airplane trip with toddler

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How to Travel With a Toddler on a Plane

 Melpomenem / Getty Images

Preparing to Travel

Storing drinks and snacks, pros and cons of pre-boarding, should you bring a car seat, keeping your toddler entertained.

Traveling with a toddler can be exciting and daunting. The thrill of showing your little one a new part of the world, or visiting friends and family, can easily be overshadowed by the stress of taking them around the airport and sitting through a flight.

Most parents find themselves racking their brains about what they should bring to keep their toddlers safe and entertained during the flight. While this will vary depending on the length of your journey, there are certain regulations and recommendations parents should be made aware of to make their flight a success.

Let's take a look at some tips and tricks for traveling with a toddler that will take the stress out of flying, so you can enjoy your trip from start to finish!

Orchestrating a plan before arriving at the airport will make for a far less turbulent experience. Like any vacation, you'll benefit immensely from getting organized in advance. Of course, sometimes travel is more spontaneous, but if possible, you should absolutely take advantage of getting your ducks in a row.

Booking a Flight

Either a direct flight or an indirect flight with a longer layover is in your best interest when traveling with a toddler . As you've seen on most outings with your little one, toddlers can be slow movers who require a lot of baggage. So trying to make a connecting flight with a toddler in tow can be challenging—particularly when you have a short layover.

If you're booking a flight with a layover, a couple of hours is ideal. This will give you time to change your toddler if needed, have a real meal, and let your little one burn off some energy before getting settled again.

While you may want to consider your toddler's naptime when booking your flight, don't fret if you can't find one that perfectly aligns. Revolving your flight around your toddler's regular schedule can be beneficial if you're looking to maintain their routine, but remember, flight times do get changed rather frequently. Also, there's no guarantee your toddler will fall asleep on the plane given the new environment and its excitement.

What to Check

Be sure you know which bags you're checking (and whether they meet the airline's weight requirements) before you arrive. Trying to reconfigure your luggage with a toddler in tow will add undue stress to your trip!

The maximum weight limit for most checked bags is 50 pounds. Carry-on items must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. They may not exceed 22" x 14" x 19" and must be able to be stored in an overhead compartment or under a seat.

"Always check your suitcases," says Sarah Mann Hall, a mother of two from Denver, Colorado. "It's so much easier to wrangle a toddler if you aren't also dealing with luggage."

You may also want to invest in a travel wallet to organize all passengers' identifications and boarding passes. This will help with getting through security. Remember, the goal is to make the process as smooth and fast as possible. If you're using electronic boarding passes, don't forget to charge your phone before getting to the airport.

What to Bring Onboard

Consider your carry-on to be a more intricately packed diaper bag. Of course, you'll want to be sure you're armed with all the essentials. But, unlike with a road trip or afternoon outing, there won't be the option to stop along the way for items you forgot. That's right: no convenience stores in the sky!

Here are the items you should make sure you have at your disposal before takeoff.

• Diapers: The general rule of thumb is one diaper per hour of travel time.
• Snacks: Your child's favorites, plus formula or breastmilk, if applicable.
• Blankets or loveys: Comfort items are helpful for calming anxious toddlers.
• Pacifiers: If your toddler uses a pacifier, pack a few. The sucking can also help relieve the pressure in their ears during takeoff and landing.
• Changes of clothes: You can never be too prepared—one for you, one for your toddler.
• Toys: Books, stuffed animals, or simple puzzles are safe bets.
• Sippy cups: Bringing an empty sippy cup is beneficial if your toddler uses one, as the flight attendant can fill it during drink rounds. This way, you can avoid the hassle at security.

Can You Bring a Stroller on a Plane?

You can bring a stroller through the TSA checkpoint, and almost all airlines allow you to bring a stroller on board. You may need to check it at the gate, but each airline has their own rules. Be sure to check the airline's website before departing!

The last thing you want on a flight is a hungry, fussy toddler. Packing snacks and beverages to bring on board will certainly remedy that issue, but you may be wondering what you're allowed to bring and what's off-limits.

TSA guidelines state liquids must be under 3.4 ounces or 100 millimeters to be allowed on board, but the nourishment you pack for your toddler is an exception to the rule. Milk, juice, and formula (if applicable) for your toddler can exceed this amount and do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag.

If you're planning on a shorter flight, remember breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours. However, once breast milk is cooled, it must remain cool until it is consumed to prevent it from perishing.

Accessories that are used to keep beverages cool, such as ice and gel packs, are allowed in your carry-on. They will be subjected to screening, but are not prohibited on the airplane. You may also bring on jars or pouches of baby food for your toddler.

"Aim for snacks with protein to keep your child full longer," says Kristen Gonzalez, a nutritionist and health and wellness coach at BBK Fitness in Billerica, MA. "Homemade granola, veggies with Greek dressing, and nut butter sandwiches are great options. Kids find snacks especially appealing if you cut them into fun shapes."

Of course, if it's a shorter flight and your airline offers an in-air snack, you may find it easier to simply ask for food and drink for your toddler from the flight attendant. That said, bear in mind this takes the control out of your hands, as the refreshments won't necessarily be delivered on your ideal schedule.

Many major airlines have family pre-boarding policies that allow families with young children to board the plane early. This gives parents an opportunity to get their children settled before the rush and also offers the chance for little ones to get acclimated with the environment. Each airline's policy varies in terms of how soon families can board and the maximum age of children who are considered for preboarding.

Pre-boarding means you won't have to make your way through a huge crowd of people, nor will you have to worry about getting your toddler buckled in a hurry while also organizing snacks and toys. However, some parents caution against pre-boarding, as little ones can get antsy if they're seated too long.

"Doing early boarding is not always a good thing," says Julie Zupan, a traveling mother of three from Medford, Oregon. "Sometimes, it is worth waiting until toward the end of the line so they can get as much energy out as possible."

Whether you decide to take advantage of pre-boarding depends on the airline's policies, your toddler's temperament, and who else will be traveling with you. Double-check with your airline before your flight to see what options are available.

Whether you bring a car seat on the flight is entirely your decision, as there are no regulations in place that require you to do so. Some parents feel more comfortable knowing their toddler is fastened into a car seat on the plane, while others prefer to get their child their own seat or keep them on their lap.

Your child may feel more comfortable (and nap) during the flight.

Securing your child in a car seat is the safest way to fly, per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Carrying a car seat through the airport can be cumbersome.

Installing the car seat on the plane is sometimes difficult given the tight quarters. You will need to familiarize with seat sizes to ensure your car seat will fit.

Car seat safety experts universally agree flying with a car seat is the safest option for toddlers since runway emergencies do occur, which are similar to car crashes but at five times the speed. Toddlers may ride on your lap at no added cost but will need their own ticket if you are installing the car seat on the plane.

If you plan to bring your car seat on board, bring a copy of the FAA regulations along with you, as some flight attendants may not be fully informed about car seat rules.

In short, nearly all convertible and infant seats are approved by the FAA. American airline carriers must abide by these regulations, but international carriers do not. Check your airline's policy before you travel to be sure you're clear on their rules.

Once you're settled on the plane, you'll want to be sure your little one is kept busy. After all, no parent wants to be the one whose toddler is squirming and squealing throughout the flight.

Safe bets for entertaining your toddler include:

• Mess-free coloring books
• Board books

Even if you don't typically allow electronics at home, you may consider making an exception during the flight. Movies or apps for toddlers can be a great distraction, which will translate into a much smoother flight.

A Word From Verywell

The best way to approach a flight with your little one is to show up calm yet prepared. Your toddler will pick up on any tension, which you can eliminate by ensuring you understand all guidelines ahead of your journey. Having a plan in place for your arrival at the airport, security, and boarding will help things run much more smoothly.

Be sure to bring items on board that will comfort and entertain your toddler, as well as plenty of diapers and food. Remember, you won't be the only one on board trying to keep their little one entertained, and you'll be at your destination before you know it!

Federal Aviation Administration. Carry-on baggage tips .

Transportation Security Administration. Traveling with children.

Centers for Disease Control. Proper storage and preparation of breast milk.

Federal Aviation Administration. Flying with children.

Car Seats for the Littles. Leaving on a Jet Plane – The CSFTL Guide to Safe Air Travel with Children .

By Renee Plant Renee Plant is a health and wellness freelance writer with a passion for delivering well-researched, factual content to readers.

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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.

FLY VIEW PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

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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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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15 Tips to (Actually) Enjoy Flying With Toddlers

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» 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

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

• Ho Chi Minh
• Kuala Lumpur
• NORTH AMERICA
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• Travel hacks & tips

15 Airplane Hacks That’ll Make Flying With Toddler Easier

Flying with a toddler is no stroll in the park. You’ve already gone through the madness of check-in, security, and a gozilion other queues. Now, you’re asking your toddler to sit still in a giant piece of metal that will make loud noises and their ears will pop?

I would be lying if I said, there is a way to make it stress-free, but the hacks I’ve gathered from my and others’ experience will definitely make it much easier.

15 hacks for easier travelling with toddler

• Book your flight according to your toddler’s sleep regime
• Prep your toddler for the journey
• Make edible jewellery
• Dress in layers
• At check-in, ask if they have a spare seat for your toddler
• Request a front or back row seat
• Eat before you board
• Have your partner board the plane firs t
• Have something ready to relieve your toddler from ear ache
• Research aeroplane restraint devices
• Prep activities 
• Prep for bedtime
• Offer your toddler lots of water 
• Stick to the routine as much as possible
• Indulge them

Let’s dive in.

PREPARATIONS

Prepare for the flight. The longer it’ll be, the more activities and animations you’ll need to pass the time quicker.

You also need to be smart about your seating, whether your toddler will want to walk down the aisle or if they are kept busy with games and drawing, so they can sit by the window and be amazed by all the clouds. 

You’ll have to spend the next two to whatever hours with everything that you’ve brought, so make sure you’ve prepared well. And to do so well, here are some hacks and advice from own experience:

1. Book your flight according to your toddler’s sleep regime

If possible, book flights around the time your toddler gets sleepy. I know it sounds trivial but a sleeping toddler is 10 times better than an active one on a cramped plane.

Also, before a morning (or to be honest any) flight, ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep. You don’t want to be stuck with a grumpy toddler. 

2. Prep your toddler for the journey

Talk to your toddler and introduce them to the plane and what will happen before they board the unfamiliar transportation.

The sounds, the look, and the whole experience of the plane are new to the toddler and that might make them feel terrified. Prepping them and making it an educational, kid-friendly game will turn the experience into an adventure. 

Tip: sit your toddler on your lap in front of the TV, put on a simulation video of take off and show them the G-force and turbulence by moving together as if you’re flying on an aeroplane. 

3. Make edible jewellery

You can combine hack No.2 and No.3 by educating your toddler about their next adventure while making edible necklaces.

It’s a fun craft and it gives them some responsibility in the preparation process. Some great options are cheerios, pretzels, fruit loops, and some gummies.

Just remember HEALTHY SNACKS only, avoid sugary treats not to rev them up.

4. Dress in layers

Make sure your toddler is dressed in layers that are easy to put on and take off.

The temperature on the plane drastically changes and I’ve caught a cold myself many times while flying. Eventually, I learned the lesson which I strictly apply to my kids. 

5. At check-in, ask if they have a spare seat for your toddler

If your toddler is under 2, they aren’t required to have a seat of their own, however, it won’t hurt to ask if the plane has a spare seat that you could be allocated next to.

