Learn how to travel with kids stress-free with these essential tips and tricks. Keep your toddlers/child entertained and calm during flights!

Traveling with kids, especially toddlers, can feel daunting, and it’s normal to get anxious at the thought of flying with little ones. Trust me, as someone who gets nervous about traveling too, it’s not as tough as it seems! With a bit of planning and the right strategies, the whole experience can be much smoother than you’d expect.

In this post, I’ll share my ultimate flying with a toddler checklist—packed with tried-and-tested tips we use to make our trips easier and more enjoyable. Now, I won’t promise there won’t be any restless moments or tantrums (because let’s face it, kids will be kids), but by following the tips in this how to travel with kids guide, you can make your journey far less stressful.

You’ll find toddler airplane activities, advice for long-haul flights with kids, and my favorite family travel hacks to help you have a smoother, stress-free trip. And if you have any game-changing tips I haven’t mentioned, please share them in the comments below!

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How To Travel With Kids

Flying With A Toddler/Child Checklist

1. Pack Their Favourite Snacks

Kids love snacking, and when screen time or activities aren’t enough to keep them entertained, snacks can be a lifesaver!

On our recent 7-hour flight, I knew I needed a variety of snacks to keep my toddler happy, so we brought along this 5-compartment container. It was a game-changer! I filled each section with her favourite snacks, which held a good amount to satisfy her.

When she started getting restless, we pulled it out, and it kept her busy while she watched an arts and crafts show on the plane TV. I highly recommend getting a 4-5 compartment container, filling it with a mix of their favourite treats, and just watch how it helps during those tricky moments when nothing else seems to work!

Check out this blog post with 9 healthy travel snack ideas!

2. Take A ‘Surprise’ Bag

If you’ve ever wondered how to entertain a toddler on a plane, a surprise bag is a total game-changer! Before each trip, we always stop by The Works to grab some affordable activities (most are as low as £1).

The key is to fill a bag with small, new toys or activities your toddler hasn’t seen before. The novelty factor works wonders for keeping them entertained! Think of items like stickers, coloring books, mini puzzles, or even fidget toys. These kinds of activities tend to hold their attention the longest.

Pro tip: Don’t show them the bag until the travel day, or they’ll want to dig in before you even leave for the airport!

3. Download Some Shows

I’ve cut back on screen time for my little one, so we try to avoid it even when we travel. However, we still keep it as a last-resort option for when she gets really restless.

Whether or not you typically allow screen time, it’s a smart idea to download a few favourite shows on a tablet or phone (unless your flight offers in-seat screens). When all else fails, a bit of screen time can be a lifesaver, keeping them entertained and helping you avoid those inevitable tantrums and restless moments!

4. Arrive Early at the Airport

I’ve always been the type to arrive at the airport 5-6 hours before a flight, but with a toddler, this strategy is a total game-changer! Getting there early gives you plenty of time for bathroom breaks, navigating security, and avoiding the stress of rushing. The last thing you want is to feel panicked about missing your flight while juggling a restless child.

Plus, arriving early allows you to tire them out before boarding. Let them walk or run around the airport to burn off energy, which increases the chances they’ll nap on the plane—especially if you book an early morning or late-night flight. Even if your child no longer naps regularly, the excitement and exhaustion of the day might just help them drift off!

Other Travel Posts You’ll Find Helpful:

• The Ultimate Year-Round Travel Packing List
• 20 Travel Essentials You Didn’t Think You Needed
• Travel Workout Routine
• 10+ Baby Travel Essentials
• How To Stay Healthy While Traveling
• 9 Healthy Travel Snacks

5. Choose The Right Flight Times

Building on what I mentioned earlier, choosing the right flight time can make a big difference when traveling with kids! If possible, try to book flights during your toddler’s usual nap or bedtime. This can increase the chances of them sleeping during the journey.

If your child no longer takes naps and you prefer morning flights, aim for an early departure. We usually book flights between 6-8 AM, which means waking up around midnight to leave for the airport by 1-2 AM. By the time we get through the airport and board, she’s usually so tired from the early wake-up that she ends up napping on the plane, even though she doesn’t usually nap anymore!

6. Plan For Extra Time

Give yourself plenty of extra time for everything—from getting through security to taking bathroom breaks. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and it helps keep both you and your child calm. When you’re stressed, kids can sense it, which can make them act up even more!

As I mentioned earlier, we usually arrive at the airport 5-6 hours before our flight. It might sound like a lot, but it helps us have a smoother experience and gives our toddler plenty of time to burn off energy before boarding.

7. Lightweight Stroller/Carrier

A lightweight stroller is a game changer for getting through airports and sightseeing at your destination. If your toddler likes being held, a carrier or sling can be a great option, especially for naps on the go. When our daughter was a baby, we loved using this lightweight carrier —it was perfect for navigating the airport and keeping her comfortable while exploring new places.

I also highly recommend the Joie by Mamas & Papas stroller. It’s super affordable, making it a great choice if you don’t want to splurge on something just for a short trip!

8. Dress Comfortably And In Layers

Airports and planes can be unpredictable when it comes to temperature, so it’s best to dress your toddler in comfy, layered clothing. This way, you can easily add or remove layers if they get too hot or cold. We also like to bring a blanket because our little one tends to get chilly when she naps, and having a cozy blanket really helps her sleep comfortably on the plane.

This post was all about how to travel with kids!

Don’t forget to save this pin on Pinterest to come back to later!

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