Traveling can be a challenge. Traveling with children during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year can be borderline insanity. But, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re wondering how to fly with kids for Thanksgiving, it all comes down to planning and packing. Here are some tips to minimize your stress and be on your way to a hassle-free Turkey Day with the kids in tow.

Book Flights for During Naptime/Bedtime

Booking with a little bit of strategy ahead of time can go a long way. One of the best choices you can make when booking flights for Thanksgiving is to pick flights during your children’s normal naptime or bedtime. After all, you’re the most familiar with your kid’s sleep schedule. This means you’ll know the times when they’re most likely to doze off and leave you with a simple and stress-free flying experience. Of course, this tip requires your little ones to be able to fall asleep on the plane. So, if they’re normally light sleepers and are awaken by the even slightest of noises, this may not necessarily work for them.

Fly on the Right Day

Flying in November is always going to be a little tricky. If you can swing it, try to fly out on Tuesday or Thursday as these are the less busy travel days. Plus, flights on these days should be less expensive. If you can get a flight early enough on Thursday, you’ll save cash, avoid the crowds, and make it in time for dinner with the family. Flying home on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend rather than Sunday will also be to your advantage.

Bring on the Distractions

If you’re traveling with toddlers, you’ll need to keep them busy. You also can’t plan on in-flight entertainment matching their tastes, although the options these days are much greater than the days of one in-flight movie, take it or leave it. Thankfully, there are also tons of options that you can bring with you, including an iPad, a camera-equipped smartphone, and even a laptop. Or, better yet, treat them to something new just for the flight — like a game, a TV series, or a book — to provide some novel amusement for your restless kids.

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Pack Snacks

Food and kids go together, and the last thing you want is to be waiting for the food cart and hear that whiny voice coming from two rows back: “I’m hungry, Mommy!” If your children aren’t the type to try new things, you might want to pack some favorites to keep them from getting “hangry.” Even if your child does well at mealtimes, snacks are still important. Growing bodies need fuel to keep them moving. Plus, snacks help keep the kids distracted so you can get in some work — or some napping.

Only Carry on the Essentials

There’s nothing worse than trying to wrangle little ones through crowds of people at the gate or on the plane while dragging suitcases filled with all the items you need for your Thanksgiving trip. Sure, you can lower travel costs by cramming everything into your carry-on, but then you’ll need to dig through a jampacked suitcase to find what you need on the flight. Save yourself the headache. Pack everything you’re not going to need on the flight into a separate suitcase and check it. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it is to just have the essentials in a light backpack and not have to deal with anything else.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

This one is common sense, but it’s incredible how easy it is to get caught up in the day and forget that you’re going to need extra time, no matter what. Leave enough buffer room in your time budget for traffic, TSA lines, and canceled flights. Be sure to allow enough time for your kids to use the bathroom right before boarding. This way, they won’t have to go when you’re in the aisle fighting for space for your carry-on luggage. Consider setting aside some time to have a slow, enjoyable meal with your family before you board the plane. Keep in mind that in-flight dinner service may be limited depending on when your flight takes off.

Check-in the Night Before You Fly

Pretty much every airline has an online check-in feature, so it’s easy to check yourself in 24 hours before your flight. It will save you time and keep you from having to deal with any bored kiddos while you wait wait in line to check in at the counter. In addition, these days most airlines also have a self-check kiosk for baggage at the airport, so definitely take advantage. If you’re following the right instructions about luggage weight and carry-on guidelines, it should all be a breeze. If you realize you need to check an extra bag, or bring an essential bag that wasn’t part of your initial booking, it’s best to call the airline to update your reservation a day or two before.

Do you have any more tips about how to fly with kids for Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments section below!