tips for airport travel with toddler

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Family Travel

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

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

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 some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% 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.

Up to $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.

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 .

Go to Your Toddler's Month

Trending on what to expect, is your toddler being disrespectful here's why and what to do, here’s why your toddler is taking off his clothes and what to do about it, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., using positive reinforcement on your toddler, what to do if your toddler keeps running away.

• Baby and Toddler Travel Tips
• Diaper Bags and Suitcases
• Best Travel Strollers and Tips
• Packing Lists + Hacks
• Baby travel must haves
• Babywearing
• Destinations

• Mom Confessions

25 Tips for Flying with a Toddler

With low inhibitions, short attention spans, and big energy, toddlers might be the wildest travel buddies of all.

As a mom of two who has flown multiple times with my infant and toddler, I’m here to tell you that you can survive (and enjoy!) the flight with your little ones. This is everything to know about flying with a toddler to make it a success:

Planning Your Trip

Before you pack your bags is a critical time in the flying journey. These key decisions for your travel plans can help set you up for success:

1. Time Your Flight Carefully

The hour of your flight can have a huge impact on how smoothly your trip goes. I find it easiest to fly midday during naptime or at night so that my toddler sleeps for at least part of the flight.

That being said, things don’t always go according to plan. My family and I once took a 7 pm flight from LA to Boston, and my 2-year-old stayed awake the whole time. Thank goodness for Mickey Mouse!

2. Invest in a Quality Travel Stroller

I’ve flown with my toddler both with a flimsy umbrella stroller and with our travel stroller , the UPPAbaby Minu . There is no comparison. Having a sturdy stroller that allowed us to pile carry-ons into the under seat storage and push our little guy through the airport comfortably was a game changer.

The Minu is UPPAbaby’s lightweight travel stroller. Although on the pricey side, it folds into thirds for super compact storage and even fits in the overhead compartment on most planes. That means no more waiting by the plane for your gate-checked stroller when you arrive at your destination. You can read my full review here .

The Minu has great suspension and a supportive seat for toddlers. We originally bought one specifically for flying, but now I use it on a daily basis for errands since it’s so easy to collapse and load in and out of the car.

3. Plan Meals Ahead of Time

If you’re flying during one of your child’s meal times, bring baby/toddler food with you . Airport food isn’t the most toddler friendly, and the last thing you want is to be hunting the terminal for something toddler-appropriate, and having a snack in your carry on also allows you to offer it just when you’re in need of a yummy distraction.

4. Check as Much as Possible

Although my son did lug his busy board from check-in to the gate like a briefcase, toddlers aren’t the most helpful at carrying luggage. Since your carry-ons will likely be loaded up with snacks and toys, it’s worth checking anything you don’t need handy. You never know when your toddler might ask to be carried, and you’ll be thankful you’re not hauling a heavy suitcase.

5. Make a Car Seat Plan

When flying with your toddler, you can either rent a car seat at your destination, check your car seat , or bring it with you for your child to use on the flight. If you choose to rent a car seat , it’s best to be as specific as possible about what you need. There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a car seat that doesn’t fit because of an error in the rental.

Not all car seats are approved for use in aircraft , so check with your airline and consult your car seat label if you prefer to use one in flight. We personally have checked our car seats (it’s free!) and haven’t had any damage sustained to them. If under two, your child can typically sit on your lap for the flight; otherwise you’ll need to purchase them a seat and can consider using a CARES harness .

6. Buy Some New Toys

Although the window shade and tray table are fascinating tools for toddlers to explore, you’ll probably want to bring along some special toys for the plane. I like to keep new toys hidden and spread them out as exciting surprises throughout the flight.

When you’re shopping for airplane activities, it’s best to avoid ones with tiny parts, loud sound makers, or pieces that roll. We made the mistake of bringing my son’s stacking cup set on a flight and made a regular habit of climbing under our neighbors’ seats for runaway cups.

Pick toys that are lightweight and portable. In addition to our favorites below, a spiroku toy , a lacing card set , and a buckle square are unique options for creative travel play.

What to Bring on Board

If you need ideas for food, toys, and activities to keep your little one entertained, these are our toddler-approved winners that have saved us on long cross-country flights.

7. Really Good Snacks

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as a mom is that the key to my son’s happiness is to have a variety of food available at all times. Now is the time to make sure you have the favorites—like crackers in a snack container , snack bars , and pouches —and maybe even some special treats.

These don’t have to be junk food. Think yogurt cookies , dried strawberries (my son’s snack of choice that he doesn’t know is healthy), and gummy fruit snacks . These are especially clutch during takeoff and landing when it’s time to sit still and ideally swallow regularly to clear their ears.

8. Spill-Proof Water Cup

When we once forgot to bring our toddler a water cup for the plane, it was a disaster. Think water all over the seat, wet pants, wet socks, and an uncomfortable flight for everyone. It turns out an open cup on a moving airplane isn’t easy for a 2 year old to navigate.

I love these no-spill straw tumblers from Contigo (they’re also great for milk at home). For something with a covered mouthpiece, we also love our indestructible kids bottle from Yeti with its convenient carry handle.

9. Beginner Puzzles

These sturdy dinosaur and pet beginner puzzles from Wee Gallery have just two pieces per puzzle. Packing them up is easy and you won’t be looking under everyone’s seat for teeny missing parts.

You can’t go wrong with a few good books. Bring your child’s go-to favorites as well as a few interactive options to keep them engaged. We love this pull and play board book series, this Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star book with sliders, and Press Here , which was the longest-running picture book on the New York Times bestsellers list.

11. Water Wow Activity Pads

I don’t know a toddler parent that doesn’t love these genius Melissa & Doug Water Wow reusable coloring books. All you have to do is fill the pen with a little water, and your child can fill the blank pages with colors again and again. The activity pads also come with a list of objects for kids to find on each page.

We don’t go anywhere without these. In addition to flights, we bring them to every restaurant we go to, and my son is engaged every time.

12. Suction Toys

Often branded as toys for the high-chair , suction toys are perfect for sticking onto airplane windows. My son loves these colorful cogs and this simple spinner . I’ve also heard great things about Squigz . When you get to your destination, use your suction toys in the tub for extra bath time fun.

13. Stickers

Stickers are a great hands-on activity that lets toddlers use their creative side without making a big mess. We love our Dot It Sticker Art Kit , which comes with four double-sided scenes to decorate and over 500 dot stickers. Melissa & Doug also makes highly rated animal and dress-up themed sticker activity sets.

As an alternative, you can give your toddler a few sheets of colored dot stickers and blank pieces of paper and let them run free. They can also use colored masking tape or sticky notes to decorate their seat back, tray table, or dad’s face.

14. Busy Board

A busy board is a quiet toy with many activities packed into a tight space, so it’s perfect for air or car travel. Our busy board shown above came with alphabet stickers that velcro to the outside, while others come with additional inserts or puzzles.

When we arrived at the airport the last time we traveled, my son desperately wanted to carry one of our bags (there’s something about toddlers and suitcases). We handed him his brand new busy board and told him it was his special piece of luggage. He loved toting it through the airport and watching it go through the security belt almost as much as he loved the activities inside.

15. Fidget Toys

Tiny hands love to be busy, and sometimes throwing new toys at them every five minutes is what you need to prevent them from unbuckling their seatbelt over and over. A good bubble popper , a pocket size Etch a Sketch , and a classic slinky are all examples of simple fidget toys that are great for travel and for restaurants. You can even buy a whole set of fidget toys to keep your little one entertained, but beware of small parts that could pose choking hazards.

16. Doodle Board

A doodle board lets your toddler draw, create, and erase repeatedly without any mess. My son loves our LCD writing pad , which is small and lightweight for easy packing.

Magnetic drawing boards are perfect for travel. Although a bit bulkier, we also love this Crayola Touch Lights Board , which allows kids to draw with their fingers instead of a pen.

17. Anti-Roll Crayons

Parents everywhere can thank the mastermind that invented triangular crayons for sparing us the misery of crawling through airplane aisles and under restaurant tables for crayons that have rolled away. The triangle shape is nice and chunky for tiny hands and promotes proper pencil grip. Melissa & Doug makes a triangular set with clever princess and truck carrying cases that are even more fun than the crayons themselves.

18. Poke-a-Dot Products

Honestly I’m not sure what the geniuses at Melissa & Doug will think of next. I can’t get enough of these Poke-a-Dot books and learning cards. The idea is that each card or book page has several dots for your little one to poke, and something about the sensory feedback and satisfying popping sound keeps them coming back for more.

There are lots of Poke-a-Dot books to choose from—with everything from shapes , colors , and the alphabet to dinosaurs , holidays , and Blue’s Clues . The numbers and alphabet learning cards have also been a huge hit with my toddler and are good tools for practicing counting and letters. We’ve had these products for a while now and the novelty still hasn’t worn off, so they’re a big win for keeping little ones entertained in flight.

19. Kids iPad Case

If you’re planning on downloading some shows and movies for your toddler to watch on the plane, it might be a good idea to invest in an iPad case that’s fun for them to look at and easy for them to hold. This kid’s case even comes with a strap for carrying or for hanging from the seat back in a car or plane.

We like to switch the funky case out for a regular one when we’re not traveling. That way my son doesn’t see the “blue iPad” around the house and associate it with his favorite films.

20. Headphones

If you think your toddler will wear them, it’s probably worth giving headphones a shot. Try a fun set like these kids headphones from Snug. They come in tons of colors and fold up for portability. Belkin and eKids also have cute options for kids.

Don’t be surprised if the headphones don’t last long. If you need to play a movie out loud, remember that airplane background noise is powerful, so chances that it’s bothering anyone nearby are low. And someone hearing Elsa sing “Let It Go” quietly from the seat behind them is way better than a wailing toddler.

21. Sleep Essentials

If you’re planning on having your child sleep on the plane, it’s a good idea to bring the items they usually have at bedtime, like stuffed animals, blankets, and pacifiers. A mini sound machine is also clutch to drown out startling flight crew announcements. Pull these out when it’s time for sleep, and get ready for some cuddles.

If you don’t want your seat taken over by your tiny passenger (and want the freedom to walk and use the bathroom), consider a Flyaway Kids Bed or a Jet Kids Bedbox . These products extend the area of your child’s seat so they can stretch out and lay down comfortably during the flight.

Managing the Flight

Here are some of our final pieces of in-flight advice we’ve learned from experience flying with toddlers.

22. Dress for Comfort

Make sure you dress your toddler in cozy clothes for the flight so they can move around or nap in comfort. If that means sweats, a onesie, or pajamas, go for it. It’s also a good idea to bring spare clothes for them in case of spills or accidents.

Depending on where you are in the potty training process, you might want to bring a pull-up if you’re planning on some snoozing. And don’t forget to bring sweatshirts and layers since planes can be chilly.

23. Splurge for that $5 Wine

Especially if your kid is asleep. Best wine I ever tasted.

24. Save the Screen Time

I’m all for limiting screen time and focusing on activities that stimulate our kids’ brains and bodies, but screens are also a magical tool that can be a huge help for parents during travel.

Giving in to the screen can make the flight more peaceful for you and everyone around you, but it can be most effective if you save it for when you really need it. Although tempting to let your child watch TV through the terminal and at the gate, saving it for the plane means they’ll be more focused when they finally get to watch—and when everyone needs some quiet.

25. Give Yourself Some Grace

As crazy as that child of yours might be on the flight, remind yourself that at some point the plane will land and it will come to an end—and you will never see these people again. Parents need to travel, too, and you’re awesome for bringing your kids along. Go you!

Pin me for later:

With a background in medicine as a licensed physician assistant, Christy is a freelance writer and mom of two young kids. As someone who loves to ski, run, and hike, she most cherishes introducing her son and daughter to the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her precious family.

Similar Posts

The Diono Radian 3QX: My Complete Review and Comparison to Other Radian Car Seats

The Chicco QuickSeat Hook-on Chair: Complete Review and Comparison to the Inglesina Fast Chair

How to Travel with Baby Food

The Ultimate Baby Travel Packing List

Flying BUSINESS CLASS with a Baby – The Pros, Cons, and What to Know!

Is the Slumberpod Worth It? My Honest Thoughts After 2 Years

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

11 Essential Tips For Flying With A Toddler

Everything a parent needs to know to make that flight a whole lot less hellish.

Flying with a toddler presents an entirely different set of challenges than flying with a baby . And it’s due mostly to mobility. Toddlers don’t like to sit still. They’re also more headstrong, prone to meltdowns, and have fleeting attention spans. But the stress of traveling with a toddler doesn’t have to end with your forsaking air travel until they’re teenagers. It just takes some proper planning, smart packing , and a little mental preparation.

For the latest guidance on traveling with babies and young children during COVID, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

To help, Fatherly compiled top tips for flying with a toddler. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Get To The Airport Early

When it comes to flying with kids, some argue against arriving at the airport too early because it means entertaining them for a longer stretch of time outside the comforts of home. The simple fact remains, though: airport stress is dictated by your departure time. And the less time you give yourself to go from the parking garage to the gate ⏤ especially with a toddler in tow ⏤ the more stress you will create. Traveling with a toddler, especially when they’re walking, takes significantly more time than traveling on your own. Arriving 90 minutes to two hours before your flight ensures no matter how long the check-in or TSA lines are, or how slowly they’re moving, you’ll never have to sweat missing your flight. Even better, it gives you a chance to regroup ⏤ order lunch, feed the kid, buy a book you won’t be able to read ⏤ when you get inside the terminal.

2. Split Up When You Board

While all airlines allow parents with children to board first, it’s not always the smartest move. Remember, it usually takes a half-hour for everybody else to board and the plane to start moving ⏤ that’s a lot of time stuck in your seat with a restless 3-year-old. The better strategy is to have one parent board the flight early to stow the carry-ons, gate-check the stroller/car seat, and, if you’re concerned about germs, disinfect the armrests and tray tables. Meanwhile, the other parent walks/entertains the kid in the terminal until everybody is on board, and then boards last.

3. If They’re Still Under 2, Consider Buying Them A Seat

Obviously, this decision depends on one’s finances, but if you’ve got the money to buy an extra seat ⏤ book it. Being able to give a toddler their own space, rather than bouncing them on your lap for three hours, is a game-changer. There’s a reason some parents oppose the idea of “Lap Toddlers” so much ⏤ sure it’s cheaper, but man can it be a nightmare if they won’t sit still.

Two other things: First, if you do purchase a separate seat but don’t elect to bring the car seat on board, consider a CARES harness if you’re concerned about safety. Designed for kids one and up who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds, the FAA-approved harness is both easy to set up and throw in your carry-on bag. And second, if the child is approaching that 2-year-old cutoff but still flying as an infant in arms, don’t forget to bring a copy of their birth certificate or other proof of age. You never know when you might run into a gate agent who’s convinced your giant kid is really 3-years-old, and you’re trying to steal a free flight.

4. Book A Window And An Aisle Seat

If you do go with the lap option, book the aisle and window seats and leave the middle one open. As middle seats are the last to be filled, this increases your odds of scoring your toddler a seat without paying. Worst case scenario, if somebody is sitting there, you can simply offer to trade them the more desirable window seat. Whatever you do, though, don’t give up that aisle seat. You’re going to want easy access to the bathroom and the ability to walk around with your kid.

5. Don’t Fly Too Late In The Day

Ever hung out with a 2-year-old at 5 p.m. on an afternoon when they didn’t get a nap? It’s not a pleasant experience. It may not always work, and your kid may be too distracted to sleep regardless of what time you take off, but booking flights that coincide with their nap schedule at least give you better odds for a smoother trip. Or, if you can’t fly when they usually sleep, try to plan the trip during periods of the day when you know they’re happiest ⏤ for a lot of kids, that’s in the morning. If you do choose a late-day flight, do your best to make sure they get a nap before heading to the airport.

6. Gift Wrap Cheap Toys

Obviously, you don’t want to bring an entire toy box but your main objective while flying with a toddler is to keep them occupied. And the more games, toys, or books you bring along, the easier your job will be. We’ve had great luck with the Water Wow! coloring books , Melissa & Dave’s Reusable Sticker Books, and wax Wikki Sticks, but every kid has their favorites. In addition to toys they already know and love, take a trip to the dollar store before your flight and stock up on cheap stuff you don’t mind losing or accidentally leaving on the plane. And then wrap them individually in wrapping paper like it was Christmas Eve. Whenever your child gets restless during the flight, break out a new toy and help them unwrap it. Let them play with the paper, then the actual toy, and when the child tires of both, well, there’s always Cheerios.

7. Kiss Screen-Time Restrictions (Temporarily) Goodbye

No matter how opposed you are to screen time under normal circumstances, flying is not the time to stick to your principles. It’s not. I’ve tried, and it was awful. That doesn’t mean you have to hand your 18-month-old an iPad loaded with every season of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood as soon as the flight takes off, but some screen time can come in handy when attention spans start to wane. A few hours staring at a phone or tablet isn’t going to permanently damage your kid’s brain. Depending on how long the flight, be sure to download a movie or two, episodes of their favorite television shows, and some digital kid’s books before you leave the house ⏤ just in case you don’t have access to the internet on the flight. And, more importantly, for everybody’s sake: Buy a trusted pair of child headphones and test them out before you go.

8. Download Audio Books

Even better than apps, movies, or TV shows, download their favorite books in audio form. That way their minds stay engaged but they aren’t mesmerized by a screen the entire time. You can get everything from Fancy Nancy and Curious George to Pinkalicious & Peterrific and Cat in the Hat on Amazon’s Audible or from the local library using the OverDrive or Libby App.

9. Use Food As An Activity

For toddlers, eating food on a plane can be an all-consuming activity on par with watching Paw Patrol . If your kid is tired of listening to books or playing games, break out the crackers and let them concentrate on eating for a bit. Will Gold Fish get everywhere? Maybe. But it beats a bored toddler melting down and a section full of angry passengers. Bagels are one of the best in-flight foods for toddlers because it takes them forever to finish one. We often bring an entire bag.

Two other things to remember: Toddler’s ears can pop just as much as a baby’s, so snacks during takeoff and landing are helpful. And second, don’t forget that liquids and pouches still have to comply with TSA’s three-ounce regulations. We’ve thrown away many a good container of yogurt after forgetting it was too big to get through security.

10. Play Games, Lots of Games

A lot of parents are so quick to plug their kids in that they neglect to take advantage of their surroundings for entertainment. From flight attendants and carry-on luggage to cartoon safety cards and tiny plastic airline wings, airplanes are packed with stimuli around which to create games and keep kids occupied. A couple of fun games include “I Spy When I Fly” and “No Vacancy,” in which older toddlers keep their eyes on the bathrooms and try to guess which will be vacant first. Here are a few more airplane games, as well as fun airport games to keep kids entertained in the terminal before you ever even board the plane.

