10 Tips for Flying with Children

Flying with children can be one of the most challenging aspects of family travel, but it doesn't have to be chaotic. The golden rule of air travel with kids is simple yet powerful: a calm parent equals a calm child. Children are remarkably sensitive to their parents' anxiety and stress levels. When you approach the flight with confidence and composure, your child is far more likely to feel secure and relaxed. This is precisely why thorough preparation is not just helpful—it's essential. By planning ahead and implementing the right strategies, you can transform what might otherwise be a stressful experience into a manageable, even enjoyable journey for the entire family.

1. Choose the Right Flight Time for Your Child's Sleep Schedule

One of the most underrated aspects of flying with children is selecting the appropriate flight time. The key is to align the flight duration with your child's natural rhythms.

For long-haul flights, book flights that coincide with your child's normal sleep schedule. If your child typically naps in the afternoon or sleeps at night, schedule your flight during those hours. A well-rested child is infinitely easier to manage than a tired, cranky one. If your child sleeps through most of a 10-hour flight, you've essentially solved half your potential problems.

For short flights, the opposite strategy applies. Book flights during your child's waking hours when they're naturally active and alert. A two-hour flight during sleep time can be particularly difficult because your child may struggle to fall asleep in an unfamiliar environment, leading to restlessness and frustration for everyone nearby.

2. Take Advantage of Airport Services and Fast-Track Options

Navigating the airport with young children can be overwhelming, but many airports offer valuable services specifically designed to make your journey smoother.

Family and fast-track security lines are available at most major airports around the world. These dedicated lanes allow families traveling with small children to bypass standard security queues, significantly reducing wait times and stress. The process is typically the same as regular security, but with considerably fewer people ahead of you.

Priority boarding and lounge access are additional benefits worth exploring. Many business class lounges offer complimentary access for children traveling with paying adults, and some airlines grant free lounge access to families with young children, even when flying economy. These lounges typically provide comfortable seating, quieter environments, entertainment options, and refreshments — all of which help your child settle down before boarding.

Family restrooms at modern airports are another valuable resource. These spacious facilities allow you to change diapers, clothing, or help your child use the bathroom with privacy and ample space.

Take time before your trip to research what your departure and arrival airports offer. A simple phone call or website visit can reveal shortcuts that make your airport experience significantly less stressful.

3. Invest in Travel-Specific Gear for Comfort

While you don't need to overpack, certain travel accessories can dramatically improve your child's comfort during the flight.

Travel pillows designed for children provide crucial neck support, especially on longer flights. Unlike standard pillows, kids' travel pillows are proportioned to their smaller bodies and are often more appealing because they come in fun designs featuring favorite characters or animals.

Airplane hammocks have become increasingly popular among traveling families. These lightweight, portable devices hang from tray tables and create a comfortable, enclosed space where toddlers can rest or play. They take minimal luggage space but offer tremendous value for comfort.

Portable seat extenders allow smaller children to stretch out across two seats if you've purchased an extra seat, or they provide a more comfortable position when sitting in a standard airline seat.

Lightweight footrests or leg supports prevent the discomfort that comes from dangling legs on young children who can't reach the floor in standard airplane seats.

Consider which of these items would be most valuable for your specific child and flight duration. Quality over quantity is key—one well-chosen comfort item beats a suitcase of gadgets.

4. Plan Your Child's Meals and Snacks Strategically

Pre-order children's meals with your airline when booking your tickets. Most international airlines offer special children's menus that are more appealing to young palates than standard adult meals. Kid-friendly options might include chicken nuggets, pasta, or sandwiches, along with fruit and dessert. Ordering in advance ensures the meal is available and appropriately timed.

Pack a variety of snacks that travel well and don't require refrigeration. Consider including:

• Dry snacks like crackers, pretzels, or cereal

• Dried fruit or fruit leather

• Nuts (if your airline and child's age permit)

• Protein bars or granola bars

• Individual packs of applesauce or fruit pouches

• Chocolate or candy as special treats

Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing through security. For younger children, consider bringing a familiar cup or sippy cup.

Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine, which can make children hyperactive and difficult to manage in a confined space. Instead, focus on balanced snacks that provide sustained energy.

5. Choose Age-Appropriate, Quiet Entertainment

Entertainment is crucial for keeping children occupied during flight, but the wrong choice of toys can make you unpopular with fellow passengers.

Select toys and activities that match your child's current developmental stage. A toddler might enjoy simple cause-and-effect toys, while a preschooler could handle puzzles or activity books. Older children might prefer graphic novels, travel journals, or puzzle games.