Your toddler will have their own seat so it’ll be easier for them to sleep and more space for you. If it’s a long haul flight and you can afford it, I would even recommend purchasing a separate toddler’s seat. 

6. Request a front or back row seat

Another thing you could politely ask at check-in desk is if there are free front or back row seats available. The front row seats will usually have extra legroom, while both the back and front rows are close to the exit which leads to easier boarding and getting off the plane.

7. Eat before you board

Whether you’ve packed some sandwiches or have found a restaurant serving free food for kids, I advise you to eat before you board – you’ll have one less thing to worry about onboard.

Reaching food and making sure everyone’s happy with the options might become difficult while stuck on the plane. 

Tip: Avoid greasy meals as they contribute to indigestion, however, filling protein-rich foods is a great option if you have a choice. 

Contradictory Hack: You could actually eat during the flight instead, as that would kill time and there’s lots of that on the plane. However, that’s only recommended if your toddler is able to stay still while eating. I don’t even want to picture the mess a fussy toddler makes on the plane. The look on your neighbour’s face when they see a carrot landing on their shirt is one you don’t want to witness. 

8. Have your partner board the plane first

If you’re not travelling alone, have your travel companion board the plane first and secure the overhead bins while you have your toddlers burn the most energy possible ie making them race around the gate area. 

This way you won’t have to force your toddlers to stay still while everyone’s boarding but you’ll have overhead bins ready for you and your drained-to-the-last-bit toddlers. 

TAKE OFF/LANDING

Now comes the take off. It can be scary even for adults so it’s important you talk to your toddler about what will happen on the giant plane.

If you’ve found the time to educate them about flying and specifically take off, you’ve got one less thing to worry as your toddler is at least aware of what’s going to happen. 

9. Have something ready to relieve your toddler from ear ache

With take off and landing, besides the possible fear and crying along with it, unfamiliar issues occur like ear popping that leads to ache. This often uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes. Normally, the Eustachian tube equalises the air pressure but in kids it might not do this as well.

The act of chewing and swallowing can shift the ear enough to help the Eustachian tube do its job. To avoid unnecessary suffering for your toddler, clear up their congestion and have one or more of these ready:

• Lollipops/pacifiers or food pouch
• Breastfeeding
• Plenty of water

It’s important you keep your toddler awake and you can even make them practice yawning in a fun playful way, pretending to be lions.

Though crying isn’t pleasant, it also helps prevent aching ears, which is why take off and landing is the time to let your toddler cry it out. 

10. Research aeroplane restraint devices

Each airline has different regulations for how the toddler must be harnessed. They might provide some type of restraint depending on the airline like a belly belt – infant lap belt or a child restraint seat.

However, there are some alternatives that you can bring to make it more comfortable for your toddler, though I cannot stress enough that you double checked with the airline what is acceptable and on which seat (because that also matters). The alternatives are:

• FAA approved car seat. If your car seat is approved by the airline it must have a 5-point harness and fit into the seat measurements of the particular aircraft you’re flying. This should be particularly useful if you’re flying with a smaller toddler. The car seat they’re used to will be a comforting element on an unfamiliar mode of transportation. 
• CARES harness (approved for toddlers who weigh 10 – 20 kg). If the toddler has their own seat on the plane but doesn’t want to sit in the boring old car seat, this harness can be used if the toddler meets the measurement regulations. Again, I emphasise the need to double-check that the airline you’re flying with accepts this type of harness and the particular seat your toddler will be sitting in. 

Okay, so you’ve survived take off. The plane is levelled and your toddler starts to slowly familiarise with their surroundings.

They might start to move around and jump to the aisle wishing to explore the plane and everyone in it. Of course, it’s not an ideal way of passing time on a crammed plane and flight attendants walking back and forth. 

Time starts to move slower and slower as your toddler begins to be more reluctant to sit down.

It’s time you pull out all the surprises that you’ve prepared and use your imagination for spending this flight bonding with your toddler and giving them attention that they’ve always begged for. It’s not like you’ve got somewhere else to go.

Your toddler will be secretly grateful for all these hacks and surprises that you’ll have prepared.

11. Prep activities 

This hack you’re obviously supposed to do before leaving home for the trip. No matter if it’s two, four or six hours, it’ll be a long time on the flight and without all of their toys, your toddler will get bored within the first half hour.

Besides bringing their favourite toys and the iPad, there are other creative things that you can take to make the long flight go faster:

• Multipurpose Backpack or Travel Activity Tray . These two are smart inventions for organising and creating easy access to your toddler’s favourite things to play with. Crayons, notepads, snacks, the iPad, water bottle, and their toys will all be beautifully packed in one backpack or set to play with on the activity tray. Pack these right and your toddler will have everything in reach from their seat. 
• Gel clings . You can make this one even more fun by buying themed gel clings according to your holiday. Your toddler can stick snowflakes and snowmans or beach umbrellas and colourful fishes to their window and watch them swim in the sky. 
• Buy new toys and wrap them up in foil. This takes some extra effort but it’ll be like second Christmas for your toddler. Buy cheap, tiny toys, wrap them all in foil and leave them in the backpack without telling your toddler. The little one will be so excited to discover your gifts.

12. Prep for bedtime

If it’s time to sleep on the aeroplane, there are alternatives that you can bring on board to improve your toddler’s sleep quality. If they get a seat of their own, you can come prepared with things like:

• Inflatable foot rest . This particular item comes in a pack of two, which means either you and your toddler, or if you’ve got more than one kiddo, they can enjoy a more comfortable position during the flight. The foot rest is easy to inflate and provides the length needed for the toddler to lay on the seat like on a bed. It is compact and lightweight, and can be used on any other transportation. Just bring a small pillow and a blanket to cover the little one. 
• Suitcase bed. BedBox by JetKids (20L) suitcase has a mattress incorporated inside. Once you’re on the plane and allowed to do so, unfold the mattress from the ride-on suitcase and your toddler can enjoy a comfy bed of their own. The rest of the space in the suitcase can be used for their little pillow and blankie. 

13. Offer your toddler lots of water 

Airplane cabins have low humidity, thus your toddler (and you) can easily get dehydrated. Bring along sippy cups and remember that you’re allowed to bring a full bottle of water when travelling with a baby/toddler.

To be fully prepared and save money, after security fill an empty sports bottle that you’ve brought with yourself. 

Tip: bring an anti-spill cup. No-brainer but easy to forget. Invest in one that your toddler will like to hold and look at, it will be easier to convince them to drink water out of it. 

14. Stick to the routine as much as possible

Try to stick to your toddler’s routine, especially on long-haul flights. They will behave better if they detect something familiar while experiencing this unknown adventure.

If they’re used to hearing a bedtime story before bed then read them one. Even if it’s googled and read from your phone. 

15. Indulge them

Lastly, indulge them. Let them do the thing they’re only allowed to do on special occasions. Technically, flying is a special occasion for your toddler. I know how hard you work on disciplining your kiddo but they only get to fly once in a while, if any.

Travelling with a toddler is a big challenge for any parent. Letting them use the iPad during the flight will only give you some time to breathe and regroup. Don’t worry, you won’t lose the “good enough” parent badge for doing so. 

This flight too shall pass…

Prepare yourself. The hacks will help ease your trip and reduce the level of stress you’ll have, however, preparing yourself for the inevitable is the smart way to go.

And while your toddler is kicking the seat in front of them, crying from the ear ache or is poking you 20 times non stop, remember the impermanence of this hardship and that this too shall pass. 

Pin the picture to read the article later!

You may also like to read our posts about the 7 most important things to pack in your toddler’s backpack for the airplane journey .

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

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date September 7, 2023
• 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 flying 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, go-to snack options when flying with a toddler.

• Food pouches
• Banana chips or 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 with 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, we’ve 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 WiFi.

Give your toddler juice in an early stage sippy cup

When our daughter was an infant, she was nursed or bottle fed during take off 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 take off. 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 awhile, 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.

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 awhile.

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. 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 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 I need a car seat to fly with a toddler?

No. Toddlers can sit in their parents 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.

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.

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.

For more information on this check out our post on  flying with milk, formula, and baby food .

How do I keep my toddler’s ears from popping on a plane?

Use an early stage sippy cup and fill it with something your toddler will want to drink on command, like juice. Drinking from the sippy cup during take off and landing will help regulate the pressure in a toddler’s ears to prevent discomfort.

Can I bring toddler snacks through airport security?

Yes! You can (and should) 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.

You may also consider  wearing your toddler in a baby carrier through airport security  to make the TSA process easier.

Can my toddler sit on my lap on a plane?

Yes! Up until 24 months, your toddler can sit on your lap on an airplane and does not require a seat.

While this can save a lot of money, depending on the length of your flight, you may want to purchase a seat for your toddler rather than holding them for the duration of the flight.

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

Ashley Onadele

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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.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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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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)

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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.

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Flying with Children

The safest place for your child under the age of two on a U.S. airplane is in approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not in your lap. Your arms aren't capable of holding your in-lap child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence, which is the number one cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane.

The FAA strongly urges you to secure your child in an approved CRS or other approved device for the entirety of your flight. Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS. It's the smart and right thing to do so that everyone in your family arrives safely at your destination.

• About Child Restraint Systems (CRS)
• How to install a Forward-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane
• How to install a Rear-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane
• FAA-Approved Child Harness Device (CARES)
• How to install the CARES Device in an Airplane

Tips for Parents

Children with special needs, where can i find more information, about child restraint systems.

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A child restraint system (CRS) is a forward- or rear-facing hard-backed child safety seat. For motor vehicles, car seats are self-certified by the car seat manufacturer to meet federal safety standards, including strict crash performance standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates car seats based on ease-of-use so you can make an informed decision about the right seat for your child.

A CRS must be certified for use in aircraft. Confirm your child’s seat has “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” printed on it or it is approved by a foreign government and bears the required label or marking.

Required label for CRS Manufactured to U.S. Standards

Read the user’s manual to confirm that your CRS can be secured properly in an airplane seat. Otherwise, you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage.

How to install a forward-facing child seat in an airplane

How to install a rear-facing child seat in an airplane.

A CRS must be installed in a aircraft seat, according to manufacturer's instructions. This includes placing the CRS in the appropriate forward- or aft-facing direction as indicated on the device label for the size of the child.

The FAA prohibits passengers from using booster seats or backless CRS during ground movement, take-off and landing.

FAA-Approved CARES Device

AmSafe’s Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device is FAA-certified for children who are up to 40 inches tall and who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. The device provides for those who are capable of sitting upright alone in a forward-facing position and who occupy their own seat. This supplemental restraint is used with the existing aircraft seatbelt for improved child safety. CARES is lightweight and adjusts to fit virtually all economy-, business-, and first-class airline seats. This type of device provides an alternative to using a hard-backed CRS. CARES is approved for use during all phases of flight—movement on the surface (taxi), take-off, landing, and turbulence, and is approved only for use on aircraft, but not for use in motor vehicles. If you're using a CARES device, make sure it has "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.8(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only" or "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14 CFR 21.305(d), Amd 21.50 6-9-1980, Approved for Aircraft Use Only" on it.

Beware of CARES counterfeits sold online. Buy direct from the manufacturer to be sure the CARES device you use is authentic and manufactured with the same industrial-strength webbing as aircraft seat belts. The FAA is aware of disreputable third-party retailers who offer reproduction devices that resemble CARES for sale but that have not been engineered to the highest aviation-safety standards by AmSafe®. Learn more about CARES .