11. Have A Plan Of Attack: Food, Books, Toys, iPad…

No matter what you pack for entertainment, have a plan coming in ⏤ and expect to vary activities pretty quickly. Maybe start with a snack at takeoff before moving on to some games, a little reading, and unwrapping a new toy. Keep your powder dry though when it comes to the tablet or phone. Because you know it will almost instantly quiet any ornery toddler, you’d be well advised to resist breaking it out until mid-flight, after exhausting as many other activities as can hold their attention.

This article was originally published on Aug. 30, 2018

Top Tips For Flying With A Toddler 2024

Travelling with toddlers on a plane who are so energetic, not to mention emotionally charged pint-sized little people can be exhausting.

Two children, 80+ countries across six continents, including two years of full-time travel, I feel I have the flying with a toddler tips nailed!

I mean, I’m over here just trying to survive the day without any epic meltdowns about toast being cut the wrong way, never mind bundling into a closed space with hundreds of strangers for hours on end.

I cannot tell you how many people email me DAILY asking for tips on flying with a toddler! For some reason, it makes us parents so nervous, almost to the point of putting fun travel and adventures on hold for a few years. I’m here to tell you, don’t worry, I have lots of tips!

I’ve taken my kids everywhere and the thought of giving up travelling for the sake of a long flight with a very energetic toddler is not an option. The end reward of a new destination is what it’s all about!

As a family, we have so many fond memories of our little ones experiencing new sights, smells and sounds in a foreign country, making it totally worth every minute on a flight. So with all the positive vibes in the world, I’ve tackled the best way to execute the task head on!

With plenty of preparation, it’s totally possible to execute my flying with a toddler tips successfully. Of course, they may be a little tired or grouchy at times and that’s where my tried and tested tips come to play.

I must point out flying with a baby or flying with older kids is a lot different than flying with a toddler, dare I say a little easier, but like I mentioned preparation is everything.

You can also check out our full toddler carry on travel essentials post here or our favourite travel toys for toddlers here !

Don’t forget to get travel insurance! This is so important when you travel, especially with kids! We like World Nomads .

Table of Contents

• Bring Lots Of Airplane Snacks
• Be Prepared With New Travel Toys

Pre Made Activity Packs

• Best Tablet For Toddlers
• Pack In Flight Airplane Bed
• Navigating The Airport
• Travel Car Seats
• Choosing Seats On Board
• Boarding The Flight WIth A Toddler
• Disembarking
• Handling Delays

Tips For Flying With A Toddler

I love the acronym S.A.S , it stands for snacks, activities and sleep aids . These are the three things that are going to save your ass with keeping your flying toddler entertained and contained to the best of your ability. I will go into this in detail below but keep this little easy reminder in the back of your mind!

Airplane Snacks

Out of all the fights we have taken with our kids, the most successful ones have been when we bring tonnes of their favourite snacks and meals with us!

Yes, it can be annoying bringing an entire extra bag of food, but if their tummies are satisfied and they’re chewing, they are quiet! This has to be one of the best tips for traveling with a toddler I was ever given.

I try to be as realistic as possible with what I bring in terms of mess. Small dry foods are obviously best, but may not sustain an entire flight. I tend to make sandwiches wrapped in reusable food wrap rather than lunch boxes for space.

I always bring bananas as it’s such a good filling food. Equally cut up grapes, dried raisins and compressed fruit bars are an amazing snack. I always bring their stainless water sippy cup to keep it cool and it is super easy to fill up in the airport to reduce waste.

Cabin crew are always helpful when it comes to assisting with warming drinks if needed, providing additional snacks and so on. And don’t forget to order a ‘toddler meal’ in advance! It’s a requirement for almost every airline and they will not have a toddler specific meal unless it is ordered beforehand.

Check out prices on reusable food grade cloth , compressed fruit bars , and stainless water sippy cups.

Be Prepared with New Travel Toys for Toddlers On Airplanes

Having new and engaging activities are key for 2-year-olds that find it hard to sit still. Every child is different when it comes to their interests but throwing just about everything at the situation to ensure success is the best way forward.

I am a big fan of the Keep em Quiet bags , produced in the UK. They are specifically designed to keep little ones of all ages entertained on a flight.

They come in different age groups, gender (also gender-neutral available), as well as the length of trip. If you are going away for a weekend they can be smaller and obviously a little cheaper in price.

They are stuffed full of activities such as mess-free painting, 3D puzzles, snacks, special colouring in and so on. This is definitely one of my top tips for flying with toddlers.

Find out more about Keep em Quiet bags here!

There are some similar travel-specific activity packs in Australia called Busy Bags worth checking out. They are ideal for travelling with toddlers on long haul flights. Likewise in the US, there is one made by Penguin Travel.

You can check out the US version here ! My only criticism with these packs is related to the waste, although many things are reusable such as the re-stickable stickers etc, the Keep Em Quiet bags do produce a lot of plastic waste.

We have also recently discovered these great little globe packs which are designed with your destination in mind. They contain a passport with the country’s flag, and activities designed to introduce your child to the country you will be visiting!

Making your Own Activity Packs

If you don’t have access to one of the travel-specific activity bags, a simple trip to your local pound/ dollar /euro shop to buy a few low-cost items to make up your own activity bag is always an option.

Playdough is a great and cheap toy to bring along and it is easy to make your own. It is extremely versatile and toddlers could spend hours playing with it. A favourite game to pass the time onboard is to bring smaller toys along and hide them inside.

Siblings can play this together which gives you a few minutes of breathing room.

You can also hit up Amazon for some amazing toddler plane toys. Only give them to the kids when they are on board so they will be a novelty. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite travel toys for toddlers here.

Don’t be afraid to be creative either. There is sure to be something around you to use for entertainment. A blanket can be used for a peek a boo or even letting a toddler button and unbutton a cardigan can keep them busy for a while or used as a distraction.

AMAZON FIRE TABLET

The whole idea is to reduce screen time which I love. However, we do bring an Amazon Fire tablet with us as a last resort, it can be quite handy to get our little ones to snuggle down to sleep, especially on a long haul flight with toddlers.

The reason I specifically love the Amazon Fire tablet is because it can be controlled by parents, with very specific child-friendly and educative apps.

We can also download movies before our trip which has saved the day a few times. If your toddler can’t sit through a whole film then download a few episodes from their favourite series.

You can check out prices on Amazon Fire tablets here .

Don’t forget to bring headphones along so you don’t disturb the other passengers. Bluetooth headphones are great as they can move around without the fear of the wire coming out.

Make Sure to Pack In Flight Sleep Aids

So now that we’ve dealt with snacks and activities, let’s move on to sleeping aids. Getting a toddler asleep on a plane can be a challenge at the best of times.

We all know comfort and minimal stimulation is key when it comes to getting our little ones to have sweet dreams. For most of us, if it’s ‘sleepy sleepy’ time on a flight, it can often be the most agonising time for us as parents.

I’ve often paced up and down, stroked my little ones head to no avail. From the bright lights, people chatting and just being in a new environment can be so tough. Having a sleeping aid is key and really helpful if your little one has their own seat.

Check out this post for some of the best travel bassinets for newborns and toddlers.

Additionally, if you are taking a long flight, it may be better to opt for an overnight flight. Not only is there more chance your little one will drift off, but the lights on the plane are usually dimmed. This encourages other passengers to speak in hushed voices and creates a better sleep environment.

If it is a short flight then it may not matter as much, however, if your toddler sticks to their nap schedule consider a flight around nap time. However, don’t stress if they don’t go down as we all know how hard it is to sleep on a plane.

A few other tricks you could try are having little one dressed in pyjamas or putting them on while you are on the plane. If you read a book before sleep time, then bring their favourite book along. The trick is trying to keep to the same routine. It may not always work, but anything is worth a shot.

Plane Pal For Flying with a Toddler

I have tried out both the Plane Pal and the JetKids BedBox . They are both fantastic options to create a first-class bed for your toddler on a long haul flight. Many airlines accept them, however, there are a handful that do not allow it, so it’s worth checking before investing.

Plane Pal is a toddler travel pillow for the airplane that fills the legroom space in front of the seat and creates a flat surface for your little one to stretch out. It packs away nicely and is not too big to carry around.

Jet Kid BedBox For Flying with a Toddler

The JetKids BedBox is quite a different product!! It is a mini wheelie suitcase that also acts as a scooter and is an amazing way of getting through the airport if your little one has the stability to sit on it.

There is space inside that can be used to store an activity bag, some snacks and a change of clothing.

When on board the suitcase has a third function, again, filling the legroom space in front of the seat  and creating a flat surface for little ones to stretch out.

This product is quite expensive, however, if you travel often I think it’s worth every penny. Here is my full review of the Jet Kids Bed Box .

 Bassinet Shade For Travelling with a Toddler on a Plane

If your toddler is under two, you may be lucky enough to bag a bassinet seat. Priority is generally given to younger babies. Likewise, if your kids are anything like my tall kids they may not fit in the bassinet.

The best airline for a toddler bassinet solution is British Airways. They have a reclined seat option as opposed to the box and is literally perfect for kids ages around one to 18 months roughly.

Another great product is the Cozigo which has a double function! It can cover a stroller as a sun and light protection but can also pop up over a bassinet on a flight.

Keeping those hideously bright lights on a flight is the hardest part and Cozigo is a great option to shade your toddler or baby. I have a full review of the product here .

Is Booking An Extra Seat worth it When Flying with a Toddler?

Any flight with a toddler is going to be made easier if they sleep. If your toddler is under two years old you may be tempted to have them in your lap. This is great at cutting costs for short-haul flights.  

However, for long haul flights, the extra space is worth the money. In fact, children still get a discount on most seat prices.

Domestic flights can sometimes have a 50% discount so it is worth checking before you make a hasty decision.

Having an extra seat onboard not only gives you additional space, you will also need it if you are using a JetKids BedBox or toddler travel pillow . As well as setting up a bed on board, they can also prevent toys and other items from falling on the floor and having to be sanitised again.

Post-pandemic there are many other reasons to purchase an extra seat. In your row of three seats, you only want to be sitting beside family.

If you are travelling as a family of three and your toddler is on your lap, there may be another passenger in the empty seat. 

You may get lucky and have an extra seat free of charge, however, this is not guaranteed. Paying for the extra seat gives you and your family a little extra privacy.

As soon as you board, disinfect the trays and armrests to give you some peace of mind. If you have the row to yourselves you won’t have to keep reaching for the hand sanitiser. 

Passengers are only permitted to walk up and down the aisle to use the toilets. No more walking the aisle to keep your toddler entertained. This extra space is also ideal for your toddler to stretch their legs and provide a little more breathing space. 

Familiar Toys and Blankets

Don’t forget the all-important familiar cuddly toys and a lightweight but warm blanket. Those familiar smells and comforts from home are always a winner. I find a fleece toddler blanket really good at compacting down into my hand luggage without taking up too much space.

Travel pillows are a great choice if you are unable to purchase a JetKids BedBox or inflatable bed. We all know how uncomfortable it can be to sleep on an airplane. 

A little extra chin and neck support can go a long way. They are also easy to hook on to your hand luggage and incredibly light. Choose one that is breathable and designed for toddlers to use. 

 How To Navigate The Airport with a Toddler

So now that you’ve made the all-important preparations at home for the flight, there are quite a few things you can do once you arrive at the airport.

From scoring an extra seat at check-in, to making the most of free time before the flight, I have you covered! Make sure to arrive with plenty of time to clear security, have something to eat and play before boarding.

FLYING WITH A TODDLER CAR SEAT

Most airlines provide a seat belt for lap infants babies and toddlers under 2. All flying toddlers over 2 must be in their own seats.

Many of the Northern American Airlines do not provide the seat belt , however, they are available online and could be an alternate option to flying with toddler car seats. You can buy a seat belt here .

Some parents choose to take a car seat when flying with a toddler on board. They purchase a seat and install them just like a car seat. The idea is it gives the child the same protection as a car journey. However, this is not a requirement (at the time of writing this).

BEST CAR SEAT FOR TRAVELLING

Having recently flown to London from Abu Dhabi with four kids, as you can imagine, we were laden down with a lot of luggage. The majority of it being child travel accessories that always seem to be the bulkiest and most difficult of items to travel with.  

This journey we had the chance to test out the new RyRy Scallop portable car seat . It is a very compact child car seat suitable for children up to 105cm in height and 18kg in weight. This cleverly designed car seat actually folds up nicely and can be converted into a backpack to keep your hands free which is always a bonus when travelling with children.  

Weighing 9kg, the backpack is comfortable to wear and comes with a cover to keep it clean on the journey. The straps connect/disconnect with a turn and clip action, and can be packed away neatly inside the cover ready to be checked in as were doing an international flight.  

Our little boy found the seat very comfortable to sit in and fell asleep on the journey to and from the airport. We also found the seat easy to fix into the car as it can be fitted with the isofix connections and also the standard seatbelt harness.  

Overall, we found the seat to be really compact, comfortable to sit in and transport on your back when on the move with children.  

We have taken our car seats away if we happen to be renting a car for example, but we haven’t installed them onboard. Every airline I have ever been on, allowed us to check our car seats in for free. If you are not sure whether you want to bring your car seat on holiday, check out this post.

I prefer to hold my toddler on my lap with the seat belt, especially useful when I need to breastfeed on take-off and landing for his ears to relieve the pressure.

I do understand those parents that prefer to bring the car seat on board for flying with a toddler. Car seats can offer that extra protection, and, well, I guess being in their own seat contains them somewhat.

If you are checking your car seat in, be sure to place it in a protective travel bag . We have all seen how our suitcases are thrown around. The last thing any parent needs is a broken car seat.

A protective travel bag can help soften some of the blows your car seat is sure to face when it is being loaded and off loaded on the plane.

TRAVEL STROLLER AIRPLANE ADVICE

We tend to always bring a travel stroller with us. Depending on our mood, and if our toddler is sleeping or not, we make a call at the check-in desk whether we will take it with us to the gate.

I find it quite handy, especially if I am travelling solo . I throw my hand luggage in there whilst my toddler is walking. If you are flying with twins, having a double stroller will make things much easier.

I check it in if I don’t have too much hand luggage. If I have a tonne of stuff, it’s just handy to have wheels to help. The less I have with me, and the more hands-free I’m going to be, the more likely I am to check it in at the desk.

It is wise to remember it may not be returned to you when you disembark. It depends on the airport. If you feel you will need it when you get off the plane right away, ask at the check-in desk. 

Sometimes they can put in a special request. Otherwise, you often have to collect it with the rest of your luggage or even from the oversized luggage station.

Some airports used to provide rentals, however, due to the pandemic, this is no longer possible. 

One of my favourite things on the market right now is the GB Pocket Stroller . It folds up so small and can be taken onboard. I find that feature really handy, especially if you’ll have a connecting flight and a potentially long walk through a terminal to your next gate. It really is tiny when folded up!

For more information on the GB Pocket Stroller, click here .

If this is a little out of your price range take a look at the Baby Joy lightweight travel stroller . It doesn’t fold down as small as the GB Pocket Stroller however it is light and compact. 

It meets the airline requirements for carry on luggage so it can be taken on board. Most importantly it reclines for sleeping toddlers.

For more information on the Baby Joy lightweight travel stroller click here .

Dream on Me has released a new innovative stroller which has won a few awards. It is a budget stroller and has a host of features. In fact, it is a stroller, scooter, and rider all in one. 

It is compact and easy to fold down and can be attached to another stroller or even a shopping cart. 

Check out the Dream on Me Stroller here .

 CHECK-IN DESK REQUESTS

Like I mentioned about the sleeping aids, the ideal scenario when flying with a toddler is to have their own seat. Airplane travel with toddlers can be stifling at the best of times.

You know how it is with them clambering all over you.  I never bought a seat for my kids when they were under 2. However, I always asked if they had a spare seat at check in.

When flying with a toddler, most of the time we were lucky enough to score the spare seat on board and so we could make sure our little one was comfortable and had space.

For the few times, we were not so lucky, I had my baby carrier to hand to help get little one to sleep. Obviously, an entire night flight is not so comfortable with a toddler on your front but the baby carrier definitely made it easier.

When it comes to bulk head seats you may be able to reserve them before you arrive at the airport. If you haven’t then the seats in the front row usually have a little extra legroom. If they are not available then consider asking for the seats at the back of the plane. 

They are closer to the toilets and could be great if you need to make a run for it. Other than that, request a window seat for your toddler. You may not need to as most airlines try to keep families together. However, it doesn’t do any harm to confirm at check-in.

Window seats can offer a few minutes of distraction, especially when taking off and landing when you are trying to keep them in their seats.

You may also be allowed to check-in any extra hand luggage. You are going to want to keep your backpack, however, if your partner has a bag then that can be checked in for no additional charge. 

This is not true for every airline, however, if the flight is full then there may not be enough room in the overhead lockers for passengers bags. Even if it is not, many airline staff understand the need for parents to be as hands-free as possible.

Getting Through Airport Security with a Toddler

Family security lines can be amazing. I recently travelled through Barcelona Airport where they had a playpen right at the security line.

In Barcelona airport, they also had a low-level machine to push everything, from our buggy and suitcase through for scanning. It made it so easy for us.

However, in some airports, the family security lines are not always the quickest. Have a look around to see which line is moving and head there. 

If there is no family security line, there may be a fast queue. Most passengers have to pay an additional charge. Airport security can be very helpful. Many times they allow families to use the fast queue.

If your toddler is being a little impatient or you are running late, there is no harm in asking. The worst they can say is no.

Gatwick Airport can be hit and miss, sometimes the line is so busy with families it ends up taking longer. The best thing to do is assess each time and see if the better option is to take the regular queue.

PREPARING FOR INSPECTION AT AIRPORT SECURITY 

Try to avoid extra hassle at security and get the long flight with a toddler off to the best start! Liquids will be tested if they are your little one’s food and drink for the journey. I always forget at least one thing at the bottom of the bag!

Electronics have to be removed and put in their own tray. If you have a tablet in each bag, this is going to be a hassle. Try to have them altogether so they can be easily taken out and easily put back in.

Don’t forget to consider your outfit carefully.

Wear things you are not going to have to take off, this is not fun whilst chasing a toddler.

For example, I try not to wear boots and a belt because I know I have to take them off! I keep my passport hanging around my neck in one of those special zip pouches. Again having everything to hand is really helpful.

Being organised before you hit security is key to a smooth transfer. Along with liquids in clear plastic bags, all electronics must go through separately too. Having your tablets and laptops together makes it easier to put them all in the tray and repack them after they have been scanned.

If your toddler still drinks formula or you are carrying breast milk then there is no limit for children under the age of two. This also applies to food and water. 

They may ask to test the formula or breastmilk before letting you go through with it. Some airports may allow water to be taken through for children over two. It is not guaranteed though. 

There may be a place to fill up bottles on the other side.

LOOK FOR FAMILY FACILITIES WHEN FLYING WITH TODDLERS

Most airports have an area for kids to play. Look at the information screens to find them when traveling with toddlers. Some are better than others, Dubai Airport is a favourite of ours as well as the soft play at Heathrow Terminal 2 .

