TIPS FOR FLYING WITH KIDS & BABIES

These tips for flying with kids will be so helpful! Flying with a baby, toddler, or young kids is no easy task. Between planning, packing, and keeping the kids alive, traveling with kids can be very stressful. 

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As a former teacher, I like to be the perfect level of prepared for just about every situation…without over packing and having too much stuff. It is a fine balance really.

When my husband and I booked our airline tickets, I immediately started researching flying with kids. Clearly, I knew nothing.

I didn’t know what I SHOULD bring to the airport, what I even COULD bring on the plane with us, or what we WOULD need to not have a screaming one year old.

Needless to say, our flights were not perfect, but pretty stinking close. We got tons of comments on how cute our little guy was, how well behaved he was, and how many people didn’t even notice they were sitting around a kid.

I chalk it up to RESEARCH. Being prepared is half of the battle.

If you are here, that probably means you have a flight scheduled with your kiddos and you have no idea how to survive, let alone have fun. I get it momma, I have been there. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, jot down a few of these tips, and get organized for your trip ahead. You have got this momma!

RELATED- Surviving Road Trips with Kids

Mindset

I hate to break it to you, but flying with kids (no matter the age) is going to be stressful. Packing, carrying kids, grabbing all of your luggage, getting through security, boarding the plane, sitting on the airline for hours… you get the picture. There are TONS of small details and areas that have a tendency to cause some stress, even without kids!

Having a healthy and realistic mindset before your trip can be so helpful.

1. Set realistic expectations.

Expecting no hi-cups in your trip is just going to set yourself up for failure. Unfortunately, there are going to be a few tiny issues when flying with kids. Somebody is going to forget something in the car. Maybe your toddler is having one of those days and you have meltdown after meltdown. Expecting perfection is NOT going to be helpful here.

Get organized and create a plan, but then expect a few weird things to happen that are out of your control. Just roll with them!

2. Stay ahead of the game.

 As is my phrase for all of motherhood, try to always be on the offense. Get ahead of the game so you don’t lose your cool. Be prepared, have the items you need packed in appropriate places, anticipate a few problems, and give yourself plenty of time.

3. Try to have fun.

There will be mess ups, glitches, things you forgot, etc. Try to just roll with the punches. Getting upset with your spouse or kids is not going to solve the problem. Your kids are watching you and depending on their age will remember flying. Unless you travel frequently, flying is not an everyday occurrence and your kids will think it is so fun!

Obviously there are a lot of variations and things that can affect your fight, such as airline requirements, specific airports, security requirements, etc. but these are just overall tips that can help you stay sane MOMMA when flying with kids.

Packing List for Flying with Kids

ACTIVITIES– Pack TONS of activities, books, sticker books, crayons, and games to make sure each child will be entertained for a LONG time. 

SNACKS– Bring TONS of snacks, more than you think you might need. If trying to save money, bring your own snacks from home or buy at a grocery store right before the trip. Airport food is VERY overpriced! Some of our favorite snacks for traveling are fruit snacks, pretzels, granola bars, and chips. Don’t forget a sippy or water bottle for each of your kids, or have them share one. 

Staying organized

A BACKPACK (or could be diaper bag) with the essentials:

• important paperwork (passports, printed itineraries, tickets, transportation details)
• wallet
• chargers
• snacks
• activities
• wipes & diapers
• a spare set of clothes in case of accidents (speaking from personal experience)

If traveling with other adults, or older kids, give everybody a walk-through of where certain items are. This will be so helpful so you aren’t the only person that knows where everything is.

I love my husband to pieces, but he can never find anything in our diaper bag. Taking just 2-3 minutes to show him where items are kept will be helpful!

Preventive conversations help relieve stress. You both need to be on the same page, and the airport is no place for a couple’s spat. Have a plan, communicate well, and remember try to stay on the offense.

Before You Get to the Airport

Make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time. Traveling with kids can be stressful, so try and eliminate a little stress by making sure you have time. Not too much time because then your kids will start to get out of hand, but enough so you aren’t running through the airport in order to get to your plane.

Check out baby food requirements. – Baby food, formula, and breast milk are OFTEN allowed in quantities more than the normal carry-on liquid size. But, breast milk does not necessarily clear as a liquid when going through airport security. Call the specific airport or check their website to find out what is allowed.

Try to avoid flying through the night. This can be a little controversial.

Some people recommend flying through the night because the kids will sleep. Well let me tell you, there is no guarantee they will actually sleep. My husband and I learned this the hard way when our little guy refused to sleep even though it was HOURS past his bedtime. Thankfully, I was prepared and had some things to keep him quiet.

Even though the kids might be tired, they might not necessarily sleep. Typically tired means grumpy, fussy, and loud. Most people on the night planes want to sleep, and will be less patient with a screaming baby at 2:00 AM. Just my two cents.

While You are at the Airport

USE THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE– Most airports have very nice restrooms, nursing stations, diaper changing stations, etc. Make sure you use them! It probably goes without saying, but be sure to change diapers right before the plane leaves. Airport facilities are a lot more spacious and normally cleaner.

BURN SOME ENERGY– After getting through security and finding your gate, explore a little with your kids. Find a safe, seclusive area where you can let your kids roam, walk, or crawl to burn off some energy before getting confined in their seat for hours. 

BRING A STROLLER. This is so helpful to have when walking around the airport, helping carry kids, carrying luggage, etc. You can check it as you board the plane, similar to a wheelchair, and it will be there right when you are exiting the plane! Bringing a stroller is by far the BEST thing I recommend when flying with kids under 3!

OPTIONAL- You can buy a stroller cover to protect it and also throw in a few extra things that you won’t need at your seat.

BOARD EARLY, OR DON’T… This is a little controversial also. Some people recommend taking advantage of early boarding for families. It is a nice feature so you can get situated before everybody else gets on the plane. However, some people recommend getting on the plane very last so there is the least amount of time possible on the plane. Decide what you think is best for your kids and see how it goes!

If you are traveling with somebody, I suggest splitting up when it is time to board the plane. Send one person with a carry on and one kid so they can find the seats, make sure there are no issues, and the other adult (and other kids) enjoy the last few minutes before confinement.

On The Plane

Remember that nobody else on the plane loves your kids like you do. Be sure to have your kids be respectful of the people you sit around. Don’t let them pull hair, kick seats, etc. You might think what they are doing is cute or funny, but chances are the neighbors around you are thinking it is annoying.

When your plane lands and you are headed for your vacation, don’t plan many activities that first day. You and the kids will probably be wiped. Give yourself some grace and be reasonable with your expectations for the day.

Recap of What You Need to Know about Flying with Kids

• Be prepared and organized BEFORE you get to the airport.
• Set realistic expectations for your day of travel.
• Remember nobody loves your kids like you do.
• Have fun and make some wonderful memories with your kiddos!

As always, thanks for stopping by Living Practically! I hope you found value here and will come back for more!