Flying with kids can seem an impossible task, especially when long flights stand between you and your destination. From extra needs and tantrums to disrupted routines, it’s easy to feel stressed, particularly when traveling with our littlest companions.
After dozens of flights with our toddlers over nearly three years of full-time family travel, we’ve learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t. We’ve gathered our best tips and tricks for flying with kids and compiled our practical survival strategies to help make long flights and airport days easier for the whole family.
Kids are unpredictable, and add in long security lines, flight delays, turbulence, and sleep challenges, and even the calmest parent can feel frazzled. Patience is key—not just with your children, but with yourself and your travel partner. We’ve had our fair share of tense moments on flights, but with a plan and a few clever strategies, traveling with toddlers can be manageable—and even fun.
In this guide, you’ll find everything from packing tips and entertainment ideas to ways to stay sane in the air, all designed to help your family enjoy flying together.
While we can’t guarantee this will always be the smoothest operation, I can assure you that there are ways to simplify the process and reduce the likelihood of a major meltdown.
You’ve got this, Mom and Dad!
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Planning Ahead For Flights With Kids
Easy family travel starts long before you step on the plane. By planning ahead, you can anticipate challenges and organize your game plan, crucial for long flights with kids. This sets you up for a smoother journey from check-in to landing.
Choose the Right Flight Time
When we have a long flight, like when traveling from the United States to Europe, we always choose an overnight flight. If the flight lasts six or more hours, it’s crucial for our kids to get some sleep. Entertaining kids for six-plus hours while keeping them seated and quiet sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it?
Of course, there’s no guarantee that they’ll sleep, but if you pick a flight that departs around their normal bedtime, chances are they will likely fall asleep.
Our toddlers usually go to bed around 8 or 9 p.m., and our preferred flight time is 7:00 p.m. This timing works well because once we’re in the air, the flight attendants begin their demonstrations and serve food and drinks (usually). This part of the flight is typically the easiest to keep the kids engaged, and the first two hours tend to pass quickly for this reason.
The kids will eat, and if you have toddlers, you know that mealtimes often feel like they last forever since they eat so slowly. Additionally, they usually don’t turn out the lights until after meal service is complete.
If you have a long flight with no overnight options, try to select a flight that departs at or just before your child’s nap time. This strategy allows your child to sleep during part of the flight, which reduces the time you need to entertain them.
Choosing a flight around nap time can also be effective for shorter flights.
Select Family-Friendly Airlines
In our experience, most airlines are very accommodating when it comes to traveling with children. Many offer priority boarding, which parents often appreciate; however, we actually prefer to board closer to the end. We find that it minimizes the time our kids have to sit on the plane. It’s usually better for them to run around and expend some energy before boarding. The downside of this approach is that you may risk running out of space in the overhead bins (if the flight is full), which could require you to check your carry-ons.
Should you bring a stroller?
Bringing a stroller is definitely something to consider when traveling. When we first started our journey, we opted not to bring one to minimize the number of items we were carrying. During our first trip through Europe with kids (a 7-month trip!), we believed it was essential to travel as lightly as possible. However, walking through the airport with a toddler and a baby (then 11 months and 2 1/2) for the first time would have been much easier with a stroller. We found ourselves with our oldest sitting on her rolling suitcase and the baby strapped to Mom in the carrier. In hindsight, having a stroller would have saved us a lot of hassle.
Always gate-check your stroller—never check it with your luggage. Not having the stroller to navigate through security, customs, and airport terminals can turn into a nightmare. We’ve experienced countless meltdowns and problems after deciding not to gate-check our stroller. Think about the long lines at security and customs, with toddlers running around and trying to keep them in line—it’s overwhelming! We’ve been there, and it still haunts us. Most toddlers can’t sit still, and being in a crowded line surrounded by strangers can be stressful, especially when it’s uncomfortably hot in the airport (seriously, why is it so hot in there!).
We researched a lot of strollers and even owned a double stroller at one point, but we ultimately chose the Babyzen Yoyo2 for our travels.
We liked it because it’s lightweight, folds up compactly with a carrying handle and bag, and has the option for the Babyzen Yoyo board. This board attaches to the back, allowing our oldest to sit and ride when she’s tired, but giving her the freedom to walk when she wants.
The board conveniently folds up, so we can put it away when needed while pushing the stroller through the city.
