20 Tips for Making Air Travel with Kids Less Stressful

“I can’t wait to fly on an airplane with my kids!” said no one ever. Airports and airplanes can be very overwhelming when traveling with kids.

The first time we flew with our children, my son was three and my daughter was one. I was a ball of stress and anxiety. Since then, we have flown many times with our kiddos. Here are some of my favorite tips for flying with children.

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1. Book an early flight.

We always book an early flight; the earlier, the better. This reduces the risk of a delay, and depending on where your final destination is, it can add an extra day of fun to your vacation rather than consuming it entirely as a travel day. This leads me to tip number two.

2. Stay at the airport hotel the night before an early flight.

Book a room at the airport hotel the night before your flight if it fits your budget. This alleviates the early morning stress of getting your family out of the house in time so you don’t miss your flight. Plus, it is a fun way to kick off your trip.

3. Charge your devices.

Of course you need to recharge your batteries the night before a trip by getting enough sleep, but you also need to ensure all your electronics are charged. Nothing is worse than trying to distract a bored kid with a movie on a long flight and finding out the DVD player isn’t charged. By doing it the night before, you know that everything is ready to go, plus you know you have all of the cords you need for the trip.

I always plug everything in next to my purse so I don’t forget anything in the morning. I also make sure I pack an external charger for each member of my family so if an electronic does die during the flight, we are prepared.

4. Arrive early.

Each airline recommends how early you should arrive at the airport. I always feel most comfortable arriving at least two hours early. This allows plenty of time to check bags, go through security, purchase snacks or drinks, and use the restroom.

Check your airline’s website for the recommended arrival time and other important information, such as the number of bags you are permitted to check, the weight limit of suitcases, and how to pack your car seat if you are traveling with one.

5. Consider checking your car seat or booster.

Our kids were very little the first time we flew with them. We did some research, and luckily our car seats were approved for use on an aircraft. We brought the car seats with us on the plane. It worked but added a whole new struggle to getting through the airport with two little kids.

The next time we flew, we decided to try checking the car seats. We boxed them up after we arrived at the airport and sent them on their way to the belly of the plane. This worked very well. I felt like the box protected the car seats from getting damaged in any way. Make sure you pack a roll of packing tape in your suitcase for the way home.

When my kids were a little older and used booster seats, we used a drawstring garment bag to pack them at the airport. The garment bag was easy to manage and fit both of the boosters.

A final suggestion would be to rent a car seat or booster when you arrive at your final destination. I have never done that before, but I know of other families that have.

6. Keep them busy while waiting for security screening.

Because we typically fly early in the morning, the security screening line is usually shorter, and we are in and out very quickly. However, there are times it can be a super long wait.

This can be very difficult with kids. They are full of energy and so excited for their trip. The last thing they want to do is to be squished in a long line with a ton of strangers.

My go-to trick is I-Spy. There is so much to look at and see in the airport. I-Spy helps pass the time very quickly while still being aware of my surroundings and the movement of the line.

7. Let your kids walk and use the stroller as a luggage cart.

I know it is tempting to keep your children in their strollers so you know exactly where they are, but trust me, you are missing out on a perfect opportunity to get the wiggles out.

I have always had my kids walk through the entire airport, even when my daughter was only one year old. This allows them to burn off a ton of energy, which will help when they are cooped up inside a tiny airplane for a few hours.

Plus, you can load up the stroller with all your carry-on bags and use it as a luggage cart.

8. Find your gate, then walk some more. 

Once we have made it through security, we find our gate and walk even more. Did I mention it is imperative to burn off as much energy before the flight as possible?

My daughter loves the conveyor belt walkways in the airport terminals. She will walk back and forth on them over and over again.

Some airports have play areas for children to visit while waiting for boarding. Check the airport’s directory to see if it offers such areas.

9. Make a pit stop before your flight.

I always pack a few of my kids’ favorite snacks for the airplane ride, as well as some secret treats for when they start to fidget in their seats. One of their favorite preflight traditions is to visit one of the convenience shops in the airport to get their drinks for the flight and pick out special treats for the trip.

This keeps them busy before the flight and adds a little more excitement for snack time on the plane. Don’t forget to hit the restroom right before boarding begins.

10. Get a gate ticket for your stroller.

If you are traveling with a stroller, be sure to check in at your gate before boarding the plane. They will provide you with a gate check ticket or tag for your stroller.

When you board, you will leave your stroller right outside the plane’s door, and it will be waiting for you in the same spot when you get off the plane.

11. Decide if you are going to pre-board the plane.

Every airline has a different policy for pre-boarding with a young child. Check with your specific airline to be sure what the policy is.

