the entire time. You can get everything from Fancy Nancy and Curious George to Pinkalicious & Peterrific and Cat in the Hat on Amazon’s Audible or from the local library using the OverDrive or Libby App.

9. Use Food As An Activity

For toddlers, eating food on a plane can be an all-consuming activity on par with watching Paw Patrol . If your kid is tired of listening to books or playing games, break out the crackers and let them concentrate on eating for a bit. Will Gold Fish get everywhere? Maybe. But it beats a bored toddler melting down and a section full of angry passengers. Bagels are one of the best in-flight foods for toddlers because it takes them forever to finish one. We often bring an entire bag.

Two other things to remember: Toddler’s ears can pop just as much as a baby’s, so snacks during takeoff and landing are helpful. And second, don’t forget that liquids and pouches still have to comply with TSA’s three-ounce regulations. We’ve thrown away many a good container of yogurt after forgetting it was too big to get through security.

10. Play Games, Lots of Games

A lot of parents are so quick to plug their kids in that they neglect to take advantage of their surroundings for entertainment. From flight attendants and carry-on luggage to cartoon safety cards and tiny plastic airline wings, airplanes are packed with stimuli around which to create games and keep kids occupied. A couple of fun games include “I Spy When I Fly” and “No Vacancy,” in which older toddlers keep their eyes on the bathrooms and try to guess which will be vacant first. Here are a few more airplane games, as well as fun airport games to keep kids entertained in the terminal before you ever even board the plane.

11. Have A Plan Of Attack: Food, Books, Toys, iPad…

No matter what you pack for entertainment, have a plan coming in ⏤ and expect to vary activities pretty quickly. Maybe start with a snack at takeoff before moving on to some games, a little reading, and unwrapping a new toy. Keep your powder dry though when it comes to the tablet or phone. Because you know it will almost instantly quiet any ornery toddler, you’d be well advised to resist breaking it out until mid-flight, after exhausting as many other activities as can hold their attention.

This article was originally published on Aug. 30, 2018

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Flying With Children: The Ultimate Guide to Less Stressful Flights With Kids

Ashley Onadele

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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1. Choosing the Best Flight

2. choosing your seats on the plane, 3. packing beyond your checked luggage, getting through tsa, relax at an airport lounge before departure, 1. jetblue airways, 2. southwest airlines, 3. delta air lines, 4. alaska airlines, 1. spirit airlines, 2. frontier airlines, 3. allegiant air, 1. make your kids laugh, 2. distract yourself, 3. change your perspective, final thoughts.

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If you were a frequent flyer before having children and want to continue doing so after starting a family, flying with your kid is probably in your future.

You’ve probably heard horror stories about flying with children from friends and family. Yet, just as any activity changes when children are included, so too can the stress level be reduced with enough planning (and snacks) when traveling with your children.

The truth is that flying can be hard with or without kids. There are a lot of things that can go wrong while traveling, from airline meltdowns around the holidays to rising ticket prices to lost baggage during a stopover.

You don’t need to add the stress of flying with a youngster to that list. Here’s our advice to a stress-free flight with kids.

Planning, Preparing, and Packing

Making a list is the simplest way to ensure you have everything you need while traveling with a child. You can create a list using pen and paper, your phone’s Notes app, a Google Doc, or any number of other methods.

By making a list of things to do before, during, and after your trip, you can keep track of what must be accomplished before you leave for the airport.

The list can be extensive but here’s what you should think about.

Good preparation starts before you even book the flight .

Most parents will tell you to try to book a flight during your child’s nap time if you can. Keep in mind that flight delays could completely throw this plan out of whack.

But rest assured that even an over-tired child is likely to fall asleep on an airplane thanks to the white noise made by the plane’s engines. Red-eye flights are the exception.

Hot Tip: Red-eye flights depart late at night and arrive at their destination early in the morning. The departure time will likely be well after your child’s bedtime and it can be very uncomfortable to get a good night’s rest unless you have lie-flat seats in a premium cabin.

If you can’t choose a flight that works best with nap times and you want to avoid a red-eye, your best bet will be the first flight out in the morning .

The first flight on the schedule is the least likely to be canceled or delayed due to weather or equipment issues. If you have a layover, it’s especially important that you don’t miss connecting flights as that will only prolong the travel day and domino into other plans like the car rental pick-up time.

The last thing to mention about the time you fly is what you may want to do just before your flight: tire out your child .

Kids have a lot of energy — that’s what makes them so fun! — but that energy has nowhere to go at 35,000 feet and for several hours at a time. So, if you can, find an airport playground or other area where your little one can play and get some of that excitement out.

That way, they’ll be ready to relax or sleep when it’s time to board the flight.

Unless you’re in business class or first class, where you sit on a plane with kids can really help or hurt your peace of mind.

Passengers under the age of 15 are not permitted to sit on the exit row, which normally has the most legroom. The bulkhead is an alternative place to sit in economy that will give you plenty of legroom and no one will be seated in front of you.

Consider where the restrooms are on the plane as well. If you’re traveling with a potty-training or newly potty-trained toddler, being close to the restroom will prove invaluable .

Choose a window seat if possible so your children can view what’s happening outside. They may also open and shut the shade whenever they want without disturbing your row or seatmate.

Hot Tip: Before buying your tickets, check the SeatGuru seat map for your planned flight to make sure there are enough seats available so that you and your family can sit together. Read our SeatGuru guide to learn how to understand flight configurations, read seat maps, and be a craftier traveler.

Airlines such as United Airlines are getting better at seating families together without any extra fees. However, you should always choose your seats in advance so that you can avoid being separated from your young child.

For families with more than 1 lap child, be aware that an airplane row only has 1 extra oxygen mask. This means that if you have 2 adults (required if you’re traveling with more than 1 lap child) and 2 lap children traveling a 3-3 configuration in economy, there will likely be another person in the third seat. Airlines will separate the family so that everyone has an oxygen mask should they need one .

If you need a bassinet for your baby, check out our airline-by-airline guide to your options.

Oftentimes, we wrack our brains trying to make sure that we remembered all of the things we’re going to pack. But we forget about what we should have with us in our carry-on bags , backpacks , or personal items.

In your carry-on or personal item, you’ll want to keep anything that you can’t go without or want to have within reach. If your checked luggage gets lost or delayed, you’ll still have those crucial items like medication, medical devices, or chargers for your electronics.

Passports and other forms of identification, credit cards, cash, and travel plans such as hotel and car rental confirmations (in case your phone doesn’t have Wi-Fi) should all be in your carry-on or backpack .

When traveling with kids, however, you have to think about even more items. Here are a few things to pack in your carry-on when traveling with kids of any age:

• For Infants, Babies, and Toddlers : Diapers, wipes, formula or breast milk, breast pump , changing pad, sippy cup, some form of identification for lap child (birth certificate, passport), and a change of clothes for you and baby are essential.
• Snacks : Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Bring items that you know your kids enjoy and maybe a few treats. Pre-portioned plastic baggies or reusable containers are easy for little hands to manipulate and you don’t have to give them everything at once.
• Extra Clothes for the Whole Family : This is a tip that expert travelers would probably recommend for anyone, even those not traveling with children. But kids are more likely to spill something on their clothes and need a change, so it’s a good idea to have a backup in your backpack or carry-on.
• Hand Sanitizer or Wipes : Pandemic or not, it never hurts to be prepared in the event you cannot fully wash your hands with soap and water.
• Device Chargers : Delays and long travel days happen. You’ll want to have your computer, cell phone, and tablet chargers within reach to charge at the airport or even on the plane.
• Toys or Tablets for Entertainment : To keep your kids entertained while flying , you should have a few options. A tablet with pre-loaded shows, movies, games, and educational apps is always a good idea. But you can also bring small puzzles, books, and other items that keep your kids entertained while you watch a show or read a book yourself.

How you pack is as important as what you pack .

Use tools to help you pack and organize, like packing cubes to make your clothes smaller, a travel cord organizer , backpack pockets , etc.

Lay out your and your family’s clothing in sets of outfits if you have the time and patience, so you know precisely what you have and what matches with what. This will reduce overpacking and ensure that you only bring what you absolutely need.

Going through the security screening can be a headache whether you’re traveling with kids or not. The security portion of the airport experience can sometimes add hours onto your travel day depending on what airport you’re at . In addition to the programs listed below, check out our guide to getting families through TSA quickly .

If you don’t already have TSA PreCheck , Global Entry , or CLEAR , it’s highly recommended that you get it before your next domestic or international flight. Travelers under 18 years old can be added to an adults’ CLEAR membership for free.

TSA PreCheck expedites the airport screening process because you would have already undergone this screening through the pre-check. You won’t be required to take off your shoes or belt, and your laptop and tablet can stay in your carry-on. Your children ages 17 and under are eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes with you (children 13 to 17 must be on the same reservation as you and have the TSA PreCheck designation on their ticket).

Global Entry is used for international travel and requires an in-person interview to complete the process. Once you’ve been granted Global Entry, you can use a kiosk at customs and enter a much shorter line to get through and out of the airport. TSA PreCheck comes with Global Entry. Children require their own Global Entry membership.

Unlike the 2 aforementioned programs, CLEAR is not a government or TSA-run program. It uses biometrics from your eyes and fingerprints to prove your identity and get you to the front of the TSA screening line, even past those with TSA PreCheck.

Hot Tip: Waiting in long security lines is never fun, but especially not for families with young children. At the very least, get Global Entry (which comes with TSA PreCheck) if you plan to travel internationally as well as domestically with your family. Numerous credit cards provide a statement credit for the Global Entry application fee .

Unless traveling with a baby or lap child, liquids traveling in your carry-on should be kept to 3.4 ounces. If traveling with a baby or lap infant, the rule of thumb is that you can carry more than this at a reasonable amount for your baby’s needs.

At the gate, there are often people who are eager to board their flight. Most of the time, there aren’t enough seats for everyone, and the electrical outlets are all occupied by other passengers charging their devices.

There are restaurants throughout most airport terminals for you to grab either a quick bite or a more formal meal service. But if you took longer than expected through security, you may not have time to stop.

Because of this, airport lounges are a great place for traveling families to relax before boarding the plane.

Snacks or a full menu, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, massages, and family rooms are just some of the perks you can take advantage of if you have lounge access. You’ll automatically have lounge access if you’re flying in a premium cabin, but you can also get lounge access with the right credit card .

Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges and restaurants whose Priority Pass Select membership comes as a standard perk on many travel rewards credit cards .

Outside of Priority Pass, eligible passengers can also experience lounges by credit issuers, such as the American Express Centurion Lounges , Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club , and Capital One Lounges .

The Best Airlines for Families

Your experience on the flight shouldn’t be determined by whether or not you paid more for seats in the premium class. Yet due to the overwhelming volume of people that flight attendants in the economy cabin must tend to, this is often what occurs.

In that case, it’s a good idea to know which airlines, on average, tend to be the most family-friendly when deciding who to fly with. Really, this is good information to know whether you’re flying with kids or not.

Some perks that you can expect with most airlines are advanced seating and generous baggage allowances when traveling with children of a certain age. The best airlines will allow families to board early, usually after active military.

If you’re flying in first or business class, you can expect even more perks, starting with greater legroom and wider seats. Your kids may not mind this so much, but you’ll certainly be grateful for the extra room to stretch out.

First and business class passengers are also served a meal, depending on the length of the flight, and that includes your child. If it’s a meal that you know they’ll like, or better yet, if you’ve pre-chosen your meal in advance, then you might be able to get away with packing fewer snacks in your carry-on.

And lastly, first-class passengers generally get first-class treatment in the form of a dedicated, attentive flight attendant who can help warm milk and offer water and other drinks free of charge.

Without further adieu, here are the best airlines for families .

JetBlue knows how to pamper its youngest passengers.

Not only do families (with children under 2) get pre-boarding privileges , but the airline also treats little ones to a nice lineup of inflight entertainment. Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Animal Planet are all included in its roster of 3 dozen channels. It also makes a point to have at least 1 family-friendly movie on flights longer than 2 hours.

And to keep those little tummies full and nourished, JetBlue also offers unlimited juice and free snacks for children . If that’s not enough, you can purchase EatUp snack boxes to enjoy.

For breastfeeding and lactating people, there are Mamava Lactation Pods in several JetBlue terminals. At the airline’s Terminal 5 at JFK, there’s also an outdoor rooftop and 2 play areas — perfect for before or after a long flight.

Southwest Airlines is another family favorite — and for good reason.