How to install the CARES device in an airplane

• Make sure your CRS or device is approved for use on airplanes.
• Measure the width of your CRS. It should fit in most airplane seats if it is no wider than 16 inches.
• Buying a ticket for your child is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to use a CRS.
• Reserve adjoining seats. A CRS must not block the escape path in an emergency. Many airlines have policies that require a CRS to be placed in a window seat. Do not place a CRS in an exit row.
• Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a CRS, a child, and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.
• Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
• Always buckle up your child in the right seat for their age and size when you drive to and from the airport.
• Wear your seat belt at all times.
• A CRS must be installed in a forward-facing aircraft seat, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. This includes placing the CRS in the appropriate forward- or aft-facing direction as indicated on the label for the size of the child.
• Flying with kids older than 2? Help your children know what to expect at the airport and in the airplane by watching videos like Kid’s First Flight .

If your approved CRS, for which a ticket has been purchased, does not fit in a particular seat on the aircraft, the airline is responsible for accommodating the CRS in another seat in the same class of service. The airline may have policies that dictate the specific safe seat locations for specific aircraft.

Listen to the "Flying With Kids: Tips From A Expert" episode of The Air Up There Podcast

How to Install a Forward-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane

How to Install a Rear-Facing Child Seat in an Airplane

Lap Children 

Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight. While there is no regulatory prohibition from using a booster seat or harness vest (or other non-approved devices) for a lap child during the cruise portion of the flight only, airlines have policies which may or may not allow the use of those devices. Check with your airline.

Children Under 18 with Special Needs

Most young children who use a CRS weigh 40 lbs. or less. However, there are some children with physical challenges who weigh more than 40 lbs. and need the support and security of a CRS or device so they can travel safely on an airplane.

Airlines must allow a child who is under the age of 18 to use an approved CRS that is properly labeled, appropriate for the child's weight, and as long as the child is properly secured in the CRS. Many companies manufacture CRSs approved for use on aircraft that are specifically designed for larger children who are physically challenged.

Adults with Special Needs

Adults (18 years or older) who have physical challenges that require the support and security of a CRS or device in order to travel safely on an airplane may request an exemption to the FAA's regulations that require each passenger to be properly secured by a safety belt. This request may also be made by an airline on the passenger's behalf. Several companies manufacture restraint systems for adults with physical challenges.

How to submit a petition for exemption

• Go to  regulations.gov: Instructions on Filing a Submission to the FAA
• Select the "Comment Now!" button
• Enter your comment
• Provide contact information
• Select category (i.e., to submit a comment on a Docket, choose "Public Comments(s)")
• To attach files/documentation (as part of your submission), select the "Choose file(s)" button. Once desired file(s) are uploaded, select the "Continue" button
• Select the "Continue" button
• Now you will see the "Your Preview" screen. This shows you how your comment will appear on Regulations.gov
• Read and agree to the disclaimer. To submit your petition/comment, check the disclaimer box for "I read and understand the statement above"
• Select the "Submit Comment" button

To review previously granted exemptions on special needs travel, go to the FAA Automated Exemption System and type "7831", "8264" or "9834" in the "Exemption Number" search field and hit "enter" or click on "Search" on the left side of the screen. Highlight the document you wish to view and click on "View Document" on the left side of the screen.

• Information about Family Travel
• Kids Fly Safe: CARES Child Safety Device
• FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Children
• Passengers with Disabilities
• Listen to the "Flying With Kids: Tips From A Expert" episode of The Air Up There podcast
• USDOT Airline Family Seating Dashboard

13 Practical Tips for Airplane Travel with Toddlers

T raveling by air can be a great way to save time to get to your vacation destination. It can even be a way to save a lot of money depending on how far your destination is. Toddlers may be exciting to get to be able to fly on a plane, but you will want to keep them occupied so that they do not get restless. So here are some of the best activities and the best travel toys that your toddler will enjoy in a confined space:

Prepare A Bag Of Young Kids Favorite Treats

There is nothing worse than sitting on a plane and having them complain that they are hungry. Choose snacks that will make a minimal mess, if they are messy eaters.

Talking To Your Child Before You Go To The Airport Is A Good Idea

Let them know where they are going, and why you all are going to that destination. It may be for vacation, or even to visit a family member.

Make Sure They Have Used The Restroom Before Boarding The Plane

Most planes will start boarding about thirty minutes before departure, and if you arrive in plenty of time this will help get in all bathroom breaks so that you do not have to get up all the time on the plane.

Pack Toys For Entertainment Even For The Older Children

If they are into video games and they love their screen time, purchase a handheld game or other electronic small toys to keep them happy. A good book is great for the plane ride because it allows you to read to them, or they can read it themselves if they are old enough. A book is a great way to pass along the time if it is a long flight.

Play Airplane Games Together

There are a lot of game ideas available on the internet that you can put together beforehand. Get some trivia cards made up ahead of time about your destination. You can make it a learning experience!

Traveling with children can be difficult at times. While car trips make it easier because only the parents have to deal with it if the child misbehaves, a bored child on an airplane can annoy a lot of other people and sometimes embarrass mom and dad. However, many simple travel games can be played with a child during the flight which will make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.

Virtual Hide And Seek For Some Imaginative Play And Travel Activities

Playing hide and seek using your imagination can sometimes be more fun than playing the real game. To play, simply think of someplace at home to hide. Because it’s imaginative, this can be any place big or small, even someplace like the silverware drawer. The person who is “it” then has to make guesses to “find” the other players, who will hopefully be nice enough to give some hints along the way.

Making Puppets Is One Of The Best Airplane Activities

Remembering to put coloring books, crayons or colored pencils in a child’s carry-on bag can be a great idea for some quiet time. While it’s fun to draw pictures on paper on their airplane tray table, you can make use of the things an airplane has to offer. A busy toddler can make a fun game of turning the motion-sickness bags into finger puppets. Simply turn the bag over and draw the face on the bottom. The part of the bag that folds at the bottom will become the mouth opening. Once the bag is decorated, the children can have so much fun talking with the puppets in their hands with the flight attendants.

I Spy For A Long Haul Flight Is A Fun Way For A Great Time

Whoever’s turn it is should look around and choose something visible to those playing. Then they say, “I spy with my little eye something …” and add a descriptive word for the object like the color or shape. The other players must then take turns guessing what it is the person spied on.

20 Questions For Younger Kids When You Airplane Travel

The object of 20 questions is to try to guess what the player is thinking about in 20 questions or less. The person whose turn it is thinks of an object. The player’s first question will be, “Is it a person, place, or a thing?” From that point on, the players are only allowed to ask questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” If they can guess the object in less than 20 questions, they win.

Find It! Is Great For Long-Haul Flights

The magazines provided by the airline are usually full of pictures. Look at them with your child and challenge him to find a particular thing on each page. Challenge the older kids to search the whole magazine himself to find the object you have selected. You can even go further and ask for a type of thing, a striped animal for example, and have him find something in that category.

Guessing Games With Different Themes

You can keep your younger children entertained with some simple guessing games that can be played from the seat of the aircraft. Use three plastic cups and hide something under one of them. Move the cups around and get him to guess which cup the object is under. Blindfold him with a scarf and give him various objects to feel and guess what they are.

Map Making For Some In-Flight Entertainment

A great game for encouraging your little kids to improve their hand-eye coordination and to think about the journey is map making. Take a few sheets of paper with you and draw a simple map of the journey you are taking. Explain to him where you are going to and from on your international flight and show him where various people he knows to live on the map. Next, get him to imagine what it would be like to take the journey over land and imagine the adventures that he would have at each point along the way. Let him draw the adventures onto the map.

Window Eye Spy Is Great For Younger Toddlers Or Any Age Group

Flying is a pretty amazing experience for toddlers, if only for a short while. Try and engage them with the experience and a great activity. If you are flying over land take them to the window and play a simple version of eye spy. Rather than choosing a letter, simply name things you can see from the window and see if he can see it too. Take turns to let him pick something and make a show out of trying to find it.

Toddlers and young children can find plane travel difficult and they don’t feel shy about communicating it to other passengers. Keeping a toddler entertained can go a long way to saving you and your fellow passengers the experience of being cooped up for hours with a disgruntled toddler. A few simple games can be all you need.

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Tips for Flying with Kids (From a Flight Attendant)

Becky Hart | Feb 17, 2023

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When you’re trying to figure out how to fly with a family (without losing your sanity), who better to ask than a flight attendant and mom?

Seven Corners went straight to the expert to get the best tips for flying with kids.

Here’s what Victoria, a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline and mom to toddler, Maddy, had to say.

Flying with Kids: What to Do Before You Fly

Book direct flights & minimize stopovers..

When flying with kids, especially babies and toddlers, the fewer stops, the better. Whenever possible, purchase a direct flight so you don’t have to deal with additional headaches like rushing to make connecting flights, delayed layovers, multiple takeoffs, and increased risk of lost luggage.

Travel insurance can help protect you in many of those instances, but it doesn’t alleviate the stress at the moment when you’re trying to juggle a fussy baby, an overtired toddler, and wondering where your checked suitcase has gone.

If you can’t avoid a long-haul flight, our tips for handling long and connecting flights can help you prepare.

Consider buying a separate seat for your child.

Most families are traveling on a budget, but remember that there are different types of costs. In some instances, what you save in cash might cost you more in stress and inconvenience.

“If you’re traveling with a baby, if you can afford it, you want to buy a seat for them. Presumably, on the other end, you’re going to need a car seat,” said Victoria. "Your baby is more comfortable traveling in their car seat. They sleep really well there (compared to the airplane seat), and you don’t have to worry about holding the child the whole time.”

The appeal of not paying for a seat for a child under two years old is strong, especially if you’re flying at peak times like holidays and with the general increases in the cost of air travel. At least consider the trade-offs, though, before you decide.

“You’re not paying for it with dollars; you’re paying for it with a squirmy child in your lap,” said Victoria. "Then you get trapped because the baby’s asleep on your chest, and you’re like, ‘Well, now I can’t move.’ Maddy’s almost two. I would still love her to be in her car seat on the plane because it contains her; it’s a place she’s familiar with. We’re not reinventing the wheel every time we travel.”

Reserve your seats in advance.

What if it's more than just you and your baby? Maybe you have more than one child or are bringing the whole family along. Pick your seats together, even if it means you have to pay a little extra to get assigned seating.

You can always ask the other passengers to trade, but as Victoria says, there's a certain risk in that.

“You're relying on the kindness of strangers or gate agents to switch you into seats all together, and sometimes you might not get that. Sometimes your five-year-old might be sitting somewhere else, not next to you.”

Especially when traveling with multiple young children, it’s just not worth the added stress or risk.

Choose an airline with kid-friendly perks.

Not all airlines are created equal. To make flying with kids go as smoothly as possible, try to book with a kid-friendly airline.

Here’s a quick list of airlines with kid-friendly perks.

Kid-friendliest airlines

• JetBlue: When you’re trying to leverage your frequent flyer miles , JetBlue’s TrueBlue is great for families. The program lets you combine up to seven people’s points. Imagine how quickly you can earn a free flight when the whole family is chipping into your miles total. If you’re worried about keeping your kids entertained before or during the flight, JetBlue has you covered there. Some of the airline’s terminals feature some pretty fantastic playgrounds to help your kids work out some energy. And with free in-flight Wi-Fi and personal TVs on each seat, no one has to share the tablet.
• Virgin America: Lavatories, regardless of the airline, are gross. Virgin America makes our list of kid-friendly airlines because its rear lavatories have diaper-changing stations. It’s cleaner and safer than balancing your baby on a seat or, worse, any surface in the bathroom. If you have kids under five, you also get priority boarding, and kids’ meals can be pre-ordered, perfect for when your future pilot will only eat chicken nuggets.
• Southwest Airlines: If you remember from the ads, “bags fly free.” That means that when you have extra gear because of your little one, you won’t break the bank checking it all. With Southwest’s Companion Pass, you also can snag even better deals on airfares for your mini travel buddy.
• Alaska Airlines: Flying with Alaska Airlines as a family has a unique advantage. The airline reserves a couple “family rows” for each flight, improving the chances of you being able to sit together. We’re also fans of how they provide a snack basket for kids shortly before landing. It's usually when kids fidget the most, so what better way to calm them down than with a little treat?

