Tips for Traveling with Kids on a Plane: What Parents Need to Know

Summer vacation is supposed to feel like a break. But if you’re flying with kids, it can feel like anything but.

You’ve got snack bags, stuffed animals, iPads, boarding passes, and more stress than you signed up for. We get it. We help families navigate this every day.

Here are five practical ways to make your next flight with kids smoother (and yes, even enjoyable).

1. Let your kids carry their own backpack. We’re not talking about loading them down. But giving each child a small, manageable backpack gives them a sense of responsibility, and lightens your load. Include a change of clothes, a couple of snacks, and something to do. Bonus: They feel like a “big kid,” and you get fewer meltdowns.

2. Keep snacks simple and constant.You can’t overpack snacks. Hungry kids are cranky kids, and airport food isn’t always kid-friendly. Think easy, mess-free options like granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks, and pouches. Divide them up into individual snack bags before you go. Pro-Tip: We love a "snackle box" for flying with our kids!

3. Think in 30-minute blocks. Don’t expect one activity to last the whole flight. Plan small rotations: sticker books, coloring, a favorite movie, a snack break. If you can survive each 30-minute chunk, you’re winning.

4. Don’t rely on the in-flight entertainment. It’s not always there. Or working. Download what you need ahead of time - movies, games, shows - and bring child-sized headphones they’ve already tried at home.

5. Build in recovery time. Your first day at the destination doesn’t need to be packed. Travel days are tiring for everyone. Plan for an easy dinner, early bedtime, and space to breathe.

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These small things can go a long way in making your travel day smoother.

Want help planning the kind of trip that feels easy from start to finish? That’s what we do best.