After traveling to 65+ countries with kids of all ages, including many 24+ hour travel days, we’ve learned what actually works (and what usually doesn’t) when it comes to air travel with young children. This is your complete guide to flying with kids, covering everything from before you leave home to landing at your destination.
Ready to master points and miles so you can afford more family travel adventures? Our TRU Black Friday sale is our biggest of the year, and it starts in just a few days! Join our waitlist for VIP access to an exclusive extra coupon code (on top of our massive 70% off discount!) plus a bonus masterclass. Join the Black Friday VIP Waitlist Here!
Table of Contents
Before Your Flight: Preparation is Everything
Booking Your Flights
Choose direct flights when possible. Long layovers with small children sound like a good idea in theory (let them burn energy!), but the reality is more stressful. Direct flights mean less chance of delays, missed connections, and meltdowns.
Consider overnight flights for long-haul flights. International flights that align with your child’s sleep schedule can be a game changer. Your young children might sleep through most of the flight.
Book strategically. For domestic flights, early morning flights often work best – kids are fresh, airports are less crowded, and delays are less common. For international travel, overnight flights mean you can land in the morning and adjust to jet lag more easily.
Getting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
This is hands-down one of the best things we’ve done for family travel.
With TSA PreCheck or Global Entry:
- You keep your shoes on
- You don’t have to unpack electronics
- Kids under 12 go through the expedited line with you
- Security lines are significantly shorter
- Less stress at the security checkpoint
- Plus it’s just overall so much easier to navigate while you’ve gotten little ones in tow
The best part? Several credit cards reimburse the application fee, so it’s essentially free. Click for Cards with TSA/Global Entry Certificates!
If you do any international travel, get Global Entry, it includes TSA PreCheck AND gets you through customs faster when returning to the US.
Understanding Lap Children vs. Own Seat
Lap infant (under 2 years): Most airlines allow children under 2 to fly on your lap for free on domestic flights, or for 10% of the adult fare on international flights. However, consider buying your lap child their own seat for safety and comfort, especially on long flights. Even though it was an extra cost, on almost all of our overnight long-haul flights, I bought my babies their own seats and brought their car seats on board. It allowed them to get some sleep in a somewhat familiar place and made the situation a bit easier on everyone. (This is one of the beautiful things about using points/miles for most of our flights; it opens up our budget a bit for things like this!)
Own seat: For young children, if you want extra space for your lap infant, purchasing a separate seat means you can bring an FAA-approved car seat. This provides:
- Safer travel during turbulence
- Familiar sleeping space for your child
- Extra space for your entire family
- A place to secure your child during the entire flight
Creating Your Packing List
The diaper bag or carry-on bag must-haves:
- Extra diapers (more than you think you’ll need)
- Change of clothes for kids AND parents (trust us on this)
- Baby formula and breast milk (more on TSA rules below)
- Water bottle (empty or with some frozen water)
- Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
- Favorite toys (but not too much stuff)
- Comfort items like a small blanket
- Peel-and-stick stickers
- Electronic devices with downloaded content
- Portable chargers
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Basic first aid supplies
Pro tip: Pack a change of clothes in your diaper bag, not your checked luggage. That’s one less thing to worry about if luggage gets lost, and seriously, with little ones, we’ve needed that extra set of clothes more than once!
At the Airport: Your Survival Strategy
Know the TSA Rules for Flying with Children
Here’s what most parents don’t know: You CAN bring liquids for young children through airport security – even over 3.4oz!
This includes:
- Baby formula
- Breast milk (even if you’re not traveling with the baby!)
- Juice
- Water bottles for mixing formula
- Baby food pouches
- Ice packs for keeping items cold
Keep these items readily accessible in your carry-on bag so TSA officers can quickly screen them at the security checkpoint. We always put ours in an outside pocket or on top of our bag. I would also pull all of my baby liquids out and set them in a separate area of the TSA bin so that the agent could see exactly what they were and quickly give us the clear.
The TSA Cares program also offers special assistance for families traveling with small children. You can call ahead to arrange help at airport security if you are worried about it.
Gate Check Your Stroller and Car Seat
Strollers: Airlines let you gate check strollers for free. We bring our lightweight stroller right to the gate on every flight. You can use it throughout the airport, and it’s waiting for you right when you deplane. This is a great way to navigate long lines, give tired little ones a break, and keep them in one place.
Car seats: If you’re not using your car seat on the plane, you can check it for free with a gate agent when you check in for your flight.