Southwest knows how packing light can prove difficult when flying with children, that’s why it is one of the few airlines that offers free checked bags (2 bags up to 50 pounds) to each passenger. Free checked bags can significantly reduce the overall cost of airline travel when traveling with several people who all need to check a bag.

Families traveling with children 6 years old or younger can board during family boarding between Group A and Group B. This isn’t as early as some airlines, however, but it should help your family to get seats together or at the very least in the same vicinity on the airplane.

Lastly, Southwest has a very generous change policy. You only have to pay the fare difference when changing your flight. And if you’ve booked your flight with Southwest Rapid Rewards points and need to change or cancel, you can get your miles redeposited into your account.

Hot Tip: One caveat of flying with Southwest is that not only is there no premium cabin option — its planes are all economy-seating only — but there also aren’t assigned seats. It can prove difficult to get several seats together in this case. Improve your chances at great seats by reading our guide on the best seats when flying on Southwest . 

When flying Delta Air Lines , families with car seats to install or strollers to gate check can board early after Delta One and first class passengers and before most boarding groups .

Delta offers 3 classes of service in economy: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Delta Comfort+. Each class has varying levels of perks, such as being able to choose your seat or extra legroom. Delta One is Delta’s first class product offered on select routes.

The onboard experience includes free inflight entertainment (plus headphones).

Thanks to strong customer service, a solid hard product, and reliability, Delta ranks high on many travelers’ lists of favorite airlines.

Alaska Airlines is a popular airline for West Coast travelers to a growing number of destinations and was ranked second in satisfaction by JD Power in 2022 only after JetBlue.

Where Alaska shines is in its snack policy, in addition to its customer satisfaction rating, of course. This might seem like a small thing to be excited about but kids love snacks and unexpected treats.

Flight attendants bring a snack basket around about an hour before landing. Families can also elect to purchase a Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack. This includes cheddar puffs, strawberry applesauce, KIND bars, gummy bears, and more.

All of the dining options for purchase offer a variety of food items and cater to vegan, kosher, and gluten-free dietary needs. Some airlines don’t offer any food items for purchase.

The Worst Airlines for Families

There are fantastic airlines that cater to families, as well as some that are not so great. The latter group often lures passengers with low ticket prices, only to bombard them with fees and subpar customer service. This won’t work for families looking to stay within a budget or that need a little more assistance navigating the flight process.

Here are the worst airlines for families that you may want to avoid if you can.

Spirit Airlines has always had a poor reputation amongst travelers, but J.D. Power ranked it higher than American Airlines for customer satisfaction for economy class. ¹

When it comes to the list of complaints for Spirit , most passengers (and non-passengers) cite excessive fees and unrealistic baggage policies.

Passengers can expect a low cost initially but can expect additional fees for seat selection, checked luggage , and even printing your boarding pass at the airport.

It’s safe to assume that a company that nickel and dimes its customers doesn’t make much effort to deliver a comfortable flying experience.

Frontier Airlines was once the model low-cost carrier. It was known to be friendly, comfortable, efficient, and affordable. However, that has all changed.

Frontier tends to have low base fares with shocking fees for everything else from online check-in to airport assistance . That’s right — Frontier charges $25 per passenger each way for airport agent assistance for things like checking in, printing boarding passes, and tagging luggage.

At a certain point, it can begin to feel like some airlines don’t even want anything to do with you.

Allegiant Air , another affordable airline, takes the third spot on our list.

The low-cost airline has a pretty extensive route map which can make it an attractive option for air travel.

However, it’s the same story with Allegiant as it is with Spirit and Frontier. The additional fees tacked on to the ultra-low ticket price are followed by more of the same.

The airline even charges $22 per person, per segment when booking tickets through its website or call center. You can avoid this fee by paying at the ticket counter at the airport.

Stress-relief Tips

No matter how much we plan, things will inevitably go awry at times. Such is life. But being confined on an aircraft can make everything seem amplified and much worse. Here are some tips to relieve stress when flying with your family.

Almost nobody likes a crying baby. But who doesn’t love a laughing baby?

Turns out, there’s science to back that up. According to the Mayo Clinic , laughter can help lower stress, depression, and anxiety. So take a few deep breaths, make a funny face, and make your kid giggle until it hurts.

Distracting oneself, within reason, likely won’t be possible unless your child is distracted or being taken care of by another caregiver.

However, taking your mind off of the things that are out of your control is another great way to relieve the stress you might feel when traveling with your family. Grab your favorite magazine, listen to your favorite music, or watch a movie on the inflight entertainment screen to take your mind off of what’s bothering you.

Hot Tip: Distraction is a tried and true tip for parents trying to avoid or calm down a temper tantrum. Distract your child with toys, snacks, laughs, or whatever it takes.

The time spent at your destination will surely be longer than the time you’ll spend in the air or at the airport. Try redirecting your thoughts of what’s going wrong and look ahead to what will go right.

Are you staying at a family-friendly all-inclusive with lots of stuff for the kids and yourself to enjoy? Are you on your way to see visit family (who might be able to give you a break from your kids)? Or maybe you’re returning from an incredible and relaxing vacation and you’re choosing to remember the good times.

It feels like an impossible task in the moment, but if you can muster the strength to let go of what you can’t control, you’re sure to see the beauty in traveling with your kids.

Like any adventure, flying with kids takes a little prep work to make it as smooth as possible. Setbacks like lost or delayed luggage, delayed or canceled flights, and surly airline staff are all things that are out of our control. There are, however, things that we can control.

Do your best to book a flight at the most ideal time for your child’s schedule. Pack snacks, games, books, extra clothes, and everything else listed earlier in this guide. And try to avoid the airlines listed here under worst airlines for families.

Even before you fly, you can set your family up for success by getting TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR.

And if all else fails, try the stress-relieving tips listed in the final section above.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I paid for my child's ticket. can i claim the miles.

No. Only passengers who have either paid cash or redeemed miles will earn miles for the flight. You can, however, open an account in your child’s name and book a flight from the miles he/she has earned. You can also investigate whether or not your loyalty program allows you to pool miles .

What are the biggest advantages of flying first class with a baby?

First class seats give you enough room for privacy and breastfeeding.

What's the single most important thing to remember in long-haul flights with kids?

Always try to book direct flights! There are too many variables that could go wrong, including a delayed first flight that causes you to miss your connection.

How do I stop my child's ears from popping?

Just like adults, swallowing helps with ear pressure felt during take-off, landing, and turbulence. For babies, try giving them a pacifier or a bottle. For older kids and adults, a popular trick is chewing gum.

How do I prepare my child for flying?

You could try to tell your child through books, shoes, and movies about their upcoming plane ride. Let them know what they can expect during take-off and landing, and when they’re at the airport.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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Traveling with Children

All passengers are required to undergo screening. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the child’s screening.

TSA standard screening procedures apply for children 13 years and older. Carry-on property of all passengers, regardless of age, must be screened. All passengers who alarm will undergo additional screening.

Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids

Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device.

Let the TSA officer know if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by a parent/guardian. You may carry your child through the WTMD. The TSA officer will not remove your child from their mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.

Request Assistance

TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and those that need additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. Call  TSA Cares 72 hours prior  to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint.

Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches)

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.

It’s helpful to the officers when formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.

TSA X-ray machines are not harmful to food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to resolve alarms. You or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Passengers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting  TSA Cares  or by phone at (855) 787-2227.

Screening of Children’s Items

• Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray.
• Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.

Screening Technology

Walk-Through Metal Detector

Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required.

Advanced Imaging Technology

If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.

You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child.

Screening your Child

• Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.
• Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
• Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.
• Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening
• Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.

Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with Toddlers & Preschoolers

Do you have a fear of flying with toddlers?

The very thought of flying with toddlers is probably the single biggest cause of stress that families face when planning a vacation. And as even the most-traveled families will tell you: once a kid hits two, all bets are off. Although, “three was the new two” for us in a lot of cases.

However, I’m actually quite proud to say that we have not once been kicked off of a flight! In spite of a mid-flight barf-o-rama and the odd airplane toilet drama, we’ve made it through our years of flying with toddlers relatively unscathed.

I say relatively , since on a flight when our son had just-turned-three (technically a preschooler, no matter how much that hurt to say!) he threw a full-on, screaming red-faced tantrum.

Dun dun dun.

Flying with Toddlers & Preschoolers

I am pleased to say that we flew a fair amount with both our daughter and son during this age range and, for us (aforementioned tantrum aside), it was pretty painless. Now, my kids have flown a lot, and that means they know what kind of behavior is expected on an airplane. They know they’re on their way somewhere fun so they can manage to sit for a few hours. They also know they will be plied with treats and technology not usually forked over with such abandon. Needless to say, my kids actually like flying.

But my nephews didn’t go on their first trip until they were ages four and two. And the eldest was actually quite scared and the two-year-old was very two .

That was a tough flight.

Flying with Toddlers & Preschoolers: Biggest Concerns

Toddlers are busy. Our son was sooooooo busy. He didn’t sit still. (Still doesn’t). He didn’t like hearing no for an answer. (Still doesn’t). And although he’d flown well for all of our trips, I am not smug enough to think his unpredictability would not bite me in the behind.

I didn’t want to be Debbie Downer, so I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst. That’s my usual parenting mantra, actually.

Flying with Toddlers & Preschoolers: The Reality

So. The tantrum. THE tantrum.

After an amazing week driving across Alberta and then attending a family wedding, our son was tired. We all were.

And as we boarded our 7am flight from Edmonton to Toronto, we took advantage of Air Canada ‘s family pre-board and headed on back to get settled. On the way out, Bub had the window seat, so the flight home meant it was his sister’s turn. But, he wasn’t having it. Nosiree! This was a screaming-hitting-kicking-knock the coffee out of my hand-frothing at the mouth-trying to pull my hair kinda tantrum. And I was paralyzed.

The flight attendant’s clipped and perfunctory, “Can I do anything?” didn’t help.

In between trying to restrain him in the seat belt while avoiding getting knocked out by our baby Balboa, I turned on the seat-back entertainment (thank you, Air Canada !!) And it was truly like a switch had been flipped. He immediately calmed down, put on his headphones , and watched The Wiggles . And, thanks to the pre-board, none of our now-boarding fellow passengers was the wiser, except maybe the other families on board. They were likely thanking their lucky stars it wasn’t them!

Then he slept for most of the flight.

It was glorious.

I know THE TANTRUM happened not really because he wanted the window seat. It was because he was exhausted. The seat was the last straw. Whether your toddler or preschooler has their own frequent flier account, or it’s their first flight, you have to approach flying in almost the same way you do with a younger baby.

Flying with a Toddler or Preschooler: The 5 Ts

Even Baby Yoda is challenging to travel with 🙂 Mando needs to follow the five Ts . And read Have Baby Will Travel ! And in Season 2 we know he hasn’t really learned yet!

Have an arsenal of snacks and treats and don’t be afraid to use them. Make sure they have something to eat or drink during take off and landing. And, try to book flights for “sleepy” times. If you’re considering trying to dose your child with Benadryl or Gravol to make them drowsy, please consider some other options. Or, at least, test it to know they won’t get hyper instead; it happens!

Embrace technology , but save it for last. Once the tech is out it’s hard to top.

Flying with Toddlers & Preschoolers: Extra Consideration

Flying Is Exciting!

If your kids are inexperienced fliers, they will likely be very excited. But they might also be scared. Toddlers and preschoolers at this age understand enough to know that flying in a plane is not a natural state of being. It might freak them out.

And, if they’re too excited, you run the risk of them being too excited. Which could mean impossible to reason with or sit still, which will make an unpleasant first flight for both of you.

Some advocate letting them run around at the gate to blow off steam before boarding. We have seven stitches in a (then) preschooler’s eyelid that shows it’s not the right choice for our kids. Plus, they’re tough to wind down. Keeping calm with stories and eye spy and watching the hustle and bustle on the jetway works better for our family.

You may consider buying some children’s books about flying . There are a couple of great ones out there and they offer the added bonus of also showing your child how they are expected to behave while on a plane.

With both kids we did a lot of “Well, mommy and daddy and everyone else is wearing their seat belt, so you have to as well.” And also, “Please sit down and be quiet or you’re going to be in big trouble with the lady over there.” (Sorry, Flight Attendants. I know I am not the only parent who feels the pang of knowing my kids listen better to other people than they do to me. I take advantage of that at your expense ;))

And during COVID-19, masks became the new seat belts. Flying with babies and toddlers during the pandemic means finding new ways to “reason” with your kids.