It’s worth mentioning that while the stroller is pricey, we’ve owned it for 2 years now. It has traveled to over 20 countries, handling various terrains, including rough cobblestones, gravel, and dirt roads. Plus, it has been gate-checked on numerous flights.
Fortunately, we have not encountered any airline that prohibits gate-checking for a stroller. However, it is advisable to confirm with the airline when booking.
Requesting a bulkhead seat
If you have a baby, check if the airline offers a bassinet in the bulkhead seat. Many airlines allow you to reserve a bulkhead seat (which has extra legroom) when traveling with an infant because those seats typically come with a small bassinet. Note that they usually won’t sit everyone in your party here – only mom and baby, unless it’s an empty flight.
For instance, we were able to reserve a bulkhead seat and bassinet with Aer Lingus when our son was 11 months old for our overnight flight from Boston to Dublin. All we had to do was call customer service and request the seat after we purchased our flight tickets.
They booked it for us at no extra charge, and it was a very straightforward process. They sat me with my two kids in the bulkhead, with my husband a row behind us.
We didn’t end up using the bassinet, as it turned out our son was a bit too big for it and preferred to sleep in my lap, but it was nice to have the option, along with some extra legroom for the kids.
Most airline bassinets have a weight limit between 20 and 26 pounds and a height limit of 27 to 32 inches.
If your children are too old for a bassinet, you can consider purchasing extra legroom seats. These seats provide more space, allowing you and the kids to stretch and play, without worrying about them kicking or bumping the seats in front of you.
Our daughter also loves to sleep on planes by sitting on the floor and resting her head on the seat (it may seem strange, but it works for her!). Having this extra space really helps make her more comfortable during the flight.
If you are traveling with a lap infant, booking an extra legroom seat can provide more comfort. When the person in front reclines, it greatly reduces the space available for you and your baby.
Seat Selection
Choosing where to sit on the plane is a crucial step in making long flights with kids more manageable. While we rarely pay extra for seat selection—since we mostly fly budget airlines—we do request seats whenever possible. Our go-to strategy is booking a window and aisle seat and hoping the middle seat remains empty. This works about nine times out of ten, and on the rare occasion the middle seat is taken, most passengers are happy to switch so you can sit with your child.
For our family of four, we usually book a window and aisle in adjacent rows. On longer flights, especially overnight trips, this setup allows our kids to lie down and get proper sleep. Arriving at your destination with overtired children can turn your family trip into a nightmare, so helping kids rest on the plane is essential. This is especially important if your flight lands early in the morning, as keeping to a proper sleep schedule helps reset their biological clocks without forcing a day-long nap.
Avoid the back of the plane
If your child has a sensitive stomach, avoid sitting at the very back of the plane, where turbulence is often felt the strongest—trust us, we’ve learned this the hard way! Bring motion sickness remedies like Dramamine or other recommended medications; we never board a plane without them anymore.
When seating your family, make sure one parent sits with each child. Unless your kids are angels, avoid putting siblings next to each other—they’ll just fight! We usually seat one parent with one child in separate rows, so each child gets dedicated attention, doesn’t have to share toys or snacks, and can enjoy the flight more peacefully.
Seating Policies
When traveling with children, it’s important to check the seating policies of the airlines. Some airlines charge fees for selecting seats, while others allow you to choose them for free. As budget travelers, we have rarely paid for seat selection. In fact, most airlines have policies that ensure young children are seated with an adult. Usually, for us, this means they either split us up, one parent with one child (our preference), or sit mom with both kids and dad somewhere else (his preference!).
In all seriousness, most airlines will seat children under a certain age with an adult. So, while we might not all be seated together, one parent will be with each child, and we can work with that.
Packing Essentials
Packing for kids requires more than just clothes—think snacks, entertainment, and comfort items. These packing tips for flying with kids will help ensure you have everything you need to survive long flights and minimize stress.
Carry-On Entertainment
Keeping kids entertained during a long flight can be challenging, especially since they are confined to a small airplane seat. It’s essential to bring along items that can help keep them happy and quiet.
As “bad parents”, we recommend bringing a tablet or iPad. We recently purchased an iPad for our oldest and preloaded it with educational games and apps.