Pre-boarding is nice because it gives you extra time to settle in and get situated. However, it also adds time for your child to be sitting on the plane.

The first time we flew, my daughter was only one. My husband boarded early with my son and he set up their car seats on the plane. My daughter and I waited until the last minute and then boarded. This worked out very well. If you can divide and conquer, try it out and see if it works for your family.

12. Do a quick wipe-down.

Flight attendants work very hard and do their best to clean up the plane between flights so it is fresh and new for the next batch of passengers. I appreciate their efforts immensely, but this mama is a germaphobe.

I always quickly wipe down the armrests, seatbelt buckle, and seat tray with sanitizing wipes when we board the plane. Babies and little kids touch everything; if it fits in their mouths, you better believe that’s where it is going.

13. Distract them during takeoff and landing.

My kids love to fly, and takeoff and landing are their favorite parts of the flight.

However, I am the exact opposite. If your kids are nervous flyers or don’t enjoy the feeling of flying up or down in the sky, try to distract them.

I have found that look-and-find books work very well because kids are so focused on searching for hidden pictures, they ignore the funny feeling they get in their stomachs during takeoff and landing.

14. Popping your kids’ ears.

Everyone knows chewing gum helps alleviate the pressure in your ears that comes with flying. However, gum isn’t always the best choice for small children, and some kids just don’t like it.

A different option is allowing them to have a sucker (or a piece of hard candy if they are old enough) when their ears need to be popped. This works similarly to chewing gum. I can also tell you from experience that it works wonderfully to distract a crying toddler.

If you are traveling with an infant, providing a pacifier, bottle, or nursing during takeoff and landing will help.

15. Use your bag of tricks.

The most challenging part of the journey is keeping your kids occupied on the airplane. As I mentioned in my post on road trips, my son is usually content to watch a movie or play on his tablet the entire trip. My daughter is the complete opposite.

When we fly, I always have my kids pack their own travel book bags full of their favorite travel toys. Then I make sure to pack my travel bag with extra items to help pass the time or calm them during a meltdown. 

16. Pack baggies and wipes.

I know it sounds weird, but baggies and hand wipes are a mom’s best friend. You can use them for so many different reasons.

When flying, I always like to keep a few large baggies in the seat pocket in front of me. They are perfect for collecting trash during the flight and can be grabbed quickly if your child gets motion sickness on the plane.

I also keep a pack of wipes in the pocket for messy snacks, sticky fingers, or any other in flight kid emergencies that may arise. Baggies are also great for storing dirty clothes or diapers so they don’t stink up the plane.

17. Pay attention to their feet.

All parents who have flown with their children know the look they may get from fellow passengers when they board the plane with their kids. The look of disdain can be even worse when they realize the kids will be sitting directly behind them.

No one likes to have the back of the seat kicked on a plane. A lot of times kids don’t even realize they are doing it. Be a friendly neighbor and ensure your kiddos keep their feet to themselves. The other passengers will be very thankful.

18. Stay calm when your kid freaks out.

A child in the middle of an epic meltdown is horrible in any situation, but it is magnified when it occurs on a plane. It is easy to quickly get worked up when your child starts to scream or cry during the flight because you feel as if everyone is thinking the same thing, “get that kid quiet!”

Try to remain calm. Your child will feed off your energy. Try to distract them (that secret candy or special treat works very well); if all else fails, just let them cry while trying to soothe them.

My daughter once screamed for the final 20 minutes of a flight because I couldn’t hold her. It was awful and I was traumatized. But I remained calm and life moved on.

Crying kids on a plane happens. It comes along with public transportation, and honestly, most people are sympathizing with you, not judging you.

19. Wait until the plane is empty before you get off. 

This is a judgment call tip. Sometimes you just need to grab your stuff and get off the plane as quickly as possible. But if you have the extra time and your kids are still cooperating, hang out until the plane is empty.

Waiting to disembark alleviates the feeling of being rushed to gather all of your stuff and herd your kiddos off the plane as quickly as possible. It also allows you a few extra minutes to ensure you have all your belongings, your stroller is waiting for you outside the plane, and hopefully, you won’t have to wait too long at the baggage claim.

20. Take your time getting to baggage claim.

Everyone knows it feels like it takes forever for your bags to come down the conveyor belt at baggage claim. The only thing that makes it feel even longer is waiting with little kids.

When you get off the plane, take your time getting your bags. Let your kids walk. Stop and take a restroom break. Get new drinks or snacks if needed for the final push to your end location.

Hopefully, by the time you get to baggage claim, the crowd will have thinned and your bags will be waiting for you.

There you have it, 20 tips to make air travel with kids a little easier and allow you to enjoy the ride and make memories with your family.

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