Reserve kids' meals in advance.

For long-haul flights where meal service is included, always reserve your kids’ meals in advance. Special meals are always served ahead of the regular meal service.

By reserving kids’ meals in advance, you’re ensuring your kids will be fed first, which allows you time to help them get set up and fed before your meal arrives.

Make sure their car seats are airline approved.

Before planning to use your car seat on the flight, make sure it is FAA approved so there are no surprises at the gate. The FAA does provide guidance on approved car seats and child restraints for anyone flying with children, so be sure to check before you fly.

Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

To save time at security, it’s worth applying for TSA PreCheck . If your children are 12 and under, they can use the TSA PreCheck lane with you.

Download movies and shows ahead of time.

Make sure you load up your kids’ electronic devices with downloaded movies and shows to keep them occupied throughout the trip. This is a good idea even if the airline has in-flight TV or movies. You can never be sure what will be available and if those shows are kid-friendly.

Charge electronics and bring fully charged power banks.

Make sure your kids’ iPads, tablets, and phones are fully charged and you have back-up, fully charged power banks in your carry-on.

This will prevent the inevitable meltdown that comes with an episode of Bluey getting cut short by a prematurely drained battery.

Pack your kids' favorite snacks.

First on Victoria’s packing list is food.

“Bring all the snacks. Your child will turn into the hungriest person on the planet on the plane, and you’ll be stuck with pretzels and cookies, and they’re going to hate that. Even if we’re going on a short flight with Maddy — I flew from Dallas to Austin, which is a 45-minute flight — I packed a full meal and every easy snack I could think of. She basically ate all of it because you’re like, ‘I don’t know what to do with you. You’re crazy, you’ll eat. This is perfect.’”

It’s not just short flights either. “There’s going to be food on a longer flight, but you never know what your kid is going to hate all of a sudden. Pack every snack you’ve ever thought of.”

Pack extra clothes for you and your kids.

What else goes in your carry-on bag with your snacks? Extra clothes.

“Pack way more extra clothes that you think you need because this is when your kid is going to decide to puke or poop everywhere. And you're going to be like, ‘Cool, I packed you one outfit,’” said Victoria. “If your child's really little and you're carrying them, pack yourself an extra outfit because it could end up all over you."

Talk to your kids about what to expect.

This is especially important if your kids are first-time flyers or haven’t flown in a while. Tell them all about the airport. What is the check-in process? What will security be like? Who are the helpers at the airport? What is boarding and riding on a plane like?

The more they know in advance, the less overwhelming the experience will be for them. You might also like to watch a YouTube video tailored to kids explaining the flying process. The TSA has an entire TSA Kids video series you might find useful: TSA KIDS-Getting to know the airport .

Pack a soft blanket.

If your child has a favorite blanket or one they use regularly for naps, and you have the room, bring it with you. This will help them feel comfortable and ready for a nap.

Pack lollipops, gum, or pacifiers.

Babies’ tiny ears are especially susceptible to cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing. Bring a pacifier for them to suck on. This will help alleviate the pressure and make them more comfortable.

For older children, you can bring gum or lollipops to help them “pop” their ears.

Bring extra bags for your kids' trash.

Between wipes to clean up spills, leftover snacks, dirty tissues, and empty water bottles, trash can pile up quickly when flying with kids.

Having extra bags to store your trash will not only keep your row tidy but will be greatly appreciated by your seat neighbors and flight staff.

Pack all baby and toddler essentials.

When you are flying with babies or little ones still in diapers, it’s important to triple-check your carry-on to ensure you’ve got everything you need, including:

• Diapers (pack extra)
• Formula/Bottles
• Comfort toys like special blankets or soft toys
• Bags to put waste in
• Feeding spoons
• Medication like pain relievers or nasal spray (as a precaution)
• Extra tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Antibacterial wipes
• Any other “must-have” items to keep your little one comfortable

Check as much as you can.

You don't want to haul big items through the airport. They're tough to maneuver in the best of times, but when you're trying to get from one gate to the next with arms full of bags and maybe even the child itself, carrying one more thing just might be what breaks the camel's back (more on this later).

According to Victoria, borrow what you can and consider renting the rest at your destination. "Whenever we travel, we try to see if there's a Pack & Play we can borrow from somebody. When we're going to see friends or family, even if it's a friend of a friend who has a Pack & Play, that's one less thing we have to bring because Lord knows we're already bringing too many things.

“There are also companies that will rent you baby equipment. One of them is called BabyQuip . It's a way to rent stuff so if you need a highchair, you're not bringing your highchair with you. Or if you need multiple Pack & Plays, bassinets, whatever.”

Use a stroller or carrier.

Victoria has one exception to the “check as much as you can” hack. Every airline will gate check strollers and car seats for free. Strollers especially can make transporting your tiny traveler through the airport easier because you aren’t physically holding them the entire time.

"They make strollers now that fold up and can fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Those are primo because you don’t have to gate check it, you don’t have to worry about it getting destroyed by baggage handlers. You can have it with you the whole time, you know the second you get off the plane, you’ve got your stroller ready. We got one of those used on Facebook Marketplace, and it’s the best because I don’t have to worry about not having a stroller.”

Tips for Getting through Airport Security with Kids

Utilize the tsa cares line..

Parents with special needs children can call the TSA Cares line 72 hours in advance to request special assistance through airport security.

For adults and children on the autism spectrum, TSA Cares has special screening procedures they can employ to make the security screening process more comfortable.

To learn more about how to utilize TSA Cares, watch this brief video .

Arrive early at the airport.

Leave yourself plenty of time to avoid any mad dashes to the gates with little kids in tow. For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before your flight. Leave even more time for international flights.

This will ensure you have plenty of time to get through security, get those bathroom breaks in, and allow for extra time in the event of unforeseen lines or delays.

Avoid shoes with laces (if possible).

One way to expedite the airport screening process is to wear slip-on shoes. This is especially important for young kids who may not be able to untie and tie their shoes quickly.

Avoid bringing unnecessary liquids.

Another slow-down at security is bringing liquids in your carry-on bags. But sometimes liquids are unavoidable. In fact, the TSA has said that formula, breast milk, juice, baby food, and even liquid medications in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

However, you will have to take out all liquids to be screened separately. If you are traveling with a lot of extra liquids, make sure you leave extra time for screening.

Flying with Kids: Before You Board

Check your seats before boarding..

As we said earlier, Victoria advises booking your seats in advance, even if it means paying a little more.

If you didn’t do that, or even if you did, confirm that your family is sitting together before you board. Last-minute scrambles to switch seats to accommodate families separated from small children can delay the boarding process.

Let your kids burn off energy before boarding.

Once on the plane, your child will have to be somewhat contained. And once they’re mobile — no longer an infant — keeping them in their seat can be a struggle. So before they start calling groups to board, give your child a chance to wear themselves out a bit in the airport.

“I would let your kids walk as much as possible to tire them out. This is their chance to be free,” Victoria suggested. “So much about traveling is being cooped up. If you’re going from gate to gate, let them walk as much as possible so that you’re not having to carry them. Let them burn that energy.

“If you have a layover where you’re sitting for a long time, try to find an area where there’s fewer people. There are always weird little random spots, a gate where there’s not a flight going out of. Just let your kids roam free."

Take advantage of the moving walkways, too. “These are great to do loops with kids. It kind of doesn’t even matter if they’re learning to walk and are one or two years old, or if your kid is seven. It’s the perfect way to do loops, you can walk backwards on them, you can do all sorts of stuff, and it will help you burn energy.

“I think that’s the biggest thing, when you have time in the airport, burn your kid’s energy. You don’t want them on the plane to be like, ‘Now I want to run like a crazy person!’ Because then you don’t have options.”

Time your bathroom breaks well.

Make strategic trips to the bathroom before the boarding process has begun to avoid any last-minute bathroom emergencies that could delay takeoff or boarding.

Explain to young children that they won’t be able to use the bathroom at the beginning of the flight, so it’s important to go potty before getting on the plane. Have them try to use the bathroom, even if they insist they don’t have to. Additionally, you may want to put a Pull-Up on younger children who are still prone to accidents.

Make the trip special for them.

Many travel pros advise finding ways to make the trip special for kids. Maybe they get to choose a special treat at the gift shops, or they’re allowed to purchase French fries from the food court to take on the plane.

Flying with Kids: Tips for The Plane

Try to stick to their sleep schedule..

Victoria is based out of Dallas with family in Houston, so short flights with Maddy aren't out of the question.

However, if you're taking your little one on a long flight, either cross-country or overseas, what else should you consider?

First, think about timing. “If you're going on a short flight, I think it matters a lot less what time you're traveling,” said Victoria. “If you're going on a much longer flight, I would try to think strategically.

“If it's, say, a six-hour flight, if you can suck it up and do a red-eye, it will be slightly more miserable for you as an adult, but it will make your kid's life a lot easier because they are used to sleeping. Even though you'll be tired, they will hopefully also be tired and will be sleeping, which makes your life way better.”

In other words, sleeping passes the time, and that's less effort you spend trying to entertain or pacify your child.

Not sure if your child will be able to sleep in a plane seat? Victoria has a tip for that, too.

“There are some things that are approved through airlines to use as a blow-up bed that you can put where your kid's feet would go, and it kind of makes their seat a little bit bigger.

“The biggest key is if you have anything you want to put with a seat, it cannot attach to a window or a tray table. It can't attach to anything, but you can fill that space when you're in flight and make a bed for your kid.”

Be prepared for cabin pressure changes.

We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth noting again. Have a pacifier, bottle, or lollipop ready to go before takeoff and landing to help mitigate the effects of changing cabin pressure on little ears.

Have a surprise ready for the middle of the flight.

This tip is especially helpful for long-haul flights.

Bring a new activity book or small toy for your child in the middle of the flight. This will give them a device break as well as break up the monotony of a longer flying time. It’s another way to make the flight experience fun and exciting for your kids.

Do your best to relax.

You're probably being hyper-vigilant and doing everything you can to ensure your child is okay and that you aren't ruining the flight for everyone else, yourself included. When your child starts to cry on the plane, know it's probably worse for you than anyone else.

"My biggest advice to parents of kids who are crying, your kid will always sound louder to you. You don't need to feel bad about your kid crying on a plane because everyone should have their own headphones. That is how adults travel. If they don't have them and they're freaking out about a kid ... Sorry, but it's kind of their fault for not planning ahead and realizing there might be noise in a public place.”

Lastly, try not to stress about your child being the perfect little angel.

Airline workers know that kids are kids, and they'll likely cut you all a bit of slack if they see you doing your best. It's all about effort.

“If you're a parent and you look like you're trying to contain your kids and not be a bad parent and not trashing the plane and following directions, that's the best thing. Flight attendants really appreciate you trying.

