Flying with kids can be incredibly stressful. Will they cry? How can I keep them entertained? Will any of us get sleep? And the stress increases with each additional hour you’ll be in the air. Below are tips for flying with kids to help prepare you for a successful flight, including a carry-on packing list, and ideas for engaging (and new) activities to keep their short attention spans fed.
Tips for Flying With Kids
- Gate check your stroller. If you’re already planning to have one on vacation, then use it up to the gate!
- Pack and use a carry-on bag of surprise goodies. A variety of small games, activities, and toys will help keep your little one(s) focused on something other than how much longer the flight will be. A great place to stock up is Amazon or your local Dollar Store. I often wrap some of them to make it seem more special – and sometimes the wrapping and unwrapping can be the most exciting part for many kiddos.
- Avoid bulkhead seats. If you’d like quick and easy access to your carry-on luggage (and a bag of tricks), these seats may give you more legroom, but you won’t be able to store anything under the seat or directly in front of you.
- Purchase a separate seat for your kid to maximize space. If your little one is under two years of age, and you can afford to purchase them a seat, then do it. The more space, the better.
- Charge and download shows, apps, or games before you leave home. Wi-Fi will most likely be slower, unreliable, and less safe while at an airport or hotel. Also, do a test run with all headphones, connectors, and accessories. Buy and bring a portable charging device just in case.
- Involve your kids when packing carry-on items, or at least preview them. This way you save any disappointment when there isn’t something they were expecting.
- Organize carry-ons to ensure your necessities are easy to access. The best way to head off the ensuing meltdowns (and yours too when the one thing you need cannot be found) is to use organizers and think through where you will store items in your carry-on bag.
- Make a packing list for your carry-on and checked luggage. I love to make lists and the feeling I get when crossing off a completed task. Make a paper version and consider a digital backup on your smartphone too.
- Buy comfortable, travel-approved masks and practice wearing them with your kids. Most people are familiar with wearing a mask, but make sure they can comfortably wear one for extended periods.
- Download/print COVID-19 items (vaccine records, test results, etc.) in advance, just in case.
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Games and Activities
Games and activities can be a great way to engage and entertain kids and reduce screen time. Due to limited space in your bag and on the plane, you’ll need to find smaller, travel versions of your favorite games to keep their attention. Below are some of our favorites for airplane travel – and the bonus is that they are all under $10.
- Glow sticks are super fun for kids when the plane gets dark. I usually get mine at the Dollar Store. Just remember to put them in your liquids bag for TSA.
- Decorate the seats, windows, and trays with reusable stickers.
- Spot It! Junior Animals Card Game | Game For Kids | Preschool Age 4+ | 2 to 5 Players |Average Playtime 10 minutes | Made by Zygomatic #ad
- Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad – Animals #ad
- My First Crayola Double Doodle Board, Drawing Tablet, Toddler Toy, Gift
Carry-on Starter List
Below is a starter list with some recommended items to pack on the flight. Adjusting to flying during a pandemic has created the need for new items and considerations, in addition to the essentials. Use this list as a starter as you’re building your list. Happy travels!