Prioritize quiet entertainment to be considerate of other passengers. This means:

• Avoiding toys with sound effects or music (or ensuring the volume can be muted)

• Choosing activities that don't require verbal engagement like singing

• Skipping toys that require dramatic physical movement

Pack a variety of entertainment options to prevent boredom during longer flights:

• Activity books and coloring books with colored pencils (quieter than markers)

• Magnetic travel games

• Audiobooks or educational podcasts suitable for your child's age

• Sticker books

• Small figurines or quiet creative toys

• A tablet or e-reader pre-loaded with age-appropriate content

Introduce new activities strategically by bringing toys and activities your child hasn't seen before. Wrap some items if your child is old enough to understand the surprise—the act of unwrapping extends entertainment time.

The goal is maintaining engagement without causing noise or disturbance. Prepared, entertained children don't just travel better—they allow everyone around them to enjoy the flight too.

6. Dress Everyone in Comfortable, Practical Clothing

The right clothing choices can mean the difference between a pleasant flight and an uncomfortable ordeal.

For your children, prioritize comfort over style:

• Choose soft, stretchy fabrics that allow freedom of movement

• Avoid tight waistbands, restrictive seams, or itchy materials

• Dress in layers, as aircraft cabins can be unpredictably cool or warm

• Bring a cozy cardigan or hoodie that can double as a blanket

• Select clothing that's easy to change out of if spills occur

For yourself as a parent, comfort is equally important:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow you to sit comfortably for extended periods

• Avoid restrictive belts or tight jeans that become uncomfortable during a long flight

• Choose breathable fabrics to manage the dry cabin environment

• Wear shoes that are easy to remove for cabin comfort but appropriate for airport walking

When everyone is physically comfortable, stress levels decrease dramatically, and the flight becomes tolerable for all.

7. Address Ear Pressure

Physical discomfort during flight can trigger crying and distress in children, but many issues are preventable.

For ear pressure changes, offer your child something to suck on or chew:

• For infants, nursing or bottle-feeding during takeoff and landing

• For toddlers, pacifiers, lollipops, or gum

• For older children, gum is particularly effective

Practice ear-clearing techniques with older children before the flight so they know what to do. Teaching them to hold their nose and gently exhale can help equalize pressure.

Consider children's pain relief if recommended by your pediatrician. Some parents give appropriate doses of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen before takeoff to prevent discomfort.

8. Address Physical Discomfort

Encourage movement during the flight to prevent stiffness:

• Walk the aisles with your child when the seatbelt sign is off

• Perform simple stretches while seated

• Allow your child to change positions frequently

9. Have a Backup Plan for Difficult Situations

Despite your best efforts, challenging situations can still arise during flight.

Keep essential items in your personal carry-on, not checked luggage:

• Spare clothes for your child

• Diapers and wipes

• Medications or medical supplies

• A comfort item like a beloved stuffed animal or blanket

• Phone numbers and documents in case of emergency

Know your airline's policies regarding unruly children, requests to move seats, or emergency situations. Understanding your rights and options before problems occur reduces panic if something goes wrong.

Have backup entertainment packed deeper in your bag. If your primary entertainment options fail to keep your child engaged, you'll have additional options ready.

Stay flexible and patient. Sometimes despite perfect planning, a child becomes upset. Your calm response to this situation models resilience and helps your child recover more quickly.

10. Trust Your Parenting and Manage Your Own Stress

Finally, remember that you are an experienced parent who knows your child better than anyone else.

Trust your instincts about what your child needs during the flight. If you think a walk down the aisle will help, take it. If you believe your child needs extra snuggle time, provide it. You don't need permission from flight attendants or approval from other passengers to parent your child effectively.

Manage your own anxiety by remembering that:

• Most flights go smoothly without incident

• Brief periods of discomfort are survivable and temporary

• Other parents understand what you're going through

• Flight attendants are trained to assist families with children

• One difficult flight won't permanently damage your child

Remember why you're traveling. Whether it's family visits, experiencing new cultures, or creating memories together, the destination and the experiences you'll share make the flight worthwhile.

Remember that the calm, prepared parent truly does raise the calm child. Your confidence in navigating the airport, your thoughtfulness in selecting entertainment and comfort items, and your ability to remain relaxed during unexpected challenges set the tone for your child's experience. With proper planning and a positive mindset, family air travel can become a manageable part of your journey toward meaningful destinations and cherished experiences together.

Safe travels!