“If your kids are eating stuff, try to not let them grind every Cheerio into dust on the floor. Try to not let them leave trash everywhere. Try to not let them run up and down the aisles. We get that it's hard and you can't expect your kids to be perfect, but appear like you care. That goes a long way.

“I expect that children are going to be kind of crazy and hate sitting. When adults act like children, that's a problem, but kids are fine."

So does she like having kids on her plane as a flight attendant?

“I do because I really like kids, and I think they're so fun."

When you start to feel the tension creeping in, remember that there's good news. First, help is available, from when you get to the airport all the way through your arrival gate and everywhere in between. If you end up on Victoria’s flight, she’ll jump at the chance to hold your baby when you need a bathroom break. And second, it’s usually not as bad as you think. Your perspective as a parent makes things feel worse than they are.

So, take a breather, take a bathroom break, and ask your flight attendant to hold your baby if you need help.

How to Protect Your Family While Traveling

Traveling with kids raises questions you don't normally have to think about if you're used to traveling solo. The logistics and possibility that someone's going to get sick before a trip increase exponentially with each extra being.

Purchase travel insurance to help protect the money you spent for your trip. Seven Corners can help find the right coverage for you and your family.

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The Ultimate List of Toddler Travel Essentials (+Toddler Packing List!)

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Traveling with a toddler is not the easiest of feats, but it can be made a lot easier by bringing a few toddler travel essentials. These are items that make traveling with a toddler go much more smoothly for everyone in your travel group.

On our many trips with our toddlers, we’ve come to learn that there are some items that we just can’t do without when traveling with young kids. And others that we can ditch to save the luggage space…

In this article, we’ve included detailed descriptions of the toddler travel essentials that you won’t want to forget on your trip. We’ve also provided a toddler travel packing list to make packing for your child that much easier! Read on for everything you need to bring for a successful trip with a toddler.

If you’re planning on visiting the beach, check out our article on the beach essential for toddlers .

Toddler Travel Essentials

Getting around

These are a few essential items that make getting around with your toddler a lot easier during travel.

• Toddler carrier

When traveling with a toddler, a carrier is at the top of my list of toddler travel essentials. 

Toddler carriers can make life so much easier when traveling. They allow you to easily take your child places that are less stroller friendly and provide a perfect place for nursing (if your child is breastfeeding) and napping on the go. They’re also great for containing toddlers in places that might not be safe for them to roam free (say at the top of a bell tower or the edge of the grand canyon).

We’ve carried our toddlers in carriers all over the world and find it to be one of the easiest ways to travel with a toddler.

To find the best carrier for your child, see this article on the best toddler carriers for travel .

A stroller may or may not be a necessity for your trip, depending on what kind of trip you’re taking. We’ve taken trips with just a toddler carrier and others with both a carrier and a stroller (I always bring a carrier, even if I’m bringing a stroller). 

Strollers can be very useful for navigating the airport with a toddler and for trips where you’ll be visiting stroller-accessible locations. They’re nice to have along to give you a break from having to carry your child all the time (or chase them down constantly).

We love our gb Pockit for travel. It’s the most compact strollers out there and folds down small enough to fit into the overhead bit or under your seat on the airplane. Be sure to see our full gb Pockit stroller review .

Travel car seat

A car seat is typically going to be one of your toddler travel essentials, barring a few locations where you can get by just using public transportation. But if you’re planning on getting around by car, you’ll want a car seat to keep your little one safe. Strapped in their car seat is also the safest way for toddlers to fly on a plane. 

Younger toddlers might still fit within the safety requirements for an infant car seat, which are great for travel. Infant car seats are lightweight and easy to transport. 

If your child has outgrown their infant seat, it’s worth it to invest in a lightweight travel car seat. Trust me, after you’ve spent your whole trip hauling that thing around you’ll be glad to have left your heavy, bulky regular seat at home. Our favorite travel car seat for toddlers is the Cosco Scenera next.

Car seat bag

If you’re bringing a car seat, you’ll want to bring a car seat travel bag. These bags make transporting your car seat much easier and more manageable. 

There are a lot of different options out there so check out our review of the best car seat travel bags to find the best one for your trip.

Food/Snacks

These food relate toddler travel essentials will make mealtimes and snacks with your toddler go a lot more smoothly while on your trip. 

A bib is a helpful way to keep your child cleaner while eating. As an added bonus, it keeps their clothes clean as well, which makes it more likely that you can pack light and reuse outfits. 

These waterproof bibs are lightweight and pack down to practically nothing. We also love these silicone bibs which take a bit more space but are easier to clean and dry more quickly.

Snack catcher 

Snacks are a great way to entertain a toddler while traveling. And a snack catcher allows them to feed themselves independently without making a huge mess. This can be a helpful tool for distracting and redirecting a child who is getting bored or on the verge of a meltdown.

Our favorite snack catcher for travel folds down compactly, making it easy to store when not in use. The material it’s made out of does tend to collect lint and crumbs, so I recommend bringing a baggie to store it in when you’re not using it.

• Travel high chair

A travel high chair can be a useful item for traveling with a toddler. It ensures that your child always has their own seat at the table and helps keep them contained so that they’re not climbing all over you or running around. This can make for a much more relaxing meal for yourself and your toddler. 

Travel high chairs are not always necessary if you’re going someplace where you know high chairs will be available. However if there aren’t high chairs, or if you’re not sure if there will be, bringing your own can be a nice way to ensure that mealtimes go smoothly.

• Water bottle

You’ll want to make sure your child is drinking a lot while traveling, so be sure to bring a water bottle and offer it to them frequently throughout the day.

We prefer the straw kind because they are easier for our toddler to use and less likely to spill.

• Disposable place mats

Feeding a toddler when you’re eating out can be tricky. The places you eat might not have toddler-safe dishes andd it can be a pain to have to feed your toddler bite by bite (plus in my experience toddlers often insist on feeding themselves!). 

That’s where these disposable place mats come in so handy. They have adhesive on all four sides to secure it to the table, providing a clean and stable surface for your toddler to eat on. Once they’re done eating, you can easily pull the place mat off of the table and throw it away. This helps to minimize mess and allows your child to have an independent eating experience without you having to stress about them breaking the dishes. 

Sleep Items

Some of the most important toddler travel essentials are those related to sleep. Whether or not your toddler sleeps well can make a huge difference to the success of your trip. A tired and grumpy toddler makes for a very long day while traveling. 

These sleep items are ones that can be hugely helpful in getting your toddler the sleep that they need. For everyone’s sake!

• White noise

We always bring white noise for our children while traveling. It helps block any ambient sounds that they might not be used to and also means that we don’t have to be quite so quiet as we’re moving around our hotel room or Airbnb. 

Oftentimes we’ll just use a white noise app on our phone, but if you want to be able to use your phone for other things, you can bring a travel white noise machine . 

While you’re away from home, you’ll want to make sure your toddler has a cozy and comfortable place to sleep. There are a couple of different ways you can do this. 

First, if your child sleeps in a crib you can see if your accommodations have a crib or pack ‘n play available for you to use while you’re there.

If you have a bed for your toddler, consider getting portable bed rails to keep your child from rolling off the bed in the night. These bed rails are placed underneath the bottom sheet to form a barrier at the edge of the bed. They provide a lot of peace of mind for when your toddler is sleeping in a full-sized bed. We’ve compiled a list of the best portable bed rails for travel with a toddlers to help you out. 

You can also choose to bring a portable toddler bed for your child so you can set up a cozy spot for them to sleep wherever you are. These can come in several different forms, from toddler cots to inflatable beds to pop-up tents. You can see our reviews of the best options for portable toddler beds if you need help picking a good one.

Whichever option you pick, make sure that your child knows what to expect and do your best to make sure it feels as safe and familiar as possible. 

Favorite stuffed animal

If your child has a special stuffed animal or blanket, make sure to bring it along to help them feel comfortable and safe during their sleep time. 

You could also bring along a favorite story or two as part of their bedtime routine. The key is to help it feel as much like the environment they’re used to as possible. 

A monitor may or may not be necessary, depending on your accommodations. If you’re all sleeping in the same room this may not be helpful as you’ll be able to easily hear if your child needs you. 

However, if you have a suite, an apartment, or a balcony, a monitor can give you a lot of peace of mind knowing that you can keep a close eye on your baby while in an unfamiliar place. 

You can see our recommendations for the best portable baby monitors to help your decision.

Blackout options

For many young children, keeping a dark sleep environment is necessary for a good night’s sleep. This can be especially true if you’re changing time zones and trying to adjust their sleep schedule. 

Many hotels will have blackout curtains in their rooms, however rentals or Airbnb’s often do not. We had a couple of really bad experiences with our children waking up extremely early in a new place due to light and since then I always bring a black out option for our toddlers. 

One way to create a dark environment is to bring travel blackout curtains . These curtains have suction cups that you can use to attach them to the window, darkening the whole room for sleep. 

Another great sleep aid is a SlumberPod (see our full SlumberPod review ) or SlumberPod alternative to create a dark sleep environment for your child. These products go around your child’s bed to block out light to help them sleep better and longer. The nice thing about this option is that it creates a private sleep area for you child, meaning you don’t have to be quite so quiet and careful about light if you’re sharing a room with your child. 

• Toddler airplane bed

If you’re flying with your toddler, another helpful sleep tool is a toddler airplane bed. These are products that can be used to extend the length of the seat and provide a comfortable place for your toddler to sleep on the plane. These can make a huge difference for international or long-haul flights where you’re traveling through your child’s normal bedtime.

There are few different kinds of airplane beds, and you can learn about the best options in our article on the best airplane beds for toddlers .

When you’re traveling with a toddler, there are a few health items that you want to make sure to always have on hand. 

Medications

If your child has any medications, be sure to bring enough for your trip plus a bit extra to account for unexpected delays. 

Also remember to pack your child’s medication in your carryon luggage so that you aren’t caught without it in case anything happens to your checked luggage.

• Thermometer

Traveling with a thermometer ensures that you can monitor a fever if your child happens to get sick. I never travel without one and have actually had to use it a surprising number of times while on trips. It provides a little extra peace of mind knowing that you have a way to assess the severity of a sickness.

You never know when a child might get sick and bringing along some pain medication can make any unexpected sickness a lot less miserable for your child. This is another one I’ve had to use several times when traveling and I’m always so glad that I have it on hand. 

Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes

Traveling with kids means exposing them to lots of germs, which can often lead to them getting sick. And toddlers are the worst at this, as they tend to touch everything and then stick their hands in their mouths. Bring along hand sanitizer so that you can sanitize their hands frequently, especially before they eat. 

Sanitizing wipes are also very helpful for wiping down surfaces such as the tray tables and arm rests on the airplane and tables at restaurants. 

No one wants a sick kid, especially when you’re far from home. While you can’t always prevent sickness, sanitizing often definitely increases your chances of keeping everyone healthy.

Toddler travel essential basics

Having awesome travel activities is an absolute necessity when traveling with a toddler. That doesn’t mean that you need a lot of activities, but you do want a few great options that can capture your child’s attention and that they will return to over and over. 

Over our years of traveling with toddlers we’ve found some great activities that our toddlers always love. You can get some ideas from our list of our favorite toddler activities for planes and our favorite toddler activities for road trips . 

Consider not only activities for the flight or drive, but also for your hotel room and when you’re out and about. 

When you’re traveling with a toddler, you’ll want a great diaper bag to carry all of your essential items. I highly recommend a backpack diaper bag for travel. They are typically much more comfortable, secure against theft, and easier to carry over long periods of time. 