Dealing with Potty Training when Flying with a Toddler or Preschooler…

If you’re potty training ? Trips to the bathroom take up a nice amount of time, and allow you to get up and stretch your legs. Make sure you have a change of clothes (or two, or three) in case of accidents.

If you’re not that far into it, don’t be a martyr. Being in a pull-up for a travel day will help save your sanity. It won’t cause any appreciable regression towards your hard-fought toilet teachings. It WILL happen. Just try not to stress over any setbacks.

More Useful Tips for Flying with a Toddler or Preschooler:

• Talk about your travel plans. Get them excited about your trip and the plane ride. Keep talking throughout your journey. I’ve been that annoying parent with a running narrative while we’re boarding, etc., and I swear it helps. “Look, the people are walking to their seats. Look, the people are sitting down and buckling their seat belts. Hey, let’s get out your books and toys.”
• Have that tablet loaded and charged. But DO have some old-school distractions on hand and try to offer those first. Once the tech comes out it’s hard to go back to old-school toys.
• SNACKS. MORE SNACKS. AND EVEN MORE SNACKS.
• You will need to purchase a seat for your toddler if they’re over two. Consider also using their car seat on the plane , even if it’s not legally required.

Flying with toddlers is not something to fear!

Toddlers and preschoolers of this age are actually a lot of fun to travel with. They look ever-so-cute pulling their own little carry-ons. And, you know this kid now, inside and out. Make sure your bag is packed with enough to keep them fed, busy, and engaged, and you might actually enjoy your flights too.

Have Baby Will Travel  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission.  Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

• Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Newborn
• Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Toddler
• Baby Travel Gear Essentials
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• How to Help a Toddler Sleep on a Plane
• The Best Travel Beds for Toddlers
• How to Survive Paris with a Toddler or Preschooler
• How to Enjoy Doing Disney with Toddlers
• Potty Training? Why McDonald’s Is Good for Moms Sometimes

flying with a toddler , flying with young kids , Preferred Family

22 Responses to Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with Toddlers & Preschoolers

Hi Corinne! I pinned this for you on the Sheblogs parenting board. There are great tips here! Have a wonderful weekend! Angie xo

What a terrific, well-written article. I LOVE the ‘that lady over there’ flight attendant trick and you are SO right; technology is the big guns, can’t top it so save it lol. Thx for sharing from a Mom of a 3 year old with a few loong travel days coming up! 🙂 -Amy from Idaho:)

Thanks, Amy!

Thanks for all the tips! Just wondering what type of headset you have on your LO…looking to get a pair that cancels out the airplane noise.

Thanks, Monika! My guys have the Califone headphones: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MUXVZO?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000MUXVZO&linkCode=xm2&tag=havbabwiltra-20 Not sure if they are noise cancelling, but they have never complained about not being able to hear their shows and you can adjust the volume separately right on the cord. Hope this helps!

How do I prepare for my son who is 2 years old and delayed? He has a gtube so snacking is difficult.

Hi Chanel, If you can swing his car seat on board, you’ll both probably feel more comfortable and secure. Anything small that would keep him interested –sticker books, maybe?

I am combing through this site with a fine toothed comb…I am about to fly ALONE with my 10-month old and my 3.5 year old. I am a nervous wreck. Flight #1 is about 1hr 15min min, but then flight #2 is almost 3 hours. Pray for me… hope there are LOTS of understanding and considerate folks on my flights!!! Love all you tips, I am making notes!

Hi Jessica. You will do great–we are rooting for you! Let us know how it goes 🙂

aah your web helped me way back then in 2012 when I took my 9 month old for a trip to Vienna (from Denver) – to see my Grandma. my baby is now 4.5 and his little brother is 1 month old – may travel at 2 months or 4 months of age. I am going over to Vienna again, on my own…I feel scared but I will remind myself of your ‘Nellie’ bahahah spot on. My hubby will join me on a way back ae he can only come for a week. I just want to thank you for such an uplifting article. Wish me luck, overall it takes 15 hours to go there and 18 back….or something like that haha. anyway would you have any recommendation for how jugle one snugride and one nautilus with 2 kids and carryons with 2 hands only? Thank you!

Thank you so much, Petra, for your kind words! Hoo boy, you will have your hands full! Maybe try this: make one carry-on a rolling bag, and put your 4.5 year old in charge of it. Wear your baby in a lightweight carrier, use a backpack as a diaper bag/purse, and get an umbrella stroller that can be pushed with one hand, and put the Snugride in it. The Nautilus is for your 4yo? Is he still harnessed or do you use it as a booster? If it’s in booster mode you won’t be able to use it on the plane, so you may want to look into another car seat to use on the plane, or gate check the Nautilus in a padded bag, using a trolley to get through the airport. OR, if you have a stroller frame that your Snugride clicks into, wear your baby and use the Snugride/stroller frame combo as a trolley for as much as you can. You will need a hand boarding, so check in with the gate staff once you’re through security, and make sure you leave yourself LOTS of time to check in and go through security. Have a great flight!!

Hi Corinne, just felt like getting some informations online about travelling with a preschooler. Mine is almost 26 months old but started pre-nursery. I’ll be flying with him from Vienna to Nigeria in July but I’m kinda worried because his mother will not be flying with us. He likes planes but has never been on one. Our flights to Lagos is over 15 hours with a stop over in Paris. Any idea what I can do too keep him calm because he’s the type that hardly listens to strangers. Thank you 🙂

That is a long flight buy your son should be old enough to be distracted by shows or games on an iPad. I realize there’s only so many shows a two-year-old can watch, so try to structure your flight as a typical day, with activities, meals, and snacks–and hopefully some sleep too. You will be very busy! Have a great trip and try not to worry about it too much 🙂

I am so nervous, my family is getting ready to move to Alaska from Mississippi. My husband is leaving first, meaning I have to make that long flight by myself with a 5 year old and a 14 month old who have never flown. I will have one short flight of about 4 hours and then one long flight of like 12 hours, then we will have a hotel stay and a 4 hour flight on a puddle jumper. I plan on nursing the 14 month old during take off and landing, and giving the other one a juice to suck down during the same. I’ll bring as many snacks as allowed and just found out the airline offers on board entertainment for $10 Praise the Lord. Any other tips for me?

Hi Hannah! This will not be a relaxing journey for any of you, but you are already in the right mind set! Make room for a few changes of clothes for all of you, and bring a carrier or something to help you wear your toddler if your 5yo needs a break in the stroller. Try to think of a few surprises or *bribes* to have on hand, too. Good luck!

Hi Corrine, loved your article and have followed your advice on past flights. I am about to fly from Hawaii to Denver on a red-eye flight. I will be travelling with my 3.5 year old. The flight is 7 hours and on previous trips (same flight) he screamed nearly the whole flight because he couldn’t find a comfortable position to sleep in (much like the rest of us!). Needless to say it was horrible! Do you have any products or sleeping positions you recomend? I cant bear a repeat performance.

Ouch, I feel your pain, Daron! My hope for you is the time that’s passed will help your son relax a bit more sleeping in the unusual circumstances. I know what continues to help my kids is to keep things relaxed and a cup of milk (warmed, if possible) tends to send them off. Usually I don’t recommend screens before bed but if he screams all night maybe it’s better to have him sit back and watch something he enjoys and is comforting with the hope that he’ll drop off? That’s worked at naptime for me from time to time…

I think the most important tip for parents who are about to fly with their kids is to not worry so much about it. I can understand why they do worry (I know I did my first time) but I think children having meltdowns on a plane and the hundred other nightmare scenarios you have in your head are actually quite rare. So don’t worry, because everything will (more than likely) be fine 🙂

I agree–thanks, Samuel!

Thanks for the tips and sharing your story. I am quite nervous about the trip we’re having next month. It’s 8hours flight and I hope my baby is going to sleep at least part of the time. That’s why I’ve been following this book lately: https://www.parental-love.com/shop/toddler-sleep-training and Annie is kind of a good sleeper and goof napper now. Although you cannot test the airplane environment first anyhow…

Really amazing article

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

[…] Fly the tot-friendly skies Have Baby Will Travel shares the latest installment of an entertaining (and very useful) series on travelling with young children. The writer has survived airplane toilet dramas, tantrums and a “mid-flight barf-o-rama,” and you can, too. Flying with baby: Travel tips for flying with toddlers and preschoolers […]

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23 Essentials when Travelling with a Toddler on a Plane

When it comes to travelling with a toddler on a plane, you might spend weeks having nightmares about what can go wrong. That is if you’ve decided to take the plunge, because how many parents prolong their travels until the kids are a bit older.

Knowing that you will be locked in a tin box for X-number of hours with no way out, freaking out is not uncommon. Because: will they stay in their seat? Will they take a nap? Or on long-haul flights: will they sleep at all? Will they eat something? Will they annoy the passengers next to us? Will they scream the whole flight? The list can go on and on and on.

Fear not, most people travelling with a toddler on a plane don’t think it’s the worst experience of their life. Phew! That doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and rainbows either. Putting a toddler on a plane can be hard work at times and there’s no guarantee they will act the way you want them to. There are however quite a few things you can anticipate to make your airplane travel with toddler go as smooth as possible.

We flew quite a few times with our daughter during toddlerhood including long-haul flights from Europe to Malaysia and Colombia. Even though we feel like we have a decent base to give you information, we believe that you could use all the intel we could provide. Just to be sure you’re well prepared. That’s why we’ve asked 20 experienced family travellers to share their most indispensible item to travel with toddler on plane .

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WHAT DO I REALLY NEED TO BRING WHEN I’M TRAVELLING WITH A TODDLER ON A PLANE?

Don’t start panicking when you see the list below, we’ve made a selection of items that would be useful but we don’t expect you to bring them all!

So, what do you really have to bring on that toddler airplane trip?

Sleeping : make sure you’ve got the sleeping part covered with at least one item that will help your little one get comfortable for the night. That might be something small like a blanket or pillow ( read more on the best travel pillows for toddlers here ) or can go as far as airplane toddler beds.

Toddler plane activities : you want your little one to be as calm and quiet as possible when you are traveling with a toddler on a plane, so airplane toys for toddlers will be an important part of your carry-on luggage. That doesn’t mean you should bring everything you can find just to entertain your kiddo (make sure to read tip nr. 3 of our tips for flying with a toddler !). Three to four well-thought items should be more than enough to keep your baby occupied for a couple of hours. Add to that a bit of naptime and some snacks and you’ll be at your destination in no time.

Things that will make your life easier : there are a couple of things that will make traveling with toddler on plane so much more comfortable. First of all , you’ll need something for easy transport on the airport: a travel stroller or toddler carrier. (Check out our article on the best lightweight stroller or our post about the best travel baby carrier from newborn to preschool .) Other essentials include a backpack, some sort of snack container and a water bottle. We never travel without these travel products!

MORE FLYING WITH TODDLERS

• Tips when you’re flying with toddlers
• Fun & compact airplane toys for toddlers
• Travel essentials for babies
• Best toddlers on the beach tips for parents

COMFORT & SLEEPING ON A PLANE

The main point of concern for a lot of parents is the sleeping part. On a red-eye flight you really really want your little one to sleep, for a variety of reasons (not disturbing the other passengers and their need for sleep as the main ones). But even on a short(er) flight, you will all benefit from a good nap (yay, movie time!).

The bright plane lights, the new environment, people passing through the small airplane isles, chatter, and just the whole excited feeling of going on a trip and being in a plane might be too much for a toddler.

You can help your little one relax in two ways: habit & comfort.

Habit : sticking to your bed or naptime ritual is key. Implement the things you do at home on the flight. One of the tips for traveling with a toddler on a plane is to bring a sleeping bag if they’re used to sleeping in one, brush their teeth and read a bedtime story. Toddlers love structure, and they will benefit greatly if their usual ritual is applied, even in an unknown environment.

Comfort : your kiddo isn’t going to sleep if they are not comfortable. If they’re under two and you have them on your lap, you can’t use a sleeping aid when traveling with toddlers on a plane (as they need their own chair to make something that will resemble a toddler bed). On the other hand, there is nothing more comfortable than mummy or daddy’s lap. For your baby, at least. 

Our 3,5 year old still always ends up sleeping on my lap (or stretched out over both our laps). If your toddler has their own chair, you can use equipment to get them more comfortable or install a complete toddler bed for plane. Read on to discover the most useful items and tips for flying with toddlers and getting to sleep on the plane.

Travel Snug

Favorite of Carrie from Flyingwithababy.com

We love taking our Travel Snug with us on flights. 

It is essentially a padded cushion with sides and a back which slots onto an airline seat making it very comfy for toddlers. There are loops so the seatbelt can be used normally and securely.