Make sure to preload their iPads and tablets with apps and games that work without Wi-Fi, as an internet connection on the plane isn’t always guaranteed. For instance, during our flight on Aer Lingus from Boston to Dublin, we were informed that the advertised Wi-Fi wasn’t working. In such cases, having offline games and apps is crucial.
It’s also a good idea to download your child’s favorite movies and shows in advance, anticipating the possibility of not having Wi-Fi. We always download shows and movies from Netflix before flying. Please note that when you download a show on Netflix, it only saves to the specific device used, not to the account. Therefore, each child needs their own shows and movies downloaded on their device. We also download a few kids’ shows on our own cell phones as a backup.
Additionally, be sure to pack portable chargers. Not all airlines provide outlets for charging devices, so it’s wise to be prepared.
Kid-safe headphones are important to consider as well. We want to limit the disturbance to fellow passengers, and we know our daughter loves to turn the volume up to full blast. We found some great kid headphones that actually stay on both kids’ small heads and have a feature that limits the volume to protect their ears.
Be sure to also pack some small toys or games. A little variety can go a long way in keeping the kids entertained. We have recently started teaching our oldest the card game Go Fish, so a deck of cards would be a good idea. Our youngest loves cars, so we packed some of his favorite small ones to play with.
Before a big trip, we usually head to the toy store and let the kids pick out a couple of small toys. When doing this, make sure not to let them play with the toys until the flight. This keeps the novelty of the toys intact, as you don’t want them to be bored with them before the trip even starts. On our most recent trip, our oldest picked out a Trollz doll with all kinds of hair pieces to play with on the flight. And for our youngest, a busy board with various pages dedicated to sensory and educational activities.
When selecting toys, ensure they are small, won’t make a mess, and are unlikely to break (so, avoid anything super fragile). Additionally, try not to bring toys that make noise, such as singing toys or squeaky toys, as they can become super annoying for you and your fellow passengers.
For babies and younger toddlers, we love suction cup toys. The baby had a blast playing with these suction cup giraffes we found on the plane windows, and they light up, which is always exciting for kids.
If you’re looking for an alternative to a tablet or iPad, you could try an LCD doodle board. We have owned a few of these (the kids are pretty rough with them), and the kids loved them on the plane and even use them while waiting for food at restaurants.
Another one of our favorites is reusable sticker books. We didn’t think they would be such a hit, but the kids loved them. They played with them on the airplane and in all our accommodations during our most recent trip. It was a great activity to distract them from tablets and TV for a while. The bonus is that they stick to the airplane window, but just be careful not to lose them since they are a bit small.
And let’s not overlook the timeless appeal of coloring books. If your children are ready for traditional coloring books, encourage them to select their favorite ones, along with crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Our top choice, however, is the Color Wonder Mess Free Activity Pads. We appreciate these because the markers only color on the book’s pages. This feature is particularly beneficial for babies or younger toddlers who don’t yet understand why coloring on the airplane seat or their clothes is frowned upon. The travel-sized versions are convenient to pack and include small markers, but we also enjoy the larger coloring pages.
Another hit is the Melissa and Doug On the Go Water Wow! activity pads. These have been a favorite of our daughter since she was a baby. They can be filled with tap water and used to “paint” on the pages, revealing hidden colors. Once the pages dry, the fun can start all over again.
Snacks and Drinks
Always bring snacks and drinks! Even if the airline serves food and drinks, it’s a good idea to pack some of your kids’ favorite snacks. Use Ziploc bags or small, spill-proof containers to hold these treats. Snacks will help keep the kids occupied and happy. They can also serve as a backup if your kids refuse to eat the airplane meal (which often happens).
You could also consider bringing their favorite sandwich or another meal for them to enjoy on the plane. Just remember to avoid packing chocolate (to prevent melting and mess) and nuts (due to potential allergies of other passengers).
Check ahead with the airline, as many allow you to request a child’s meal for the flight. This is beneficial because children’s meals are typically served before the regular meals, which is great for kids who tend to be impatient or take a long time to eat.
Additionally, bring a refillable water bottle for each child and for yourself, and make sure to fill them before the flight. What is provided on the plane is usually just a plastic cup of water, which isn’t practical for toddlers. Having a straw cup makes it easier for them to drink and reduces the likelihood of spills and messes.
