Stress Free Flying With Kids

I would rather be waiting at the gate with kids than worrying about getting through security on time. That is the approach behind this guide: plan the essentials early, keep useful things within reach and leave room for the unexpected. One parent I saw even wrapped inexpensive toys as little in-flight surprises—a simple idea that stuck with me. Here are practical ways to make flying with kids a little easier.

A quick family carry-on check

Travel documents, boarding details and essential medicines.
Diapers or pull-ups, wipes and a spare outfit as needed.
Age-appropriate snacks and feeding supplies.
A familiar comfort item, quiet activities and charged devices.
One small bag of essentials you can reach without emptying the whole suitcase.

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Optional compression packing cubes can separate spare clothes from the rest of a family’s luggage. Keep anything you may need during the flight accessible; the organiser itself is not essential.

Tips for a Stress-Free Flight

Gearing up for a cross-country flight with the kiddos? It can be hectic and stressful, even with the best laid plans, but keeping these tips in mind can help.

Flying with Kids – Be prepared!

Double-check your flight times on your way to the airport and after you arrive. Using the airline’s app on your phone or the big screens in the airport, make sure your flight is on time.

If it isn’t, decide whether you want to hang out before Security or if you’d rather get it over with and go through to the other side to wait. Most of the time, getting through Security sooner rather than later is your best bet. I’d rather sit at the gate with kids for three hours than have the nagging anxiousness in my head of not getting through Security on time.

Check your airline’s current cabin-bag sizes, weight limits and fees for each fare. Confirm its stroller, car-seat and gate-check procedures before leaving home. A car seat you want to use onboard needs separate approval and fit checks; the FAA’s guidance on flying with children explains approved child restraints and recommends an appropriate restraint in the child’s own seat.

Unexpected baggage charges are one more thing to manage with tired children. Measure and weigh bags at home, and keep the airline’s current allowance handy instead of relying on a fixed fee quoted in an older article.

Think Ahead on What to Bring on your Carry-On:

You can never be too prepared! Here are a few things to pack in that all-important Carry-On bag!

Wet wipes
Snacks
An empty sippy cup or bottle
Pack a few extra diapers and/or pull-ups, too!
Bring age-appropriate offline entertainment and headphones, with devices charged before leaving home.
Coloring books and crayons are helpful for keeping everyone busy while they’re waiting to board the plane, and waiting to take off.
Load your phone up with games that don’t require wi-fi.

A small pillow or blanket may help a child feel comfortable. If motion sickness, ear discomfort or another health issue is a concern, ask the child’s clinician for advice before travelling. Do not treat this packing list as a medication recommendation or a reason to sedate a child for a flight.

Plan drinks and snacks around your child’s age and needs. For infant feeding supplies, check CDC travel information for nursing families and your departure airport’s current screening instructions.

Have a frank conversation – or two.

If your child is scared or anxious about flying, have conversations on a regular basis to discuss what will and can happen during your trip.

Watch fun cartoons and YouTube videos about flying so they know what to expect. Depending on their age, they might not be old enough to be bothered by it at all – especially if you start flying with them when they’re young!

Packing a few toys or activities for distractions is a great way to keep kids calm. One time when I was flying, I noticed a parent grabbing what appeared to be presents out of her bag. She took dollar store toys and wrapped them in tissue paper and ribbon, so the kids had surprises to open during the flight. This is absolutely genius, and super affordable, too!

Check current requirements before departure

Use your airline’s and departure airport’s current guidance for check-in, family seating, boarding, documents and security. Check any destination entry or health requirements for your actual travel dates rather than relying on the 2020-era rules this post previously described.

Just breathe.

There’s always going to be that one person who is annoyed by your kid so much as breathing next to them on the flight, but if you keep a positive attitude you’re much more likely to have a calm kiddo. Be kind, keep your cool, and be as friendly to your fellow passengers as possible!

Realize that not everything always goes as planned but you’re doing the best you can and that is good enough!

What’s your best tip for flying with kids? Let me know in the comments!

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Stress Free Flying With Kids