These toddler travel essentials are a bit bulky to pack and need to be carried in addition to hand luggage, but we found the benefits far outweigh the cons. Our youngest quickly snuggles into it and falls asleep comfortably. It definitely is a great airplane seat for toddlers.

You can find a full review of the Travel Snug on Carrie’s blog.

You can buy the Travel Snug online, but only on the website of the brand itself . The Travel Snug comes in 2 sizes (15 months-3 years & 3-6 years) and in 2 models (with or without shoulder slots to use with a harness). Designs include (among others) dinosaurs, zebra stripes and brightly coloured dots.

Jetkids Bedbox

favorite of Frankie from Asthebirdfliesblog.com | #AffiliateLink

When we were preparing to fly to Australia from Amsterdam with a short layover in Singapore, one of the first things I did was investigate ways to help our 18-month-old son sleep on the flight.

One of the options I kept coming across was the JetKids BedBox. An expensive piece of kit, yes.

We were ultimately sold on its versatility as a toddler suitcase he can ride on through airports which not only stores his toys and snacks, but then converts into a horizontal airplane bed for toddler in a plane seat ‘s footwell.

A toddler sleep on plane but I’ll be honest and say my son didn’t sleep for hours and hours on the BedBox, but he did stay put in his chair as it  gave him extra space and blocked the escape . It was also the  perfect size to store a wide variety of toddler toys  and he loves riding it in airports which saves lots of arguments and tired arms. 

We have used it on every long-haul flight we have done with him since and will now also use it for his younger brother who is coming up to toddler age. You can read a full review of the JetKids BedBox here .

Toddler travel pillow

favorite of Diana from theelusivefamily.com | #AffiliateLink

Toddlers nap.  Most of them anyway, and sometimes they can be picky about comfort depending on whether they are in the car, on a train, plane or public transportation.  

A small child size pillow is a great solution. Toddler pillows can be stuffed into backpacks easily and their size makes it easy to squeeze the pillow in small spaces .  It’s perfect for traveling on a plane when your toddler wants something under their head , or they simply want their own pillow from home .

It has always been one of our top travel items whenever we fly anywhere and since it is washable, it is never an issue to get it cleaned at our final destination.

Read more about Diana’s traveling family on her blog The Elusive Family !

TIP: check out our extensive article on the best kids travel pillows here!

A thin blanket

favorite of Chelsea from Packmoreintolife.com | #AffiliateLink

Sometimes flying with toddlers can be an adventure and I know as a parent it is a bit daunting.

My son and I have flown all around the world for the past few years and when it’s time to pack the carry-ons and get prepared for a long flight, a thin blanket is always an item that we grab.

It is super versatile and doesn’t take up a ton of space like some other items. We use the fabulous thin muslin blankets made by the company Aden and Anais.

My son loved to create forts with the blankets, which also helped him when nap time rolled around. We also used them on overnight flights to help keep the overhead lights off his face and create a place of slumber . They are also great for r olling up and shoving on the sides of your little one to keep little toys from falling into the cracks between the seats, snuggling up as a comfort item and to be used as a nursing cover for privacy. In an emergency, it can also be used to clean up spills ! An essential item to toss into the carry-on.

Check out more ideas on items we deem essential for traveling with kids !

favorite of Kate from Tearfreetravel.com | #AffiliateLink

For us, the most indispensable travel item for flying with a toddler is a car seat ! With our first, we never really thought to bring our car seat ON the plane, and it was only with our second that we tried this option.

I will tell you, using the car seat on a plane is a total game changer! Not only is it safer for your little one, but it makes the plane ride so much smoother !

Our little ‘wild child’ would have been climbing all over the seats and into the aisles, but with the car seat, he very happily stayed put ! It’s also really convenient for a nap on the plane as our kids are both already used to sleeping in their car seats.

If you’ve already got a plane seat for your toddler, I would definitely recommend bringing your car seat along!

TIP: if you’d like to learn more about travelling with a car seat , read this article.

Cares harness

favorite of Diana from Theelusivefamily.com | #AffiliateLink

Sometimes it isn’t entirely possible to travel with a car seat on the airplane, but having a toddler also means you want to keep them safe.

The Kids Fly Safe Cares harness is the perfect option for creating a safer way to travel on planes .  As the only harness approved by the FAA for use on the airplane, it is a good option for children 1 year or older who weigh between 22-44 pounds .  

It has a simple belt and buckle design system and can easily be adjusted on any airplane seat .  It is lightweight and can be brought on board without any hassle .  It provides safety and security when traveling on a plane, and is a wonderful alternative to a car seat .

Read more travel tips and stories on Diana’s blog The Elusive Family !

AIRPLANE TOYS FOR TODDLER

If you are wondering how to entertain a toddler on a plane, this section of the article is just for you! We’ve selected the best travel toys for toddlers on airplanes that were tested and approved by parents that are used to flying with little children.

favorite of Amber from Hilltribetravels.com | #AffiliateLink

Flying with toddlers is hard. Trying to get toddlers comfy to sleep on a plane is even harder! As much as I’d love to leave the precious soft toys at home (so there is no chance of them getting lost) we really can’t do without them.

The kids’ soft toys give them something to play with , something to snuggle up with and can also work quite well as a pillow against the arm rest or window .

The soft toys are also something really familiar for the kids in what can sometimes be an unfamiliar environment. As soon as my kids have their favourite soft toy they seem to instantly relax.

Amber shares her love for family travel to far away places and music festivals on her blog Hill Tribe Travels .

Etch A Sketch

favorite of Mary Beth from Areluctantmom.com & MBsees.com | #AffiliateLink

I love my toddler’s Etch A Sketch for travel.

In an effort to minimize electronic screen-time as much as possible ( though, let’s be honest, we fail more often than not!), my husband and I opt for the magnetic screen instead! It keeps our son busy for hours on end, giving us time to breathe – and sometimes even nap! – on long flights.

My tip would be to get one with an attached stylus instead of the turning knobs (knobs don’t seem to be very user-friendly for kids that age). My son has a ball drawing dinosaurs, making smiley faces, tracing his hands… the list goes on. For such an inexpensive contraption, this airplane toy toddler has been worth its weight in gold!

Mary Beth also has some great tips for traveling with babies !

favorite of Sharee from Inspirefamilytravel.com.au | #AffiliateLink

When travelling on a plane with children, we always ensure we take in our carry-on luggage some special items from home to help entertain the kids on the flight. Some of these are hand picked by us, and others we allow our girls to choose.

We are avid readers, and our girls have loved books from a young age, which is what makes them the perfect travel accessory as they enjoy sitting with us to read a story.

This becomes extremely handy on a flight if you have a restless child or when the seatbelt signs are switched on. They are a practical travel toy as they are mess-free , can be stored easily in a bag or the seat pocket of the plane and there are lots of light-weight options.

We find they are even useful when we were in a queue or waiting to board as the girls could flip through the pages looking at the pictures.

If you are travelling on an overnight flight, they are a great way for the kids to unwind and hopefully nod off to sleep shortly after you read them their favourite book. 

Sharee shares the best travel tips about the Australian Gold Coast and more on her travel blog Inspire Family Travel .

Triangle Crayons

favorite of Keri from Ourglobetrotters.com | #AffiliateLink

One of the easiest airplane activities for toddler on the move is colouring, but nobody wants to spend half their flight with their head stuck between chairs picking things up. 

We quickly discovered that chunky triangle crayons were one of the most genius inventions and best airplane toys for toddlers . Not only do they stay put on the tray table , they’re easy for little hands to grip and they can be used for quick and easy stacking games too.

Get more tips on flying with kids here !

favorite of Sinead from Mapmadememories.com | #AffiliateLink

We never travel without a bag of Lego pieces and it might be one of the best toddler toys for airplane! Lego is a creative toy for children of all ages and occupies our kids for hours on long flights.

It does not make a noise , will not roll away down the aisle, it does not make a mess and the tough, durable pieces won’t break easily . Best of all, once you have finished playing with it, Lego is easily washed for reuse another trip. This toy airplane for toddler won’t end up in a landfill after one use!

To use on an airplane, bring a small baseboard and attach it to the seat tray with a dab of sticky putty type adhesive . This stops models from sliding around during the flight and will keep young toddler hands happy!

Toddler noise cancelling headphones

favorite of Stephanie from Navigatingadventure.com | #AffiliateLink

Screen time for children is a contentious issue, but even if there is only one situation that you’re willing to give in to technology, flying with a toddler should be it! When a meltdown is imminent and distraction is critical, pre-downloaded television shows and podcasts , or the onboard entertainment system will be a lifesaver.

In order to be prepared for this moment, make sure you pack toddler headphones in your little one’s carry on. These should include a safe maximum level of volume and be comfortable for them to wear . The right headphones will also help to block out surrounding noise which can be scary for small children – especially if they haven’t flown before.

Our son thinks it’s a real treat to wear his special headphones on flights. And when he is drowsy but finding it difficult to sleep in the unfamiliar surroundings, we will sometimes find a guided meditation for him – the soothing voice and music relaxes him, while his headphones reduce other distractions which could disturb him, while he dozes off.  

You can follow Stephanie’s adventures on her blog Navigating Adventure .

Water wow writing pad

One of the best toddler toys for airplane that has proven to be used time and time again with kids is the Melissa and Doug Water Wow writing pad. 

The painting with water book has a hard-cardboard backing and a refillable water filled brush . Children have fun scribbling on the pages with the brush and watching the colors of the pictures come to life with every stroke. 

When the page is filled with color, they move on to the next page to start all over again. Each page dries in the air in just a few minutes, even when closed! 

There are numerous themes to pick from and it can also easily be brought on the plane for hours of entertainment!

Get some travel inspiration on Diana’s blog The Elusive Family !

Boogie board

favorite of Catherine from Wegowithkids.com | #AffiliateLink

The Boogie Board LCD eWriter tablet is an indispensable item for flying with toddlers. 

We particularly love the Boogie Board Jot 8.5 , which serves as an endless notepad that can be used for doodling and erased up to 50,000 times. 

The Boogie Board Jot 8.5 is sleek and compact and easy to throw into a carry on or handbag.  The stylus is easy for little hands to manipulate , and our kids love the bright screen . This is one “screen” that kids can use while still remaining unplugged. 

The Boogie Board Jot 8.5 encourages hours of creativity without WiFi.

Imagine Ink Books

favorite of Bethany from Wavesandlilacs.com | #AffiliateLink

Whether you are flying or driving with your kids, we all know just how challenging it is to keep track of markers and crayons from falling all over the place. Not to mention the child who likes to get extra creative and draw on things around him!

That’s why our family loves to travel with Imagine Ink Books. These books are coloring books designed to only work with the special marker it comes with.

My kids love seeing the pictures comes to life and I love that it is only ONE invisible ink marker that I need to keep track of and it cannot draw on anything else . It’s definitely on my list of best toys for toddler on plane.

There are so many different kinds available from Disney characters to kids’ favorite NIckoledeon shows. Be sure to check them out and bring them along on your next adventure!

You can follow Bethany’s adventures on her blog Waves and Lilacs .

favorite of Chris from Morelifeinyourdays.com | #AffiliateLink

Of course, you want to take a range of toys and books to keep your little one entertained on a flight. But I am not sure that I would get on a plane with toddlers without an iPad or tablet. And many parents would agree that when they think about the best airplane activities for toddler, the tablet will be at the #1 spot.

In one small package, you can carry their favourite music, tv shows and games . Just what you need when they start to get a bit grumpy about being cooped up on a seat for hours on end.

Our girls also really love looking at photos and videos of themselves so why not relive your holiday on the flight home?

Make sure that you charge the battery before you go (don’t forget that powerbank that is mentioned below!) and it is a good idea to add a couple of new games or apps for your little one so that they have something new to play.

If you are looking for a tablet for your child, you can check out Chris’ review of the best tablets for toddlers .

OTHER ITEMS THAT WILL HELP YOU TRAVELLING WITH TODDLER ON PLANE

There are definitely other items on your traveling with a toddler on a plane checklist than a airplane toddler bed set and a selections of the best toys for toddler on plane. Toddler airplane tips include a big bag full of snacks and keeping your hands free at all times. Read on to discover more essentials on how to travel with a toddler by plane and keep your sanity.

Sanitizing wipes

favorite of Amanda from Toddlingtraveler.com | #AffiliateLink

Before traveling with a kid, I certainly didn’t worry as much about germs. Things have certainly changed since flying with a baby and now a toddler. 

One item we don’t fly without is Sanitizing Wipes.