I find so many of the western airports go the extra mile during school breaks. For example in Heathrow in some restaurants, kids eat free at some restaurants in the terminal.

I prefer to eat a good meal before boarding the plane. As strict vegans, the food options are not always that good so we always have our big bag of snacks to fall back on.

If there are no play areas available then simply walking around the airport can keep your little one entertained and help burn off some energy.

Navigating the Airport with a Toddler

Airports are busy places. There is a lot going on and they can be a difficult place to navigate with a toddler. Parents can have a difficult time with toddlers who don’t want to sit in a stroller. Toddlers are not great at keeping up and are very easily distracted. 

The gates can also be far away. Sometimes you can even expect to walk around twenty minutes to arrive at the gate. If your toddler is one who refuses a carrier or stroller there are a few things on the market which may help those little legs.

A case with wheels allows kids to sit on it and is a great way to keep things light hearted when you are in a rush at the airport. The case allows enough space for kids to pack some of their favourite toys and activities as well as room for a spare change of clothes. 

Toddlers can sit on it and use their legs to push it along. However, as parents, we know this won’t last. The case has another feature where kids can put their feet up and parents can pull them along. For safety, there is also a strap which goes around the back to prevent falling. 

There are two different sizes available. The smaller size, 20 inches, is accepted on many airlines. However, always check their regulations before flying.

Check out this ride along suitcase with wheels here.

If your toddler loves scooters then they may enjoy taking one along to the airport. This ride-on suitcase looks like any other carry on from the front. At the back, there is a fold-down wheel which transforms this luggage into a scooter. 

There are many different designs to choose from and there are some led lights on the wheels. The telescoping handle means it can be adjusted to suit toddlers of all heights. 

The case doesn’t hold a lot. However, there would be enough room for a few toys and a change of clothes. 

Click here to see the Ride-On Suitcase Scooter.

BEST TIME TO BOARD A LONG FLIGHT WITH TODDLER

Airlines always prioritise young families to board, however that’s not always helpful! I find letting our kids run around the terminal and burn their energy off is a better starting point to get them to sit down and put their belt on.

Having that extra time whilst everyone else boards can be tricky in my opinion, so this is always our default approach. In some cases, if our toddler is on the verge of falling asleep, we board early and make the most of settling in peacefully.

Some families split up at the gate. One parent takes all the luggage on while the other plays with the toddler at the gate. This is a great idea if you are planning to wipe down the armrests and trays with cleaning and disinfectant wipes .

Use this time to take your toddler to the toilet as well. The toilets are out of use until the plane has taken off and the seat belt signs are off. This means there may be a long wait if they have to go as soon as they board.

ON BOARD A FLIGHT WITH A TODDLER

Don’t be afraid to ask the crew for help if you are flying with kids! If they see you are flying with a toddler, they will normally give you a kiddie pack, if they forget just ask because it can usually kill at least half an hour.

I try to prepare my little ones for wearing their seat belt and provide all the distractions possible during that time. In reality, it’s only during take-off, landing and turbulence that we really need our toddler to conform so distraction is key.

If my kids want to walk up and down I let them. Trying to contain them is really challenging and can be harder doing that than simply letting them stretch their legs.

It’s nicer for everyone involved, people prefer to see a happy child zooming past as opposed to a contained upset toddler in the seat behind. Drip feed snacks and activities throughout the flight, one by one.

Likewise, keep everyone hydrated with water and make sure to have enough diapers and change of clothes for any accidents. don’t forget to include a change of clothes for yourself either.

Leaving the Plane with a Toddler

Before kids, you may have been that person who stood up first and tried to get off the airplane as quickly as possible. However, after kids, you are more than likely going to want to wait until most of the passengers have disembarked. 

This is because it can be quite stressful trying to get all your luggage from the overhead lockers with a toddler while impatient passengers stand behind you. 

You are also going to want to keep your distance as well, so take a break while everyone else gets off the plane. 

Depending on where you are going and the airport, you may have to get a bus to the terminal. If you were able to carry on your stroller then this can be a great help. If not, a carrier is perfect to pop your toddler in while you hold the luggage on the bus. 

Family-Friendly Airlines when Flying with a Toddler

Some airlines are more family-friendly than others. This is due not just for the facilities onboard the plane, but also luggage allowance.

This may surprise you however, some airlines charge for parents to take a stroller or even a car seat with them. Some allow you to take both free of charge and there are a few which allow a travel cot to also be included. 

Most major airlines give parents the choice of two extra pieces of luggage at check-in. 

If you have opted to have your toddler on your lap, then check if they are allowed their own luggage allowance. It should be easy to find this information from the airline’s website. However, if you are at all unsure give them a quick call to ask. 

Additionally, some airlines provide some activities for children, while others don’t. You are probably going to be loaded with activities and this may not be an important factor, however, airlines which provide them are more likely to have other perks for families. 

Paperwork you Need When Flying with a Toddler

Many parents are unsure whether their toddler needs to have a passport when they fly. If you are flying internationally then all passengers need to have their own passport. 

If you are from the US and flying domestically, a birth certificate may be enough for all children under the age of 18. Be aware though some airlines may still ask for a passport. 

It is always a good idea to carry your child’s birth certificate when flying. This is especially important if you and your toddler have a different surname. 

Parents who are flying solo may also need a notarized permission to fly documents from the other partner. These are very common in South America, Europe and South Africa.

Flying nowadays requires more documents than ever. Before it was just passports and tickets. Now there are PCR tests, proof of vaccinations and even locator forms. 

You may also need to show your travel insurance at the check-in desk. Many countries will only allow entry to foreign citizens if they have adequate travel insurance COVID cover.

If you are not sure what documents you require, be sure to call the airline at least a week before you fly. This should give you enough time to get everything together. 

Having these documents all in one place can make check in and passport control go smoothly.

OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS WHEN FLYING WITH A TODDLER

As stated above, preparation is key for any flight with a toddler. As parents we have to prepare for every scenario while trying to fit it all into our hand luggage and staying under that 100ml limit.

A backpack is most parents preferred choice as it allows them to keep their hands free. Having one with lots of storage compartments is perfect for keeping yourself organized.

Use your backpack to store all of your essential items. The items which you may need to get to right away. Any other non-essential items can be stored in another carry on if needed.

Carry a few wet bags with you in case of any accidents. These are also great if you are cloth diapering and don’t want to switch to disposables on your trips.

The trays on an airplane can be a little too high for toddlers. This can make activities a little difficult and may even lead to tantrums. A great item to carry on is a kids travel tray .

The tray has tons of pockets and colouring pencils and books can be stored there too. Along with cup holders, and there is a place for a tablet. In fact, there is more than enough room for all the activities you brought with you. 

It is easy to fold down, easy to carry and most importantly waterproof. They are great for airplanes and can also be used on long car trips too.

For toddlers new to potty training this may be their first experience using public restrooms. It can be a daunting experience for them as the toilets are considerably larger than the small potty they use at home. 

Some parents opt to use nappies or diapers for the journey, while others carry a folding potty seat with them. It is best to try it out at home for a few weeks for toddlers to get comfortable with it.

If your child takes any medication make sure to carry it in your hand luggage and have the prescriptions with you, just in case. The last thing you need is your luggage not making it to the other side and having to try and find the right medication in a foreign country.

A small first aid kit is a great item to have. There are limits to what you can pack. Scissors and liquids over 100ml have to go in hold luggage. However, a few plasters and a small bottle of kids paracetamol could come in handy.

These are great for your trip as well. Landing in a foreign country and trying to find the nearest pharmacy can be daunting. Throwing in a foreign language and trying to make sense of instructions can turn into a headache. 

Having a few essential medicines can prevent this and leave you with one less thing to worry about.

HOW TO HANDLE DELAYS WHEN FLYING WITH A TODDLER

There is nothing worse than arriving at the airport and discovering your flight is delayed. Twenty or thirty minutes is tolerable, however, a few hours delay with a toddler can feel like your whole world is crashing down.

You are worried you will run out of snacks or worse yet activities for the journey.

This can be difficult to navigate, however, there are a few tricks to help you get through it. The first thing you want to do is eat at the airport and keep the snacks for the plane. Many airlines offer a free food and drink voucher for delays so make the most of it.

Try and use the facilities at the airport as much as you can. You want the activities to be used on the airplane. However, if this is not possible try and stretch them out. Don’t forget about the simple things either. Some toddlers might enjoy watching the planes on the runway, while others might want to look at the toys in the toy shop.

All the sights and sounds found in the airport are new and exciting for many toddlers, so take advantage of your surroundings and let them explore.

Flying with a Toddler During the Covid Pandemic

The COVID pandemic has made travelling with little ones more stressful for parents. It is a perfectly natural reaction as we want to keep our children safe.

Whether your toddler has to wear a mask onboard is dependent on age. The WHO recommends all children under the age of two should not wear a mask at any time. 

There are many reasons for this including the size of the airways and the risk of suffocation. If your toddler is over two they may not have to wear a mask on board. Some airlines recommend children over six wear them, while others prefer children over two to wear a mask while they are on board. 

As the rules are at the airline’s discretion then it is best to check with them at the check-in desk or in their terms and conditions. 

The best thing parents can do is to keep their hands and their children’s hands clean. This is simple to do with soap and water, however, it is not always convenient to find handwashing facilities. 

Carrying some hand sanitiser is great for using after security and check-in. To always make sure it is on hand, have one which attaches to your bag so it is easy to use. 

Cleaning and disinfectant wipes can be used to disinfect the seating area and trays. The airline has more than likely done this before you boarded, however, there is no harm in doing it again. 

Have the wipes to hand when visiting the toilets to give the area a quick wipe down or when using the changing facilities.

There is also a great technique to use to ensure you are wiping the area correctly.  The trick is to start at the furthest corner and wipe in an S pattern. The reason for this is to ensure you never wipe over the same spot. 

You may want to also sanitise your toddler’s toys and dummies before boarding. In fact, it is best to keep them separate and to carry a few extra dummies or pacifiers as they are sure to fall on the ground. 

The window seat is considered to be the safest seat on a plane so it may be an idea to have your toddler sitting there. Sitting in the window seat limits your toddler’s exposure to others.  If they were sitting in the aisle seat they would be across from a stranger and the crew coming by with snacks.

Even though your toddler is not vaccinated, there is usually no need for PCR tests or even quarantine if they are travelling with vaccinated parents or parents with a negative PCR test. 

Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting before setting off.

TIPS FOR SELF CARE WHEN TRAVELING WITH TODDLERS

Make sure you don’t forget about yourself when travelling with a toddler on a plane.

Stay well hydrated, take time for lots of leg movements to prevent blood clots and try to get your head down for a sleep while your little one is. Or, if not a sleep, then have a glass of wine, relax and watch a movie.

If you are flying with someone else, take turns. This is the best advice I can give to you having taken my two kids around the world a number of times.

I find that the most draining part about flying with a toddler is the amount of energy you have to put into the entertainment. We rarely have too many tears or tantrums onboard if we make the necessary effort.

If things don’t run as smoothly as you would like, try not to worry about everyone else on board. The most stressful thing about flying with a toddler is trying to make sure they don’t disturb others. However, this is not always possible. 

We can only do our best, hopefully with the tips above your flight is a little less stressful and you feel a little more prepared.

Do you need tips about breastfeeding or flying with formula or dealing with jet lag ?

FLYING WITH A TODDLER CHECKLIST

Here is a  Flying With A Toddler Checklist  that you can print off!!

Would you add anything else to our flying with a toddler checklist? Let me know in the comments.

Ready to book? Find great deals on flights, travel insurance , hotels , reliable internet , and rental cars !

You may also like:

Car seat flying with toddler tips 

Flying with a baby

Toddler hand luggage essentials

Dealing with Jet Lag in Babies, Toddlers and Kids

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. By using them it will not cost you any extra, we will receive a small percentage of the sale. 

Saturday 24th of August 2019

This is a great post. I am flying to Pennyslvania on Sept 1 with two small toddlers. I have booked two flights since it is a longhaul destination. For both the airport and the flight, I will be armed with flight activity packs and books plus 1-2 toys for both kids. I will call on Monday to find out about the entertainment system onboard the aircraft as well. Can anyone suggest films that are appropriate for toddlers to watch? Is the food onboard the flight nice or not? Do flight crew still provide coloring sheets or should I bring my own aboard the plane? I love your tips.

Thursday 12th of September 2019

Hi, I hope the flight went well. Sorry I didn't catch this in time!

Tuesday 26th of March 2019

Thank you so much for all the tips! I am flying with my husband and our two kids to France. (One 2 months old and one 20 months old) We didn’t buy a seat for them so we will have them on our lap. I’m nervous about the trip but it’s an overnight direct flight, hopefully we can get that bassinet and may be an extra seat if the plane is not full but I know it will be unlikely. Can I contact you with some questions before we leave if some come up? Thank you!

Travel Mad Mum

Sunday 31st of March 2019

I'm happy to try to answer any questions you have. You might want to check out our Flying With A Baby post as well if you haven't already. Good luck with the flight!

Monday 15th of October 2018

This is a great blog and I hope to put many of your tips in to practice. What would you advise for getting a 2.5 year old comfy on a 8hr then 17hr flight as we can’t take on a fly legs up or similar - emirates have said no.

Monday 1st of October 2018

Thank you - really helpful post :-)

Thursday 6th of September 2018

I know this is an old post but just wanted to say thanks for the tips! I am flying with my 18 month old later this month - I am panicking already because he can't sit still for more than a minute. This makes me feel like we will be ok!

• Trying to Conceive
• Signs & Symptoms
• Pregnancy Tests
• Fertility Testing
• Fertility Treatment
• Weeks & Trimesters
• Staying Healthy
• Preparing for Baby
• Complications & Concerns
• Pregnancy Loss
• Breastfeeding
• School-Aged Kids
• Raising Kids
• Personal Stories
• Everyday Wellness
• Safety & First Aid
• Immunizations
• Food & Nutrition
• Active Play
• Pregnancy Products
• Nursery & Sleep Products
• Nursing & Feeding Products
• Clothing & Accessories
• Toys & Gifts
• Ovulation Calculator
• Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
• How to Talk About Postpartum Depression
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board

How To Travel Alone With a Toddler on a Plane

d3sign / Getty Images

How To Pack and Prepare

• Things I Needed

Things I Bought But Didn’t Use

Other helpful tips.

The thought of traveling alone with my 26-month-old toddler for her first flight this summer was overwhelming, to say the least. But, I was determined to be prepared. After reading what seemed like hundreds of articles to ready myself, I started to feel a little more at ease There were all types of suggestions like "book the flight during nap time," "pack snacks," "bring these exact coloring books."

I also spoke to other moms, crowdsourced on Instagram, and spent hours meticulously and methodically packing. Honestly, I was probably over-prepared but I didn't want to risk a meltdown—from me or from my toddler. I was ready...or at least physically. All those preparations still didn't negate the fact that I was still a little terrified to travel with my "terrible 2s toddler" for the first time.

If you're a parent of a toddler, then you know that you can't really plan for everything. Toddlers are wonderfully unpredictable. Naturally, I came up with all sorts of "what-ifs" like what if she had a tantrum or a blowout as we boarded? Would there be a fussy refusal to wear a mask on the plane? We had a long journey ahead of us—6 hours total—and I feared the worst but hoped for the best.

All in all, my daughter did great on her first long trip. But after taking two planes, two trains, and countless car rides, I learned a thing or two about what to bring, and what I definitely should have left at home.

If you have a trip coming up with your toddler, I may not be able to completely erase your fears or those nagging "what-ifs," but I certainly can let you in on how to prepare, what to pack, how to deal with fussiness, and more.

Depending on your destination (a hotel, an Airbnb, staying with family), it's incredibly helpful to send as many necessities as possible ahead of time. After all, packing these things or loading them onto a plane with you, is just not feasible.

However, if shipping things is just not economical or feasible for you, you can also rent gear if you're traveling to a larger town.

I was staying with family, so I shipped a car seat to my mom before I arrived. This way, I knew exactly what would be waiting for me once I got there. If you choose to ship instead of rent, just be sure to send it with enough time for your family or friends to properly install the seat before you get there.

My choice was the new-to-market Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-in-One Car Seat , but it was a little confusing for them to install. So, my step-dad went to a certified car seat installation location for help.

If you have family that will be installing the car seat for you as I did, you may want to contact the local police stations and fire departments to see if they offer this service. You also can search for a location or a specialist near your destination . After all, you don't want to try to install a car seat after you just spent hours flying.

Think Through Sleeping Arrangements

When it comes to toddlers, you probably already know how active—and curious—they are. That's why it's so important to think through the sleeping arrangements and try to determine what will work best for your family.

Even though my daughter probably could have slept in a twin bed or on a cot, I still sent a pack and play to my parents' home—especially because she is still in a crib at home. For me, I just felt more comfortable having her "contained," especially in an unfamiliar room. Plus, because she still sleeps in a crib at home, I didn't want her first taste of freedom to be while we were on the road in someone else's home.

My daughter is used to a pack and play, so it made sense to use one on the road. My pick was the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light . It's super easy to set up, was larger than some other models, and is recommended for children up to 3 years old.

Of course, if you're not staying with family or friends, you may not have the option to ship a pack and play. But, you can call your hotel to reserve a crib or a pack and play for your stay if you want.

Overall, my suggestion is to try to replicate your toddler's sleeping environment at home as much as you can. After all, your toddler will be adjusting to so many new things, that having some familiarity—especially at bedtime—will help things go more smoothly for both of you.

Be Strategic About Packing

Rather than try to pack all the extras that go with having a toddler—like diapers, wipes, and bubble bath—I placed an order for curbside pickup at the local Target. There, I was able to find all of my daughter’s favorite snacks and drinks, diapers, wipes, and even a fun bathtub mat. My family picked it up the day before I arrived, leaving enough time for them to shop for anything that was unavailable or missing.

Then, when it came time to pack for our trip, I packed one large suitcase that I checked and didn't have to include all those bulky items. If you're using one suitcase, like me, be sure to save room for those all-important gadgets that are a necessity when you have a toddler.

In my suitcase, I included important things like her white noise sound machine and my video monitor, the Nanit monitor —things that are absolutely necessary but could ultimately be replaced if my luggage was lost.

Meanwhile, in my carry-on, I made sure to pack things that could not be easily or immediately replaced like her sleep sack, her lovey, and her blanket. Plus, I knew I would need these items soon after arriving at my destination since my arrival coincided with her nap time.

Take time to think through what things you can buy once you get there, what can be replaced if it is lost, and what you need to keep on your person at all times.

For me, life without my daughter's lovey and blanket would have been a real challenge, so I made sure to keep those things with us in our carry-on. Plus, if I needed to whip them out on the plane, they were always within reach.

