14 Essential Tips for Flying with Kids from Experienced Parents

Practical Tips for Flying with Children

Traveling by plane with children can be a daunting experience for most parents, regardless of whether it's their first time or they've traveled extensively. The challenges include keeping active kids seated, managing potty training or frequent diaper changes in small airplane bathrooms, and handling nap schedules or entertaining children who require constant attention. These issues are often compounded by the stress of packing, which can feel like a month-long task.

However, the effort is usually worth it once you reach your destination. With some helpful advice from other parents, the journey doesn’t have to be unbearable. It can even be enjoyable, as many seasoned travelers have discovered.

Essential Items to Bring

One of the most useful items to bring on a flight is a booster seat. Many airlines allow passengers to bring a booster seat for free, which can also save money when renting a car at the destination. Charlotte Denn, founder of children’s brand What Mother Made, explains that she uses one on long-haul flights if she wants the children to watch a screen. "The screens on the chairs are really high and they can’t always see it," she says.

A travel buggy is another great item to consider. The Stokke YOYO, which folds into three pieces and is compact enough to fit in the cabin hold or on the luggage rack of trains, is highly recommended by many parents. Additionally, a toddler carrier like the Wildride is ideal for carrying a child inside the terminal for short distances.

Special Assistance and Airport Preparations

If you need special assistance, booking it in advance can help you navigate the airport more efficiently and reduce waiting times. Rheanna Lingham, owner of independent clothing brand Luna & Curious, recommends registering for a Hidden Disabilities Lanyard before your trip. This helps airport staff and other passengers recognize that you may need additional support, patience, and understanding.

Before traveling, check if the airport has sensory rooms available. For example, Gatwick Airport offers a pre-bookable sensory room that can provide a calming environment for children.

Organizing Your Child’s Toys

To avoid constantly picking up toys, snacks, and crayons during the flight, Samantha Newton, a screenwriter and regular traveler, suggests using a pashmina. Tie it to the bottom of the seat in front of you or on the seat pocket, and lay the other end over your child’s lap. This way, any items thrown around will land in the pashmina, making cleanup easier.

Managing Bathroom Needs

If your child might need to use the bathroom unexpectedly, consider putting a nappy on them for the flight or placing a waterproof changing mat on the plane seat. Newton shares that her son seems to need the bathroom just as the seatbelt sign turns on every time. "We’ve had many close calls, and a nappy offers peace of mind for those moments," she says.

Snacks and Self-Care

Parents recommend bringing your own snacks for the kids and pre-ordering children’s meals for the flight. However, don't forget to treat yourself as well. Newton mentions investing in a nice thermos so that you can enjoy coffee from the airport once the kids are settled on the plane.

Staying Cool and Fresh

An Evian facial spray bottle is a clever product that provides both fun and a much-needed freshen up. Newton says her family loves using it on flights because planes can get hot. "The kids enjoy spraying it on you, and it’s also a sensory experience for them."

Keeping Your Child Entertained

Packing the right gear is essential for keeping your child entertained. Lyn Phillips, a parent of two and teacher, suggests going old-school with magnetic games, coloring books, factual books, and sticker books. She also recommends playing card games or Top Trumps as a family activity. Sensory toys are especially useful for neurodiverse children, and it's important to bring something new and something familiar.

Audiobooks, such as Yoto Players or Tonies, can be great for younger children. Letting them have their own space to gaze out the window while listening to a story can be a relaxing experience. However, leave TV screens as a last resort and limit screen time before the flight to make them more effective when needed.

Creative Play Ideas

Play-Doh is a controversial but effective item to bring on a flight. Newton says it's a lifesaver for preventing things from rolling off the tray table. Denn agrees, noting that it can also double as a play item. Wrapping up toys like presents and offering them as surprises during the flight can keep children entertained.

Using reusable stickers instead of traditional ones can also be a good idea. Newton mentions that her four-year-old can stick them all over the plane, and they can be peeled off without leaving marks. A regular box of tissues can also entertain young children for hours.

Embracing Classic Bribery

Classic bribery can be an effective tool when traveling. Newton suggests treating your kids to a new item, like a magazine or toy, at the airport but telling them to wait until the plane to open it. This creates excitement and makes the flight more appealing.