Comfort Items
Long flights can be stressful for kids, and part of this stress comes from their ability to sense when we (the parents) are feeling anxious. To help ease their discomfort, we always pack comfort items for our trips. For our children, this means bringing along a stuffed animal. Our daughter loves her Minnie Mouse doll or dragon plush (she got this in Ljubljana, Slovenia), while our son has a small teddy bear he affectionately calls “Bear.” Other good comfort items to consider might include a small blanket, pillow, or pacifier for babies (on a separate note, make sure to pack at least two pacifiers! – we brought 3 and still lost them all).
Additionally, it’s important to think about comfort when dressing the kids for the flight. For overnight flights, we choose to dress the kids in pajamas and bring a sweater or an extra layer. Wearing pajamas can signal that it’s bedtime, helping them to relax and transition into a sleep mindset.
Plus, pajamas are much more comfortable than jeans or dresses, making it easier for them to find a restful position.
We also recommend packing a sweater or an extra layer. We’ve noticed that flights often start warm but can get quite chilly once you’re in the air.
**SECRET TIP** Bring a sound machine! One of our all-time favorite travel items is a sound machine. We have the portable Hatch model, and it has been incredibly useful during our trips. We use it every night. It has a clip that allows us to attach it to the stroller or even hang it near our airplane seats. When using it on the plane, you should keep the volume low to avoid disturbing fellow passengers.
Navigating the Airport With Kids
Airports can be overwhelming for little ones (and adults!). With a few smart strategies, you can move through security lines, check in, and board more efficiently, making your family’s travel experience calmer and easier.
Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of time for check-in, security, and bathroom breaks to reduce stress.
The last thing you want when traveling with kids is to be rushing to the terminal because you’re late. It’s a worst-case scenario, especially with kids. We have almost missed flights before having kids, rushing through the airport with one of our bags unzipped, and dropping items along the way. It’s definitely not an experience we want to have with kids.
Give yourself a good three hours before the flight’s departure time. We always arrive at least three hours early, sometimes even four. You never know what kind of delays might arise, and it’s better to be early than to miss a flight.
We’ve been stuck in long check-in lines and have even been shuttled back and forth four times to different desks just to check a car seat. There is usually a line at security, and when they pull your items aside for a secondary check, your heart sinks, and you start watching the clock.
With kids, you must also consider bathroom breaks, especially when potty training. Last year, while we were actively potty training, our oldest cried after waiting in the security line for half an hour when she had to go. We had to rush to find a bathroom to avoid an even bigger issue. Always factor in extra bathroom breaks, or account for the time spent searching for a restroom (we can never seem to find one when we need it!).
We were also delayed at the check-in counter because our bags were overweight. Sitting on the floor while adjusting our bags and keeping track of two little kids is not something we would wish on our worst enemy.
The bottom line is that anything can go wrong, and in our experience, something does go wrong every time. So be prepared and give yourself plenty of extra time.
Plan for Security
Security checkpoints aren’t enjoyable for anyone, and from experience, they can be some of the most stressful moments at the airport. Different airports have varying rules: should shoes be on or off? Do laptops need to be in the bag or taken out? Does the baby stay in the stroller or come out? The experience can be nerve-wracking and often chaotic, especially when children are involved. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare and make the process a bit easier.
Keep all liquids separate. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to think about various liquids such as formula or breast milk. Consider baby food jars or baby medicine as well. These items should not be packed with everything else to facilitate security checks. We have in the past traveled with baby food jars and small amounts of liquid baby medicine, so it’s essential to keep them in a separate bag, like a diaper bag, so that security can quickly check and identify them.
Also, remember to separate tablets and iPads. These devices triggered alarms at our last few security checkpoints, causing delays. If you need to take out laptops, don’t forget tablets and iPads; keep all electronics in one easily identifiable bag. On one trip, our kids’ tablet and iPad were buried among clothes, which was not received well by security officers.
Ensure that kids wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, as they will likely need to remove them for security screening. Avoid flip-flops or sandals unless you don’t mind walking barefoot at the airport!
As we approach the security checkpoint, we always prepare ahead of time. We take off Apple Watches, remove phones and wallets from pockets, and take off shoes and jackets. Keep the baby in the stroller until you are up at the security scanner, and make sure nothing is left in the stroller. We once forgot to empty the back pocket of the stroller—oops!