There is nothing worse than for a 2-year-old to ask for their blankie only to be told that it is in the underbelly of the plane. That was not something I wanted to try to explain to my toddler at 30,000 feet surrounded by complete strangers!

Necessities for the Airport and on the Plane

When you are traveling through the airport and flying on a plane with a toddler, there are a few items that are an absolute must. Aside from the things you traditionally have handy in your purse or diaper bag—snacks, diapers, wipes, and toys—you'll also want to think about how your child will be sitting on the plane. Here's my list of must-haves for the plane.

Snacks were the number one item that moms told me to pack, and that advice really paid off. I carefully packed all different types of shelf-stable snacks in her bento box lunchbox, and that kept her occupied before boarding and while in the sky.

If you don’t have a large bento-box style lunchbox , using a crafting box—or even a large weekly pill container—with many small compartments is a great way to separate snacks. Not only are you separating the snacks in an interesting way, but the novelty of having so many things to explore can keep your child occupied for a good bit of time.

I included mostly familiar snacks, as well as some new, yummy foods to spark her interest. We flew during her normal morning snack time, so she was hungry. Plus, it was fun for her to try new things. Get creative when packing snacks for your flight. You will be glad you did.

Wipes and Diapers

When you have a toddler, you can never have too many wipes. After all, there are diapers to change as well as messy fingers and faces to deal with. In my bag, I included travel packs of both gentle wipes for diaper changes and wiping her face as well as anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning the tray table, seat, and armrests.

You also want to be sure you have plenty of diapers during your travel time. Count out how many diaper changes you would normally need during that timeframe and then add a few more. You never know when your toddler will have a diaper malfunction.

To make things easier on me, I changed her diaper in the airport bathroom before each flight. I wanted to avoid changing her on the plane if I could. There's nothing worse than trying to navigate a tiny airplane bathroom with a fidgety toddler.

Changing Pads and Extra Clothes

Instead of using the travel changing pads that come in most diaper bags, I opted for disposable dog training pads. As weird as that might sound at first, they are great for bathroom changing tables.

By using these large pads, I didn't have to worry about transferring germs back into my bag. I just tossed them when I was done. Plus, they are great for mopping up water in a pinch in case of a spill.

Another thing to pack in your carry-on just in case? A change of clothes for both you and your child. Accidents happen and there is nothing worse than traveling 6 hours with food or other stains on your clothing.

Coloring or Drawing Tablet

Many people suggest bringing a coloring book and crayons on your trip. While this is a great idea, in theory, I don't know many toddlers that can be trusted with regular markers or crayons, including my 2-year-old.

For instance, on the first leg, we used a Melissa & Doug on-the-go coloring book. It came with regular markers, and even sitting right next to her, my daughter managed to color the tray table. On the way home, I spotted crayon marks on the window shade from a previous passenger, so I know all parents of young ones deal with this.

Similarly, the popular “Water Wow” coloring books claim to be mess-free, but my daughter quickly figured out how to unscrew the cap and promptly dumped water over her entire outfit. The best option, I learned on the way home, is to stick with something electronic while on the plane. You won’t lose any marker caps or risk the ink drying up. I opted for an electronic LCD tablet and it worked out great.

A Safety Device

For children flying on an airplane, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends a Child Restraint System (CRS). If you chose to use a car seat, you’ll need to double-check the dimensions of the car seat and the airplane seat. I also strongly encourage you to you install the car seat in a window seat location.

If you choose to bring a car seat, you can have your child sit in the seat while traveling through the airport. Buy a travel cart specifically made to wheel a car seat or a special travel strap that attaches to your rolling luggage. Remember, children over 2 and children sitting in a car seat must have their own seat on the plane.

For me personally, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to handle my carry-on, our stroller, my toddler, and a car seat, so I opted for the CARES Child Safety Device . This is a seatbelt-like harness that is FAA-approved for children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. It folds up and weighs less than 1 pound, so it’s not a burden to put in your carry-on. What's more, I was able to quickly install it on my own in under 2 minutes.

Stroller and Bag Cover

A travel stroller is a must in case your gate is the very last one in the terminal like mine was. Toddlers don’t tend to walk fast, so having a stroller is key to being on time. Before boarding, I folded the stroller and put it in a gate check bag . There was plenty of room left in the bag for coats or anything else I didn’t physically need with me in the cabin. I bought my gate check bag on Amazon for under $20.

I heard from other moms that gate check bags get quite dirty and sometimes rip due to rough handling, so I didn't want to spend too much. As you get to the jet bridge, fold your stroller and put it in the gate check bag (mine is bright red and says " gate check" in large letters ). The attendant will tag the bag.

Then, you just leave it at the bottom of the bridge, just before entering the plane. Most of the time, you can retrieve it after the flight in the same spot you left it, just after exiting the plane on the jet bridge. In certain instances, it may be sent to baggage claim, so be sure to listen for announcements. Gate checking strollers or car seats is a free service, so make sure you take advantage of it.

Backpack for Your Child

Although there are super cute rolling luggage options for kids, I knew I would get stuck wheeling my daughter’s suitcase while also trying to push her stroller. Instead, I opted for a “ busy backpack ,” which doubled as a toy as well as a backpack to hold sticker books , snacks, and her iPad.

Her busy backpack has snaps, buttons, a zipper, a faux shoelace, buckles, and colorful numbers printed on the straps. She LOVED carrying the backpack around because it gave her a sense of independence, and also really helped me out to have some extra packing space.

There are certain items I thought would be a must for traveling that I didn't end up needing. I definitely leaned on my daughter's iPad for a few moments of quiet time.

Meanwhile, some people swear by headphones, but I never used hers. In addition, placemats were something I thought would keep us safe from germs, but simply wiping her tray table down with a wipe was faster and easier. Here's what I could have left at home.

I bought special placemats with sticky edges for the tray table. When it comes down to it, you have just a couple of minutes to get situated and get your child occupied when you first get on the plane.

So, I didn’t bother using these placements—it was much quicker for me to just wipe down the table with an anti-bacterial wipe. These placemats might be helpful if you’re eating a full meal on the plane, but on my short trip, we only had snacks, so I would advise leaving them off your shopping list.

Though her iPad was a lifesaver, we did not use the headphones I brought along especially for this trip. First, she didn’t want to keep them on her head.

Second, the plane was so loud it provided built-in white noise and drowned out the sound of her iPad unless you were within a foot of the device. Furthermore, all the other passengers were wearing headphones, so I knew she wasn’t bothering anyone by having her iPad volume on low.

Preparing for a trip with your toddler can feel overwhelming. You never know if your child might get overwhelmed by a large population of people or feel claustrophobic on the small aircraft. Although you can't plan for everything, here are some additional tips that can help you survive traveling with your little one.

Have a Back-up Plan

I live in New York City, so I don’t own a car or a car seat. But, when we were leaving we were able to quickly and easily call an Uber with a car seat to go to the airport. However, when we landed at home, there were no cars with car seats available, and every car service was at least 2 hours away.

Eventually, I took the Air Train home (an option from both Newark and JFK in the New York area) but it was a long, unexpected, and difficult leg of my journey. Transferring to multiple trains with a 50-pound suitcase and a baby in a stroller was not easy.

That's why you need a backup plan in case things don’t go as scheduled. Rather than rely on Uber and public transportation, you may want to schedule a car service in advance for airport transfers or have someone meet you at the airport. Just make sure they have a car seat already installed if you're not traveling with yours.

Beware of Packaging

I bought some quiet, mess-free, sensory toys called Wikki Stix for the plane ride that were great. You can create an endless array of different shapes and the Stix have a textured feel that's not sticky.

However, I was surprised that the packaging was so loud and obnoxious. I would encourage you to open any new toys at home (away from your child) and repackage them in a less disruptive bag or box. There's nothing worse than crinkling plastic and packaging that disturbs those around you.

Wrap "Presents"

One thing that worked well for me was buying some small, new toys and trinkets and wrapping them in tissue paper. When my little one started getting fidgety, I would tell her I had a "present" for her. Not only was this a new and exciting toy, but the extra step of taking off the tissue paper added a few minutes to the experience.

I bought some small Blippi toy vehicles, Melissa & Doug's Lace and Trace pet set, and even wrapped a couple of sticker packs. Toys don't have to be expensive to be exciting. In fact, my mom famously tells me that I used to be most excited to individually unwrap an entire box of Band-Aids on long car rides.

It's normal to feel rushed when you have a little one. But, try not to stress over taking an extra minute to put your bag in the overhead or find your boarding pass in your giant purse. People are remarkably kind when they recognize that you are traveling alone with a little one.

Plus, take advantage of the early boarding with small children. This will give you extra time to get situated and you will feel less like you are holding people up. And, don't be afraid to ask for help—multiple people along my journey helped me with my luggage. Most likely, someone has been in your shoes before, and they will be eager to assist.

A Word From Verywell

Traveling alone is stressful to begin with, and can be especially worrisome if you have a tot in tow. We hope these tips help you plan for a less stressful trip so you can enjoy your vacation or trip with your little one.

Federal Aviation Administration. Flying with children .

The Car Seat Lady. Before you fly, know your rights !

By Dory Zayas Dory Zayas is a freelance beauty, fashion, and parenting writer. She spent over a decade writing for celebrity publications and since having her daughter in 2019, has been published on sites including INSIDER and Well+Good.

Flying With Toddlers Tips

Explore Today's Deals

10 Proven Tips for Flying with Toddlers

Are you planning a flight with your toddler? If yes, then for some, it may be fun as their kids love to fly, and are content simplifying watching videos from takeoff to landing. But for some parents, it may be, well, lets just say not that ideal.

Flying with a toddler is a completely different challenge as compared to flying with a baby . It is very difficult for the parents to make their toddlers sit still in one place, let alone a long flight with connections.

But these issues shouldn’t restrict you from flying with young children . To make your journey smooth, you need to plan properly, do a little mental preparation, pack smart, and follow these tips:

To help you out, here are some useful tips that you can follow while traveling with your toddlers.

1. Book a no-nonsense direct flight

Lets face it, flying with your toddler is hard enough, let alone if you have to make a connection somewhere. Your first step to a less-stressful flight starts at flight booking, where if at all possible you can opt for a direct flight . Having a direct flight also helps your toddler to have a sound sleep throughout the journey.

In case you do not find a direct flight for your destination, then try to minimize the stoppages or connecting flights in between.

2. Fly at the right time of the day

Depending on your youngster, it is advisable to fly during the nighttime (ie the famed ‘red eye’). This is simply because there is a decent chance that your child will sleep throughout the journey.

For a shorter flight, you can opt to fly in the middle of the day. This is helpful as you do not need to wake up your toddler early in the morning. Moreover, you will reach your destination before the bedtime of your child. Keep in mind the effects of time changes when your journey lasts more than a couple hours and you're flying east or west. 

3. Select your seats wisely

Most of the time, your little ones love to look out of the window of the plane. So, it is advisable to choose one of your seats as a window seat.

Having a window seat can help to distract the mind of your child, and allow them to wonder at the sights below, and the colors of the sky and clouds. Moreover, you share the experience by explaining what they are seeing.

4. Grab your seats in advance

Try to book your seats well in advance, if possible. It is helpful as you can increase your chance that your family sits together. Booking a seat in advance also gives you the benefit of selecting a seat of your choice.

5. Board armed with entertainment tools

Try to pack some interesting books, activity kits, crayons, and more so that your child can entertain themselves . In this way also your toddler can spend some time quietly without disturbing you.

6. Pack your own kid snacks

Sure, you could get to the airport and search high and low for a decent snack or lunch for your small child, but it's hard enough getting to the gate on-time dragging all their items (plus yours!). When you're done packing for your flight , consider making a list of snacks you can carry-on to keep those hungry mouths satisfied.

7. Don’t fly under (air) pressure

If your toddler is suffering from a cold or an ear infection, then you should consult your doctor before flying. It is due to the change in the air pressure of the cabin that can cause pain in your toddler's body, usually soon after take-off, and on descent.

So, try to avoid flying during such situations. If unavoidable, you need to carry proper medications to avoid the situation becoming worse for your child.

8. Travel with basic medicines

For children who are prone to motion sickness, take along extra plastic zip-lock or diaper bags that can be used as sick bags. These extra bags are also helpful for storing smelly clothes.

If you want to have comfortable journeys with your toddler, then take all the basic medicines along with you. Moreover, these medicines can help you to make your child feel better as fast as possible.

9. Pack the essentials

When you are flying with a toddler, make sure that you have packed all the essentials, including dippers, milk, favorite toys, and extra clothes. These items help you to engage your child and make your journey smoother.

10. Talk to your kids about what to expect

Toddlers are big enough to understand some common and basic rules of flying. So try to communicate with them. Get them ready in advance by talking to them, letting them what is expected from them during the journey.  Pull up your flight's status and show them where your flight is on a map.

You can tell them how they have to behave during the journey and at the time of landing of the flight. Maybe your child will not remember everything, but at least little is better than nothing.

If your child is curious about what’s going on in the cockpit, or any other aspect of flight, read here a  pilot describing all aspects of flight .

Find more help here for your journey through the airport

Survival Tips for Air Travel with an Infant or Toddler

 TripSavvy /  Emily Roberts

Air travel is stressful enough when you're traveling alone, especially during busy flight times. And that stress is doubled when traveling with an infant or toddler, as you worry about checking in, passing through airport security, navigating your way to your gate and finally getting on your flight. But you can get through the process with flying colors if you create a plan of attack in advance of your flight. 

Top Tips for Flying With a Baby or Toddler

Book a separate ticket for your child, even though they can fly free from birth to age two. Do this for your comfort and the safety of the child. And ensure that your child is traveling in an FAA-approved car seat or you may be forced to check the seat. Make sure you read up on your airline's car seat policy before you fly.

When booking your ticket, use seat maps to choose your seats right away, then put in your note that you're traveling with an infant or a toddler. Although the bulkhead seat can have more space, the back of the airplane is better, because lavatories are easier to access, there's more overhead bin space when you board and it's more likely to have vacant seats.

Spend the money to check your luggage so you're not carrying as much on your flight. And check out some tips to cut back on baggage fees . Finally, print out your boarding passes at home so all you have to do is check your bags.

Be prepared for possible flight delays or even cancellations by having extra diapers, wipes, bottles, powdered formula and extra clothes. You should also have books, toys, coloring sets and snacks .

Once you get to the airport, you will have to go through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. Before getting there, read the TSA's list of approved items that can go past security. Medically required liquids, such as baby formula and food, breast milk and medications are exempt from the 3.4-ounce restrictions for a flight. While you don't have to put these liquids in a zip-top bag, you must tell a Transportation Security Officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the beginning of the screening checkpoint process. These liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. 

You will likely have to take the child through the screening machine out of a stroller and carrier, so carry the baby in your arms. As you head to the gate area, take note of the nearest restroom should you need to take care of a baby or toddler emergency before boarding the flight. Get to your gate early and take advantage of pre-boarding so that you and the child can get settled before the masses begin to board.

Ask the gate agent to gate-check your stroller or non-certified car seat before boarding so that it will be waiting for you when you land. Be aware that some checked items, such as car seats or large strollers, may arrive at an oversized or special luggage section separate from regular luggage. If you are missing any of your luggage, check there first.

If you brought a stroller and checked it at the gate you may as well take your time getting off the aircraft, since it needs to be retrieved by a baggage handler and brought up to the door of the aircraft. This takes time, so rather than disturb your baby or toddler even more, wait until the crowd is off the plane and your stroller may already be waiting for you.

Edited by Benet Wilson

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Booking a Baby Bassinet for Your Flight

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

6 Tips for Handling Strollers During Air Travel

Car Seat Policies for the Top 15 North American Airlines

Airline Ticketing Policies for Traveling With a Baby

Top Spots for Naptime at Disney World

How to RV With Babies on Board

Mountain Buggy Nano Travel Stroller Review

Disneyland Tips and Tricks

Carry-On Restrictions for Canadian Air Travel

The 7 Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Traveling With My Newborn: What It Was Like On My First Flight With a Baby

Bulkhead Seating on an Airplane

Air Travel Tips for Grandparents Traveling With Grandchildren

Best Ways to Prepare for Airport Security Screenings

• Ho Chi Minh
• Kuala Lumpur
• NORTH AMERICA
• Johannesburg

• 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 .

Related Articles

• Travel advice

How to Choose the Best Airbnb Accommodation When Travelling with Toddlers

20 Must-Have Items on Your Packing List for a Beach Holiday with Toddlers

10 Mistakes Parents Make When Travelling with Toddlers for the First Time

Leave your thought here cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Sending login info,please wait...

Sending info,please wait...

Sending register info,please wait...

• Work With Jen
• USA Bucket List
• Follow Us On Instagram

16 Tips For Flying With Kids (+ How to Have A Fun Flight)

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

The thought of flying with kids can be exhausting and worrisome, but it doesn’t have to be!

This post will cover our top 16 tips for flying with kids that will lead to less stressful family air travel.

Discover the preparation needed to gear up for air travel with kids, as well as ultimate strategies that will help kids stay calm and happy when flying.

By investing time into these planning techniques your flight will go smoother and better!

The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Before Your Flight

1. choose flight times and seats that reduce inconveniences.

Successful air travel with kids begins before you even book the flight.

Begin by making sure that your chosen flight times somewhat align with your child’s schedule.

Scheduling a flight during nap time is a better idea than expecting them to sit quietly during a time when they are typically more energetic.

If planning a morning flight, ensure that you help set your child up for success by them getting a good night’s sleep ahead of time.

If considering a red-eye flight, contemplate how well your child can fall asleep in a new and unusual sleeping environment.

The last thing you want is hyperactive or crying children when other passengers are trying to rest.

When it comes to reserving seats, be sure that you are seated with your children.

Most airlines allow you the opportunity to choose your seats ahead of time which guarantees that grown-ups and kids can sit together as a family.

If this option is not offered, you may have to pay extra for this necessary attribute.

Additional planning tips: Sitting at the back of the plane puts you closer to the bathrooms and the flight attendants for convenience’s sake.

If possible, seat kids away from the aisle as it can actually be quite dangerous.

Toes can easily get run over or tiny hands get caught as the food and beverage cart passes by. Hot liquids are also at risk of being spilled from the cart.

Finally, remember that not all airlines are created equal when it comes to flying with kids.

It is important to review which airlines are best when flying with kids , as well as to know their individual child and infant flying policies.

2. Review airport security procedures

It is important that kids know what to expect about airport procedures and security checks before arriving at the airport.

Taking the time to review these processes beforehand will lead to less fear of the unknown, as well as make s everyone aware of the expectations required of them.

• Explain the check-in process and the importance of having patience while waiting in potentially long lines.
• Emphasize that the security checkpoint is an important step of flying. Likewise, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are there to help keep everyone safe in the air.
• Review with each child what ‘their job’ will be when going through airport security.
• Encourage children to be responsible for their own carry-on item.
• Explain the process of going through the metal detectors, taking off jackets and shoes (kids over 12), and putting their belongings onto the moving belt.
• Remind kids that their electronics and snacks need to be sent through security separately.
• Last, make sure the kids have not forgotten to ditch any bottled water or juice that they may have been sipping on.