Our Pre-Boarding Strategy
Here’s our secret that changes everything: one parent boards early while the other stays back with the little kids.
The early boarder gets on, handles all carry-ons, sets up everything in the overhead bins, wipes down the airplane seats, organizes entertainment, and gets settled. Meanwhile, the other parent stays back with the kids, letting them burn energy at a play area or walking around the terminal until family boarding or the very last boarding call.
No more wrestling toddlers in cramped seats for 30 minutes while everyone else boards. The kids stay happy and active, then board when it’s time to actually sit down.
Lounge Access = Sanity
If we could only pick ONE thing that transformed our airport experience, it would be lounge access. Not kidding, is like an airport secret weapon.
Here’s what changes when you have lounge access:
- Young children can eat real food instead of overpriced airport options
- You have a quiet space to decompress before your travel day begins
- Kids can spread out at tables with books and toys
- Clean and large bathrooms (this matters with small children!)
- Extra time for everyone to relax before the flight
- A sense of security and calm before long-haul flights
- You can shower in most after a long overnight flight (my absolute favorite)
- There is quick access to all the food and drinks that the kids can have (also for those of us with allergies usually there are some decent allergy friendly options)
The best part? Several credit cards include complimentary lounge access as a perk. Click here for Cards with Lounge Access!
On the Plane: Surviving the Flight
Choosing Your Seats
Window seat vs. aisle seat: For young kids, window seats are usually better – they can look out, lean against the wall to sleep, and aren’t in the way of fellow passengers and flight attendants. For older children who might need bathroom breaks, aisle seats work better.
Blocking the middle seat: Some airlines (like Fiji Airlines, JetBlue, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Qantas, and United) let you block the middle seat if it’s available. It costs a little bit extra, but that extra space can make a huge difference on long flights.
Front vs. back: Closer to the front means easier deplaning, but the back of the plane near the galley can be good for young children who need to move around. Flight attendants often don’t mind if kids stand near the galley during meal service on long-haul flights. We’ve spent a lot of time at the back of the airplane with our babies.
Managing Pressure Changes
Ear pain during takeoff and landing is real, especially for small children who can’t equalize pressure.
For babies:
- Nurse or bottle feed during takeoff and landing
- Pacifiers help too
- The sucking motion helps equalize pressure
For older kids:
- Chewing gum
- Drinking water from a water bottle with a straw
- Yawning exercises
- Hard candy (for older children)
Entertainment for Long Flights
Electronic devices are your friend on long flights. Download movies, TV shows, and games before you leave. Don’t rely on airplane wifi, it can be crazy unreliable. I also try to hype my kids up with the shows they are able to watch. For example, I’ll limit saving my kids’ favorite shows for the flight and won’t have them watch them for a few weeks leading up to our trip.
Screen time limits go out the window: For us, this is not the time for your regular rules. Long-haul flights with kids require survival mode, and if electronic devices keep everyone happy, use them without guilt.
For younger kids:
- Peel-and-stick stickers (hours of entertainment, zero mess)
- Coloring books and new crayons
- Picture books
- Travel games
- Play-doh in a small container
- Magnetic drawing boards
For older kids:
- Downloaded movies and TV shows
- Audiobooks
- New book they’ve been wanting
- Travel games
- Journal or drawing supplies
- A new music download they have been looking forward to
The airplane surprise trick: Bring something new they’ve never seen before – a special toy, activity book, or game that they only get once you’re on the plane. The anticipation keeps them excited instead of anxious about the flight.
Working with Flight Attendants
Flight attendants are your allies! Most have seen it all and genuinely want to help.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Request extra water bottles
- Ask if there’s an empty seat you could move to
- They can warm bottles and baby food during meal service
- Be considerate of other crew members who are working
Feeding Kids on the Plane
Bring your own snacks: Airplane food isn’t always kid-friendly, and meal service timing doesn’t always align with hungry kids. Pack:
- Protein bars
- Trail mix
- Crackers
- String cheese
- Fruit pouches
- Individual snack packs
- Lollipops for landing (helps with ear pressure!)
Baby formula and breast milk: You can bring as much as needed through security. On long flights, flight attendants will warm bottles for you.
Meal time strategy: On international flights, consider whether your young children should eat when meal service happens or stick to their normal schedule. Sometimes it’s better to let them sleep through meal service and eat snacks later.