Usually, one person loads all our belongings and bags into the bins while the other parent keeps an eye on the kids to ensure no one runs around. Then we team up, with one parent taking each child through the scanner.
Use Airport Amenities
Take advantage of family lounges, play areas, or nursing rooms if they are available.
When we started traveling, we did extensive research and discovered airport lounges. These can be a lifesaver while waiting for a flight, and don’t hesitate to use them, even with children.
We signed up two years ago for the Capital One Venture X Travel Card, and it has been an incredible addition to our credit card lineup, offering numerous benefits, especially for travel.
Our favorite feature is the Priority Pass lounge access. The credit card includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which provides access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide. While these lounges vary in offerings, most provide free food and drink (including alcohol), televisions, various seating options (loungers, sofas, couches), quiet zones, and desktop computer access. The best lounges include amenities like free massages, showers, buffet meals, and children’s play areas.
For example, during our transit from Istanbul to Vienna, we spent some time in a lounge at Istanbul Airport that had a children’s playroom. This playroom was complete with games, a slide, a climbing structure, a TV, and even camera connectors to monitors outside the room, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids without having to sit inside. They also offered a large buffet selection, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters would find something to enjoy.
Each Priority Pass membership allows free entry for one guest, and most lounges offer free entry for children under three years old. Our family of four has one Capital One Venture X card, with both of us listed on the account, giving us our own Priority Pass memberships. With these two memberships, all four of us can enter the lounges at no additional charge.
Lounges are an excellent place to relax before a flight. Enjoy a complimentary drink or meal, and let the kids burn off some energy in a play area if available. They are usually less crowded than other areas of the airport, providing more space and comfort to unwind before the flight. Additionally, most lounges offer computer and printing services, which are helpful if you need to print a visa or other documents before arriving in your new country.
Even if you don’t have lounge access, some airports do offer publicly accessible play areas for children. For instance, Vienna International Airport in Austria features a large play area with a huge climbing structure, slides, and a rock-climbing wall. During a long layover after an overnight flight, it was wonderful to let the kids run around and play while we relaxed with some coffee.
To explore the best travel credit card options for your family, click here!
Stroller Considerations
Decide whether to bring a stroller or use a baby carrier based on the airport layout and personal convenience.
If you only have one baby, using a baby carrier can be a practical way to navigate the airport. However, we recommend bringing a stroller and checking it at the gate. With two kids to keep track of, a stroller is essential for us.
If you have a long wait before your flight, you can use the stroller to carry your belongings (if it has a basket) and to help keep at least one of the kids contained.
Keep in mind that you will likely need to take your child out of the stroller when going through security. In our experience, most of the time, security requires you to remove the child from the stroller. There has only been one instance where we were allowed to keep Ethan in the stroller while passing through security. Whenever we used a baby carrier, we were required to take the child out. Just something to keep in mind.
As a side note, we always bring a stroller, one baby carrier, and one toddler carrier on our trips for our 2 and 4-year-olds. You never know what situations may arise, so it’s good to have options for comfort and convenience.
For baby carriers, we absolutely love the Ergobaby Omni360 and the Tula Toddler Carrier . Since we enjoy hiking, having both kids on our backs makes all the difference between a great hike and a not-so-great one.
Packing a rigid hiking carrier isn’t practical, so these soft carriers are perfect. They fold up small enough to pack easily, or you can stuff them in the car seat or stroller bag when traveling, as we often do.
The Tula Toddler Carrier has been a fantastic find and has seen plenty of use with our oldest, from hiking through the mountains to exploring historic fortresses. The best part is that it’s recommended for kids weighing up to 60 pounds!
Our Ergobaby Omni360 has been in use for four years and is still in excellent condition! We’ve used it with both kids, and it has held up remarkably well. The recommended weight for this carrier is between 7 and 45 pounds.
Airplane Survival Strategies
Once you’re on the plane, the real challenge begins. These survival strategies for flying with kids cover everything from seating arrangements to keeping them comfortable and entertained during even the longest flights.
Engage Kids in the Flight Experience
Get the kids excited about traveling! Involve them in the process by letting them help pack the bags, choose their toys and snacks, and even watch the airplanes take off from the terminal. Engaging them in each step can be especially helpful in reducing fear and anxiety, particularly if it’s their first flight.