Additional Planning tip: Find a detailed TSA travel checklist to review here .

3. Allow each child to have their own carry-on

For successful airplane travel, equip each child with their own carry-on backpack.

I suggest choosing a backpack versus a rolling suitcase because backpacks can be stowed at a child’s feet making them easily accessible during a flight.

Backpacks also allow the kids to have both hands free when maneuvering throughout the airport.

Allow kids to help choose the items, activities, and snacks that they pack in their carry-on.

This should include their blanky and a stuffed animal or another comfort toy.

Next, have your kids determine if the weight of their carry-on will allow them to comfortably walk around the airport.

If they determine it is too heavy, they must reconsider their choices and take things out as needed. (This prevents Mom or Dad from having to end up carrying it for them.)

*Click the image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

4. Do layers, skip laces

When it comes to our tips for flying with kids, always keep in mind that temperatures change frequently when flying.

For this reason, 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 if possible as it eases the amount of time and hassle of taking shoes on and off during security checks and rest time.

In fact, when it comes to how to vacation with young children , dressing in layers and avoiding the hassle of shoelaces is always a good idea!

At the Airport

5. arrive early.

One of the best tips for flying with kids is to get off to a good start by arriving at the airport early.

Crowds, lines, and wait times fluctuate constantly so this is one of those instances where I suggest to always play it safe by being early, versus on time.

Check your flight status before leaving for the airport and follow the recommended airport arrival times.

In most instances it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to domestic flights, and 3 hours prior to international flights.

Remember, you’re on kid time, so don’t forget to allow for unexpected bathroom trips and other detours.

6. Remember where you park

If you are driving to the airport via your personal vehicle, decide if you are going to park onsite or offsite at a shuttle lot.

Another option is spending the night before departure at a hotel with a park-n-fly option.

Make this decision by comparing costs and convenience.

Personally, we choose to utilize an offsite shuttle in the same lot every time that we fly. We have come to trust the frequent shuttle times, friendly staff, and good security.

Once you become comfortable with a particular parking option, make that your go-to option every time for convenience and stress-free travel.

Finally, write down the level and space that you parked in and become familiar with the steps that you need to take to arrange for airport pick-up when returning home.

7. Have travel documentation organized and accessible

Another tip for flying with kids is to pick a designated adult (Mom or Dad) to be in charge of the entire family’s travel identification and reservations.

Have your entire family’s travel documentation easily accessible and organized by keeping them stored together in a passport holder .

For example: As I am providing the airline agent with our 5 passports, my husband is responsible for getting the checked luggage onto the scale and making sure that it is tagged appropriately. We follow this routine every single time at the airport.

Explain to the kids ahead of time that this is a time to simply wait quietly until the end of the check-in process.

8. Discuss who’s sitting where before getting on the airplane

Who’s sitting by who? Who gets the window seat?

There is nothing like getting onto an airplane and having the kids begin debating these questions in the middle of the airplane aisle.

It sounds obvious, but discuss which seat each person will sit in ahead of time to avoid squabbles and to help everyone remain calm.

Further, it is important that everyone quickly take their seats and keep the flow of boarding passengers moving. (The same goes for the return flight home.)

9. Beware of germs

Wipe down ‘your area’ and your ‘kids’ area’ once you get to your seats. This can be done by bringing along a travel-size package of Clorox disinfecting wipes in your carry-on that you keep easily accessible.

Have each person in your family wipe down the armrests, headrest, tray table, and seat belt buckle.

Though we can’t travel in a sterile bubble, I’m up for taking any precaution against contracting illness es while traveling.

10. Prepare for air pressure

Yet another tip for flying with kids is to discuss with them how the changes in air pressure may make their ears feel “like they’re plugged or popping”.

As soon as you get through security, purchase bottled water to have the kids sip on during both the ascent and descent of the airplane. These are the most bothersome times for ear discomfort.

Chewing gum, sucking on candy, or yawning are also ways to encourage swallowing that will ease the pain or discomfort of ear pressure.

Additional planning tip: If you know ahead of time that your child is prone to ear pain when flying, give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen 30 minutes before takeoffs and landings.

The same goes for motion sickness medicine.

11. Use good flying etiquette

Though it is not your job to please everyone in the cabin, we do have certain responsibilities as parents when flying with little ones.

Common courtesies of not letting children kick the seats in front of them, pulling hair, playing in the aisles, or purposely displaying bad manners are very important.

Likewise, as parents, we are ultimately responsible for supervising young ones, making sure they’re not intruding on someone else’s private space or causing inconvenience.

By staying alert to their needs, not only will children stay happy and calm mid-flight, but fellow passengers will too.

12. Pack ‘just enough’

I urge you to pack ‘just enough’ for onboard the flight, making sure that you include basic essentials.

Packing too much creates stress in keeping everything together and organized, as well as creates additional hassle in having to transport and store a bulky carry-on.

Suggested onboard packing list:

• 1 Comfort item for each child. If it’s a pacifier, be sure to bring more than one in the case that the original gets dirty or lost.
• Sanitizer, wipes, Pull-ups, and diapers. If your child is potty-training or not fully potty-trained, consider having them wear Pull-Ups on the flight, as well as bring a change of clothes just in case of an accident. One diaper per hour of travel is recommended.
• Smartphones and tablets  loaded with your kids’ favorite games, movies, and shows.
• Kid-size headphones
• Art supplies:  Crayons and blank paper.
• Water : purchased once through security.
• Low-sugar, mess-free snacks: Pretzels, crackers, string cheese, apple slices, carrots, and granola bars are good options.
• Medications: Prescriptions, motion sickness medicine, antacids, pain reliever, fever reducers.
• Plastic bag, napkins, and a change of clothes if your children are prone to motion sickness.

13. Bring your own snacks

This tip for flying with kids is so important that I had to repeat it again!

In my opinion, snacks are the No. 1 way to keep kids happy and calm during a flight.

Bringing snacks from home is also a great way to help cut costs associated with buying food in the airport or onboard.

Additional planning tip: Don’t forget to pack a selection of snacks for the return trip home! I like to pack two different Ziplock baggies of snacks; one for the trip ‘there’, and one for the trip ‘home’.

14. Never fly without an Ipad or tablet

Most parents have good intentions when it comes to their kids and limiting their screen time. Let flying with your kids be an exception to this rule, however.

Load up your child’s I pad or tablet with games, songs, TV shows, and movies to help keep them entertained for as long as possible.

This is a great in-flight activity as it holds kids’ attention for long spans of time.

Be sure to pack them kid-size headphones so other passengers aren’t disturbed.

15. Bring s urprises

Despite all of your best intentions, the kids will eventually get restless.

The perfect solution to keep boredom at bay when flying with your kids is to give them a few surprises along the way (that you have carefully thought about ahead of time).

Gift dollar-store toys, special treats, a new game, or special trinkets in well-executed intervals when the “Are we there yet?” questions are looming.

Don’t shower them with every surprise at once, however, and be sure to save some extras for the return trip home.

Additional planning tip: Read my entire post on making activity bags to help keep kids excited and entertained during your next flight.

Though these were originally designed for a road trip, they can be easily adapted if flying with kids instead: 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet? Road Trip Activity Bags.

16. Keep your composure

Set realistic expectations for air travel with kids. In addition, get into the habit of celebrating simple successes along the way.

Though they may be on your very last nerve, always keep your composure when flying with kids.

Consider befriending other parents around you to ease the struggles that you may be experiencing.

This will also help make light of any sticky situations.

Want to encourage your child to sleep on the plane?

• Tire them out before getting on the plane.
• Pick evening flights.
• Sit in the middle seat so that your child doesn’t have to sit by a stranger.
• Create a dark space by forming a canopy with blankets.
• Purchase an inflatable foot pillow so that they are able to lay down flat.
• Likewise, here’s a list of the coziest and best kids travel pillows – something that you should never fly without!

When traveling internationally or across different time zones, be sure to plan ahead in order to reduce the symptoms and learn how to deal with toddler jet lag .

Now, on to planning the next family adventure!

What is your best tip for flying with kids? Is there anything you recommend NOT doing when flying with kids? Jen

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

If you like our awesome tips for flying with kids , click here to check out our Related Posts:

• 7 Easy Ways to Deal With Toddler Jet Lag
• The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
• Family Vacation Packing Tips: How to Pack Like A Pro
• How to Plan and Pick the Best Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Vacation
• Jet Lag with Kids and How to Survive It

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

Similar Posts

10 Fun Things to do in Northern California While on Vacation

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World Vacation: 12 Ways A Disney Cruise is Better

Grouse Mountain Lodge: 7 Helpful Reasons to Stay

Scottsdale Girls Weekend: Best Things To Do + Itinerary

8 Unexpected Benefits of Family Travel (No, Really.)

9 Best Restaurants in Canal Park Duluth, MN Everyone Will Love!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

18 Comments

• Pingback: Tips for the Best Kid Friendly All-Inclusive Vacation | Travel With A Plan
• Pingback: Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park Tips & Itinerary | Travel With A Plan
• Pingback: What to do in San Dieog with Kids: Perfect Itinerary | Travel With A Plan
• Pingback: Top 10 Family Road Trip Tips for your Vacation | Travel with a Plan

I agree with their own carry-on. But, after my son put the things he wanted to bring in his carry-on, I put a few items that I know he usually likes to play with in my own carry-on. Come on, son! A pencil is not enough. You will need crayons or colored pencils. lol.

Yes! The kids definitely need to help choose their carry-on itmes…with a few fun surprises 🙂

I feel like we are very similar – ipads, headphones, snacks and a surprise. My son also gets air sick, so a change of clothes for him, napkins and plastic bags!

Yes! Great point! I’m going to add in a little info regarindg the need for napkins, bag, etc for those prone to air sickness. Thanks!

Not gonna lie — the second time after my kids vomited on me mid-flight, I vowed to fly with them as little as possible in the future until they got that under control… hopefully that day comes soon! Until then, I certainly always carry barf bags!

Major bummer! Hopefully he doesn’t get car sick too 🙁 I’m going to add in advice about this! Thanks!

I love how organized your family is. I always keep my keys in one pocket and my iPhone/passport in the other. I’l take your suggestion of the mom doing one thing and the dad doing the other.

Thanks for the compliment! Yours is a great idea too! When traveling with kids, it’s whatever works! 🙂

Love these tips! For long haul flights we bought an inflatable plane pal pillow for my 4-year-old. We put it in front of her seat so she can stretch out and sleep more comfortably. I also just never expect either kid to sleep. Then when they get 15 minutes it feels like vacation

GREAT idea for long haul flights! We have never taken one, but I will keep this in mind! Thanks 🙂

Great tips! Flying with little ones can be nerve-wracking, so these tips are great for anxious parents! 🙂

Yes, I once was an anxious parent too until we solidified these flying techniques 🙂

These are really great tips for flying with kids!! And before you know it, they become professional little flyers! Great info!

I think it is so valuable when kids can learn to adapt to various and new situations and ‘go with the flow’ when traveling!

Find Even More

Find your next vacation destination!

Connect on Instagram

Find out where we’re traveling now!

Make the memories now

You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling.

With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far.

Destinations

• Attractions
• Girls’ Trips
• U.S. Cities
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Universal Orlando

Free Printable

Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates!

Travel With A Plan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Family Vacation Packing List!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Mobile Apps
• Stream on discovery+
• Program Guide
• Ghost Adventures
• Ghost Hunters
• Ghost Brothers
• Conjuring Kesha
• The Dead Files
• Destination Fear
• Eli Roth Presents: A Ghost Ruined My Life
• Expedition Bigfoot
• Ghost Nation
• The Holzer Files
• Kindred Spirits
• Mountain Monsters
• Paranormal Caught on Camera
• Portals to Hell
• Amy Bruni and Adam Berry
• Destination Fear Team
• Don Wildman
• Ghost Adventures Crew
• The Holzer Files Team
• Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman
• Steve Dischiavi
• Watch Live TV
• Tips for Solo Travelers
• 4 Gorgeous Waterfalls
• 5 Extreme Swings
• World's 10 Best Swimming Holes
• Best BBQ in America
• Tilt! at 360 Chicago

Digital Exclusives

• Big City, Little Budget: New York
• Big City, Little Budget: San Francisco
• Bizarre Foods in the Kitchen
• One Bag and You're Out

From Our Shows

• Bizarre Foods
• Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations
• Booze Traveler
• Expedition Unknown
• Hotel Impossible

Mysteries at the Museum

Top domestic.

• New Orleans
• New York City
• Washington, DC

Top International

• Myrtle Beach
• Niagara Falls
• San Antonio

Explore By Region

• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• South & Central America

Top Interests

• Amusement Parks
• Arts and Culture
• Food and Wine
• National Parks
• Health and Wellness
• Long Weekends
• Outdoor Adventure

By Traveler

• Family Travel
• Girls' Getaways
• LGBT Travel
• Solo Travel
• Travel Tips
• Budget Tips
• Gear and Gadgets
• Hotels and Lodging
• Plan Your Bucket List
• Savvy Traveler
• Travel's Best

12 Tips for Navigating Airports with Kids

Making your way through a busy airport with little ones in tow can be made easier by considering these tips.

Related To:

Family standing at baggage claim in airport, portrait

Photo by: Getty Images/Jim Arbogast

Getty Images/Jim Arbogast

Negotiating airports can be stressful enough without the added responsibility of children, but with a little planning, it can be a fun family experience that introduces kids to a love of travel and a taste of responsibility and independence. In my years of traveling as both a single dad and with my wife with three kiddos in tow, here are some tips that have worked for me that hopefully will help you have an enjoyable time introducing your child or children to the excitement of airports and flying.

1: In the days leading up to your trip, sit in the rear seat with your child as your partner drives around town during your family outings. This allows you to talk to your child about what it will be like on the airplane, and allow you to see some of the logistics you’ll encounter, such as the space you’ll have to work with. Doing these “dry runs” will make your child more comfortable and excited about traveling when the day comes, and give you some insight as to what to expect and how to better prepare.

Young boy waiting at airport boarding hour.

Photo by: Getty Images/Carol Yepes

Getty Images/Carol Yepes

2: Having your child pick out a small backpack that fits them well gives them a sense of trip buy-in and importance. Have them wear it in the days beforehand to get used to it and identify any issues (such as overloading). Getting fun, useful things for the plane such as a water bottle with a clip that can hook onto the seat will add to their excitement and feeling of being “grown up.” My kids enjoyed having control over a small flashlight and glow sticks as a comfort against dark airplanes, and I made sure the light didn’t bother other passengers. Make sure you have a flashlight, too, to find items under the seat even during daytime flights. Cell phones have flashlights, sure, but that uses valuable battery life.

older sister is welcoming her baby girl with arms outstretched and matching clothes at station

Photo by: Getty Images/FluxFactory

Getty Images/FluxFactory

3: Make a note of what your kids are wearing before arriving at the airport, and consider even taking a photo of them. Bold color schemes can help parents quickly locate their kids in the event they wander off in the second that you’re checking the gate number. Dark outfits hide stains better. A change of clothes in your carry on for both kids and parents in the event of spilled drinks, or worse, is always a good idea.

4: “Never pass up a restroom” is the parent’s creed, but never more so when flying. When boarding or choosing your seats online, consider getting a seat close to the restrooms. Even if your child says they don’t have to go, it’s good to get up and walk on flights and gives them the opportunity to see the plane. If you have children in diapers, check beforehand to see which bathrooms have changing tables (they’re usually located in the front of the plane). Remember when flushing the toilet on airplanes that the sound can be alarming (even for adults), so warn your child beforehand and close the lid. It goes without saying to carry ample cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer. My go-to kit is kept in a clear zip bag with wipes, hand sanitizer, diapers and diaper bags that I can grab at a moment’s notice. I also carry children's' pain medication and ear drops in case air pressure becomes an issue. Another trick for dealing with air pressure pain that I remember from overseas trips in my youth: Ask the flight attendant for two cups filled with napkins or towels soaked in hot water and drained, then place the cups over your child's ears. As the heat cools it creates a slight vacuum that helps equalize ear pressure.

5: One invaluable piece of gear my wife and I used with our young sons was a  foldable garden or sports wagon  instead of a stroller. It's not the product's intended use, but I could pull both of my young boys in the wagon while I wore a backpack and pulled a roller bag, and we even had it worked to where the oldest could lay down while the infant rode in his car seat on top. These wagons stow secure and flat, and gate-checking them as we would a stroller was never a problem. We could whisk through airports with a small footprint and not have to carry any kids. Also, check out these handy carriers for toting your child in his or her car seat through the airport.

Photo by: Getty Images/Caiaimage/Chris Ryan

Getty Images/Caiaimage/Chris Ryan

6 : Use travel to introduce new responsibilities to your kids. Print two copies of their boarding passes, and give them a set to keep track of (keep the other handy just in case). Have them pack their small backpack with their things (with oversight) the day before the trip, and keep in mind any security restrictions (anything resembling a weapon, liquids, gels, etc.). Ask them questions and what they think of the airport to engage them and see where their thought processes are at. For older kids, ask them to figure out gate numbers and shuttle schedules. I’ve found that the more kids are made a part of the experience, the less bored and better behaved they’ll be, and they’ll learn to become skilled, independent travelers.

Photo by: Getty Images/Mark Edward Atkinson

Getty Images/Mark Edward Atkinson

7: It should go without saying, but video devices should have earphones. This is a courtesy to other travelers, but also earphones cut down on the sensory overload found at airports and airplanes, help your child relax and (fingers crossed) even fall asleep on flights. If you don’t have tried and true  headphones for your kids  already, buy some before your departure date to avoid airport prices and to make sure they comfortably fit your child’s head. Have two kids watching the same show? Get a headphone  splitter  so that they (or you) can both listen.

8: If you are traveling with children that have a different last name than yours, make sure to check well ahead of time for any supporting documentation you may need for domestic and international flights, such as copies of birth certificates (having a copy of your kid’s birth certificates is always a good idea when flying). While  TSA doesn’t require identification for minors , boarding policies vary from airline to airline. Many require a doctor’s letter stating that it’s okay for infants 14 days or younger to fly, and valid proof of age is required for lap children. Passports are required for every person regardless of age traveling internationally. TSA agents sometimes ask kids a question or two to be friendly, and also to read if anything seems amiss. I tell my kids beforehand that TSA agents are friendly and like to chat. All TSA checkpoints have a designated family lane (denoted by a green dot) that are designed to accommodate those traveling with kids. Per the TSA's (humorous)  holiday blog : “Frequent flyers hate it when they’re in line behind a family, and guess what... families hate it when the frequent flyer is behind them tapping their foot and sighing. That’s why we created Family Lanes. They’re designed to let families take their time and ask questions without feeling rushed by the experienced frequent flyers who can zip through a checkpoint in no time.”