Diapers and wipes

If your toddler isn’t potty trained, don’t forget to bring along diapers and wipes. You can choose to bring along enough for your whole trip or, if you want to pack lighter, you can pack enough for the first few days and plan on picking some up at your destination (make sure it’s a place where they’re easy to find).

When possible, I try to just bring along all the diapers and wipes I will need for my trip to save myself the hassle of needing to pick some up during the trip. However, I know people who would prefer to pack less up front, so do what makes the most sense to you. 

Be sure to bring more diapers than you think you will need in your diaper bag if you’re traveling by plane. The middle of a long flight is not the place where you want to realize that your child is going through more diapers than you anticipated. 

• Travel potty

For toddlers who are potty trained or in the process of potty training, a portable potty can be a lifesaver when traveling. 

There are a few different kinds, but one of the most useful for travel is a foldable seat that can be placed over a larger toilet to make a secure and smaller seat for your toddler. This allows toddlers to feel safer on a toilet and helps to prevent any potty training regressions while traveling. They’re also compact and can easily be folded up and carried in your diaper bag.

See our list of the best travel potties for toddlers for the best options out there. 

Clothes are obviously going to be a travel essential. We’ll highlight a few items in this section and you can find a more detailed list of clothes down in the packing list.

If you’re trying to pack light, bring outfits that can be mixed and matched.

Make sure that you’re packing weather appropriate clothes for your toddler (eg. sun hat, swimsuit, sunglasses vs winter coat, gloves, warm hat). 

Plan on bringing an extra pair of pajamas or two in case of nighttime accidents. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of shoes in case you lose one or they get wet. 

Toddler travel packing list

This is our tried and tested toddler packing list that I use for every trip. I love being able to pack for a trip and know I’m not missing anything important as long as I double check my trusty list!

Packing tip: Spend a few minutes thinking about your toddler to determine if there are any toddler travel essentials that you should include that are specific to your child. For example, our oldest went through a phase where he couldn’t handle the smell of the toilet, so there was a period where we always carried a travel sized Poo-Pourri around with us. Our other two never had the same issue, so that wasn’t included in their packing lists. There might be items that your child needs that other people wouldn’t think to include.

• Car seat travel bag

Food/snacks

• Snack catcher

Sleep items

• Stuffed animal
• Monitor 
• Blackout option
• Hand sanitizer/wipes
• Travel activities
• Diapers/wipes or undies
• Toothbrush/paste
• Pants/shorts
• Jacket/Coat

Warm weather gear

• Swim diapers
• Floatie/life jacket

Cold weather gear

Final Thoughts

With a little preparation, traveling with a toddler can actually be a lot of fun. We’ve had great experiences traveling with our toddlers over the years (along with the occasional meltdown of course).

These toddler travel essentials will help your trip go a lot more smoothly. And you can rest assured knowing that you’ve done everything you can to set yourself up for success!

Other posts you might be interested in:

How to Get a Toddler to Sleep on the Plane (Tips that work!)

The Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

How to Have a Successful Road Trip with a Toddler

How to Fight Jet Lag in Babies and Toddlers

11 Helpful Tips for Hiking with a Toddler

Related Posts:

60 Best Airplane Snacks For Toddlers: Happy Travel With Kids

Table of Contents

Getting ready for a long flight with your little one and wondering about the best airplane snacks for toddlers that will keep them happy and satisfied in the skies? I’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a quick hop or a long-haul journey, picking the right snacks can make all the difference.

Here’s a top recommendation to start: Peanut butter sandwich squares . They are a fantastic option for young kids. They’re not only packed with energy but also hold up well over long trips. Easy to handle and not too crumbly, these squares can be a tasty and filling snack without causing a huge mess. Plus, they’re a good source of protein and can be made with whole-grain bread for an added health benefit.

Remember to check for any allergy restrictions for the passengers around you, but if you’re all clear, peanut butter could be a great way to keep those little tummies full until you reach your final destination. For longer flights, consider pairing these with fresh fruit like apple slices – they stay fresh at room temperature and are a sweet treat for little kids.

Just a quick reminder: Always check the TSA website – or your local government equivalent for the latest guidelines on what you can bring. Baby food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the usual limits for liquids, but they might require additional screening.

Now, get those carry-on bags ready with these tasty treats, and you’ll be all set for a smooth and snack-filled flight with your toddler!

60 Airplane-Friendly Snacks for Toddlers

When you’re high above the clouds with a toddler in tow, the best airplane snacks are those that don’t demand a cold pack and can withstand a bit of turbulence without creating a Picasso on the tray table. For those long flights, it’s all about convenience and keeping young children content, without the hassle of ice packs or the worry of food spoiling. Luckily, we’ve put together 60 great snack ideas for your toddler to take on the plane, here they are:

• Sliced cucumbers – cool and hydrating.
• Rice cakes – light and crunchy.
• Mini rice rolls – easy to handle.
• Dried fruit – naturally sweet.
• Rice puffs – melt in the mouth.
• Cheese cubes – packed with calcium.
• Graham crackers – less crumbly than cookies.
• Oatmeal cookies – a wholesome treat.
• Pretzel sticks – fun to munch on.
• Air-popped popcorn – without added butter or salt.
• Banana chips – crunchy and sweet.
• Freeze-dried berries – no mess, lots of flavor.
• Roasted chickpeas – a protein-rich bite.
• Baby carrots – a satisfying crunch.
• Whole grain tortilla chips – a better alternative to potato chips.
• Nut-free trail mix – safe for allergies.
• Edamame – packed with protein.
• Snap peas – crispy and nutritious.
• Sunflower seeds (shell-free) – for a bit of texture.
• Mini bagels – a filling option.
• Seed crackers – packed with nutrients.
• Sugar-free gelatin cups – wobbly and fun.
• Plain yogurt in spill-proof containers – for a dose of probiotics.
• Applesauce pouches – no spoon needed.
• Cheese strings – fun to peel.
• Raisins – in small boxes for easy handling.
• Natural fruit leather – sweet without added sugar.
• Whole grain waffles – soft and chewy.
• Pita slices – pair with spreadable cheese.
• Blueberry muffins – made with whole wheat.
• Baked sweet potato fries – soft and sweet.
• Quinoa puffs – a light snack.
• Almond butter packets – for dipping or spreading.
• Roasted seaweed snacks – crispy and salty.
• Pea crisps – a veggie snack with a crunch.
• Unsweetened shredded wheat – a fibrous choice.
• Spinach and kale chips – for a green veggie boost.
• Pear slices – juicy and sweet.
• Zucchini bread – sneaks in veggies.
• Cauliflower tots – tasty and trendy.
• Sugar snap peas – a sweet veggie treat.
• Hummus cups – for dipping veggies or crackers.
• Sliced bell peppers – colourful and sweet.
• Baked tofu cubes – a soft, protein-rich option.
• Mini cornbread muffins – a touch of savoury.
• Fruit cups in natural juice – no added sugar.
• Gluten-free fig bars – for sensitive tummies.
• Nut-free granola – sprinkle on yogurt or eat solo.
• Veggie straws – less greasy than chips.
• Guacamole cups – healthy fats and flavours.
• Pumpkin seeds – a nutrient-dense nibble.
• Baked apple chips – a naturally sweet choice.
• Watermelon cubes – hydrating and refreshing.
• Organic fruit snacks – made with real fruit juice.
• Coconut flakes – a tropical twist.
• Chia seed pudding – in a portable container.
• Homemade mini pancakes – easy to eat.
• Cherry tomatoes – a burst of juiciness.
• Soy yogurt – a dairy-free alternative.
• Whole grain English muffin – with a spread of your choice.

These snack options aim to keep your toddler content and nourished from takeoff to landing, providing a balance of flavour, nutrition, and convenience.

Best Healthy Snack Options For Toddlers

Healthy snack ideas are a cornerstone of a peaceful flight with toddlers, especially on those long-haul flights where options may be limited. Here are some top healthy travel snacks that are perfect for young children and easy for parents to manage in a confined space like an airplane.

Hard-boiled eggs are a solid food item rich in protein and can help keep your toddler’s hunger at bay. They’re a filling snack and can be a good option for parents looking for something wholesome and substantial. Just peel them in advance for mess-free eating.

For a dairy delight, consider packing some individual portions of cheese sticks . They’re mess-free, don’t require spreading, and don’t come with the extra cost of pre-packaged snacks you’ll find at the airport. Plus, the calcium and protein are great for young kids.

Dried fruit, like raisins or apricots , can be a great airplane snack, providing a natural sweetness without the spike in sugar levels. They’re easy to pack in small plastic bags and don’t create a huge mess. Remember to balance these with other snacks, as the concentrated sugar content can still be quite high.

Whole grain cereal or oatmeal packets can be a surprisingly convenient and healthy option. Many flights offer hot water, which can be used to quickly prepare oatmeal. For cereal, you can bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing airport security, add some milk from the flight attendants, and you’ve got a healthy snack. Plus, the whole grains will provide lasting energy for those long trips.

Sippy cups or spill-proof containers with your child’s favourite beverage can be a lifesaver. Fill them with water after going through airport security to ensure your toddler stays hydrated throughout the flight.

For a vegetable fix, snap peas or sliced bell peppers are refreshing, hydrating, and packed with vitamins. They also provide that satisfying crunch toddlers love.

Lastly, don’t forget about food pouches containing pureed fruits and vegetables , which are a great way to include baby food for younger children without the need for spoons and bowls. They’re a healthy snack option, easy to consume, and some are even designed to be served at room temperature, making them a hassle-free snack for air travel.

By selecting a variety of snacks, you’re not just catering to the nutritional needs of your toddler, but also keeping them engaged with different tastes and textures. This approach minimizes fuss and maximizes satisfaction for both parents and young travellers, ensuring a smoother journey to your final destination.

Tips for Bringing Snacks on a Plane

When flying with toddlers , being prepared with the right snacks can make your air travel experience far more enjoyable. Knowing the TSA regulations and best practices for packing can save you time at the security checkpoint and ensure you have a happy, well-fed little traveller on your next flight.

Understanding TSA Regulations

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with TSA rules regarding what snacks and drinks you can carry onto the plane. Solid food items like sandwiches, granola bars, and crackers can be packed directly in your carry-on bags . If you’re carrying liquids or gels for your young children, such as baby food or breast milk, the TSA allows these in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces, and they don’t need to fit within a quart-sized bag. However, they must be presented to the officers at the security checkpoint for additional screening.

Packing Strategies for Carry-On Luggage

When it comes to organizing snacks in your carry-on, clear plastic bags are your friend. They can be easily scanned by security and also allow you to see and grab snacks quickly during the flight. Using separate bags for different types of snacks can help keep things organized—think one for dry snacks, another for fruits and veggies, and a separate one for any liquids or gels.

Snack containers specifically designed for toddlers, such as the Munchkin Snack Catcher, can also be incredibly helpful. These not only prevent spills but also allow toddlers to help themselves, which is a great way to keep them occupied.

Quantity and Accessibility

When deciding on the quantity, it’s a great idea to pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. Delays are common, and the last thing you want is to run out of food with no access to additional supplies. A good mix of protein, carbs, and fats will keep energy levels steady.

Accessibility is key during a flight. Keep the most frequently needed snacks in an outside pocket or at the top of your bag so you can get to them without rummaging. This is where an empty water bottle can come in handy, too. Once you’re through airport security, fill it up at a water fountain so you’ll always have hydration close at hand.

Lastly, remember that while flight attendants can often help with basic needs, they might not always be available right when your toddler needs a snack. Having everything within arm’s reach means you won’t be caught off guard at the first signs of a hungry whimper.