Right when we sit down, we wipe down everything with the sanitizing wipes : the seat, the tray, seatbelt, armrest and everything in between. The last thing you want to do is pick up all of those airport germs when your little one is touching and even biting everything.

Sanitizing wipes are a great way to help combat germs and sickness during travel , and the little travel packs make them easy to throw in a carry-on when flying with a toddler.

Travel Stroller

Once my son was too heavy (and mobile!) to be contained in a carrier, we knew we would have to invest in a good collapsible stroller that ideally could also come on the plane with us for long layovers in airports.

After a little research the BabyZen YoYo+ stroller was an obvious winner as the best travel stroller. It was also going to be a great city buggy for living on a third floor apartment (no stairs!) in Amsterdam.

The reason this is such an indispensable piece of kit when travelling with toddlers is that it’s light (under 13 lbs/6kg), it folds up to be the same size as a briefcase and so can be placed in the overhead luggage bins or even under the seat in front of you. It can open up or fold down with just a few hand movements (and even with just one hand if you have to contain the toddler with the other) and it’s the sturdiest lightweight travel stroller I think you’ll find on the market.

We’ve had ours over two years and it’s still going strong even after taking it with us on over twenty flights with our toddler son, and using it multiple times a week at home too. It’s also pretty comfortable for the kid too, which we know to be true as our sleep-dodging toddler will regularly sleep in it when we’re travelling – yay!

Frankie also has a great article on how to survive jetlag with a toddler .

TIP: Check out our article on the best travel stroller here!

Baby carrier

favorite of Babs from Mums on FlipFlops | #AffiliateLink

If there is one item we call indispensable when traveling, it is a baby carrier. Actually, make that one item for life with kids in general.

Wherever we go, the travel baby carrier comes with us. Ever since our daughter was 3 days old, we’ve been carrying her and it’s only now at 3,5 years old that it’s occasionally left at home.

A toddler carrier is useful both on the airport and on the plane . When you have to manoeuver through customs and security, you need your hands free to grab all your stuff. You often don’t even have to take your toddler out of the carrier, which is even more convenient. Putting your toddler in an ergonomic baby carrier allows you to cross the airport quicker as well (because we all know how slow and/or distracted a toddler can be if you are in a hurry). And while you can keep your lightweight stroller with you until the gate, you don’t have one on the other side. With a travel baby carrier immediately have something to transport your toddler when you arrive at your destination .

A toddler baby carrier is great to use on the plane as well. When they won’t calm down or if they have a hard time settling to sleep , you can put them in the carrier and rock or walk around a bit at the back of the plane (yes, we’ve been there!).

TIP: check out our article on the best travel baby carrier here! We’ve also got more information about the best carrier for hot weather and the best waterproof baby carrier .

Rucksack/ backpack

favorite of Karen from Smartstepstoaustralia.com | #AffiliateLink

I feel well qualified to comment on this as I had twins and another baby two years apart meaning for a while we had three kids under three!

The most important travel tip for me is to always use a rucksack as your hand luggage so you can keep your hands free for toddler-wrangling .

My twin boys used to run in opposite directions so wearing a rucksack for travelling meant I could hold both of their hands while also carrying their baby sister in a carrier on my front. When travelling with multiple little ones, the last thing you want to be doing is thinking about your bags.

Rucksacks also usually squash under the seats on planes, so you can get to your bag easily mid-flight rather than needing to stand up to access the overhead compartment plus they tend to unzip all around giving you access to everything from nappies to wipes quickly.

Water bottle

favorite of Nichola from Globalmousetravels.com | #AffiliateLink

We always take our water bottles when flying with toddlers or small children.

First, having cups of water in the small space of a plane seat and tray table is a recipe for disaster and the last thing you want is wet clothes if the water gets spilled.

Bottles of water are also really expensive and we find airline staff are usually more than happy to fill up a water bottle for any children we are travelling with.

Remember to keep it empty when going through customs and fill it up either in the departure lounge in one of the restaurants there or on the plane. It’s great to have when you get to your destination too.

You can find more travel inspiration on Nichola’s blog Global Mouse Travels !

Battery back up

favorite of Natalie from Blissmersion.com | #AffiliateLink

Have you ever been delayed once you’re already on the airplane?

It has happened to us while traveling. I was so thankful to have my Anker PowerCore portable charger with me!

My kids’ tablets don’t hold their charge very long and I was able to hand over my fully charged phone to help keep them entertained during the unexpected delay. I also use my phone as my main camera , but the battery gets depleted quickly. Again, my portable charger to the rescue!

I always throw it into my purse before a trip and I always end up using it. Whether it helps to preserve memories or makes a travel delay tolerable , it’s my must have item when traveling with kids.

You can find Natalie’s great article on car seats here !

Snack container

favorite of Katrina from Mamasorganizedchaos.com | #AffiliateLink

There are some items that are just indispensable while traveling with a toddler. Whether your child is in a growth spurt (which they seem to always be), or simply food motivated, snacks are key to having success with travel!

Giving your little one some snacks is one of the best toddler airplane activities as they keep your child distracted and happy all at the same time. After all, a hungry child usually leads to meltdowns… and well, we want to avoid meltdowns at all costs!

I’ve always found that snacks are also way better than activities with keeping toddlers occupied.

For infants and younger toddlers, we love the oxo tot snack container because it does not spill when dropped! And for those food pouches that are super handy… we love these pouch toppers to prevent squeeze overflows.

For longer trips, bento boxes are amazing to pack all sorts of fun snacks in. Our toddler loved all the compartments!

Prepar a kit or other First Aid kit

favorite of Carlita from Themamapirate.com | #AffiliateLink

It is a must have item if you are flying with your little one.

A Preparakit is a mini first aid kit which contains bandages and medicines for toddler safety.

The kit contains Kids bandages, Fabric bandages, Large fabric bandages for knee or elbow, Fabric fingertip bandages, Sterile gauze, Hydrocortisone Anti Itch Cream and Burn Cream packets, Antibiotic Ointments, Swabs / Cotton tip applicators, Lip Balm, Alcohol Free Antiseptic Wipes, Antibacterial Wipes, Thermometer Strips and Safety Pins, Tweezers, Nail Clippers and Bandage Scissors, Roll of adhesive medical tape and Stickers to soothe away tears.

Contents may vary depending on the manufacturing company. But a Preparakit can make you feel safe while traveling with a toddler.

This small kit about the size of a purse has everything to provide first aids if your kid gets an injury.

On her blog The Mama Pirate , Carlita shares stories about traveling, parenting and gardening.

What is the favorite item on your flying with a toddler checklist?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.

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What I Learned After Flying for 18 Hours With My Toddler

By Jessica Rach

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Riding one of the longest flights in the world is already an undertaking—then I had to do it with my talkative son in tow. Even though flying with a toddler can be tough, I was determined to introduce him to the paternal side of my family who I hadn’t seen for over 20 years. So we embarked on an 18-hour journey from London to Bali . Here is what I learned about flying with a toddler after the trip—and what I wish I had known before.

Consider the duration of each leg of your flight if you have a stopover

Rather than take the usual connecting route through Dubai , I opted for a stopover in Singapore . I reasoned that it would be kinder to all involved to get the bulk of the trip out of the way in a 13-hour marathon and then completing the remaining three hours from Singapore to Bali. This worked out really well: We began our journey from London with a night flight and didn’t have to interrupt my son's sleep , which would have happened if we had stopped in Dubai after just seven hours.

Think about the timing and length of your stopover

Will you want to nap your child and use the opportunity for a day-trip in the city , or do you want to get the journey over with as quickly as possible? I opted for the latter, keen to get to my destination. We had a perfect two-hour window to stretch our legs and burn some energy before getting on the last leg of the journey, which I wanted him to stay awake for (so we could adjust to the local time in Bali as soon as possible).

Plan a night flight around your arrival times

To minimize jet lag , consider any sleeping schedules and the local time difference, and take advantage of a night flight if you can. I booked an outbound night flight, but realized the local time on arrival would be midnight, and we would be expected to sleep again—a recipe for jet lag disaster. Luckily, we stayed awake for the last leg of the journey; we were all so tired once the plane landed that we got to sleep pretty quickly on arrival.

Ask how your airline can help with kids

I flew with Singapore Airlines , which I soon discovered to be very family-friendly. I was offered baby, infant, vegetarian, western, and Asian options for my three-year-old son’s inflight meals on booking, an impressive selection from which I was able to pre-order. They also gave us an inflight entertainment pack, which included a puzzle and coloring book. The team made a real fuss over their smaller passengers. For those with babies, most airlines will warm up expressed milk on a flight and you can request a blanket for breastfeeding privacy.

Choose the best seats in advance

Luckily, I was able to select my seats upon booking, so there would be no last-minute kerfuffle trying to get the best window seats within a civilized distance of the toilets. Though I didn’t need baby changing facilities, I made a mental note to pack a slimline foldable toddler toilet seat. We managed to get a seat with no one behind us, so I only had to worry about potentially annoying one row of passengers. The window seat kept my son entertained during take-off and landing when entertainment had to be put away.

Ensure a checked stroller is included and permitted on board

My Bugaboo Butterfly was permitted on Singapore Airlines, but I was also flying a leg of the flight with their sister airline, Scoot, which only allows strollers onboard subject to space. Unfortunately, the buggy had to be checked in without a buggy bag, which I was slightly nervous about, but thankfully, it came back without any damage. For other suitable stroller recommendations, see our guide to the best travel strollers .

Invest in a plane bed

I decided to bring a seat extender to turn my son’s seat into a bed. Many airlines have varying rules on which convertible beds or seat extenders are permitted, and they are only allowed in the window or middle seat, so it's always a good idea to check before traveling. Decide whether you want to use a kid's suitcase that converts into a bed box like the Stokke ride-on or invest in an inflatable mattress. I opted for the Bubba board as it provided the perfect balance of comfort, low weight, and easy set-up. It was a total game changer, and my toddler slept solidly for over 10 hours. It took me two minutes to lay the board on the seat and clip the extension to the tray table, and my three-year-old immediately curled up and fell asleep. This will be accompanying us everywhere from now on.

Take a backpack as your carry-on

Put as much as you can in your checked luggage and keep the essentials in a travel backpack to carry onboard. You'll want your hands free when running to and from flights and going through security. I took the Longchamp Le Pliage backpack , which was great; although it doesn’t have many compartments, it’s really spacious, light, and easy to clean with wipes. I kept my phone and documents in a handy-to-reach sling bag , which, at the risk of looking like a packhorse, saved me from rifling around for everyone’s passports during the endless checks.

Check out the airport facilities

I asked about booking the airport lounge as we would have to arrive at least three hours before the flight departure time, but it proved too costly. Instead, I read up on the airport’s children’s soft play and playground areas, which my son was thrilled with.

Pack an entertainment goodie bag

Though the airline offered great inflight entertainment and an activity pack, I decided to wrap up an array of travel toys including Play-Doh, paper and pens, snacks, headphones, books, and the famous iPad for him to open and alternate at varying intervals. I also packed an inflatable cushion and blanket in the hopes that a “bedtime” routine would help give everyone a restful night. However, a pillow and blanket were included with our seat, so I could have saved the luggage space.

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13 Top Tips for Flying with Young Kids (Time-Tested!)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 11, 2023

Are you planning a family trip and looking for tips for flying with toddlers and young kids ? First, let me put you at ease: flying is fun and children love it! It may not always be the case for the parents or fellow passengers though. Just kidding!

Flying with toddlers and young children is really nothing to worry about. But it sure helps to prepare a bit in advance.

In this guide, we share some of the most useful tips and advice for flying with children. All these are time-tested and based on our personal experience traveling the world with 3 young kids ever since they were born. Find out!

Flying with Kids – Our Experience

As traveling parents of three boys (twins and their 2 years older brother), we have quite some experience when it comes to flying with infants, toddlers, and older kids. We always travel with all our children together and they have been flying with us ever since they were born.

We’ve taken the kids on so many flights that it’s inevitable that sometimes things went differently than expected. We had to deal with delays or canceled flights, endless taxiing at the airport, etc.

Just like you, we were also anxious about flying with young kids. Especially the first time we flew to South Africa with all three of our children together (they were just 2, 2, and 4 years old at that time), or when we traveled to Australia and had 3 connecting flights with over 28 hours of total travel time…

We learned a lot…

We also found that flying with toddlers is by far the most challenging period. Flying with a baby or a school-going child is really much easier. So in this article, we will mostly focus on tips for flying with toddlers .

