10 Survival Tips for Flying with Young Children: Stress-Free Family Travel Secrets

Traveling with young children can be a daunting experience for many parents. We know the challenges that come with keeping little ones entertained and comfortable during long flights. From packing essentials to managing meltdowns, there's a lot to consider when flying with kids.

Our team of experienced parents has compiled a list of 10 survival tips to help make your next family flight a breeze. These practical strategies will help you navigate the airport, keep your children happy on board, and arrive at your destination with your sanity intact. Let's explore how to turn potential travel stress into a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family.

1) Bring Snacks

Packing snacks for our little ones is a game-changer when flying. We've found that having a variety of familiar and favorite treats can keep hunger at bay and moods stable during the journey.

Opt for non-messy, easy-to-eat options like dried fruit, crackers, or granola bars. These choices are convenient and less likely to create a mess in the confined space of an airplane.

It's wise to pack more snacks than we think we'll need. Delays or unexpected situations can extend travel time, and having extra food on hand can be a lifesaver.

We always include a mix of savory and sweet options to cater to different cravings. Small containers of cut-up vegetables, cheese sticks, or trail mix are great choices that offer variety.

Remember to bring along some empty zip-top bags. These come in handy for storing half-eaten snacks or containing any potential messes.

Staying hydrated is crucial, so we make sure to pack refillable water bottles for our children. Most airports have water fountains where we can fill up after passing through security.

2) Pack Extra Clothes

We've all been there - spills, accidents, and messes are part of traveling with young children. That's why packing extra clothes is essential for a smooth flight.

We recommend bringing at least two complete outfit changes for each child. This includes tops, bottoms, underwear, and socks. Don't forget to pack a spare shirt for yourself too!

Ziplock bags are our secret weapon. We use them to store clean clothes and contain any soiled items. They're also great for keeping wet wipes handy.

For babies and toddlers, we always pack more diapers than we think we'll need. It's better to have extras than to run out mid-flight.

Remember to consider the climate at your destination when choosing spare outfits. Layering options are ideal for adjusting to different temperatures on the plane and at your arrival point.

3) Use a Tablet with Pre-Downloaded Content

We've found that tablets can be a parent's best friend during flights with young children. Before your trip, download a variety of age-appropriate games, videos, and interactive books onto the device.

Make sure to choose content that doesn't require an internet connection. This way, you'll have entertainment options readily available even when Wi-Fi isn't accessible or reliable.

Consider downloading educational apps that can keep kids engaged while also promoting learning. Many apps offer features like coloring, puzzles, and simple math games suitable for various ages.

Remember to pack headphones for your child to use with the tablet. This helps keep the peace with fellow passengers and allows your little one to fully immerse in their chosen activities.

We recommend setting time limits for tablet use during the flight. Encourage breaks for snacks, stretching, or other non-screen activities to maintain a balanced travel experience for your child.

4) Invest in Comfortable Headphones

Comfortable headphones are a game-changer when flying with young children. We've found that they help keep little ones entertained during long flights.

Look for headphones specifically designed for kids. These often have volume limiters to protect young ears and come in fun, colorful designs that appeal to children.

Opt for wireless models to avoid tangled cords. Many Bluetooth headphones now offer long battery life, perfect for extended travel.

Comfort is key. Soft ear cushions and adjustable headbands ensure a good fit for different ages. We recommend trying them on before the flight to ensure they're not too tight or loose.

Consider noise-cancelling options for older children. They can help block out ambient plane noise, making it easier for kids to focus on their entertainment or rest.

Pack a spare pair if possible. This backup plan can be a lifesaver if the primary headphones get lost or damaged during the trip.

5) Choose Early Morning or Late Night Flights

Booking early morning or late night flights can be a game-changer when traveling with young children. These off-peak hours often mean less crowded airports and shorter security lines.

We've found that kids are typically sleepier during these times, making them more likely to nap on the plane. This can lead to a smoother, more peaceful journey for everyone.

Early flights also reduce the risk of delays, which can be especially challenging with little ones. Late-night flights, on the other hand, may align better with bedtime routines.

Consider your child's usual sleep schedule when choosing flight times. If they're early risers, a morning flight might be ideal. Night owls might do better on evening flights.