The Dreaded Diaper Changes
Changing diapers in airplane bathrooms is challenging but doable:
- Bring a portable changing pad
- Use the changing table if available
- Bring plastic bags for dirty diapers
- Pack extra wipes
- Have everything ready before you go
- One parent can change while the other entertains in the seat
Dealing with Jet Lag
For international travel with young children:
Before you leave:
- Gradually adjust sleep schedules a few days before
- Book flights that align somewhat with sleep times
On the plane:
- Keep kids awake or asleep according to the destination time zone
- Adjust watches to the destination time immediately
After landing:
- Get outside in natural light
- Try to eat meals at the local time
- Drink as many liquids as you can earlier in the day and then keep drinks to a minium for a few hours before bedtime (the dreaded wake up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break is usually what wakes my little ones up the most when we are first adjusting)
- Stay awake until an appropriate bedtime
- Be patient – it takes a few days
For Different Ages: What Changes
Flying with Infants (Under 1 Year)
The good news: Infants often sleep through flights, especially overnight flights.
Key tips:
- Nurse or bottle during takeoff/landing
- Bring breast milk or formula for the entire flight plus extra
- Check your infant car seat if not using on plane
- Babywearing can help during boarding
- Pack extra change of clothes (for baby AND you)
- Request a bassinet if airline allows
Flying with Toddlers (1-3 Years)
The challenge: This is arguably the hardest age for long flights. They’re mobile but don’t understand why they need to sit still.
Survival tactics:
- Consider buying them their own seat even if under 2
- Bring an FAA-approved car seat, it’s familiar and safe
- Pack lots of small, new activities
- Screen time without guilt
- Walk the aisles when seatbelt sign is off
- Schedule flights during nap time if possible
Flying with Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
The sweet spot: Old enough to understand expectations but young enough to nap.
Best practices:
- Explain what will happen before the first flight
- Give them their own carry-on bag with their favorite toys
- Let them choose some airplane activities
- Headphones for their electronic devices (so important for fellow passengers!)
- Praise good airplane behavior
Flying with Older Kids (6+)
Much easier: They can entertain themselves, understand rules, and help with younger siblings.
Tips:
- Let them pack their own entertainment
- Audiobooks and podcasts work great
- They can handle longer flights without constant attention
- Involve them in travel planning
- Trust them with small responsibilities
Special Situations
First Flight with Kids
If this is your child’s first flight:
- Talk about it beforehand
- Read picture books about flying
- Explain airport security, takeoff, landing
- Make it exciting, not scary
- Arrive with extra time to avoid rushing
- Consider a shorter domestic flight before tackling long-haul flights
Flying Solo with Multiple Kids
I often fly with my littles alone, and it was really intimidating at first! Here are a few things that I started doing that really helped.
- Prepare even more than usual
- Asked for help when I needed it
- Board early to get settled & let the flight attendant know I was flying solo with the kids and might need a tad bit of help
- Lowered my expectations, I figured at least one of us was going to have a mini meltdown along the way
- Pack a separate bag for each child (ideally, ones that each child can carry if possible) so you can grab things easily
Flying with Special Needs
- Contact the airline ahead of time about special assistance
- TSA Cares can arrange extra help
- Bring documentation for medical equipment or necessary medications
- Consider a letter from doctor for medical items
- Some airports have sensory rooms or quiet spaces
- Plan extra time for everything
After the Flight
Deplaning Strategy
- Stay calm even if it’s chaotic and let your littles know it might be a bit of a wait
- Gather everything from overhead bins and seat pockets
- Check under seats for dropped items
- Have your diaper bag or carry-on bag ready
- If you gate checked, wait at the jetway for the stroller and car seat
At Your Destination
- Have a plan for ground transportation. I prefer to arrange a pick-up for us if we are flying with all our kids. It’s worth the very minimal extra money instead of trying to track down a minivan Uber or something that may or may not accommodate the car seat.
- Install the car seat immediately if renting a car
- Get to your hotel and decompress
- Don’t try to do too much the first day but have a few things planned to get you out of the hotel room if you’ll have jet lag
- Adjust to local time and get outside
Mobile Passport Control
For international flights returning to the US, download the Mobile Passport Control app before you leave!
This is a complete game-changer that hardly anyone knows about. When you’re returning to the US, you can use this free app (run by US Customs and Border Protection) to skip the massive customs lines. We’ve walked past lines with hundreds of people and gone straight through.
The Bottom Line: You’ve Got This
Flying with kids doesn’t have to be the nightmare everyone warns you about. Yes, it requires preparation and realistic expectations, but thousands of families do it successfully every single day, and you can do it!
