9 Essential Tips for Flying with Kids

Flying with kids can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling solo with a baby or toddler. But with the right preparation and a few key travel hacks, you can turn what could easily be a stressful experience into a smooth-ish, manageable journey — maybe even an enjoyable one!

As parents who’ve been there, we know the meltdowns, the unexpected delays, and the constant need for snacks and entertainment. That’s why we’ve put together these 9 must-know tips to make flying with kids so much easier.

1. Book smart, timing is everything

Whenever possible, book morning flights. Here’s why:

• Delays tend to pile up throughout the day, making later flights more prone to disruptions.
• Kids are often better rested in the morning, which means fewer cranky moments.
• For long-haul flights, try to book early enough to snag a bassinet seat if your airline offers one.

2. Fly direct whenever you can

Layovers with kids? We avoid them like the plague.

Quick storytime: on one of my most recent flights with Efren where I was traveling alone with him, I somehow unknowingly booked a journey from the Bay Area to Seattle with a connection through Portland (in the countless flights I've booked I've literally never made that mistake before so I'm chalking it up to mommy brain). The layover was only 45 minutes (the second flight's boarding time literally began 5 minutes after the first one landed) and I was freaking out because how was I supposed to get all our belongings off the plane WHILE carrying Efren and somehow haul us all across an airport in such a short amount of time?? Miraculously, my arrival gate and departure gate ended up only being a few doors down from each other, so a major crisis was averted, but even with them being so close together, I was sweating in transit as I hauled us through.

All that to say, running through an airport with a stroller and a diaper bag, some luggage and a stroller while trying to make a tight connection is not fun. So if you can, choose nonstop flights. If a layover is unavoidable, aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours so you’re not rushing through the airport.

3. Help with ear pressure

Ear pressure during takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable for little ones, especially if it's their first few flights. Try these simple tricks:

• For babies/toddlers: Breastfeed, bottle-feed, or give them a pacifier.
• For toddlers: Offer a lollipop, chewy snack, or a drink with a straw.
• For older kids: Teach them to do a big yawn or chew sugar-free gum.

4. The stroller hack you need to know

Good news — strollers are usually free to check at the gate. But here’s a pro tip:

• Get a lightweight, compact stroller that can fold with one hand. This is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a kid, a diaper bag, and your last shred of sanity.
• Some compact strollers even fit in the overhead bin, which means you don’t have to wait for gate-check at your destination! We like to use this one.
• Bonus hack: Stroller gate check bags are often big enough to stash a few extra items that wouldn’t fit in your carry-on or personal item. (But you didn’t hear that from us 😉.)

5. Snacks are survival

Airport food isn’t exactly baby or toddler-friendly, and you never know when delays will hit. Pack easy, non-messy snacks like:

• Berries
• Dry cereal
• Fruit pouches
• Crackers
• Sliced veggies like carrots and celery

Pro tip: Avoid super sugary treats to prevent mid-flight sugar spikes and crashes. Also, grab a spill-proof snack saucer — it makes kids work a little for their food and keeps them entertained! We also love these snack containers to keep sliced fruits and veggies contained.

6. The airplane toy trick

Pack a mix of new and forgotten toys to keep kids entertained. Some of the best screen-free travel toys include:

• Stickers
• Water Wow books
• Painter’s tape (sounds funny but it works)

To make it even more exciting, wrap the toys like little presents — they’ll love the surprise!

7. Keep it cozy for sleep

If you’re flying during nap time or overnight, stick to your child’s bedtime routine as much as possible. Bring:

• A small blanket
• Their favorite stuffed animal
• Portable white noise (an app or small machine)
• Magnesium lotion (helps little ones relax before sleep)
• Bonus tip for nursing moms: A loose sweater or a nursing cover can help block out distractions while feeding your baby to sleep.

8. Attach Everything

Ever had a pacifier fall on the airplane floor or have a toddler who loves to throw everything on the floor? Not fun.

Use pacifier clips to attach pacifiers and small toys to your child’s clothes or stroller. That way, they’re not constantly dropping things on the (very germ-y) floor.

9. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize

Airplanes are full of germs, and kids touch everything. Bring alcohol-free sanitizing wipes to clean:

• Armrests
• Tray tables
• Seatbelt buckles
• Window shades
• Headrests
• Bathroom surfaces if you take them in

Because the last thing you need is a sick family!

Flying with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

With a little planning and the right tools and tricks, you can make the experience as manageable as possible. Remember, you've got this.

If you found this post helpful, please pay it forward and share it with a fellow parent who needs these tips!

💬 Did we miss anything? What’s your best tip for flying with kids? Drop it in the comments below!