Remember to pack comfort items like blankets and favorite stuffed animals. These can help create a familiar sleeping environment, even at 30,000 feet.

6) Book a Window and Aisle Seat

When flying with young children, we've found that booking a window and aisle seat can be a game-changer. This strategy gives us more control over our seating arrangement and offers several benefits.

By choosing these seats, we create a buffer zone for our little ones. The window seat provides entertainment and a view, keeping kids engaged during the flight. Meanwhile, the aisle seat allows easy access for bathroom trips or stretching our legs.

If we're lucky and the middle seat remains empty, we've scored extra space for our family. Even if someone books that middle seat, they're often willing to swap for the aisle or window, giving us a row to ourselves.

This seating arrangement also helps contain messes and reduces the chances of disturbing other passengers. We can manage spills, toys, and snacks more effectively within our little family zone.

Remember to book these seats early, as they tend to fill up quickly. Many airlines allow seat selection during booking or offer the option to upgrade for a small fee.

7) Bring Comfort Items (Blanket, Stuffed Animal)

We know how important it is for children to feel secure during a flight. Packing their favorite comfort items can make a world of difference.

A familiar blanket or stuffed animal can provide a sense of home and calm in the unfamiliar airplane environment. These items can help soothe anxious little ones during takeoff and landing.

Comfort objects also serve as great distractions during long flights. Children can play with their stuffed animals or snuggle with their blankets when boredom strikes.

We recommend choosing smaller items that won't take up too much space in your carry-on. A compact blanket or a small stuffed toy works well for air travel.

Don't forget to double-check that you have these items before leaving for the airport. It's a good idea to keep them easily accessible in your bag for quick retrieval when needed.

8) Use a Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is a game-changer when flying with young children. We've found it to be an essential tool for navigating busy airports and cramped airplane cabins.

Carriers keep our hands free, allowing us to manage luggage and other travel essentials more easily. They also provide a cozy, familiar space for our little ones, which can be comforting in unfamiliar environments.

During the flight, a carrier can be a lifesaver. It allows us to walk up and down the aisle to soothe a fussy baby without disturbing other passengers. Some babies even fall asleep more easily when snuggled close in a carrier.

We recommend choosing a lightweight, breathable carrier that's easy to put on and take off. It's also worth practicing with the carrier at home before the trip to ensure we're comfortable using it.

Remember to remove the carrier during takeoff and landing, as per airline safety regulations. But once we're at cruising altitude, it can be a valuable tool for keeping our little ones close and content throughout the journey.

9) Download Airline Apps

We've found that airline apps can be a game-changer when flying with young children. These handy tools offer a wealth of features to simplify our travel experience.

Many airline apps allow us to check in online, saving precious time at the airport. We can also access our boarding passes directly from our phones, eliminating the need for paper documents.

Real-time flight updates are another invaluable feature. We receive notifications about gate changes, delays, or cancellations, helping us stay informed and plan accordingly.

Some apps even offer entertainment options for kids. We can download movies, games, or educational content before the flight, ensuring our little ones stay occupied during the journey.

Tracking our luggage becomes easier with these apps too. We can monitor our bags' location and receive alerts when they're ready for pickup at our destination.

Airline apps often provide useful information about airport amenities. We can locate family-friendly restaurants, play areas, or nursing rooms with just a few taps.

By downloading these apps before our trip, we set ourselves up for a smoother travel experience with our young children.

10) Bring Pediatrician-Approved Headache and Motion Sickness Remedies

We all know how uncomfortable flights can be for adults, let alone children. That's why it's crucial to pack pediatrician-approved remedies for headaches and motion sickness.

Before your trip, consult your child's doctor about safe options. They might recommend children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches. For motion sickness, ginger candies or chewable tablets can be effective.

Remember to bring any prescribed medications in their original containers. It's also wise to pack a small first-aid kit with band-aids and antibiotic ointment.

We've found that natural remedies like peppermint oil can help with nausea. Just dab a little on your child's wrist or temples. Pressure point wristbands are another drug-free option worth trying.

Don't forget to pack plenty of water and healthy snacks. Staying hydrated and maintaining blood sugar levels can prevent headaches and nausea.