The key things to remember:
- Preparation makes a huge difference
- TSA rules are actually family-friendly once you know them
- Flight attendants and gate agents want to help
- Fellow passengers are usually understanding
- Lower your expectations and give yourself grace
- The first flight is the hardest
- It gets easier every time
Air travel with young children is temporary. Before you know it, your kids will be older children who can manage their own entertainment, and you’ll miss these days (maybe :)).
For now, focus on what makes your travel day easier: good planning, strategic snacks, appropriate screen time, and realistic expectations.
You’re already doing a great job by researching and preparing. That’s half the battle right there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Kids
How do I get through airport security faster with kids?
Get TSA PreCheck so kids under 12 go through the expedited line with you. Keep liquids for children (formula, breast milk, juice) easily accessible on top of your carry-on bag for TSA officers to screen. Arrive with extra time and stay organized.
Can I bring my car seat on the plane?
Yes, if your child has their own seat and the car seat is FAA-approved. The car seat must be placed in a window seat. You can also gate check your car seat for free if you’re not using it on the plane.
What are the rules for lap children vs. buying them their own seat?
Children under 2 can fly as a lap infant for free on domestic flights (10% of adult fare on international flights). However, buying them their own seat with a car seat is safer and gives your whole family extra space on long flights.
How do I keep kids entertained on long-haul flights?
Download movies, TV shows, and games on electronic devices before you leave. Pack peel-and-stick stickers, coloring books, small toys, and new “airplane surprises” they haven’t seen before. Walk the aisles when the seatbelt sign is off.
What documents do I need when flying with kids?
For domestic flights, bring a birth certificate for children under 2 to prove lap infant eligibility. For international flights, every child needs their own passport. Keep necessary medications with prescriptions in your carry-on bag.
Should I book a window seat or an aisle seat with kids?
In our experience, window seats work best for young children. They can look out, lean against the wall to sleep, and won’t block fellow passengers. Aisle seats are better for older children who need frequent bathroom breaks or more space.
What can I bring through security for my baby?
You can bring breast milk, baby formula, juice, and baby food in any quantity through the security checkpoint. Ice packs and water bottles for mixing formula are also allowed. Just keep everything accessible in your diaper bag.
When should I arrive at the airport with kids?
Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights. This extra time accounts for slower security screening, bathroom stops, and giving kids time to burn energy before boarding.
What’s the best age to fly with kids?
Infants under 6 months often sleep through flights. Ages 12-24 months are typically the hardest, but totally doable. Kids 5-8 years old are often easiest, old enough to understand rules but young enough to still nap.
Should I use family boarding?
It depends on your strategy and the airline’s boarding process. We typically have one parent board early to set up, while the other stays with the kids until the last minute so they can burn energy. If I am flying solo with my little ones, I absolutely take advantage of family boarding.
How do I handle diaper changes on the plane?
Most airplane bathrooms have fold-down changing tables. Bring a portable changing pad, and have everything ready before you go. Change your baby right before boarding to buy yourself time.
What if my child cries or has a meltdown on the plane?
Most fellow passengers are understanding. Do your best to soothe your child – walk the aisles if possible, offer snacks, try different activities. Stay calm yourself because kids pick up on parental stress, and honestly you got this! If someone gives you a mean look remember that’s a personal problem, not yours. You’re children have just as much right to be on the airplane as anyone else :).
What’s a good packing list for flying with kids?
Pack documents, extra snacks, change of clothes for everyone, entertainment (electronic devices, stickers, small toys), diapers, wipes, necessary medications, and comfort items. Focus on carry-on essentials you’ll need during the travel day.
Do I tip flight attendants for helping with kids?
Tipping isn’t standard practice, but a genuine thank you is always appreciated. If flight attendants go above and beyond, acknowledge their efforts with a kind, sincere thank-you. The best thing you can do is be respectful and clean up after yourself.
How do I deal with jet lag in young children?
Honestly, in our experience, my little kids manage jet lag way better than we adults do! Get outside in natural light immediately when you arrive. Keep kids awake until an appropriate bedtime at your destination. Maintain regular meal times at the new time zone, and be patient – it takes time to adjust.
Are direct flights really better than flights with layovers?
It depends on the family and how accustomed the kids are navigating unfamiliar airports and busy places. For most families, direct flights are preferred. Direct flights mean less chance of delays, missed connections, and fewer takeoffs/landings to manage. If booking connecting flights, allow at least 2-3 hours between flights.