Needless to say, most of these air travel tips will apply to kids of any age . Further below, you can find our no-nonsense advice and simple tips for flying with kids. But first – some observations based on our personal experience when flying with kids.

READ ALSO: Tips for Traveling with Kids

Is Flying with Toddlers That Bad?

To tell you the truth, we never actually had a very bad experience when flying with toddlers. Yes, there were moments when they cried, and yes, there were moments when they wanted to go for a walk when the seatbelt sign was on… But there is always a way to deal with it.

In fact, we find flying with kids the easy part of the trip. For example, driving with toddlers in a car can be much more stressful.

First of all, when flying with kids, you don’t have to drive, keep your eyes on the road, or stay alert the whole time. So you can devote all your attention to your children and keep them entertained. And you should definitely do that!

Kids need attention and will usually behave perfectly well if they get enough positive attention. Don’t board the plane expecting to watch two movies, read a book, or to sleep. If you are lucky, you might find the time for all of the above, but it will be much less frustrating if you keep your expectations low.

If there is one thing that I learned during the years, is that you have to learn to go with the flow and adapt to the situation . You can never be prepared for everything, so you just have to make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in.

Having said all that, good preparation is essential when flying with kids! I hope that our tips below will help you have a smooth flight with your children. Take a look!

Here are our top tips for flying with kids:

1. Book Direct Flights & Minimize Stopovers

Preparation for smooth flying with kids starts before you book a flight. The most important tip I can give you when flying with toddlers is to book direct flights whenever possible .

Some people will advise you to book stopovers for long-haul flights so that the kids can move at the airport, but I would never agree with that. When it comes to flying with kids, less is more.

One long flight means that you and your kids get a good chance to sleep. And before you know it it’s over. When flying with kids, spare yourself the nightmare of layovers, delays, lost luggage, multiple takeoffs, and landings. You will be grateful you did!

2. Fly at Night or in the Middle of the Day

For long-haul flights with toddlers or kids of any age for that matter, I would advise to always fly at night. Chances are high that your kids will sleep during pretty much the entire flight, or at least half of it. Alternatively, just try to imagine having to entertain a toddler on a 10-hour flight during the day…

Getting some sleep on a flight and arriving at your destination well-rested will help you deal with jetlag easier as well.

For shorter flights , try to book a flight in the middle of the day. That way you don’t have to wake up too early and will arrive at your destination before kids’ bedtime.

We always try to avoid flights that leave early in the morning or arrive late in the evening. Not only the children will be tired, but you yourself will be exhausted as well. The disadvantage of flying in the middle of the day, however, is that you lose a day of your vacation. But it sure is easier to fly with kids when they are not exhausted.

3. Reserve Your Seats in Advance

When flying with toddlers, try to always reserve your seats in advance if possible. That way, you not only make sure that the whole family sits together, but also have more choice as to where you sit.

TIP: If you are flying with one child, you could risk reserving a window seat and an aisle seat, leaving the middle seat empty. If the plane isn’t full, it’s very likely that the seat in the middle will remain empty, giving you more space. And if somebody will have the middle seat assigned, you can be certain that they’ll gladly swap it with you anyway.

4. Reserve Kids’ Meals in Advance

Kids’ meals on the plane aren’t always a big success with our kids. Yet there is one big advantage in reserving kids’ meals, especially when flying with toddlers who need your help when eating. It’s because special meals are always served in advance, before the regular meals.

Reserving kids’ meals in advance means that your kids will get their food long before you do. So you can easily help them eat and then enjoy your own meal afterwards.

TIP: You can reserve kids’ meals on the website of your airline. In most cases, you’ll need your booking number and family name in order to access your booking. If you can’t find it online, you can always call an airline.

5. Explain to Your Children What to Expect at the Airport and during the Flight

You can’t explain much to a baby, but toddlers are old enough to understand a few basic rules about flying. So talk to them! Prepare them for the flight in advance by explaining what they can expect during the trip.

Tell them how to behave at the airport, at the security check, during takeoff and landing. They may not remember everything, but it’s easier to remind them of something you talked about than having to explain it when you find yourself in a difficult situation.

Some procedures may seem obvious to you, but kids will obey the rules better if they know what those rules are.

6. Tire the Kids before Boarding the Plane

This tip is essential when flying with toddlers. They just have so much energy, don’t they?!

If you want your children to be quiet on a plane, tire them out. Give them a chance to get rid of their energy before you board. Airport play areas are perfect for this, so find one and stay there as long as you can. 

Don’t despair if the airport is less child-friendly; there are plenty of other opportunities to move around before you board. Just don’t try to keep the kids quiet in a chair at the gate or board the plane as soon as the gate opens. On the contrary – encourage the kids to move around until the very last boarding call.

7. Don’t Forget the Bathroom Stops

Kids always need to go to the bathroom at the most inconvenient moments. When flying, it’s often simply not possible. Just think of long lines at the airport security check, takeoff or landing…

So be proactive when it comes to using a bathroom and make sure that your kids use the bathroom before you go to the security before you board the plane and 20-30 minutes before landing. That way you don’t have to deal with ‘I really need to go NOW’ during takeoff or landing.

When flying with toddlers, it’s probably a good idea to let them wear diapers on the plane, just in case.

8. Pack the Essentials

When flying with babies or toddlers, you really have to make sure that you pack the essentials. Here are the things that I find the most important not to forget when flying with toddlers: diapers (even if they don’t use them at home anymore), wet napkins, formula or any special food they require, pacifier (if they still use it), 1 favorite toy, and a set of extra clothes .

TIP: Foresee enough diapers and formula to get you through at least two-three times the duration of the planned flight (think delays, little accidents).

When flying with a baby or a toddler that you’re still nursing, remember that the best time to nurse is during takeoff or landing. Sucking will help them deal with the changing pressure and will keep them quiet in their seats.

LEARN MORE: What to Bring When Flying with Kids

9. Travel Light

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make when flying with toddlers and young children is packing too much.

First, don’t take too much hand luggage and keep your hands free . You’ll need them to hold your kids’ hands or push the stroller. A backpack is probably the best hand luggage when flying with toddlers.

A stroller is just indispensable when flying with a toddler. Make sure to pick one that is sturdy, compact, and easy to fold. From our personal experience, I can highly recommend Maclaren strollers .

We hardly ever take any toys with us on a plane. Usually, we only pack one teddy per child (the one they sleep with). In our experience, children quickly get bored with familiar toys. On top of that, it’s very easy to lose a toy on a plane and you will often need your best athletic skills trying to find it back. Your child will be upset, you will get frustrated, and your friendly co-passengers will get irritated after having to pick up the same toy for the third time in five minutes.

Consider this: An infant will be more interested in a paper cup or a spoon than in a teddy bear which takes half of your carry-on luggage space. Toddlers or preschoolers can keep themselves busy for hours with just a sheet of paper and a pen. Older children can read a book, watch a movie, or listen to music.

Most airlines also foresee some freebies for the children, so be sure to ask for those. No matter how trivial a ‘present’ might be, kids usually love anything that’s new.

If you are still not convinced and feel that you just  have to take some toys for your peace of mind, go ahead and pack some. Just be considerate to others and leave all the musical and noise-making toys at home.

10. Pack the Right Things

There are four things that I consider a must to pack when flying with toddlers: paper & activity books, twistable crayons, thick socks, and a digital tablet .

Drawing has proven to be the best way to keep our kids busy and quiet not only at the airport or on a plane but also at restaurants or in your hotel room. Twistable crayons are practically indestructible and toddlers love them. Age-appropriate activity books for kids are also a great investment when flying with children.

Make sure to also pack thick socks for your kids (and yourself) to wear on the plane. That way you can take off your shoes and forget about them for the rest of the flight. It will be so much more comfortable for your toddler – their feet will be warm, they can walk around without getting the good socks dirty, and it won’t hurt that much when they kick someone or something by accident.

When everything else fails, a screen always does wonders with kids. On longer flights, you will have inflight entertainment, also for toddlers. But the magic of a tablet will save you not only on a plane but on many other occasions as well (e.g. at the airport or at a restaurant). Don’t use a tablet from the start or it will use its appeal. But keep it charged and in your hand luggage for emergencies. It can help you keep your sanity when flying with toddlers.

TIP: For more tips for packing when flying with kids, please read our complete guide on what to pack for kids on the plane .

11. Snacks & Lollipops

Snacks make for great bribes and rewards to get the kids through the most difficult phases of the trip. For example, they can eat an apple after the airport security check, or maybe get some candy when the plane takes off. 

We often promise our kids a lollipop as a reward for good behavior towards the end of the flight. Lollipops have several advantages. First, it’s a good incentive for the kids to look forward to. Second, they are small to pack and hard, so they won’t get crushed in your baggage. And finally, sucking will help to minimize the effects of the changing air pressure on kids’ ears during landing.

TIP: Don’t be too strict on what kids may or may not eat or drink on a plane. You can deal with that at home. When flying with young children, you just need to get through the flight. So loosen up and your kids will do too.

12. Medication!

No matter how long or short the flight is, always pack medication when flying with kids. As a minimum, we pack painkillers and nasal spray.

Nose drops can be used to reduce the pressure on the ears and a painkiller will help to deal with a sudden fever.

If traveling through multiple time zones to the other side of the world, consider melatonin pills. Not only for yourself but for the children as well. We used those on our flight to Australia and it did wonders. As far as I know, it’s the most efficient way to quickly adjust to a new time zone, and ideally, you start with it on a plane when it’s nighttime at your destination. As always, check with your doctor first.

13. Relax & Enjoy The Flight

When thinking of flying with kids, be considerate to other people, but mostly to your children. There will always be people who won’t be happy with kids on the plane, no matter what. Remember, smart people will understand.

Instead of worrying about other passengers, direct all your attention to your children. Play with your kids when they ask for it, leave them alone if they don’t need your attention, try to sleep when they sleep.

Before you know it, the flight will be over and forgotten and you will have a blast of a time at your destination. Relax and have a good trip!

READ ALSO: Family Vacation Destinations & USA Spring Break Destinations (travel inspiration as recommended by multiple traveling families)

More tips for traveling with kids:

• Why travel with kids: Benefits of Family Travel
• Affordable family travel: How to Travel Cheaper
• Top tips: Family Travel Tips
• Travel gear: Best Travel Gear for Kids
• Car seats: Best Travel Booster Seats
• Luggage: Best Travel Bags for Kids
• Shoes: Best Travel Shoes for Kids
• Books: Best Travel Books for Kids
• Gifts: Travel Gifts for Kids (that they will actually use)

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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12 EASY Tips for Flying with a Toddler to Keep Them Entertained

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date April 17, 2024
• 1 Comment on 12 EASY Tips for Flying with a Toddler to Keep Them Entertained

The toddler years can be both trying and fun. Toddlers are rambunctious, squirmy, and messy. But don’t let fear of the occasional tantrum prevent you from traveling or flying with a toddler. Traveling with a toddler has taught us a lot over the short temperamental years. But we wouldn’t trade the experience for the world!

Having flown with babies, toddlers, and now with older children, we can undoubtedly say the age between 12 months and 24 months is the most challenging time to travel.

This post provides tips for flying with a toddler, advice for how to keep toddlers entertained on a plane, and information to help prepare you and equip you for your first flight with a toddler.

As trying as it may be, we encourage parents to travel more during the toddler years.

Toddlers are unique, strong-willed little humans who come with their own unique challenges. But flying with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, if you are adequately prepared for the trip, a flight with a toddler can actually be surprisingly easy.

So, if you’ve found yourself asking “What do I need when flying with a toddler?” or “How can I keep my 1-year-old entertained on a flight?”, just know you are not alone. Flying with toddlers is one of the subjects we are asked about most from friends and readers.

Our experience flying with a toddler

The toddler age can be a blast. Toddlers are curious little explorers. They’re constantly learning new things… how to walk… how to talk… how to become independent. It was during our daughter’s toddler years that we traveled the most!

Flying with a toddler is so much different than flying with a baby . While trips in general became easier as our daughter got older, the time spent in planes and cars became a bit more difficult during the toddler stage.

We flew countless times with our daughter during the toddler years including numerous international flights, which haven’t always been fun.  And we’ve learned a thing of two from each flight we’ve taken.

But before we jump into our top tips for flying with a toddler, let us just say the most important thing to remember is to simply roll with the punches. Toddlers are going to be toddlers. They are going to cry and throw a fit at times. And chances are, if your flight is more than a couple hours long, one of those fits will happen on a plane. Don’t stress.