9: If your child can walk, they’ll have to pass through security devices by themselves, unless the parent requests a pat-down. Infants are carried through security by their parent. Children who require a wheelchair or walker will not be removed from their device, and will be screened by an officer. Infants may be carried through in baby slings, but additional screening may be requested by TSA. Children will never be separated from parents, but the quick procedure can be unnerving none the less. Prepare your child before arriving at the airport by explaining what will happen. I called the scanners the “magic portals to the airport,” and my kids always enjoy it. Children 12 and younger can leave their shoes, jackets and hats on. I always wear a jacket with pockets that I can quickly dump any items into and send through the x-ray machine so that I’m not fumbling and leave my kids waiting on the other side. Strollers are folded and sent through the x-ray machine if they fit, and inspected by an officer if they're too large for the machine.

10: While liquids and gels in excess of 3.4 ounces per container are not permitted to pass through TSA security, an exception is made for  baby formula, breast milk and ice packs  when traveling with an infant. Notify a TSA agent that you're carrying larger quantities of liquids, and have them easily accessible. A TSA agent will conduct additional screening of your items, but you'll be able to recover them past security. If you're traveling with liquid medication or necessary liquid food in excess of 3.4-ounces per container for older children, the procedure is the same. If possible, a doctor's note explaining the situation can be helpful.

11: Many airports have play areas where kids can burn off energy, and parents can take a breather, such as  Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport  and  DFW . Most airport websites have excellent sections devoted to traveling with kids and available facilities such as family bathrooms, playgrounds, nursing rooms and other related content. Before traveling to the airport, find areas of interest near your airline’s terminal, and work in extra time to enjoy what’s offered, if possible.

Male pilot explaining control panel to boy in airplane cockpit

Photo by: Getty Images/Hero Images

Getty Images/Hero Images

12 : When I was a child in the last century kids were given plastic wings and a tour of the cockpit during flight. Times have changed, but the experience of being a child on a plane is still as fun and exciting. Looking down on the tops of clouds or seeing city lights from 26,000 feet is still magical. Many airlines at least have stickers to give children before the flight, and often times pilots are happy to show children the cockpit at the gate before they have to secure their door; ask a flight attendant when boarding to see if that would be possible. Take advantage of the many videos that explain airports and airplanes to young children. Who knows? The excitement of an airplane trip may spark a lifelong love of science and travel for your daughter or son.

The Most Unique Airport Architecture in the World

#WineWednesday: How to Make In-Flight Sangria + Two More Cocktails

5 TSA-Approved Snacks

10 Favorite Flight Must-Haves to Add to Your List

Don't Feel Like a Travel Prisoner

Budget Airlines

Best In-Airport Services

Fly Through the Airport This Holiday Season

GateGuru's 8 Most Annoying Airline Fees

Layover Survival Guide

More creepy content.

Paranormal-Themed Pajamas and Blankets for Your Next TRVL Binge Sesh 11 Photos

Jack Osbourne's Most Shocking Adventures 9 Photos

Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation 8 Photos

Tips to Avoid Hotel and Homestay Booking Scams 6 Photos

10 Over-the-Top Airbnb’s We’d Love to Stay in 11 Photos

The Best Travel-Size Toiletries to Bring On Your Next Trip 13 Photos

The Best Viral Travel Gear from TikTok 19 Photos

The Spirits in the Conjuring House Were Quick to Show Themselves Apr 7, 2023

Haunted History: A Shuttered Pennsylvania Nursing Home Is Home to Dozens of Trapped Souls Mar 30, 2023

Cult Leader Charles Manson Controlled People from Behind Bars Mar 24, 2023

7 Best Pieces of Evidence Recovered By the Expedition Bigfoot Team Mar 14, 2023

6 Things Witnesses Said About the Roswell Incident Mar 10, 2023

Creepy Urban Legends From Each State Nov 16, 2022

Unraveling The Mysterious Death of Marilyn Monroe Feb 24, 2023

Is Abraham Lincoln Haunting the White House? Feb 16, 2023

Top 5 States For UFO Sightings Feb 8, 2023

Amityville: Inside the Case that Rattled a Seasoned Paranormal Investigator Jan 30, 2023

This Doll Might Haunt You Just Because You Saw Her Photo Jan 26, 2023

7 Times a Ghost Was Caught on Security Camera Dec 14, 2021

11 Eerie Urban Legends of New Jersey Jan 6, 2023

This Teddy Bear Can Tell You If Your House Is Haunted Dec 22, 2022

Gifts for the Aspiring Ghost Hunter in Your Life 9 Photos

Ornaments for the Paranormal and Supernatural Obsessed 11 Photos

Get To Know Chuck & Karama, Hosts Of The ‘Pop Paranormal’ Podcast Dec 13, 2022

12 Days of December UFO Sightings 13 Photos

Creepy urban legends from each state 50 photos.

A Massachusetts Family Fled Their Home After Chilling Door-Camera Footage Nov 22, 2022

6 Museums That Are Home To Creepy And Mysterious Artifacts Oct 31, 2022

10 Terrifying Shows To Get You In The Halloween "Spirit" Oct 31, 2022

Meet Kimo, The High Seer Who Doesn’t Do Fear Oct 28, 2022

Follow us everywhere.

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

More From Travel

• Sweepstakes
• Stream Travel Channel
• Ways to Watch Travel Channel

• Privacy Policy
• Visitor Agreement
• Online Closed Captioning
• Accessibility
• Discovery, Inc.
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Food Network
• Travel Channel
• Cooking Channel
• Discovery.com
• © 2024 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved.

The Traveling Twin Mama

25+ Toddler Travel Essentials: Traveling with a Toddler Checklist (2024)

Planning a family trip, but unsure what you need in terms of toddler travel essentials? Subscribe and receive an interactive PDF checklist for Free.

From ensuring you’ve packed the essentials, to anticipating toddler needs on the go, the mere thought of organizing a trip with toddlers in tow can be overwhelming.

As a mom of twin boys who started traveling at four months and have now been on over 50+ trips, I understand the joys and challenges that come with traveling alongside your little ones. But rest assured mama, you got this!

My all-inclusive toddler travel essentials list draws from my personal experiences and takeaways from traveling with my twin boys. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul international trip, these toddler travel essentials will help alleviate the stress that often accompanies toddler travel prep.

You’ll find, not only the toddler travel essentials that have worked best for my kids but also items that my fellow traveling moms swear by. Please remember that every kid is different – so what works for one may not work for the other (even with twins!) It’s likely that you won’t need all the items listed (that’s where your mama intuition will come in). Also please be aware that toddler travel needs change as your little one grows from 12 months to three years and so on.

Think of this blog post as your roadmap to smoother, more enjoyable travel with your toddler! The focus will shift from worrying about forgotten items to creating cherished memories with your little adventurer. It’s broken down into two simple sections: the day of travel (i.e. what needs to be in your diaper bag or toddler’s backpack) and carry-on/checked luggage (i.e. what you may need at the hotel/vacation rental or during the trip).

Day of Travel: Toddler Travel Essentials

When flying with a toddler, what you include in your diaper bag travel checklist can make a significant impact on your flying experience. Simply because most airports don’t offer items that cater to kids. The toddler travel essentials listed below will help you fly with your little one with ease.

Toddler Travel Essentials: Transport Checklist

As a mom of twins, my biggest concern before traveling with my infant twins was how I would transport them during the trip, especially at the airport. As they got older and more accustomed to traveling to different regions and climates, I realized that what’s required for one trip may not be required for the next. As you prepare the toddler travel essentials you will need to take into consideration where you are traveling to and what activities you’ll be participating in.

Travel Strollers

For my boys’ first and second trips to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Puerto Rico (respectively), we used this double stroller travel system which easily connected both car seats. To be fair, however, it was a bit cumbersome gate-checking a double stroller. You have to, not only detach the car seats, but also remove a seat and fold the stroller. All the while somehow holding or containing two kids.

After our travels in Europe and taking the train from Amsterdam to Paris, I realized a double stroller was not conducive to travel. I noticed European parents using small travel strollers – some of which folded compactly and could fit in the overhead rack. That’s the exact moment that I became obsessed with the GB Pockit Stroller . I absolutely love how I can roll the stroller on the plane with the baby in tow. Once the baby is settled, I simply fold it up and place it overhead.

There are several good options for compact travel strollers and many of those can fit overhead on a plane. Depending on the climate you’re traveling to, you may want to consider getting a mosquito net cover , rain cover , and/or fan for the stroller. Another great stroller accessory when carrying a lot of things is a stroller organizer . Being able to keep your hands as free as possible when traveling with kids makes the journey a lot easier and less stressful.

As my boys got older, they became more resistant to using a stroller. That’s when our handy beach wagon came to the rescue. It was perfect for fitting both kids or their luggage. Our personal rules to the kids were “either pull the wagon or ride in it.”

If you prefer a wagon specifically designed for kids, there are several options including Wonderfold , Evenflo , and Gladly Family . These wagons come with seat belts and seats specifically designed for kiddos.

Lightweight or Travel Car Seat

Another toddler travel essential that I stressed about when first traveling with my twins was car seats. I couldn’t imagine carrying two standard-sized car seats along with all of the other kid travel needs. Luckily, some genius out there with kids designed lightweight and portable travel car seats for parents on the go.

We started with the Cosco Car Seats which are relatively lightweight at about 12 pounds. We didn’t have any issues with it. However, when we discovered the WAYB Pico was foldable, only 8 pounds, and could be used with kids up to 50 lbs (we were nearing the weight limit of our Cosco Car Seats), we knew it was time to switch.

It’s extremely easy to travel with the WAYB Pico Car Seat. I personally love how spacious the car seat bag is. It’s roomy enough to fit additional items, like life jackets.

Ride Safer Travel Vest

Another great option is the Ride Safe Travel Vest for car travel only. It is available in three sizes and fits kids from 22 to 110 pounds. The best part is that the travel vest only weighs a bit over two pounds.

CARES Kid’s Fly Safe Harness

Due to the amount of stuff you have to bring, traveling with twin babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Once I started buying my kiddos their own seats on the plane, I was happy to find the CARES Kid’s Fly Safe Harness to use on the plane instead of a car seat. It quickly became one of our toddler travel essentials.

This harness is designed for kids that weigh 22–44 pounds and is very compact. So compact, that each boy would carry theirs in their backpack! Plus, the setup was super easy and only took a minute or so.

Toddler Luggage and Travel Backpack Essentials

As your little one gets older, they’re going to want more independence. A great way to satiate that need is to add toddler luggage and/or a toddler backpack to your toddler travel checklist. Keep reading for my favorites.

Toddler Luggage

At two years old, my boys were over the moon when they got their own toddler-sized luggage . We found it was best to give them two-wheel luggage since it seemed easier for them to know which direction to roll it. Initially, they carried just lightly packed luggage or backpacks to limit the weight. As they got older, they started to carry both, which has made traveling with kids so much easier.

Toddler Travel Backpack and Harness Backpack with Leash

Once your little one gets old enough and is a relatively good walker, a toddler travel backpack is a must-have. These backpacks can be relatively light and easy for your little one to carry. As they grow, they can begin to carry some of their needs, like entertainment, snacks, and/or diapers.

If you have a kid who likes to wander or have multiples (like myself), consider investing in a harness backpack with a leash .

Toddler Luggage Accessories Checklist

Packing for yourself can be a challenge. Throw in packing for a toddler, and you may end up with more things than you can physically carry. Luggage straps, compression packing cubes, and vacuum storage bags have been the key for my family to travel as lightly as possible and have even allowed us to fly with only carry-ons.

Luggage Strap

Believe it or not, I have traveled with my twin toddlers solo several times. One of the biggest hurdles I initially faced was how to carry everything by myself. A luggage strap is a quick and effective solution. Simply attach your kids’ luggage to yours, and pull all of it together.

Cincha Travel Belt

The Cincha Travel Belt is a great way to ensure that any bag set on the handles of your luggage stays put. The worst thing is walking through the airport and having your bag slip or fall off the handles. You won’t have to worry about that with this travel belt.

It especially comes in handy as a toddler travel essential, since you can easily attach the diaper bag or even a car seat bag onto the handles of your luggage. Honestly, it’s been a game-changer! The fewer things I have to carry in my hand or back, the better.

Toddler Travel Essential: Feeding Checklist

Feeding toddlers can be a challenge all on its own. Add in travel and an airport full of germs, and no wonder people are intimidated by traveling with their kids. This “feeding toddlers while traveling” checklist will make the feeding on-the-go process easier and less of a headache.

Snack Catcher OR Snack Spinner

If your toddlers are anything like my twins, snacks are a travel must-have . Unfortunately, that normally equates to a mess. That’s where the snack catcher and snack spinner come in handy.

The snack catcher is a great option if you’re packing a single snack. It’s very small and can easily fit into your toddler’s backpack. On the other hand, the snack spin ner is a travel essential for those toddlers who require a variety of snacks. They come with five snack compartments and an interactive button. It’s a bit larger, around 6.5 inches, so it may or may not fit in your toddler’s backpack, depending on its size.

Of course, if you have a snack catcher or spinner, you must have snacks. Honestly, they count as a form of entertainment. Below are some of my kids’ favorite travel snacks:

• Applesauce or other pouches
• Graham crackers
• Veggie straws
• Dried fruit
• Cheese crackers

Spill-proof Water Bottle

A spill-proof water bottle is hands-down one of the most important toddler travel essentials since, for some unknown reason, toddlers are always thirsty. I recommend getting a bottle that can easily fit in your toddler’s backpack because they seem to be the easiest things to lose and/or forget when traveling.

Additionally, don’t fret about carrying your own drink pass airport security in a kid’s water bottle. It’s allowed, but it has to be screened . This simply means the officer will ask you to remove the top of the water bottle so they can place a paper above the opening. This ensures there are no foreign or illegal substances.

Personally, I think it’s worth it!

Easy Clean Bibs

Toddlers are notorious for smearing food all over the table and themselves while they eat. Using a long-sleeved, easy-to-clean, waterproof bib will minimize the amount of clothing you have to change after mealtime. You’ll love them so much that they’ll become a part of your everyday diaper bag essentials.

Foldable Placemats

As toddlers, my boys LOVED to eat. I couldn’t expect us to go anywhere to eat without them wanting to share in the meal. These foldable placemats ensured my boys had something clean to eat on, that they couldn’t pick up and throw on the floor. They became so handy that they quickly became a diaper bag essential, even when we weren’t traveling. Plus, they are simple to clean. (I would use bottle and pacifier wipes. )

Portable High Chair

The portable high chair is another toddler travel essential that quickly became an everyday diaper bag essential. How many times have you been out to a restaurant and either there wasn’t a high chair available (especially with twins, this happens more than you would think) or the high chair was dirty?

This is also important when trying to feed your kiddo at a vacation rental or a family member’s house. Where does your kid sit? Portable high chairs ensure you have a clean place for your little one to safely sit around the table. The high chairs that we used easily adapted to almost any type of chair and folded small enough to fit two inside of our diaper bag.

Toddler Utensils

Toddler utensils are more of perk than a toddler traveling essential. Can your toddler use regular or plastic silverware? Most likely – yes. But since toddler utensils are made for your little one’s little hands, and help them master their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, why not add them to your toddler packing list?

As a bonus, they can easily fit in your diaper bag.

Toddler Travel Checklists: Diapering Essentials

On the first few flights with my twins, at least one of them had a blowout. If there’s one area I want to be over-prepared for when traveling with kids, it’s diapering essentials.

Changing Pad Liner

Believe it or not, some airplanes don’t have changing tables. Most have at least one bathroom with a changing table, but when there’s an emergency (because toddlers love to wait until the last minute to tell you they have to go), how would you know which one to go to?

A changing pad liner ensures you have a clean and ample space to change your toddler while traveling. It also has space for you to store diapers, wipes, and other diapering essentials. Sometimes I would bring a dog training pad so that I wouldn’t have to worry about soiling my liner. I could easily wrap all the soiled items in it and dispose.

Toddler Travel Potty

Once my twins started potty training, I wanted to ensure they were comfortable going to the potty while traveling. Therefore, I purchased a toddler travel potty before our travels so they could get comfortable using it (hopefully eliminating the possibility of them not wanting to use it while traveling).

For reference, there are (3) different toddler travel potty options : 1) Toddler travel potty that includes a bowl 2) Toddler travel potty that does NOT include a bowl 3) Toddler potty seat

There is no wrong or right option – just whatever works best for you and your toddler. We personally liked the style that included the bowl.

Adding a wet bag to your toddler travel checklist will ensure you have a place to store any potentially soiled clothing. The last thing you want to do is put soiled clothes into your clean diaper bag!

Diapers, Training Pants, and Wipes

I’d be remiss if I didn’t add the basic necessities when it comes to diapering a toddler.

A quick suggestion to the potty training mama- don’t be afraid to use training pants while traveling, even for the kiddos who are pretty advanced. It takes the pressure off of everyone. I can’t tell you how many times my kids “suddenly” had to go potty during landing.

Toddler Plane Sleep Essentials

The best thing that could happen when flying with kids is they fall asleep during the flight. Making your toddler as comfortable as possible will help them sleep on the plane , especially on long-haul flights.

JetKids BedBox or Inflatable Travel Bed

One item that’s guaranteed to make my toddler travel checklist when I want my kiddos to sleep on the plane is a comfortable toddler travel bed .

We love the JetKids BedBox . It turns their seat into a lay-flat bed. Each time we use it, it basically guarantees they’ll get comfy enough to drift asleep. Plus, the compartment is large enough to use as a carry-on to fit your kiddo’s clothing and belongings. Another more affordable, option is the inflatable travel bed , which wedges between your child’s seat and the seat in front of them. This way, they can stretch their legs out and fall asleep.

Planes are notorious for being cold. Be sure your toddler is as comfy as possible by adding a blanket or jacket to the travel packing list. A blanket that folds into the bag easily fits in most toddler backpacks and attaches to luggage.

Also consider adding a hat to your toddler travel checklist, especially if your kid tends to get cold easily. This could even become a diaper bag essential, as many restaurants and stores tend to be chilly.

Portable Sound Machine

Some children have a hard time falling asleep without a sound machine. If this is your kid, be sure to add a portable sound machine to your toddler travel packing list. It’s lightweight and small enough to easily fit in your diaper bag.

Toddler Travel Essential: Entertainment

When preparing for a flight, it’s common to bring some type of entertainment to pass the time in the air. Toddlers aren’t any different.

Most toddlers need multiple forms of entertainment on their travel checklist. I recommended bringing at least one new or rarely used toy/entertainment so that they are excited about playing with it, and hopefully play with it longer.

