How to Keep Your Kids Happy on Flights

Flying with children can be challenging, but it’s an adventure worth taking. While infants and toddlers can make traveling a bit stressful, you can anticipate potential hiccups and — hopefully — avert any meltdowns before they even happen.

With the right preparation and mindset, flying with kids can become a rewarding experience filled with special moments. The excitement of takeoff, the joy of exploring new destinations together, and the shared adventure of air travel can create lasting family memories. Embrace the journey and make the most of every moment by being prepared and staying flexible.

Let Them Enjoy a Separate Seat

If your kid is under two years old, lots of airlines will let you keep them on your lap, free of charge. This is a super tempting option…because, money. All that cash you’d be dumping into a whole, full-sized extra seat for a pint-sized munchkin could totally go towards diapers, or formula, or anything else. Like, seriously, this kid is not even the size of your arm. Does she really need a whole seat all to herself?

Yes. Yes she does. And here’s why. First of all, safety. Lap babies are more likely to be injured — or worse — during unexpected turbulence, due to not being strapped in. Would you put your kid in the car without strapping her in first? No? Then don’t do that on a plane, which is basically just a very cramped, elongated car that flies through the sky.

Second of all, comfort. Bring your airplane approved car seat along for the ride, stick it in its own special chair, and strap your child right in there. Both of you will be a zillion times more comfortable. And you know what a comfortable kid equals? A kid who’s less likely to have a meltdown while you’re trying to enjoy your flight over the Atlantic Ocean, that’s what.

Be Deliberate About Where You Sit and When You Fly

In terms of where to sit, you’ve got a few options. You can go for the bulkhead seats, which provide more legroom — irrelevant to the miniature limbs of your kid, but score for you! Plus, it’s the only spot on the plane where an in-flight bassinet can fit. This option might work best for folks with the newest of newborns.

Then there’s the back of the plane, which can be great for staying near the bathrooms and minimizing exposure to the other passengers. But the best place to sit might be wherever the engines are. This might seem like a headache-inducing option, but all that white noise should help your kid to relax — and hopefully — fall asleep.

As for when you’re flying, try to plan flights around the kid’s usual naptime if possible. If that’s not doable, keep your child’s natural sleep and energy cycle in mind. Is he a total night owl? You might want to think twice about booking that red-eye flight. Have a lark on your hands? Overnight flights might be your best bet for traveling with a sleepy — and therefore silent — child.

Have a Solid Boarding and Exit Strategy

Getting an infant on and off the plane smoothly — not to mention carting them through the airport along the way — is tricky business. If you’re also flying with a partner, make it a team effort. Send one adult onto the plane as early as physically possible. Said adult brings the child seat and whatever other accoutrements the kid requires — but not the child.

Once the first adult boards the plane, they should mark your territory in the overhead storage bins and install the child seat. Step 1 of the all-important child-loading maneuver has been completed. Step 2: The adult who’s been left behind with the infant waits as long as possible to get on the plane.

Seriously. Let everyone board ahead of you. Let them all stow their luggage in the overhead compartments and sit themselves down before you even think about getting on that plane. Not only does this minimize the amount of time your tiny human has to spend on the flying tube of boredom, it also minimizes the risk of injury from getting smacked in the face with flying luggage and frantic passengers. After you’ve waited it out, get yourself and your munchkin on the plane, strap her in, and get ready for take-off. Congratulations, folks. You just mastered the aero-child-loading maneuver.

Pack Plenty of Entertainment

Are you one of those parents who has a strict rule about technology use at home? No more than 30 minutes of TV per day for the kid, you’ve decreed. However, despite your high standards around electronics, you need to make airplanes are an exception. At least, if you don’t want to have a screaming child on your hands.

Here’s the deal. Planes are uncomfortable, they’re boring, and they’re a teeny tiny bit scary. Adults — we’ve learned how to deal. But the babies have not learned that skill. So when they inevitably get bored, uncomfortable, or frightened, they’re probably going to pitch a fit. Unless you distract them.

So load up your iPad with new kid-friendly apps that they’ve never used before. Download some new children’s movies for the flight. Stash some surprise toys or activities — a new coloring book, for example — to unveil mid-flight, when cabin fever will start to kick in. Distract, my friends. Distract those kids like it’s your job. Because it is.

Ride the Wave

No matter how well you’ve planned your flight time and seating location, how epically you’ve mastered the aero-child-loading maneuver, or how many kiddie movies you’ve downloaded to your iPad, kids cry. Kids whine. Sometimes they’re loud.

It’s totally OK. If anyone gives you the stink eye over a crying kid, smile and wave. They’re clearly a jerk and deserve to endure every minute of your child’s wailing. Focus on comforting your little one and remember that most people understand. And if you manage to get through the whole flight without a hitch? Well then, props to you, my friend. We salute you. Traveling with kids is a heroic feat, and you deserve a medal for your efforts.

FAQs:

Q: Which documents do I need to travel with my child?
A: Ensure you have your child’s passport (for international travel), birth certificate (for domestic flights if required), and any necessary visas. If you’ll be traveling alone with your child, bring a notarized consent letter from the other parent.

Q: Can I bring baby formula or breast milk through security?
A: Yes, you can bring formula, breast milk, and juice for infants in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit. Declare these items at security for screening.

Q: How do I handle ear pressure issues for my child during takeoff and landing?
A: Give your child something to suck on, like a pacifier or bottle, or encourage older kids to drink from a straw or chew gum to help equalize ear pressure.

Q: What should I pack in my carry-on for my child?
A: Pack essentials like diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, bottles, pacifiers, a blanket, small toys, and any necessary medications. An iPad or tablet with games and movies can also be a lifesaver.

Q: Are there any tips for managing layovers with kids?
A: Look for kid-friendly areas in airports, such as play zones or family lounges. Allow your child to move around and expend energy. Plan meals and bathroom breaks during layovers to avoid rushed situations.

Do you have any tried and true tips for traveling with kids? Tell us in the comments section below!