Every child is different. If your child is a laid-back, quiet type, your flights may be a breeze. We raised an extremely energetic, strong-willed, spirited child. In fact, her “terrible twos” started at one-year-old and lasted until she was five!

So, while these tips for flying with a toddler are helpful for everyone, those with independent busy toddlers like ours, probably need them most!

Our top travel tips for your first flight with a toddler

Flying with toddlers takes a bit more preparation and planning ahead to make the actual time spent in the air easier. Here are a few tips for flying with toddlers that worked for us. Hopefully, these travel tips will help you make it through your trip with a lot less anxiety, as well.

Table of Contents

Pack A LOT of snacks

Planes don’t always have child-appropriate food, even the long-haul flights. So, when flying with a toddler, be sure to bring plenty of snacks for the plane. We always pack more snacks than would typically be necessary for the length of the flight.

We are also a bit more lenient when it comes to what we let our little one eat when traveling, but we still like to have plenty of healthy, organic options, as well.

Our favorite go-to snacks for flying with a toddler are food pouches, like Organic Slammers . These pouches are packed with organic vegetables, fruits, and super foods, and are great for independent children who want to feed themselves without making a giant mess in the plane.

They’re a crumb-less and healthier alternative to crackers and other sugar laden snacks and candy. We’ve been able to bring food pouches through security just as easily as baby food, liquid formula, and expressed breastmilk .

I also bring along a variety of other snack options to hold our toddler’s interest. When flying with a toddler, the worst thing that could happen is that you run out of snacks!

Easy, on-the-go snack options for toddlers

• Food pouches
• Banana chips or freeze dried fruit
• Organic fruit snacks
• Baby carrots
• String cheese

Bring toddler airplane activities and entertainment

The hardest thing about flying with toddlers is keeping them entertained while remaining seated for a long duration of time. Come armed with lots of different airplane activities for toddlers, travel toys, and books.

Toddlers love books, and they are perfect for traveling because they are much more compact than most toys, so you can bring several of them with you in a small carry-on or personal item that fits under the seat.

Our toddler absolutely loved the Lift-the-Flap books by Karen Katz . There are a ton to choose from, and since they are thin books, you can bring four or five along with you on the trip without taking up too much space in your child’s carry-on.

You will also want to pack it full of travel toys , electronics, and a million other things to help entertain a toddler on a plane .

On long plane rides, we packed about six of our toddler’s favorite books that we would read over and over again. It kept her quiet and content, which kept all the other passengers happy. Plus, it’s a way to entertain her without a tablet!

Wondering what to pack in your toddler’s carry-on bag? See what is in our carry-on bag here .

Say yes to screen time

And speaking of tablets, regardless of what your screen-time rules may be at home, on flights we strongly recommend bending the rules!

We were fairly strict about television and tablet use at home when our daughter was a toddler. She actually never watched television before the age of one and had limited TV time before the age of three. But when traveling, it is a different story! We always have a few children’s shows downloaded onto our tablet for trips.

Toddlers love cartoons and children’s shows, and they can often hold their interest longer than a toy or a book. Our toddler would get through one 30-minute show before she lost interest, but that was thirty minutes we didn’t have to spend entertaining her or worrying about a tantrum on the flight.

Also, don’t rely on in-flight entertainment. Bring a tablet.

Not only do some flights not have screens behind each seat, but we’ve also found our toddler preferred to watch a show on a tablet or iPad. So, we would suggest investing in one. We use this one . Then download a few of your child’s favorite shows for off-line use to get you through a flight without Wi-Fi.

Give your toddler juice in an early stage sippy cup

When our daughter was an infant, she was nursed or bottle-fed during takeoff and landing to keep her ears from hurting. Once, she was weaned and no longer using a bottle, it became harder to get her to drink anything on command… unless it was juice . Like screen time, juice is very limited in our household.

So, when traveling with our toddler we would always buy a small container of juice once we got through airport security, or we would have the flight attendant pour some into her sippy cup once we got on the plane. We diluted it with water since our daughter doesn’t typically get juice at home. This was a huge treat for her, and we gave it to her right at takeoff. She would suck it down!

The jaw motion from sucking on a sippy cup and swallowing helps keep a toddler’s ears from hurting when the pressure changes.

With juice in her sippy cup, our daughter would stay occupied for a while, too. Bring one of the early-stage sippy cups , that requires just a little bit more sucking to get the liquid out. This is great for helping combat the pressure changes and ear popping.

Select an aisle seat

While we love the window seat, toddlers will inevitably want to get up and walk around, especially on long, international flights.

Instead of having to crawl over a stranger every time your tiny traveler gets a burst of energy, purchase the aisle seat if flying with a toddler. That will allow the two of you to make an occasional trek up and down the aisle.

Word of warning: this will annoy some travelers, usually the grouchy ones who get annoyed at everything. But better to parade your child through the aisle then to have the whole plane annoyed by a screaming child.

Bring disinfectant wipes – You’ll need them!

We recommend bring disinfectant wipes when traveling with children of any age. It is one of our baby travel essentials , and disinfectant wipes are especially a must with toddlers! The first thing we do when we get into the plane is wipe down our surroundings.

The arm rests, tables, windows, walls, in-flight magazines, and the laminated inserts in the seat-back compartment all get wiped down with a disinfectant wipe. That way, we are less worried and disgusted when our germ-loving tot decides to lick, chew on, or touch everything in sight.

We also recommend a quick inventory of the floor beneath your seats. If there is a used tissue, trash, or anything else in the floor, trust us, a toddler will find it and try to eat it.

At least once during your first flight with a toddler, you will probably pull out the disinfectant wipes and wipe their hands or feet (if they took off their shoes).

Buy toddlers their own seat, if possible

Until the age of two, children are allowed to sit in a parent’s lap on a flight. After that you have to buy them their own seat. But even in those early toddler months we still like to invest in an extra seat, when possible.

Although having your toddler ride on your lap can save quite a bit of money, we only flew with our toddler on our lap during shorter flights (less than three hours). On long, international flights we forked over the money on an extra seat.

Toddlers won’t always stay in their seat, but having one gives them a little extra room to wiggle around in the row. You won’t feel as confined, and your child won’t require as much walking up and down the aisle.

Even better, bring along your toddlers’ car seat. Many children like the comfort and familiarity of their car seat. Using a car seat while flying means your child will not only be safer but will be better contained and less inclined to want to get up while in their car seat.

Younger toddlers especially can really benefit from having a car seat on the plane, as they will often fall asleep easier in their car seat.

Bring an inflatable leg rest and travel pillow

If you plan to get an extra seat for your toddler, or your toddler is old enough that airlines require one, bring an inflatable leg rest and travel pillow with you on the plane. This is primarily something you will want on long, international flights.

The cushion inflates to fill the gap between your child’s seat and the seat in front of them, giving them a comfortable way to extend their legs or even lay down and sleep.

You’ll also want to bring along a travel pillow for the plane. There are several great kids’ travel pillows that are both cute and comfortable for little ones! If your little one is well rested after a flight, they need less time and help overcoming toddler jet lag .

Plan for the tantrum

Tantrums and toddlers go hand-in-hand. Even the calmest toddler throws a full-blown fit every once in a while.

When flying with a toddler, plan for the tantrum, and be armed with all the distractions (snacks, videos, toys, etc.) when you see your little one’s frustration begin to turn into a meltdown.

Pre-boarding tips for flying with a toddler

While many of our travel tips for flying with a toddler are for the time when the airplane is in flight, there are also some things you can do before you board and even in the weeks leading up to your flight to help make everything go smoother.

Include them in the process

Toddlers can be very independent. They don’t like being told what to do, and when flying with a toddler, unfortunately, sometimes it’s an unavoidable reality. But if you give them a role and some choices when traveling, chances are the trip will go much smoother.

When our daughter was 2 years old, we let our little traveler pull her own suitcase through the airport even if it took us longer to get to the gate. There are so many great children’s travel bags to choose from; you could even let your toddler pick out her own suitcase.

As an older toddler, our daughter helped pack her suitcase and would even pick out outfits that she wants to take on our trip. We would also let her buckle her own seat belt on the plane, although we double checked it for safety.

Giving her choices and responsibilities when we traveled ultimately made her feel included. Because she didn’t feel like she was constantly being told what to do, she was more willing to cooperate with us on the plane.

Prep toddlers before the flight

Preparing your toddler for a flight can also help alleviate stress for both of you. Talk to your little one about having to stay seated, wearing a mask if required, and what to expect on an airplane.

Older toddlers will understand more of what you tell them than you may think. Younger toddlers may not understand words, so you may need to practice.

Play pretend travel with them at home leading up to your flight. You can find some great travel-inspired toys HERE . Have them wear their mask and sit down for their pretend airplane ride. Show them videos of airplanes and tell them they will soon get to be on one.

Let them play before the flight

Whether you have a long layover or just a little time in the airport before your flight, let your toddler roam, explore, and play as much as possible. This will only help them to tire out faster and be more willing to relax and sleep on the flight.

In fact, when we would fly with our toddler, my husband would board when our boarding group was called while I would stay in the terminal a little longer with our toddler.

This gave my husband plenty of time get the luggage in the overhead bin, the car seat put in place, and everything situated. Meanwhile, it gave our toddler an extra 30 minutes to explore and roam freely before she had to be confined to her seat.

Frequently asked questions about flying with toddlers

While we hope the tips above will help make your flight with a toddler easier, we realize you may have other questions about the traveling process. So, here are a few frequently asked questions we have received and read about flying with toddlers.

What documents does a toddler need to fly?

For domestic travel, bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate with you for the flight. We’ve never been asked for it, but it is good to have just in case. That will be the only document your toddler might need other than their name on an airline ticket or a “lap infant” added to your ticket.

For international travel, a passport is required for all passengers regardless of age. While there are a few extra steps to getting a baby or toddler passport,  this post   walks you through taking a passport photo for a baby or toddler and applying for their first passport.

Do you need a car seat to fly with a toddler?

No. Toddlers can sit in their parent’s lap on a plane until the age of two. Afterwards, they are required to have their own seat. If your toddler loves his/her car seat, it may be worth spending the extra money and buying a seat for your toddler and bringing your car seat along on the airplane.

Keep in mind, car seats may not fit in smaller aircraft. If that is the case, you may be asked to gate check your car seat and hold your toddler during take-off and landing.

Can I bring milk for my toddler on a plane?

Yes! You can bring milk through airport security for babies and toddlers to drink in the airport and on the plane. The milk will be opened and tested or screened.

You can (and should) also bring toddler snacks through airport security to keep toddlers fed and distracted while traveling. Snacks are a great way to keep toddlers calm on a plane. For more information on this check out our post on  flying with milk, formula, and baby food .

How can I calm my toddler on a plane?

Toddler tantrums are inevitable. When flying, plan for the tantrum and have the best snacks, a new, interesting toy, or even a favorite video loaded on your phone and ready to pull out as a distraction when the tantrum begins.

We have also found our toddler loves to watch videos of herself, so pull up those cute videos you’ve taken on your phone and let your toddler watch them when they start to act out.

Have a comment or question about flying with a toddler? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below.

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A Guide To Traveling With Toddlers

Posted: May 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Traveling can be a lot of work, particularly if you're taking an airplane or a train to your destination. There are many things you need to do and prepare for in advance. Now imagine taking along a toddler while you navigate a busy airport or bus station or spend time in a hotel. This little addition can easily double the amount of work you need to do.

Toddlers have specific needs that you have to address when you're on a road trip or family vacation. Fortunately, if you plan in advance things will go much more smoothly. We have several tips for parents who are planning on traveling with children who are one, two, or three years old.

Bring Plenty Of Snacks

Everyone likes snacks, and toddlers are old enough that you no longer have to worry about baby formula and baby food. You can bring a variety of food items along with you when you travel, including fruit, veggies, snack pouches, crackers, and juice boxes. Whatever they eat at home, bring it along when you travel.

Don't forget sippy cups and tiny Tupperware containers to contain all the goodies. If your child likes milk, bring that too because it may not be available if you're flying on an airplane.

Vaccinate In Advance

Toddlers are vaccinated on a routine basis. But you don't want them to get stuck with a needle in the few days leading up to a trip. That's because it's not uncommon for them to experience side effects such as fevers, rashes, and diarrhea. Traveling with a toddler is hard enough, so you don't want to do it if they're not feeling well.

If you know your child's vaccinations are coming up, get them done at least a week before you're leaving. That way, if they have an adverse reaction it should clear up before you hit the road.

Travel At Night

If you're traveling on a plane try to book a night flight so you and your toddler can sleep a bit. Overnight flights are good because your toddler will be tired, and it will be dark enough inside the cabin for him or her to sleep.