Our oldest loves helping us push our luggage through the airport, and it’s always a bonus when we find a lounge with great views of the planes outside the window.
Another fun activity is teaching the kids how planes work, if they’re old enough to understand. Or giving younger kids a toy plane to bring along on the flight. Keep them engaged during takeoff by encouraging them to look out the window and stay involved in what’s happening on board. Our now 4-year-old even enjoys looking at the safety manuals that are left in the seat pocket.
Tips to Keep Kids Comfortable and Entertained:
- Pack a small carry-on for each child with toys, coloring books, magnetic games, or a tablet with pre-downloaded shows and headphones.
- Bring plenty of snacks—more than you think you’ll need. Kids are picky eaters, and airplane meals don’t always appeal to little ones. Include a mix of familiar favorites and easy-to-eat options.
- Dress children in layers and pack a sweater or blanket, especially for overnight or long flights, as the cabin can get cold.
- Bring comfort items like neck pillows, small blankets, or favorite stuffed animals to help them relax and sleep better.
Practical Survival Strategies for the Flight:
- Keep kids hydrated with water or juice to avoid crankiness caused by dry cabin air. We recommend water only, as juice gets sticky when spilled.
- Relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing with a bottle, sippy cup, pacifier, or gum (if age-appropriate). Or try child-safe pressure-relieving earplugs.
- Plan bathroom breaks before boarding and at key points during the flight; pack wipes and hand sanitizer for quick cleanups.
- Rotate activities every 30–60 minutes to prevent boredom: coloring, small games, or screen time.
- Consider seat swaps or extra space when possible—this can make naps or stretching easier. Sometimes the plane will have empty rows – ask flight attendants before moving seats.
- Set expectations early by explaining the flight routine, meals, and safety rules to help reduce anxiety and prepare the kids, especially if it’s their first flight.
- Have an emergency kit with extra clothes, diapers, tissues, a small trash bag, and any medications within easy reach.
- Encourage calm techniques like storytelling, deep breathing, or quiet games during turbulence or stressful moments. Use what works best for your child.
- Align naps and sleep schedules with your destination’s time zone to minimize jet lag.
Frequent Breaks
Take breaks to stretch your legs, and let the kids do the same. Although it may be seen as a nuisance to other passengers, it’s perfectly fine for the kids to get up occasionally and walk up and down the aisles. As long as they stay quiet and don’t obstruct the flight attendants, don’t hesitate to let them expend some energy.
Before trying to help the kids sleep, make sure they take a bathroom break, especially if they’re still potty-training. You’ll likely find yourself using that small airplane bathroom more often than you’d expect.
Managing Meltdowns
Stay Calm and Acknowledge Their Feelings
Use techniques to maintain your composure during stressful moments to set a positive tone. It can be overwhelming when a meltdown occurs, but it’s important to remain calm and patient. Try to understand why your child is upset and let them know you’re there to provide comfort.
Flights can be particularly challenging for kids. Something as simple as the pressure in their ears can trigger a meltdown, which is something we adults know how to manage. Recognize that young children cannot handle their emotions as well as we can, and even a minor inconvenience can feel major to them. Start by comforting them and letting them know that you are there and understand that they are upset.
One of our biggest fears when we first started traveling with kids was the feeling of embarrassment or shame when our children had meltdowns in public. However, the truth is that most people, especially other parents, understand. Little kids are bound to have a bad day, tantrums are inevitable, and life goes on. Try to block out anything else and only focus on your child. If you’re having trouble staying calm, lean on your partner for support.
Have a Plan for Distractions
Prepare a list of distraction techniques, such as singing songs or playing simple games.
One of our favorite strategies for managing meltdowns and tantrums is the distraction technique. When we notice one of the kids getting upset, crying, or yelling, we implement a distraction. The distraction you choose should be tailored to what works for your child.
Some of our favorite distractions include singing one of their favorite songs or pointing at something in the distance and saying things like, “Wow, what’s over there?” “What’s that?” or “Do you see that?” You can also use more specific questions, such as “What color is that?” or “Do you see that airplane over there?”
Sometimes, we even suggest playing a game like I Spy. We frequently use this technique on hikes when our oldest starts getting bored or upset. We start playing “I Spy,” and she often forgets that she was even upset.