Below are some of our favorite toddler entertainment travel essentials:

• Window Clings
• Felt Friends Craft Activity
• Mess-Free Coloring
• Suction Toys
• Magnetic Tiles
• Busy Board Backpack or busy board
• Small Construction Vehicles or dolls
• Fidget Toys
• Reusable Sticker Pads
• Squishy Toys
• Foldable headphones

Other Toddler Travel Day Essentials

Extra Set of Clothing

An extra set of clothing is a must for both toddlers and babies, especially when checking luggage. Just remember when you’re on the plane and somehow you and/or your little one get dirty (it happens more than you can imagine), you only have what’s in your diaper bag.

Teething Toys

If your toddler is teething, it’s important to have teething toys on the travel checklist. While on the plane, your little one’s ears may pop, which may magnify their gum irritation. The sucking and chewing motion will help minimize the irritability of both the gums and ears.

Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes

It seems as if one of toddlers’ favorite activities is to drop something on the floor and put said item in their mouth. It’s one thing when they do it at home, but it’s an entirely different game when done at the germy airport. Keeping hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your diaper bag will allow your baby to play happily while giving you peace of mind.

Toddler Travel Essentials: Required Documentation

What a bummer would it be to pack all of your toddler travel essentials, only to forget the correct documentation?

• Copy of birth certificate OR 
• Letter from the hospital indicating age
• A signed and notarized letter stating permission for travel to X destination
• Passports and/or visas (if required)

​ ​ ​ ​ Traveling with toddlers checklist

Subscribe and receive my Traveling with Toddlers interactive checklist for FREE!

Toddler Carry-on/Checked Luggage Packing Lis

The toddler travel essentials listed below can vary depending on the age of your toddler, their propensity to get dirty or soil their clothes, and the type of destination you’re traveling to. For example, beach vacations require their own set of travel essentials.

Toddler Travel Packing List: Clothing

These are the general packing guidelines that I use when traveling with my kids. If possible, stay at a vacation rental or hotel with a washing machine. Or come prepared with sink laundry detergent .

• Underwear: 1 per day, plus 2 additional
• 1 outfit per child, per day
• 1+ additional outfits per child (especially more tops if your toddler drools a lot)
• Socks: 1 pair per day, plus 1 additional pair because socks disappear
• Shoes: 1-2 pairs, depending on activities
• Pajamas: 1 per every 2 days (you may need to increase if the toddler soaks through overnight training pants)
• Weather-specific clothes: i.e. coats, hats, or beach clothing

Toddler Travel Packing List: Toiletries

Packing as light as possible is key for traveling with kids. It’s recommended to get travel-size toiletries or use leak-proof pouches or travel containers .

• Tear-free bath soap and shampoo
• Baby lotion
• Hairbrush/supplies (headbands/hair barrettes/products)
• First aid kit , including Infant medicine (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), bandaids, thermometer, etc.
• Sink laundry detergent
• Baby Sunscreen
• Natural mosquito repellent 
• Inflatable travel bath  
• Kid flossers

Toddler Travel Checklist: Sleeping Essentials

It can be a challenge for some people to fall asleep in a new place, and toddlers aren’t any different. Therefore, recreating their home environment as closely as possible increases the chances of your little one sleeping through the night. Be sure to add these toddler travel sleeping essentials to your checklist!

Pack and Play , Portable Baby Travel Crib , or Baby Travel Tent

There are a variety of toddler travel bed options . There is no right or wrong option, it’s more what works best for your family’s needs and price point. Whichever one you decide to go with, try it out at home for a few nights just to make sure your little one enjoys sleeping in it.

Portable Black-out Curtains

In order to get some children to sleep, the room needs to be pitch black. If this is your toddler, be sure to add portable black-out curtains to the essential packing list. They are relatively small to carry and the setup is pretty simple since the attached suction cups stick to the window. It’s worth bringing them if a good night’s sleep is on the line.

Portable White Noise Machine

Similar to black-out curtains, some kids have a hard time falling asleep without a white noise machine. If this is your toddler, a portable white noise machine is indeed a travel essential. This one is compact and can attach to most things. It offers three different sounds to help your little one drown out any disruption and drift off to sleep.

Smartphone Baby Monitor  

If you’re planning to stay in a vacation rental or somewhere where your toddler will be sleeping in a different room, you may want to add a smartphone baby monitor to your packing list. The camera itself is relatively small and you use your phone as the monitor. It’s a great way to check in on your toddler without having to physically go into the room or take up a lot of space in your luggage.

Toddler Travel Essentials: Packing Light

Packing light is key when traveling with kids, especially if you’re like me and get overwhelmed when you have a lot to carry. Now you may be saying, “traveling with toddlers and packing light, that’s an oxymoron!”

Yes and no.

Yes, toddlers have more things to bring than the average person. But no, it doesn’t have to mean you overpack or bring more than you can carry. Try the tips below out for size!

Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes , which are different from regular packing cubes, help clear out extra air – allowing you to pack more in a small space. In fact, when using compression cubes, we’re able to pack all of the boys’ belongings either in their toddler luggage or JetKids BedBox .

Vacuum Storage Bags

Another great option for fitting your toddler’s travel essentials into a carry-on or toddler luggage is vacuum storage bags . They normally come in two options: foldable and vacuum. I personally like the vacuum storage version since they get the most air out. They’re also the easiest to use, in my opinion. Be aware that you have to carry the manual pump to get the air out of the bag while traveling. Luckily, the pump doesn’t take up much space.

Similar to the compression packing cubes, we’ve used vacuum storage bags with JetKids BedBox and toddler luggage .

Other Toddler Travel Essentials

Babyproofing.

If you know your toddler will be spending a significant amount of time at your vacation rental, you may want to add babyproofing items like outlet covers or corner protectors to your packing list. This isn’t necessarily a travel essential, but they’re nice to have to keep your toddler safe while exploring the new space.

Toddler Travel Checklist Essentials

Having a detailed toddler travel packing list can give you the confidence you need to travel with your little one with ease. It gives you a great feeling of preparedness and leaves you ready to conquer whatever may come.

In addition to having a checklist of items you need to pack, I would recommend also having a checklist that mentally walks you through each step of the flying with kids process . Think about how you can most effectively get the kids and luggage to the check-in counter. What if there’s a delay? Is there any special toy or treat you can use to pass the time? This gives you a plan and helps you feel prepared for your trip.

Of course, these are lists you can create yourself. But if you’re a parent, I’m sure your time is limited. That’s why I’ve created detailed, interactive checklists that include all of the above toddler travel essentials and allow you to track what you’ve packed, add your personal items, and browse links to my favorite products.

Using these checklists will not only save you time and energy, but they’re also reusable – eliminating the need to recreate the packing list for each trip.

There are three checklists available including a traveling with babies checklist, a traveling with toddlers checklist, and a traveling with kids mental preparation checklist.

✔️ Get This Checklist as an Interactive PDF ✔️

Honest Disney Wish Cruise Review from a First-Time Disney Goer

10 Safest Cities in Brazil in 2024

First Hostel Experience for a 36 Year Old Mom

Is Guatemala Safe for Female Travelers in 2024? Your Ultimate Guide

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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.

Love Exploring

America's Best Family-Friendly Airports For Traveling With Kids

Posted: January 2, 2024 | Last updated: January 2, 2024

Come fly with me

Flying with children is a challenge, but keeping them happy while sitting in the airport is an entirely different obstacle. Carrying luggage, nappy bags, toys, and wiggly little ones from security to the departure gate is a feat in itself. Thankfully, there are airports across the United States determined to make your life easier, with facilities ranging from play areas to sensory spaces.

Keep these kid-friendly airports in mind for your next family trip.

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, California

If your flight is departing from Terminal B at Mineta San Jose International Airport, then your kids already have a first class ticket to the Zoom Zone. Adjacent to a dedicated nursing room, this 600-square-foot (56sqm) space is an educational and interactive play area designed by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Younger children can climb and slide on a bird, pretend to fly a biplane, learn about gears and play with a pin screen.

Bangor International Airport, Maine

When you’re exhausted from hiking Acadia National Park but the kids still have plenty of energy, Bangor’s small airport has a big surprise at the departure gate. The small children’s play center is within steps of the nappy changing stations in the bathroom. Before you fly, you can sign the kids up for the Monty Moose Travel Club online and print out airport-themed activity pages.

Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.

Before you hit the runway, let your kids cruise along the FunWay in the nation’s capital. NASA brought its talents to Concourse B to create an aviation-inspired kids' play area. Adults can charge up their phones while little ones get their energy out on the 'Tommy Tower' slide and climb the 'Hyperwing'. Bigger kids can play interactive games like free aviation-inspired crossword puzzles and word searches.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Minnesota

Even in the dead of winter, MSP Airport is one of the most welcoming for families. There are two play areas – one in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 2. Snoopy statues in both terminals provide excellent photo ops. Traveling with slightly bigger kids who need more room to roam? Remember that the Light Rail connects the terminals to the all-age-appropriate Mall of America.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s small but mighty Manchester Airport comes in handy for parents with toddlers. Before passing through security, head to the observation area and let the little ones watch the planes fly. Then, taxi your way over to Gates 1-4 where you’ll find a small play area with an interactive game screen and climbing features.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas

Travel can be a wondrous experience for children, and Austin’s international Airport is giving children a ticket to a magical destination. Discover the new Gate Infinity, between Gates 12 and 14, where the 'Imaginary Departures' art installation sits. An interactive screen asks children a few lighthearted questions, then prints them a boarding pass to a fictional destination. Narnia, Emerald City and Hogwarts are some of the legendary literary places listed.

Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love has a lot of fun in store, starting in the cyber airspace. Philadelphia International Airport's website has loads of games and activities for kids. Print these pages out and bring them to the airport’s Virtual Library Hot Spot where books, podcasts and other digital content is downloadable. Book-themed wall art and colorful lounge chairs create a perfect landing spot for the whole family.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington

Seattle is an epicenter for aviation so it should come as no surprise that Sea-Tac has an aviation-themed play area for children. Steps from Gate A1, this playspace is stocked with disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer so even the young ones can crawl on their hands and knees without grabbing too many germs. With a nursing room and family bathroom beside the area, it’s a safe and hygienic way to wait.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Arizona

Along with nursing stations, Phoenix’s Sky Harbor caters to adults and children with diverse needs via its Compassion Corner. The Sensory Room is a quiet, calm space filled with puzzles, coloring books, as well as the privacy adults and kids who are traveling with intellectual or developmental disabilities need. Take your child here for a few hours while the rest of the family explores the art exhibits throughout the airport.

Tampa International Airport, Florida

With Tampa International Airport's recent awards including Number 1 Large Airport in North America and America’s Best Restroom, most travelers should expect a pleasant time passing through here – including families with kids. They boast oodles of artwork collected over the last fifty years and Airside C has a six-foot (1.8m) aquarium at RumFish Grill. Imagine what other cool and creative exhibits you’ll find when signing up for the free airport scavenger hunt.

Miami International Airport, Florida

Another Sunshine State airport, Miami International has plenty of 'Plane Fun' for kids. This fun area features six unique activities including a mini control tower where aspiring aviation geeks can pretend to be air traffic controllers, as well as a toddler-friendly space. Mums and dads take note: a nursing room, yoga room and spa aren’t far from this Concourse E hangout.

Harry Reid International Airport, Nevada

Parents will certainly feel lucky when they fly into this Las Vegas airport, even if they don’t drop a coin in the slots. Right in the center of the D Gates is an unsupervised children’s play area. Surrounded by restaurants – and the Sugar Factory candy store if the little ones need a mid-flight snack – the play area features an interactive mock jet engine and miniature control tower.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan

Multiple unique play areas aren’t the only family-friendly facilities that’ll get you speeding to Motor City’s terminals. Detroit’s airport has two more surprises in store for parents and kids. The DTW Dogs Pet Therapy Program has furry friends ready to wag your worries away. Sleep-deprived parents are free to curl up with the kids in the private Minute Suites, which also include refreshing showers.

Nashville International Airport, Tennessee

Nashville International Airport provides parents with one last opportunity to get their fill of music and alcoholic beverages while the kids entertain themselves. With children’s play areas in each of the three terminals, there’s never a bad gate to depart from. Keep the A/B rotunda and C/D Concourse exit areas in mind as well; they’re the location of live music performances.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

Your kids will consider themselves winners with a layover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which in 2022 opened a Gameway – a premium video game lounge designed specifically for airports. A Playstation 4, an Xbox S and a Razer Tomahawk PC gaming system will catch your teen’s gaze while you keep an eye on them from the terminal's Sycamore Brewing bar.

Portland International Airport, Oregon

Construction on the main terminal might last for the next few years, but that won’t stop Portland’s creative community from filling the airport with culture. Ever-changing exhibits abound throughout the terminal and live music is commonplace. Take the kids to the Hollywood Theater in Concourse C to view free family-friendly short films by local filmmakers.

O’Hare International Airport, Illinois

When your flight has blown into the Windy City, take a few minutes to unwind at the Family Lounge. Located at Terminal 2 of Chicago’s largest airport, you’ll find a play area for children, outlets for charging your devices and dedicated buggy parking. Live entertainment lands here throughout the year too, especially during the holidays when you might spot musicians and caricature artists.

Los Angeles International Airport, California

Plan a few hours at the 'beach' without having to lather the kiddos up with sunscreen at LA’s airport. Spend time playing in the shade at LAX Beach, a nearly 1,000-square-foot (93sqm) play space designed for little ones aged two to 11, complete with a block puzzle. Nursing rooms and pet relief areas are also in this terminal.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Maryland

A family trip to Baltimore starts and ends with a family-friendly landing at BWI Airport. Two children’s play spaces will keep the kids happy no matter how long your layover is. One newer fun space rests in the D/E Connector, though you’ll appreciate the play area in the Observation Gallery with your smaller children. Sway together gently in a rocking chair as you watch the planes take off and land.

San Francisco International Airport, California

This Bay Area airport is great for families no matter how old your babies are. Make your first stop the information desk, where you can pick up a coloring book, then explore the SFO Museum and Aviation Museum exhibits. Kids’ Spot play areas sit in each of the three terminals, each with carpeted areas for crawlers and interactive activities for the older tots, such as weather exhibits from the Exploratorium of San Francisco.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri

Whether you’re meeting family in St. Louis or exploring the city for the first time, your tots will be tempted to spend all of their time at the St. Louis International Play Port. Designed with help from The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum, this space is both interactive and educational. With a transportation theme, kids can play on the mini air traffic control tower, planes and mini MetroLink light rail.

John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

JFK Airport is big and busy, but parents shouldn’t feel overwhelmed. In Terminal 5 alone, there are plenty of things for the whole family to do. The JetBlue Junior Play Space offers interactive, flight-themed fun while your little swashbuckler can also visit Amazon’s Tumble Leaf Playground for pirate-themed play at Gate 12. Lactation pods, nap pods, pet relief areas, a spa and an outdoor rooftop area are also in this terminal.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Montana

After an incredible family vacation to Yellowstone National Park, foster your child’s new love of nature while waiting for your flight at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Along with local artwork adorning the public spaces, you’ll find interesting exhibits and sculptures throughout the terminal. Plus, there's a Mother's Room for privately feeding infants.

Mitchell International Airport, Wisconsin

Milwaukee’s airport has family-friendly spaces designed especially with mums in mind. They’ve installed Mamava lactation suites throughout the main terminal and Concourse C, complete with charging stations. Family bathrooms nearby also have changing tables and child-sized toilets available. There are also two aviation-themed children’s play areas, each with fun activities, climb-on structures and full views of the planes taking off and landing for your little aviators.

Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania

It’s a beautiful day in the terminal when your family lands at Steel City’s airport. The new Kidsport at Pittsburgh International Airport was redesigned with local heroes in mind, namely Mister Rogers' Neighborhood creator Mister Rogers and children's favorite Daniel Tiger. Kidsport also features interactive exhibits from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. For children with diverse needs, the peaceful sensory room Presley’s Place is another welcoming space where families of all ages can relax.

Flying soon? Here are the latest TSA travel rules you need to know now

More for You

Woman Transforms Her Home's Exterior After Being Told Not To Paint It White

12 States Are Banning the Sale of Gas-Powered Cars

Trump judge faces a ‘serious problem’ if court returns guilty verdict: John Yoo

18 Things That Will Happen if 70 Becomes the New Retirement Age in the US

12 Uncomfortable Truths About Christianity That People Aren't Ready to Hear

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

13 Historical Meals That Presidents Refused to Eat

Plane Lands at O'Hare Airport — CDC Called Over What's Inside Passenger's Bag

‘That’s a little absurd’: Hawaii man earns $390K a year and has a $7.3M net worth but he doesn’t let his family spend any money — here’s the solution stunned Ramsey Show hosts offered

Ukraine-Russia war – live: Kyiv fires US weapon inside Russia as Zelensky accuses China of ‘sabotage’

Why Mexico Is Militarizing

It’s time to bring back the world’s greatest fighter jet – from the 1990s

Appliance repairman demonstrates simple step to cool any room in minutes: 'Allowing you to ease off the AC'

55 Years Ago, Star Trek Delivered Its Worst Finale — And Accidentally Saved the Fandom

Stephanopoulos cuts off Trump lawyer after he suggests Biden was behind Trump conviction

Scientists Think They've Found a New Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From Buying

17 People Shared Their Favorite "Poor Man's Meal," And I'm Definitely Gonna Try Some Of These

15 First-Round Picks From 2016 NBA Draft No Longer Play In The League

My husband and I divorced after 17 years of marriage. He sold our home at a significant profit. Am I entitled to my share?