And in case you don't have access to a blanket from the airline (or fear it may be filled with germs), wear a big scarf instead. You can wrap the scarf around your child to block out the daylight or overhead light.

Bring Your Child's Favorite Toy Or Blanket

Many children get very attached to a particular toy, stuffed animal, or blanket. If they have to have it at home, there's a good chance they have to have it when they're traveling as well. So, don't forget to pack it, and double-check that you brought it.

Make sure to keep tabs on the item, as well. Some parents recommend buying two of the same blanket (or toy) in case something happens to the original. Why have a melt down when you can avoid it?

Stretch Your Legs On A Flight

Flying can be confining for a toddler, who has lots of energy and enjoys running around. While there's not a lot of space on airplanes, you shouldn't try to keep your kid secured on your lap or in the adjacent seat the entire time. Get up and stretch!

It's a good idea to walk around a little bit down the aisle and back, even if it's just for a few minutes. This will distract your toddler and give them something different to do.

Supply Your Toddler With Entertainment Options

While (most) adults are patient enough to get through a flight or train ride by reading, sleeping, or checking their phones, toddlers need constant stimulus. They have a tough time flying and traveling in general without being occupied by some type of activity. Make sure you provide it for them.

There are plenty of toys they can use on the go. If you let them use a tablet, don't forget to bring the charger and headphones so it stays fully operational.

Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself

When you're traveling on a plane, you hope your toddler behaves and doesn't have a meltdown. But sometimes it happens. Kids freak out. Yet, if you're traveling a long distance you may not have another way of getting there other than by plane, and fellow passengers need to accept that.

Do what you can to minimize the noise and fix the problem, but don't feel bad. As long as you're doing what you can to calm down your child, that should subdue most people. Plus, it's their fault if they didn't bring noise-canceling earbuds.

Pack Multiple Outfits Per Day

Pack enough clothing so that your toddler has two outfits per day. Also, make sure some of the clothing can be mixed and matched together. This is helpful if a shirt or pair of pants gets dirty, and you don't want to change your child's entire outfit.

Check to see if the place where you will be staying has a washing machine (and whether you'll have time to use it). This can cut down on the amount of clothing you must carry. Adults may also want to take some extra outfits in case they get wrapped up in their toddlers' messes.

Don't Forget Baby Toiletries

Babies and toddlers typically have very specific toiletries that are different from adult products. This can include everything from soap and shampoo to toothpaste and diaper cream. Most hotels only provide adult toiletries, so you should make sure to bring what you need.

Store the products in a plastic bag to avoid potential leaks. Make sure you bring whatever you use in case there's an emergency in the middle of the night and you don't have access to a 24-hour pharmacy.

Don't Skimp On Diapers

If your toddler isn't toilet trained, bring a lot more diapers than you think you will need. This is particularly important if you're traveling to places that may not have the brand that you like. It's easier to be prepared than to deal with the consequences, which can be very inconvenient.

Diapers are not too difficult to pack, and it's better to be safe than to run out of them. This goes for pull-ups as well because toddlers are still learning and may have an accident while traveling.

Ask For Assistance

Some airlines have a meet and assist service for families. This is particularly beneficial if you are a parent traveling with a toddler by yourself. These programs can help you board and when you arrive at your destination.

If you have more than one child, or you don't have a lot of travel experience, this can be life-changing. It can be really hard to wrangle a couple of kids and carry luggage at the same time.

Plan Ahead When It Comes To Sleeping Arrangements

If possible, you'll want to keep your toddler on the same sleep routine whether they're at home or traveling to another location. So, you need to plan in advance when it comes to sleeping arrangements. You can either sleep together in the same bed, ask the hotel for a crib, or bring along your own travel crib or pack-and-play.

There are pros and cons to each of these scenarios, and ultimately it depends on how well your toddler sleeps while traveling and what they prefer sleeping on.

Ask Airline Staff About Empty Seats

Kids under age two usually fly for free because they sit on a parent's lap. This isn't always comfortable for either the toddler or parent. If the flight isn't full, you may have an opportunity to get a free seat. Simply talk to the gate agents and flight attendants to see if there's an empty seat available.

They may move you and your toddler to a row with an empty seat, which will give both you and your toddler more room to relax. Plus, you save by not having to book and pay for the seat in advance.

Pack A First-Aid Kit

No matter where you're traveling, you should always carry a first-aid kit that can be used by both children and adults. If you want to be super prepared during a flight, take one with you on your carry on, and pack another one in your check-in luggage.

The small one should include travel-sized items, such as Band-Aids, Tylenol, and Benadryl. The larger kit should include bigger-sized bottles of similar items as well as additional supplies, such as Neosporin.

Leave Plenty Of Time To Get Where You Need To Go

The worst thing about traveling is running late and having to rush to the airport or train station. This can be much worse when you have a toddler in tow. Make sure you plan plenty of time to get to the airport, for example. And by plenty of time, we mean hours in advance.

If you get there too early, find a play area for your toddler to use. This will tire them out and make them a little more manageable on the plane.

Rent, Borrow, Or Buy Supplies At Your Destination

Toddlers require a lot of accessories, but you may not have to take everything with you when you travel. For example, many car rental companies can provide child car safety seats for an additional fee (just make sure they're up to code). Hotels also have cribs and pack-and-plays for guests. Make sure to reserve one in advance.

Theme parks and museums often have strollers that you can rent. And at worst, you can buy an umbrella stroller for $20 or so from Walmart or another store if you need it.

Choose Accommodations With Space To Play

Sometimes a toddler just needs to run around, and many of them don't like being corralled into small spaces. Try to choose a hotel that has a courtyard or area where your kids can burn off some energy. Or look for a hotel that's close to a park or shopping mall.

At worst, you can let your toddler run around the hotel's hallways if it's raining outside. Just be sure to do it in the daytime and not at night when it can disturb other guests.

Talk To Your Toddler About The Trip

If you're taking your child on a plane for the first time, explain to them what you're doing. Talk to them about airplanes, and let them know what's going to happen on the flight. Tell them ahead of time, for example, that they will need to wear a seat belt.

Many kids enjoy the adventure, but they may not understand what's happening when it comes to things like security lines. As long as you keep them informed, they will be more comfortable and ready to get to their destination.

Traveling can be tiring, and if you have a toddler with you then it's even more exhausting. It may be easier said than done, but try to remain calm as much as you can. While this can be hard if your kid is having a tantrum, getting worked up about it won't solve anything.

Take a step back, and take a deep breath. Understand that your son or daughter is acting out for a reason, and try to come up with a way to calm them (and yourself) down.

If You're Traveling With A Partner, Rely On Them To Carry Luggage

Getting on an airplane with a toddler can be difficult to manage, especially if you have a lot of carry-on luggage in tow. Many families are allowed to enter the plane early if they have small children, so if you're traveling with your partner, take advantage and send them with the luggage. This way, they can snag the overhead storage space while you're minding your toddler.

But before you even get on the plane, make sure you let your child burn off some energy in the gate area. They will be confined for a couple of hours (if not more), so keep them active before they're forced to settle down.

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

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Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

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Ask Amy: Should I bring our young children on their first flight to my sister’s graduation?

• Published: Apr. 24, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

In today's Ask Amy column, Amy Dickinson responds to a family predicament about whether to travel by plane with young children. (ONE-DESIGN USE LICENSE, CANVA, March 17, 2024) Canva

• Amy Dickinson

Dear Amy: My sister will earn her Ph.D. out-of-state this summer.

My wife and I have a one-year-old and a three-year-old. Bringing the whole family would be too much for the one-year-old to handle.

I’d like to bring our older child, who is close with the graduating aunt.

My wife doesn’t support the older child going with me because she wants to be there for that child’s first airplane flight.

She acknowledges that this is a selfish desire.

Should we go as a family, despite the headaches that will come from flying with a baby, or should I go solo?

– Harried Husband

Dear Harried: I have to admit that as someone who has flown – a lot – with my daughter when she was a baby and a toddler, and subsequently with many other children of varying ages, I don’t see flying with a three-year-old as being the important and unmissable milestone your wife seems to perceive it to be.

(I still have flashbacks of running from one end of the Dallas airport to the other with my daughter, repeatedly dropping our carry-on luggage and assorted backpacks as we went.)

If the trip to your sister’s graduation is a direct flight of three hours or less, I would take the whole gang. If the trip requires a complicated connection, I would suggest you go solo.

Check out prior Ask Amy columns

(You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook .)

©2023 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Advice | nfl draft: 49ers make two trades en route to defensive back green, offensive lineman puni, advice | ask amy: my wife doesn’t want me to take our child on a plane without her, my choices are to go alone or to take everybody, including the baby.

Dear Amy : My sister will earn her Ph.D. this summer in another state.

I’d like to bring our older child, who is close with the graduating aunt. My wife doesn’t support that idea because she wants to be there for that child’s first airplane flight.

She acknowledges that this is a selfish desire.

Should we go as a family, despite the headaches that will come from flying with a baby, or should I go solo?

– Harried Husband

Dear Harried: I have to admit that as someone who has flown – a lot – with my daughter when she was a baby and a toddler, and subsequently with many other children of varying ages, I don’t see flying with a 3-year-old as being the important and unmissable milestone your wife seems to perceive it to be.

(I still have flashbacks of running from one end of the Dallas airport to the other with my daughter, repeatedly dropping our carry-on luggage and assorted backpacks as we went.)

If the trip to your sister’s graduation is a direct flight of three hours or less, I would take the whole gang. If the trip requires a complicated connection, I would suggest you go solo.

Dear Amy : I’m a 45-year-old woman, married to my wife for five years.

My issue is my 21-year-old son, who lives with us. He’s a good kid but he’s now unemployed (for four months) and spends his days playing video games.

My son is very book-smart and had a full ride to a prestigious university, where he stayed for only a year and a half. He’s always done very well in school, but he’s lazy.

He recently applied for the police academy, but he never really follows through with anything. He also dropped out of the fire academy – because he was bored. He was working as a forklift operator while in school.

I’m a nurse and his dad is an over-the-road truck driver who just had another son with his younger wife. I’m always trying to get my ex-husband to motivate him.

My wife and I have never lived alone our entire marriage, and she’s getting frustrated. My wife has no children and feels like it’s time to get mine out of our home.

It’s putting such a strain on me, as I feel like I have to choose my wife or my son. Honestly I’m torn, and now they are starting to argue more with each other. I feel completely torn.

Please help.

– Torn in Wisconsin

Dear Torn : Your unemployed adult son living at home is not “your” issue. Overall, this is everyone’s issue, but mainly it is his – and his main task right now should be to solve his own problem.

Don’t count on his father to motivate him. He is not living in his father’s house.

You and your wife should approach this as equal partners in your household, and you should present a united strategy for how to parent him into adulthood.

The unemployment rate right now in Wisconsin is a very low 3 percent. Your son does not need another special opportunity put into his lap due to how smart he is. He squanders those opportunities because he knows he can.

He needs to get a job. At a fast-food drive-thru, a landscaping crew, the Walmart warehouse, or wherever he can get hired.

Working a full day will give him a skill set, some money in his pocket, and self-esteem.

I would cut the wireless at your house during the day, stop paying for his cellphone, and offer him only a roof over his head and nourishment until he can afford other housing. I know this is tough, but your marriage is on the line, and so is his future.

Many parents have dealt with this issue by offering their adult children the option of working full time or of joining a branch of the military, which, given your son’s interests, might actually be a very good fit for him.

These parents worried about grades, but for employment purposes grades don’t matter. College is a yes-or-no question.

– Recruiter

Dear Recruiter : Grades might matter for graduate school. A degree matters for employment.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York

An emergency slide fell off a Delta plane that was taking off from New York, and pilots returned to the airport and landed safely

NEW YORK -- An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.

Delta said that after takeoff the pilots got an alert about the emergency slide on the plane's right side and heard an unusual sound coming from that area of the Boeing 767 jet, which is listed as having been manufactured in 1990.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the crew reported a vibration.

Pilots declared an emergency so the flight could be be routed quickly back to the airport, and the plane landed and taxied to a gate under its own power, according to the airline.

There were 176 passengers, two pilots and five flight attendants on board the flight, which was scheduled to fly to Los Angeles. Delta said it put passengers on another plane to California.

Delta said the plane was removed from service for evaluation and it was cooperating with investigators and supporting efforts to find the slide.

“As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta flight crews enacted their extensive training and followed procedures to return to JFK,” the airline said in a statement.

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