Sometimes, the distraction is as simple as offering a snack or a toy. Other times, we can help them forget their distress by tickling them or making silly faces. The effectiveness of these techniques really depends on the child and the severity of the meltdown.
However, there have been times when none of our distraction strategies worked at all. For instance, we once had an overtired 3-year-old trying to go through customs without a stroller. She threw herself on the ground in a crowded area and began kicking and screaming.
She did this throughout the entire airport while we were trying to talk to the customs officer and during baggage claim. Eventually, we got the stroller back and put her in it; she almost immediately fell asleep. We tried various methods to soothe her, but what she really needed was a nap. Sometimes, that’s all they need!
If a child is tired, you could try rocking them or holding them while walking up and down the aisles. Often, they just need a little help to fall asleep, especially when they’re overtired.
Arrival and Post-Flight
Prepare for Disembarkation
Discuss the excitement of arriving at the destination to shift focus from the flight.
Get the kids excited about disembarking, but wait until the disembarkation process actually begins. Sometimes, you can end up on the tarmac much longer than expected. Disembarkation can be delayed, and you may find yourself stuck on the plane waiting to deboard. One time, we waited close to an hour!
It’s best to hold off on letting the kids know and start packing up until people actually begin to deboard. Allow them to play with their toys, continue sleeping, or stay otherwise occupied until it’s confirmed that we are deboarding.
We often end up being the last ones off the plane, but we actually prefer it that way—unless we have a short connecting flight. Standing in line with a crowd of people trying to grab their belongings and slowly shuffling down the aisles can be challenging, especially with two little kids and their things. It can become almost unmanageable.
Plan for Time Adjustments
Consider potential time zone changes affecting children’s moods and sleep patterns.
Jet lag is real and can be especially challenging for little ones. Adjusting to a new time zone can be difficult because it alters the body’s internal clock. Children’s bodies are typically more in tune with their sleep schedules than adults’. So, abruptly adjusting sleep and wake times can lead to significant behavioral issues, which in turn can affect your trip.
When we travel to a new time zone, we try to avoid planning any activities on the day of arrival or the following day. If you’re taking a short trip, you might not have this luxury, but if possible, it will greatly help in the long run.
Here’s an example: When traveling from Boston to Iceland, we had to move ahead by 5 hours. We took an overnight flight that left at 7:00 PM Boston time and arrived in Iceland at 5:00 AM local time (which was actually 12:00 AM in Boston). As a result, our bodies thought it was still midnight, even though it was 5:00 AM local time, and we had a full day ahead of us. This created a major disruption for both the kids and us.
To manage this, we kept the kids awake as much as possible throughout the morning and allowed them to nap around their normal nap time of 1:00 PM. We then put them to bed around their usual bedtime of 8:00 to 9:00 PM. It was a tough day, but when changing time zones, it’s crucial to adjust to the new schedule—after all, you don’t want to end up sleeping all day and being awake all night!
The best strategy is to stay awake and maintain normal sleep hours. Do allow the kids to nap, but be careful not to let them nap too much. If they sleep all day, they may struggle to fall asleep when the sun goes down. While they will likely be tired and may have more meltdowns than usual that day, it ultimately works out better in the long run. Just don’t let them sleep too close to their usual bedtime.
Unpack Comfort Items First
Settle children in with their comfort items as soon as you reach your accommodation to ease transitions. Once you arrive, it can be tempting to just melt into the sofa or bed.
However, it’s best to unpack right away and set up all your kids’ favorite things. Make sure to unpack their comfort items, such as stuffed animals and dolls, to help them feel comfortable and relaxed. You might also consider putting on a movie or giving them a snack.
Everyone will be exhausted, and it’s completely normal for the initial excitement of the trip to wear off. Take time to rest and recharge, be patient with each other, and try to get to bed early. You’re sure to sleep well after this long day!
Embrace the Chaos
Traveling with your children is a wonderful experience. It allows you to share the world with them, engage in unique experiences, educate them about new cultures, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. However, to enjoy these amazing moments, you first need to get there! Flying with little ones can be challenging and is often not the most enjoyable part of traveling. But, with proper preparation and a reasonable amount of patience, it doesn’t have to be a complete disaster.
We hope our tips and tricks for flying with kids helps you feel more confident about traveling with your kids and provides you with the insights needed to plan your next journey. Remember to keep on traveling!
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