• Flight Status
• Flight Schedules
• Flight Tracker & Air Traffic
• Check In & Security
• Airlines at SFO
• Air Service Updates
• Nonstop Service
• Cargo Airlines
• Private Aircraft
• Lyft/Uber Rides
• Personal Vehicle Sharing
• Public Transit
• Rental Cars
• Hotel Shuttles
• Passenger Pick Up & Drop Off
• Cell Phone Waiting Lot
• Getting Around SFO/AirTrain
• Go SFO Shuttle
• Book Parking
• Long-Term Parking
• Domestic/Hourly Parking
• International/Hourly Parking
• Plug-in Electric Car
• Kiss & Fly
• Payment Options
• Grand Hyatt at SFO
• Kids' Spots
• Interactive Map
• Static Maps
• Travel Planning Resources
• Accessible Parking
• Reasonable Modification Policy
• TSA Precheck
• Global Entry
• Mobile Passport App
• COVID-19 Travel Info
• Pets & Service Animals
• Information Desks
• Concierge Services/Airport Butler
• Travel Agency
• Showers/Freshen Up
• Medical Clinic
• WAG Brigade
• View All Services
• Connections
• Business Travelers
• Military/USO
• Transgender/GNC
• Traveling with Groups
• Traveling with Kids
• Traveling with Pets
• Visitor Information
• Day Trips from SFO
• Doing Business at SFO
• Small Business Development
• Upcoming Opportunities
• Current Opportunities
• Construction Opportunities
• Air Services
• uPITCH Program
• Strategic Plan
• Facts & Figures
• Organization Chart
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Films Shot at SFO
• Building Lighting
• Hold Your Event
• Addressing the Commission
• Public Notices
• Agenda, Minutes & Recordings
• Commissioner Chronology
• City Charter
• Meeting Schedule
• Meeting Accessibility & Access
• Naming Policy/Committee
• Public Hearings/Notices
• Rules of Order
• Clean Vehicle Policy
• Rules & Regulations
• Tarmac Delay & Contingency Plan
• Safety & Security
• Weather Operations
• Economic Impact Reports
• FY 2022-2023 Annual Report
• Competition Plan
• Recovery Act
• Investor Relations
• Completed Projects
• SFO Tomorrow/Future Projects
• Environmental Review
• Action Plans & Reports
• Planning Division
• Food Donation Program
• Belle Air School Garden
• Museum Education Program
• High School Education Curriculum
• Submit a Noise Report
• Aircraft Noise by City
• Aircraft Noise & Flight Tracker
• Aircraft Noise Monitoring Reports
• Fly Quiet Quarterly Reports
• Title 21 Reports
• Airport Director's Report
• Modernizing SFO's Airspace
• Our Initiatives to Tackle Noise
• Noise Abatement Procedures
• Noise Insulation Program
• Buying a Home Near SFO
• Contact the Noise Office
• Glossary of Terms
• Plane Spotting
• Stop Human Trafficking
• Digital Library
• Facts & Statistics
• Press Releases
• Newsletters
• Media Guidelines
• Brand Guidelines
• Airport Terms
• Business and Career Center

Viaje Internacional

¡bienvenido a los estados unidos, al área de la bahía y a san francisco.

Para empezar con su visita a Estados Unidos, infórmese sobre qué puede esperar en SFO.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

21 Hacks for Visiting Disney World With Kids, According to Travel Experts

Whether you're traveling with toddlers, preschoolers or elementary-aged children, these insider tips will help you plan a stress-free trip with lifelong family memories.

Consider booking a hotel room with more space

Sleep is essential for kids (and parents!) while visiting Walt Disney World, so a suite or villa is a great option if you're worried about having the whole family share one sleeping area. Villas are located in the Deluxe Resort category (i.e., the most expensive hotels) and have full kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. Suites are available within all hotel categories (including Value Resorts, the least expensive).

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, check out Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort (pictured here; it's a Deluxe Villa Resort with tons of kid-friendly amenities, but isn't located adjacent to any of the theme parks) or Disney's Art of Animation Resort (a Value Resort that has family suites with pull-down beds, a kitchenette and impeccable Disney theming throughout). If you're willing to splurge and want to be closer to the parks, I recommend villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (near Magic Kingdom) or Disney's Beach Club Resort (near EPCOT).

RELATED: The Best Hotels at Walt Disney World

Don't feel like you must wait till kids are "old enough"

I get the appeal of wanting to wait until elementary school for the first visit because it's easier to travel, and they'll remember more. That being said, I first took my kids to Disney World when they were 6-months and 3-and-a-half-years old, and I am so happy that I did. My 6-month-old didn't require a paid ticket, and everything was pure magic to my 3-year-old. From a developmental standpoint , preschool-aged children typically don't understand the difference between fantasy and reality, so I got to experience the magic of believing through my daughter's eyes. And while they don't remember everything firsthand, they love looking at the photos from the trip.

Ask questions on PlanDisney.com

This Disney-owned question-and-answer forum provides advice from a panel of experienced Disney guests. Unlike social media groups where you'll get a wide range of answers to your questions, you can trust these responses to be accurate and up-to-date because each panelist has been selected by Disney. You can also browse answers to other questions that have been asked.

RELATED: Major Updates Are Coming to Disney

Be flexible with dates

...especially if you want to save money (on both park tickets and hotel rooms) while also avoiding crowds. Holiday school breaks are going to be the most expensive and busiest times to visit Walt Disney World. If your kids are young enough that they can easily miss a few days of school without added stress, it's worth prioritizing an off-peak travel time. Check out the Disney website for special offers on park tickets and hotels, which are sometimes available during off-peak times.

Determine how long to stay

It's no secret that park tickets are pricey, but keep in mind that the cost per day decreases as the length of your visit increases. The price varies based on dates, but a one-day theme park ticket can cost well over $100. However, the cost of going from a five-day park ticket to a six-day park ticket could be just around $20 extra.

Familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience app

This do-it-all app is going to be your guide throughout the trip, so it's a good idea to get used to it before you go. Use it for everything from making dining reservations, checking attraction wait times and accessing your family's photos to getting directions within the parks and checking showtimes. When it comes to your Disney hotel, you can even open the door with the app and check bus times when heading to the parks.

Prioritize the right dining reservation

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can book dining reservations for your entire stay 60 days prior to your check-in date. That means you get early access for dates that are more than 60 days away, so try booking the hard-to-get restaurants towards the end of your trip. One of the most high-demand meals is the character breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort (pictured here). Others include Space 220 at EPCOT and Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom.

Find the unobstructed backgrounds for your photos

Though it can be tempting to take your family photos in front of the iconic backdrops right when you enter the parks, you'll find that it's nearly impossible to get a shot without a crowd in the background. Instead, look for the spots that Disney refers to as "hidden gems," including an overlook between Asia and Africa in Animal Kingdom for the Tree of Life (pictured here) and the bridges to Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom for Cinderella Castle.

RELATED: How to Take the Best Photos at Disney World, According to Cast Members

Bring a stroller to the parks

Even if your kids are past the stroller phase, it'll make your visit so much easier. Not only will you be walking several miles each day, but it also allows you to have some extra storage space to carry the essentials. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller for free; just note that it needs to be collapsible if you plan to bring it on Disney transportation. If you prefer not to travel with a stroller or rent from a third-party platform, you can also rent one at the Walt Disney World parks.

Optimize Genie+

If you're willing to spend extra for Genie+ , Disney's service that lets you access Lightning Lanes (i.e., shorter lines for certain attractions), make sure you learn how to use it before you go. Some kid-favorite rides book up quickly and have consistently long wait times — like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure , Slinky Dog Dash and Peter Pan's Flight — so make sure to prioritize these attractions when you book your first Genie+ reservation of the day.

Stop by the Baby Care Centers

They're not just for babies. While they do have facilities that make traveling to Disney World with an infant easier (like changing tables and nursing rooms), they're also great for young kids. You can find a Baby Care Center in each of the four parks for when your toddler needs a break, and there are quieter restrooms (sometimes even with smaller toilets!) if the public restrooms feel too overwhelming.

Use the Rider Switch feature

If your child is too short or too scared for certain attractions, Disney offers a Rider Switch option so everyone else can ride without having to wait in line twice. And if you don't want to ride alone, you may bring one guest from the party on with you after you switch (e.g., if you have an older child going on the ride, they can ride with each parent while the other is supervising the younger one). Make sure to tell a Cast Member when you're in line that you'd like to use this feature.

Mobile order your food

Trust me on this one. Even if you're already in the dining location, ordering from your phone is going to save you a ton of time, especially during peak meal times. You can find mobile ordering at a handful of quick-service restaurants and snack kiosks throughout the parks. The menus have pictures of the food, and you can choose between ordering in real time or scheduling for a later pick-up.

If you've got early risers, take advantage of the morning hours in the parks. It's calmer with fewer crowds and the weather is cooler, which is especially helpful in the spring through fall. I personally prefer to prep outfits and pack our bag the night before so we can get to the park before it opens. Even if you don't plan to "rope drop" the most popular rides, you'll find lower wait times throughout the parks. Plus, there's a fun welcome show at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom with favorite Disney characters right before the park opens.

Stay organized

It's hard to pack light when you're spending a day at the parks, and it can be difficult to find what you need in a fully-packed bag. Zippered mesh pouches like this one on Amazon have been a total game-changer for my family, separating out snacks, sunscreen , autograph books , accessories and more.

Save time for the playgrounds

Believe it or not, there are spaces at Disney World where kids can run free. Though it may feel like you want to stick with the can't-miss attractions, young kids will love the opportunity to let loose at these sites. Pictured here is The Boneyard at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a shaded complex of slides, bridges, climbing areas and a dig site. Other favorites include the circus-themed (and air-conditioned!) indoor playground in the Dumbo The Flying Elephant queue at Magic Kingdom and the Green Family Landing Play Zone at EPCOT.

Take advantage of Disney's (free!) PhotoPass Studios

This is one of my kids' favorite activities and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated experiences. There's no reservation required, and we've never had to wait in line, plus there's no cost for the session itself; the images are included in Disney's Memory Maker packages. Pictured here is the Royal Portrait Studio inside of Sir Mickey's at Magic Kingdom (right behind Cinderella Castle); it has plenty of props for kids to pose with. If you head to Disney Springs, check out the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs , which offers virtual backdrops, including scenes from theme parks or favorite movies.

Choose Entertainment Wisely

Walt Disney World offers a variety of daytime shows and parades along with nighttime spectaculars to pick from. If an evening show is on your wishlist, but you're worried about the late night with a young child, I recommend opting for Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It takes place in an outdoor theater so you get a seat, there's a concession area for snacks, and it's easy to exit at the end. It was also more engaging for my young kids than the fireworks at other Disney parks.

Don't overlook the kid-friendly hits

You've probably heard about a ton of "must-do" attractions at Walt Disney World — especially thrilling rides and nostalgic experiences — but some of the most memorable attractions for kids aren't talked about as much. Pictured here is the Affection Section at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where kids can interact with animals. Also check out Living With The Land at EPCOT , a boat ride through greenhouses that's filled with plenty of hidden Mickeys in plant form.

Research your favorite characters

One of the most common questions I get asked by first-timers with young kids is how they can meet characters from favorite movies and TV shows. The characters vary by park (and some even by day and time), so if there are any that your child is eager to meet, make sure to plan in advance. You can find the characters available for meet and greets at each park on the My Disney Experience app, as shown here for Magic Kingdom.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

The Best Travel Captions for Your Next Vacay

Are Vessi's Travel Sneakers Worth It?

Universal's Epic Universe Will Live Up to Its Name

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

13 U.S. Amusement Parks That Are Free to Enter

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Romantic Weekend Getaways

11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Travel Scams

The Best Caribbean Resorts for Families

Best All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

The Best Alaska Cruises

14 things to know about Global Entry

Editor's Note

If you're a frequent international traveler, you've likely come to depend on Global Entry as a way to return to the U.S. without waiting in the often-long U.S. Customs and Border Protection line.

Global Entry can help you clear customs in minutes. If you depart from one of 15 preclearance locations , you can even clear it before physically reentering the U.S.

Becoming a Global Entry member can take time due to the difficulty of securing an in-person appointment . However, enrolling in the program is still worthwhile. Although it launched over a decade ago, it's evolved, especially since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Here's what to know about applying for or renewing Global Entry , including how to get application fees reimbursed , what to expect during the interview process , how to use it and how to deal with potential delays.

Using credit cards to get Global Entry for free

Though CBP charges a $100 nonrefundable application fee for a five-year membership, many credit cards reimburse these fees by issuing a credit every four years. If you have more credits than you need, you can also use credits to cover memberships for friends and family members.

A variety of low-annual-fee and premium cards offer this benefit, including:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• United℠ Explorer Card ($0 introductory annual fee, then $95)
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card ($95 annual fee)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees )

Most credit cards that offer an application fee waiver also allow you to cover a Global Entry membership for someone else. So, if you have an unused Global Entry credit on your Amex Platinum, you could charge another person's Global Entry fee to your card to reimburse the purchase.

Tips for getting a Global Entry interview appointment

Once you apply and get conditionally approved for Global Entry, you must schedule an interview appointment; this process has been delayed over the past few years due to an application backlog .

For example, after being conditionally approved, it took me four months to secure an interview at my home airport.

After you're conditionally approved, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program dashboard to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center.

What to expect during your Global Entry interview

For your interview, you'll need a valid passport(s) or permanent resident card and proof of residency, such as a driver's license with your current address, a mortgage statement or a recent utility bill.

The interview should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. During it, you'll be asked a few questions verifying your identity and related to your application, including your recent travel history. The final step is to give your fingerprints and take a photo.

You should receive your Global Entry card and Known Traveler Number seven to 10 days after your interview. Use this KTN for both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck since Global Entry includes membership to TSA PreCheck .

Activate your card within 30 days of receiving it, although CBP says you don't need your physical card to pass through Global Entry kiosks at the airport.

How to use the Global Entry kiosk

Once approved, using the Global Entry lane to reenter the country should be relatively easy, though the kiosk works differently based on location.

Historically, you would use your fingerprints, answer questions, take a photo and then hand the printout you receive to a CBP officer.

However, in some locations, that process has evolved to where you don't do much of anything other than let the machine scan your face in a paperless Global Entry process .

Very young children may be too squirmy to scan reliable fingerprints. In this case, you might receive a crossed-out printout to show to the CBP officer.

Enjoying TSA PreCheck as a perk of Global Entry

As mentioned, a five-year membership to Global Entry also includes five years of access to TSA PreCheck as long as you add your KTN to your airline reservations when booking. You can also add it when checking in for your flight online or at the airport.

Though I've never been denied TSA PreCheck, it is not 100% guaranteed for every flight. In any case, you should have TSA PreCheck almost all the time you have Global Entry. Just make sure that the name matches the name on the ticket and that you've entered your membership numbers into your ticket purchase or frequent flyer account(s).

US citizenship isn't required to use Global Entry

Global Entry is available to non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents . Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, India, Colombia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Panama, South Korea, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan and Mexico can apply.

Canadian citizens and residents are also eligible through the Nexus program , which provides prescreened travelers with expedited processing services when entering the U.S. and Canada by plane, car or boat. It also provides access to Global Entry kiosks when arriving via one of eight Canadian preclearance airports in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Alberta.

If you're a U.S. citizen who visits Canada often and is contemplating Global Entry, consider getting Nexus for expedited customs when entering Canada. Clearing Canadian customs and immigration can take a while, especially at certain airports. Once you have Nexus (as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), you also get Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Nexus is half the cost of Global Entry ($50 per adult and free for children younger than 18). To enroll in the program, you must go to an enrollment center along the Canadian border.

For more information about how citizens from other countries can apply for and get approved for Global Entry, see the requirements and information from CBP . For example, the application process for U.K. citizens involves registering through the U.K. government and paying a fee of 42 euros before applying through the U.S. Trusted Traveler Programs website and paying a $100 fee to the U.S. government.

Completing your Global Entry upon arrival is possible

If you can't find an interview or would prefer to make the process more seamless, you can try enrolling on arrival upon returning to the U.S. from an international trip. The service allows conditionally approved applicants to avoid a formal interview at an enrollment center to finalize their applications; they can instead complete the enrollment at the airport.

This service is currently available at more than 50 airports globally . To enroll on arrival, you need your U.S. passport (which you'll already have if returning to the U.S. from abroad). Also, verify if any other proof-of-residency documents, such as mortgage statements and rent stubs, are needed to complete the interview. A full list of accepted support documents is available on the CBP website .

If open, this service allows you to complete your Global Entry enrollment interview as part of the immigration process when arriving at the airport after an international trip. To do this, plan to follow signs in the airport for the "Enrollment on Arrival" lanes — and be sure your flight arrives during hours when interviews are offered.

A CBP agent will complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. If you don't see any signs for this, ask a CBP agent.

Completing your Global Entry upon departure is now an option

As of February , conditionally approved applicants can complete the interview process for Global Entry in Dulles International Airport (IAD) when departing on international flights.

Enrollment on departure is available daily at Gate B41 in Terminal B from noon to 8 p.m. for travelers at IAD who have been conditionally approved for Global Entry.

Global Entry renewal delays are common

A Global Entry membership lasts five years and expires on your birthday that fifth year. To keep using it, you must renew it before the expiration date noted on your card.

Members have experienced excessive delays associated with renewals dating back to mid-2018, but there are additional delays post-2020.

Aim to renew your membership well before it expires to avoid any delays.

Because of the delays, CBP has extended the time you can use your benefits after your Global Entry membership expires to two years. However, you must submit your renewal application before your membership expires to qualify for this grace period.

Families must separately enroll kids for Global Entry

Parents can't bring their babies or children through the Global Entry kiosks with them unless they are separately enrolled in the program; this means you'll have to pay the $100 enrollment fee for each child. You must also schedule and attend an interview with your minor, even for babies who can't talk.

However, TSA PreCheck benefits extend to children in your family who are up to 12 years old, so you can all use the expedited lane together when traveling domestically.

Families can use Mobile Passport to create additional profiles for family members, and up to four people can submit a single customs declaration form. If your family doesn't leave the country often, that may suit your needs better than Global Entry.

Extra fees aren't required for children who apply for Nexus (and, by extension, Global Entry) with their parents or for children linked to the parent's SENTRI profile. SENTRI allows expedited passage into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via SENTRI-specific lanes but also grants access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airports within the U.S. and overseas territories.

You can update your Global Entry when you get a new passport

If you get a new passport, you can update your Global Entry profile to match your new passport by logging in to your TTP account and finding the section marked "Update Documents." Once you pull up the documents section, enter your new passport number to attach it to your Global Entry membership.

Should you have a name or immigration status change, you must go to a Global Entry enrollment center to process that change, but appointments aren't necessary to complete these changes. Show up with the necessary documentation confirming the change and give the reason for your visit to a CBP agent. They'll process the change during your visit.

If you have two U.S. passports , you must change the number in your profile to match the passport you're using for international travel.

Global Entry cards are considered valid federal IDs

You don't need to travel with your Global Entry card to use the Global Entry kiosks when arriving at U.S. airports. However, it is a valid form of identification that can serve as a legal alternative ID if you lose your driver's license or state ID.

There are certain times — such as flying to the U.S. from Canada or arriving in the U.S. through a cruise ship port, including Port Everglades — when you may need to show your Global Entry card to access those lanes. The card can also come in handy for travelers who live in a state where the driver's license is not Real ID compliant , as it can serve as an alternative form of valid ID at the airport.

TSA PreCheck cannot be upgraded to Global Entry

If you already have TSA PreCheck and want to enroll in Global Entry, you'll still have to go through the normal enrollment process since you cannot upgrade a TSA PreCheck membership.

Should you need help deciding between the two, consider how often you travel abroad. If you frequently head overseas, you would benefit from paying the extra $15 (TSA PreCheck costs $85) to get the perks of Global Entry membership.

Is Global Entry worth it?

Global Entry can help you avoid long wait times when returning from an international trip.

Although it costs $100 and requires an in-person interview, signing up for Global Entry will likely save you time if you are a frequent international traveler.

Related reading:

• Which airports around the world accept Global Entry?
• Global Entry tips: How to avoid waiting for an interview and get TSA PreCheck on your boarding passes
• How to get a Global Entry appointment: 5 essential tips
• 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Dulles becomes first airport to offer Global Entry interviews upon departure

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here .