By following these tips and preparing in advance, you’ll ensure that snack time is one of the smoothest parts of your journey, keeping both you and your young kids content until you reach your destination.

Toddler Travel Nutrition 101

Travelling with toddlers presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a nutritious diet. It’s essential to prioritize travel-friendly foods that provide sustained energy and support overall health without causing discomfort during the flight.

Choosing the Right Types of Food

For young kids on the go, whole foods are the best option. Whole grain sandwiches with lean protein, like turkey or chicken, can be a great source of energy. Foods that are rich in fibre, such as fruits and whole-grain crackers, help maintain regular digestion, which is especially important during long-haul flights.

Hydration is another crucial element of travel nutrition. Dry airplane cabins can lead to dehydration much quicker than most realize. Encourage your toddler to drink water regularly throughout the flight. Bringing an empty sippy cup or a spill-proof bottle to fill up after passing through security can make this easier.

Foods to Avoid

It’s wise to avoid giving toddlers foods that are high in sugar, as these can lead to energy spikes followed by a significant drop, which might result in mid-air tantrums. Also, steer clear of overly salty foods, as they can exacerbate dehydration. Be cautious with new foods; a long trip is not the best time to introduce something unfamiliar that could upset your child’s stomach.

Additionally, try to minimize any foods that might create a huge mess. Stick to snacks that are easy to handle and won’t leave your seat looking like a battle zone. This will not only keep your toddler clean but also minimize the cleanup you have to do before disembarking.

Meal Timing

When planning for the trip, consider your flight schedule and how it aligns with your toddler’s usual meal times. A good strategy is to have a substantial meal before the flight to mitigate hunger during the journey. However, having a variety of snacks on hand to offer at regular intervals can help prevent hunger-related fussiness. Offering something to munch on during takeoff and landing can also help with ear pressure changes, with the bonus of keeping your toddler distracted during these critical times.

Remember, while air travel can disrupt regular meal routines, sticking as closely as possible to your toddler’s normal eating schedule can help maintain a sense of normalcy and prevent hunger from turning into hanger.

By focusing on hydration, nutritious food choices, and smart meal timing, you’ll be setting the foundation for a more pleasant travel experience for you and your young children, ensuring that you all arrive at your destination ready to enjoy the trip.

Pre-Flight Prep for Your Toddler

Preparing for a flight with a 2-year-old means considering how to best balance their meals and snacks before boarding. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring your toddler is content, well-fed, and ready for the adventure of flying.

Pre-Boarding Meal Suggestions

Before heading to the airport, aim to give your 2-year-old a balanced meal. This meal should include a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy. For instance, a peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread with slices of banana offers both nutrition and appeal to young kids. The protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter will keep your child satiated, while the carbs provide immediate energy without too much sugar.

Balancing Meals and Snacks

The timing of this meal is crucial. Plan to have this meal finished at least an hour before you leave for the airport to allow for digestion and to prevent any discomfort during the journey to the airport. After this meal, avoid heavy foods that might make your toddler feel sluggish or uncomfortable.

When it comes to snacks, pack a variety of options. Fresh fruit like apple slices can be refreshing and won’t cause a sugar rush. Small portions of granola bars or yogurt tubes can also be good options, offering nutrition without filling them up too much before the flight.

Integrating Snack Time Into Pre-Flight Routine

Snack time isn’t just about eating; it’s an integral part of the pre-flight routine that can also serve as a distraction and comfort during the hectic process of getting to your gate. Having a snack before the flight can also help in situations where takeoff is delayed, and meal services are postponed.

Bringing familiar snacks from home can also provide a sense of comfort and routine, which is beneficial for toddlers when travelling. The familiarity can have a calming effect, which is always a plus before embarking on a flight.

Lastly, remember to use snack time as an opportunity for your toddler to hydrate. Offering an easy-to-drink-from sippy cup with water can keep them hydrated before the dry cabin air takes its toll.

With these pre-flight prep strategies, you can help ensure your 2-year-old is as comfortable as possible, setting the stage for a smooth takeoff to your next flight.

Creative Airplane Snack Box Ideas

Creating an engaging snack box for your toddler can turn snack time into an exciting activity on a flight. The key is to include a variety of textures and food groups, ensuring that it’s not just nutritious but also interesting for your little one.

Assembling a Visually Appealing Snack Box

Start with a colourful assortment of fresh fruit. Baby carrots and apple slices offer a satisfying crunch and are a hit with most young kids. For a dose of dairy, you can add cheese sticks or cubes – they’re a good source of calcium and protein, and their firm texture makes them easy to handle.

Variety is Key

Incorporating a range of textures and food groups keeps things interesting and caters to your toddler’s evolving palate. Soft foods like food pouches with pureed fruits or vegetables are mess-free and easy to consume, especially for younger children. Pair these with some whole grain cereal or cereal bars for a bit of crunch.

For protein, hard-boiled eggs can be a filling snack, or you can opt for granola bars that contain nuts (if allergies are not a concern). Peanut butter can also be a versatile addition – try spreading it on whole-grain bread or rice cakes.

Fun and Engagement

To keep your toddler’s attention, turn snack time into a game. Small containers or a Munchkin snack catcher can add an element of fun and minimize spills. They allow little hands to practice fine motor skills while they reach for their snacks.

Create little “snack packs” within the box using silicone cupcake liners or small, colourful containers to separate the snacks. This not only makes it visually appealing but also gives your toddler a sense of surprise as they discover what’s in each section.

Include a mix of familiar favourites and maybe one or two new snacks. The excitement of something new can be quite engaging for a toddler, as long as you’re confident it won’t cause any adverse reactions.

Finally, consider a ‘DIY’ element in the snack box. For example, provide individual portions of cream cheese and let your toddler spread it on a bagel or some crackers. This activity can keep them occupied and encourage them to eat.

By putting a little thought into your snack box, you not only provide nourishment for your toddler during the flight but also turn snack time into an entertaining diversion, keeping them occupied and content as you make your way to your final destination.

Packing Hacks for Toddler Snacks

Packing snacks for your toddler for air travel can seem daunting, but with a few hacks and the right materials, it can be a breeze. Efficiency is key, so here are some practical tips to make sure your snacks are packed in the best possible way.

Choosing the Right Containers

Invest in good-quality, spill-proof containers. Munchkin snack catchers are great for dry snacks as they prevent spills and give your toddler easy access.

For liquids or semi-solids like yogurt or applesauce, airtight containers with secure lids are a must. We’ve loved the Yumbox containers which we’ve used for years for our oldest’s school lunches. They do claim they are leakproof, but that isn’t always the case for super liquidy things like yogurt or applesauce but if you keep the case reasonably upright most of the time the contents do stay apart quite well. Silicone tubes or reusable food pouches are great for mess-free snacking and can be easily held by small hands.

Packing Materials

To keep snacks like fresh fruit or string cheese at a cool temperature, use small ice packs. They are TSA-compliant as long as they’re frozen solid when going through airport security. Wrap these ice packs with paper towels to absorb condensation and prevent other snacks from getting soggy.

Efficient Packing

Plan and prep your snacks ahead of the flight. Portioning out snacks into individual servings not only saves space but also makes it easier to hand a snack to your toddler without fuss during the flight. Utilize stackable containers that can neatly fit into each other to save space in your carry-on bags.

Organization Hacks

Use a separate bag or a compartment in your carry-on specifically for snacks. This makes it easier to find what you need without having to rummage through other belongings. Clear plastic bags can be handy for grouping together smaller items, and they allow flight attendants to quickly see what’s inside, making the security check a smoother process.

Accessibility

Pack the snacks you’re likely to use first on top or in an easy-to-reach spot. It’s a good idea to have a few snacks ready in your seat pocket if you can’t access your overhead luggage right away.

By planning ahead and packing your toddler’s snacks in an organized and efficient way, you ensure that you have one less thing to worry about during your journey. This preparation means you can focus on the excitement of the trip with your young kids, rather than the stress of rummaging for snacks mid-flight.

Wrapping Up The Best Airplane Snacks For Toddlers

Wrapping up, keeping your toddler happy and well-fed on a flight boils down to choosing the right snacks and packing them smartly. Remember, long flights demand snacks that are not only nutritious but also engaging. Peanut butter on whole-grain bread, fresh fruit, and individual portions of cheese and crackers can be both satisfying and entertaining for your little traveller.

Always check the TSA website for updates on what you can bring on board and use those ice packs to keep baby food and yogurt tubes cool. Explain to flight attendants that you have baby food and breast milk with you; they’re usually more than willing to help.

With your snack box filled with great airplane snacks and your carry-on bags organized efficiently, you’ll be ready for your next flight. And don’t forget to hydrate— bring an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re through security.

Finally, planning and prepping snacks ahead of your travel day will always be the best way to ensure a smooth trip. With these tips and a little bit of creativity, snack time can be a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy the journey and the destination with your young kids. Safe travels and happy snacking!

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BleuWhisk Inflatable Kid Travel Bed - Sky Blue Bed for Kids, Airplane Seat Extender for Kids - Plane Bed for Toddler Baby Air Mattress, Toddler Blow Up Bed with Sides Pump and Belt, Kids Air Bed

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About this item.

• The inflatable bed for traveling kids will provide your baby with the most comfortable place during the flight, which any adult would envy
• The size of the toddler bed for toddler is made to fit most airplane seats, with a maximum spacing of 31 inches between seats and a seat width of 20 inches
• The high side borders of the toddler airplane bed for kids and the special safety belt included in the set will ensure maximum protection for your baby during the flight
• We have included a pump that quickly and easily inflates the toddler travel bed airplane in just a couple of minutes, and the special valve design allows for deflation in mere seconds
• The inflatable plane bed for toddlers was specifically designed for use on cars and airplanes, but it can also provide a comfortable rest for your child in other modes of transport

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Airplane Bed for travel

BLEU WHISK LLC

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, comfort, and portability of the air mattress. For example, they mention it's sturdy, easy to assemble, and very portable. That said, opinions are mixed on fit and inflation.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the air mattress. They mention that it has a sturdy construction, and is easy to assemble. They also appreciate the toddler airbag, which provides comfort and safety. Overall, customers say it's a great product that's worth the money.

"...I am delighted! The quality is super , the size is large. When deflated, it is not large in size and will take up little space...." Read more

"...If you are debating it is worth the money to get a solid nap in while traveling with a little one." Read more

"This airplane bed worked great on the first trip ...." Read more

"...It's easy to inflate, sturdy and comfy. Our toddler seemed to enjoy the mattress a lot during her 1st flight ever. Highly recommend." Read more

Customers like the comfort of the air mattress. They mention that it's easy to use, the baby slept comfortably the whole flight, and the fabric on top is soft.

"...This time, he seemed very comfortable and calm. I definitely recommend this airplane bed if you want to travel and got kids with you...." Read more

"...It's easy to inflate, sturdy and comfy . Our toddler seemed to enjoy the mattress a lot during her 1st flight ever. Highly recommend." Read more

"...I wish it has a regular air mattress opening.The fabric on top is soft ." Read more

"...This gives their own little space and comfort. My daughter slept comfortable and the plane ride was a breeze." Read more

Customers find the air mattress very portable and easy to take with them. They say the design makes it the perfect travel companion for their little one. Customers also mention that the bed is pretty compact and easy.

