Expert Tips for Flying With Young Children

For families with children under the age of 5, the thought of flying with them raises stress levels and comes with numerous questions. “Which flight should we take—early morning, afternoon or evening?” “What should we carry onto the plane?” “Do we need to bring the car seat?” “What about snacks?” “Is it even worth going?”

Yes, it’s totally worth taking the trip. By planning ahead and being prepared with the tips below, you also can have a smoother flight.

Pre-flight planning for travel with kids

To optimize the chances your baby or toddler will sleep on the plane, book a flight time that coincides with their naptime. Keep in mind that the airport is a full sensory experience, so it is tiring for little ones, so their nap may hit a little earlier.

For toddlers and preschoolers, pick up some new toys or books to tuck away until you’re on the plane. You can pull them out if the going gets rough. Avoid toys with small parts that can fall under or between seats. Instead, choose toys designed for traveling, such as magnetic games, wax-coated strings that can be molded into shapes, lacing cards, scavenger hunts and others. Sure, you could download a favorite show and put your tot in front of a screen, but you could also use this uninterrupted time to engage with them.

Plan your bags. Babies and toddlers generally come with a lot of stuff, so pack a diaper bag with the essentials, including medications, plus an extra “what if” bag in which you pack a change of clothes for yourself and extra clothes for your child—basically anything you might need in case your checked suitcases don’t make it or your layover is delayed and you’re forced to spend the night. Chances are you won’t need the contents of the second carry-on, but if you do, you will be prepared and ultimately more at ease.

Unless you’re meeting someone at your final destination who is bringing a car seat, you will need to travel with one. Whether you choose to carry it on the plane is up to you. Some plane seats are not very accommodating, may take extra time to figure out the seat belt and get everything tightened securely. The upside is that your child is contained and may sleep or play more comfortably. The downside is that the car seat is just one more thing to carry on board you don’t have enough hands. You can usually check a car seat for free, but the airline is not responsible for any damage. Experience indicates it’s worth buying a luggage cover to protect your checked car seat.  Pro Tip: AAA Members can enjoy a great perk when renting a vehicle with Hertz—free use of a child safety seat. It's a fantastic Membership Benefit that helps make family trips even easier and more convenient. 

At the airport with children

Arrive early. Children have no sense of urgency, so hurrying them along is nearly fruitless. Give yourself and your little ones the gift of time at the airport. They will enjoy observing all the comings and goings, and you will appreciate not having a last-minute rush to the potty.

Umbrella strollers can be a wonderful asset. Use them when you need to move more quickly than little legs can go or to contain your child if they’re prone to ill-timed games of hide-and-seek (or other shenanigans that result in them being separated from you). Then, when you no longer need the stroller, fold it up and check it at your gate. It will be available to you again, usually at the gate, when you land.

During the flight with your baby or toddler

Figure out in advance which lavatory has the changing table. Ask if one lavatory is bigger than another because it can often be hard to fit both a parent and a toddler in one.

To diminish the pressure in infants’ ears, be prepared to nurse or bottle feed your baby twice during the flight. With most airlines, the first “ding” passengers hear once settled and seat belted before takeoff is a signal to the crew that the plane has been cleared for departure. When you hear that bell, feed your infant. The sucking and swallowing will help alleviate pressure in their ears.  The second “ding” means the plane has reached 10,000 feet; you are likely safe to stop feeding your baby. As you approach your destination, the third “ding” is an alert that the final descent is pending. That’s the signal to start breastfeeding or bottle feeding again. Sometimes a pacifier can work as well.

For babies, an alternative to the car seat (for the plane, not the car) is a front baby carrier. Using one in the airport and on the plane keeps your hands free and your kiddo close, which can help induce sleep for both of you once on the plane. You will need to remove your child from the carrier for takeoff and landing, but it’s fine to wear it otherwise.

Have some food and drinks ready. Because turbulence can prevent flight attendants from passing out snacks and beverages, plan to dole out some of your own to your youngster. You can bring up to 3.4 ounces of breastmilk or formula or other drinks through security. Quantities greater than that will need to be in your checked luggage or purchased in the secure part of the airport.

Treat flying as a fun experience. Ask the flight attendant for some wings or a sticker for your child. Point out all the things that make an airplane unique. Wave to the pilot when you disembark, maybe even seeing inside the cockpit.

Finally, ask for help if you need it. Most flight attendants understand the challenges of traveling with young children, as do fellow passengers, and many are willing to lend a hand.

Enjoy your family time

Flying with young children can feel daunting, but with the right planning and mindset, it can be a memorable experience for everyone. By choosing the best flight time for your family, packing thoughtfully, and knowing what to expect at the airport and in the air, you’ll be well-prepared for the journey. Embrace the adventure, engage your little ones, and remember that you’re creating travel memories that will last a lifetime. So, next time you’re considering a trip with your toddler or infant, go for it—because every family adventure, no matter how challenging, is an experience worth having.