"...When deflated, it is not large in size and will take up little space . easy to take on a plane I advise! I'll order a second one, it won't hurt!..." Read more

"... Folds compactly and fit easily into my carry on bag...." Read more

"...Since it is very portable and can be deflated easily, it is a great option for families traveling with children...." Read more

"...The thoughtful design makes it the perfect travel companion for my little one. The bed's size is a perfect fit for most airplane seats...." Read more

Customers find the air mattress easy to use and assembly. They appreciate the sturdy construction and simple inflation.

"...It was very easy to use and definitely makes the flight much smoother ." Read more

"...It is super simple to inflate ...." Read more

"...It is easy to use and small enough to fit in the backpack. I didn’t use to hand pump, just inflated myself (very easy to do so)...." Read more

"...Everything is excellent, quality, material, easy to use , etc. My baby feels comfortable in it. Definitely worth it!" Read more

Customers like the air mattress for travel. They say it works great, is super helpful on long flights, and is perfect for trips to Europe. Some mention that it's comfortable and makes the plane ride a breeze.

"...My daughter slept comfortable and the plane ride was a breeze ." Read more

"Game changer!! This was perfect for our trip to Europe !..." Read more

" Super helpful on long flights ..." Read more

"Worked great, no issues on domestic flight ..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the air mattress. They mention that it works well, and the manual pump works well. However, some find the product bulky to carry around.

"... It worked well . She slept more than 8 hours on it during the flight...." Read more

"...A couple of things to note-1. the manual pump worked well but it is pretty bulky to carry around, for my next trip I will probably buy a small..." Read more

" It’s really works . Very comfortable to use. My child was comfortable into the plane...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the fit of the air mattress. Some mention that the size is common and usable even for airplane seats, while others say that the pump is bulky and too big to travel with.

"...The quality is super, the size is large. When deflated, it is not large in size and will take up little space. easy to take on a plane I advise!..." Read more

"...The pump is a little big , but the entire bed and pump fits into a bag that’s small enough to be stored into your carry on...." Read more

"...The bed's size is a perfect fit for most airplane seats...." Read more

" It couldn’t fit the size in economy class , it got stuck on the stead we had to cut it in order to remove , waste of money ." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the inflation of the air mattress. Some find it easy to inflate and deflate, while others say it's hard to infuse and the mattress only can be inflated from one side.

"...It's easy to inflate , sturdy and comfy. Our toddler seemed to enjoy the mattress a lot during her 1st flight ever. Highly recommend." Read more

"...it started leaking air to the point where it gets completely deflated within a couple of hours ...." Read more

"...Our toddler slept the whole flight on this. Wasn’t too annoying to blow up or deflate. We had no issues and were super happy with the product...." Read more

"...at the window, we had a stranger on the aisle and it was very difficult to inflate the bed with him on my lap and another person next to me...." Read more

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Brad Pitt Just Responded to Angelina Jolie Accusing Him of Physically Abusing Her & Their Kids

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New information coming to light. Amid their lengthy court battle for their winery, Angelina Jolie ‘s lawyers are pushing for her story to come out. New court documents allege that Brad Pitt abused Angelina Jolie before the plane incident.

“While Pitt’s history of physical abuse of Jolie started well before the family’s September 2016 plane trip from France to Los Angeles, this flight marked the first time he turned his physical abuse on the children as well. Jolie then immediately left him,” the filing continued. “Pitt’s unyielding attempts to control and punish Jolie continue to take a huge emotional and financial toll on her and their family. Jolie longs for their family to be able to heal and their children to be spared further pain and trauma, and truly wishes Pitt would want the same too.”

A source close to Pitt has spoken out about the situation. “This is a pattern of behavior — whenever there is a decision that goes against the other side they consistently choose to introduce misleading, inaccurate and/or irrelevant information as a distraction,” a friend told People.

What happened with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on the plane?

Jolie filed for divorce  in 2016 and in court documents  shared with CNN , more details of an alleged incident on their private jet were brought to light, purportedly taking place just five days prior to Jolie’s filing of the divorce papers. In the section titled “Why Jolie Separated from Pitt” of her counterclaim against her ex, the document alleges Pitt got into an argument with one of their six children. When Jolie asked Pitt what was wrong, he allegedly “verbally attacked” her and “ grabbed Jolie  by the head and shook her, and then grabbed her shoulders and shook her again before pushing her into the bathroom wall.” The document also claims “Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face. Some of the children pleaded with Pitt to stop. They were all frightened. Many were crying.”

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Rare 4.8 magnitude quake rattles Northeast

By Elise Hammond , Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer , CNN

4.0 magnitude aftershock recorded in New Jersey, USGS says

From CNN's Brandon Miller

An aftershock of a preliminary magnitude 4.0 has struck just southwest of Gladstone, New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey .

It happened at about 5:59 p.m. ET, USGS said.

The aftershock comes nearly 8 hours after the main shock of 4.8 magnitude this morning. There have been at least 10 aftershocks, though most were in the 1.8 to 2.2 magnitude range.

No injuries or major damage in Northeast after morning quake in New Jersey. What to know to get caught up

From CNN staff

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled buildings across parts of the US Northeast on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, with tremors felt from Washington, DC to New York City and to Maine.

It was the third-largest earthquake recorded in the area in the last five decades and the strongest in New Jersey i n more than 240 years , the USGS said. But with authorities reporting little or no damage, and minimal travel disruptions, people soon resumed their everyday lives.

Here's what to know:

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy said there are limited reports of damage and "little to no injuries" in the state. The USGS recorded at least six aftershocks in the immediate area of the initial earthquake. In an area more than 30 miles from the epicenter, three neighboring homes in Newark were evacuated after residents reported structural damage, according to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.
• New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul said there were no "life-threatening situations" after the earthquake and no reports of damaged buildings . There was one report of a gas line leak, but so far there's no “major” infrastructure impact, state officials said . New York City Mayor Eric Adams also said there have not been any reports of injuries and told people to " go about their normal day ." Additionally, all aspects of the New York City transit system were operating safely, said Metropolitan Transport Authority CEO Janno Lieber.
• Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Police Department received "over 200 calls" from 911 "in a very short period of 20 minutes," following the earthquake, according to Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. But, there were no injuries reported in the city, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said.
• Connecticut: State officials did not report any significant damage. Emergency management officials said their operations center was partially activated as agencies inspected key infrastructure points.
• Travel: Runways at the three main airports servicing the New York City area were inspected and cleared, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Port Authority also said there were no operational or physical impacts to the bridges and tunnels. Amtrak said its trains were r unning at normal speeds after restrictions were put in place for track inspections.
• Widespread impact: The shaking was felt by millions of people across hundreds of miles of the Northeast — a phenomenon made more likely by a few factors, including the geology of the region itself, according to the USGS. Rocks in the eastern US are much older, denser and harder, making them more efficient conduits of the seismic energy released by an earthquake, allowing it to travel in a more potent form over longer distances, the USGS says.

Amtrak trains resume running at normal speeds

From CNN's Pete Muntean

Amtrak trains are back to operating at normal speeds after an earthquake in New Jersey on Friday, the company said.

It said it started inspecting its tracks shortly after 11 a.m. ET, and put speed restrictions in place throughout the region. Amtrak said it has now completed those inspections.

“As of 3:30 PM ET, All inspections have been completed and service has been restored to normal speed. Residual delays should be expected,” Amtrak  posted  on X.

At least 6 aftershocks recorded following New Jersey earthquake, USGS reports

From CNN’s Samantha Beech, Brandon Miller and Taylor Ward

There have been at least six aftershocks in the hours following the New Jersey earthquake Friday morning, according to United States Geological Survey data. 

The initial earthquake was felt in northern New Jersey just before 10:30 a.m. ET, and the aftershocks were all recorded in the immediate area of the earthquake, USGS said.

According to USGS, the largest of the six aftershocks was 2.2 magnitude, recorded just after 1:30 p.m. ET.

Here's a timeline (all times are ET):

• 10:23 a.m.: The initial 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred
• 11:20 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 11:37 a.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 11:49 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 12:31 p.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 1:14 p.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 1:32 p.m.: 2.2 magnitude aftershock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post that "aftershocks of these size are normal and are not expected to cause further damage."

The governor said there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

See how people in the Northeast reacted when the earthquake hit

From CNN's Jeremy Moorhead and Sean Clark

When an earthquake rattled buildings across the Northeast Friday morning, stunned residents described initially thinking a passing tractor-trailer or freight train was passing them before they realized it was something more.

There were reports of the 4.8 magnitude quake being felt from Philadelphia to New York City, according to the US Geological Survey.

See how some people reacted:

3 neighboring homes in New Jersey evacuated after reporting structural damage, offical says 

From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson and David Goldman

Three neighboring homes in Newark, New Jersey, have been evacuated after residents reported structural damage following this morning’s earthquake, according to the local public safety director. 

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé told CNN no injuries have been reported after firefighters responded to reports of damage at the homes in an area more than 30 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter. 

He said 10 families were relocated from the buildings, including 25 adults and three children.

Fragé added that all Newark city buildings, including City Hall and recreation centers, are closed. He said the city is inspecting buildings for any potential damage and power outages. 

Also in New Jersey’s Essex County, in Montclair, officials believe the earthquake caused a water main break, according to an update from the Office of Emergency Management for the Township of Montclair. The OEM said the water bureau is working to repair the line. 

The Montclair OEM said authorities have conducted a damage assessment of the township and there are no signs of damage to the infrastructure and all schools and municipal properties report no damage.

Today's earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in more than 240 years

From CNN's Elliana Hebert, Sara Tonks and Eric Zerkel

The rare 4.8 earthquake that struck northern New Jersey Friday was the third-strongest to strike the state, according to CNN analysis of US Geological Survey data.

The Friday morning earthquake also marked the strongest since 1783, more than 240 years ago. Two 5.1 magnitude temblors are the only stronger quakes in the state — one in 1755 and another in 1783. Both happened before New Jersey became a state in December 1787, but happened in the geographic area that now comprises the state's boundaries.

The quake is the third-strongest to hit the Northeast in 50 years and the 10th-strongest of all time in the region, USGS data shows.

Earthquakes in New Jersey and the region are rare. There have only been 24 earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or greater in New Jersey since 1700.

All aspects of New York City transit system operating safely after earthquake, MTA chief says

From CNN's Samantha Beech

All aspects of the New York City transit system are operating safely following this morning’s earthquake, the Metropolitan Transport Authority, which runs the city's subway and other forms of public transit, said.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said every part of the transit system operated safely during the earthquake, as well.

He said initial facility inspections have been completed, including inspections of the seven bridges the MTA operate.

“I want to emphasize those were designed to withstand much stronger seismic impact than we experienced today,” he added.

According to the  MTA website , MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) serves more than 900,000 vehicles on an average day. In 2019, it carried more traffic than any bridge and tunnel authority in the nation — more than 329 million vehicles, the MTA says. 

Lieber said MTA frontline staff have been directed to report any abnormalities in the system, but he said nothing had been flagged so far. 

There's a low likelihood of aftershocks following today's quake, New York City's emergency chief says

There is a low likelihood of aftershocks following Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled several Northeast cities, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said. 

Iscol, however, urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant.

“If you are outside during an aftershock, please move to an open area, away from buildings, trees and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location," he said at a news conference Friday alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Iscol said there were no major impacts or safety events related to the earthquake, and added that New Yorkers can call 311 to report any damage. 

The quake, he said, triggered the activation of the city's emergency response teams and prompted officials to issue guidance to the public. 

“We activated our protocols for this earthquake, we immediately began coordinating with all city, state, federal and our utility partners. Public notifications were sent out both by Notify NYC and our wireless emergency alert system,” he said.

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