Flying with Babies, Toddlers and Kids
Flying to San Fransisco at 3 Months Old!
I’ve flown with one kid, then three kids, and now—brace yourselves—four kids. Yes, you read that right: four! At this point, I’ve seen it all, from meltdowns worthy of a Broadway show to snack negotiations that would impress seasoned diplomats. I’m here to help you not only survive but maybe even enjoy air travel with your little bundles of chaos. Buckle up, folks—let’s level up your travel game!
When you have kids, air travel turns into a high-stakes game of Tetris. With one child, it’s easy to keep them entertained with some stickers and toys. But once you add in a couple more, you’ll find yourself constructing elaborate in-flight amusement parks out of snack boxes and coloring books.
So, fellow parents, as you embark on this aerial odyssey with your kiddos, remember: you are not just flying—you are creating memories (and possibly some hilarious stories for later)! Embrace the chaos, find joy in the little moments, and above all, keep your sense of humor handy. Happy flying!
Booking the Right Time to Fly
Choose Flight Times Wisely: Consider your children’s sleep schedules when booking flights. Early morning flights are typically less crowded and often have fewer delays, less turbulence making them ideal for families. Alternatively, if your child is a good napper, opt for a midday flight when they’re more likely to sleep. But flying into Orlando midday is not my jam at all!
Direct Flights vs. Layovers: Direct flights are ideal, especially with younger children. Avoiding layovers minimizes the risk of meltdowns and cuts down on waiting time. If a layover is unavoidable, look for airports with kid-friendly amenities like play areas.
Rule of Thumb for Choosing Flights with Kids: Here’s how we decide which flights work best for our family. For flights around three hours or less, we usually go with a budget airline to save some extra cash. The kids can stay entertained for that time, and typically these are destinations within a 24-hour drive—so in case of an emergency, driving is still an option. Saving money is worth the trade-off for these shorter flights!
For flights over three hours, though, we spring for a nicer airline. Long-haul flights with kids? Different ball game! We look for planes with onboard Wi-Fi, and it’s a bonus if there’s free entertainment, even if it’s through our own devices. With our tablet stash, each kid can connect and watch shows or movies. When we fly to California or overseas to France, paying extra for comfort, reliable entertainment, and better service makes a world of difference. It’s absolutely worth the reduced stress!
If you’re lucky enough to have a lounge card, definitely take advantage of it! My sister’s American Express Platinum card with lounge access has been a game-changer for her travels. Lounges offer a quieter space, snacks, and a place to recharge (devices and energy), which is priceless with kids in tow.
Upgrade when you can!
Whenever possible, we aim to upgrade our seats to add a bit of comfort—especially when traveling with kids. Airline credit cards with reward points make it easier to snag business class upgrades or at least get us into Comfort Plus for the trip back home. Since flying coach to international destinations helps us save a little extra, we prioritize upgrades for the return, where a bit more legroom can make all the difference. My sister, on the other hand, has cracked the loyalty program code. She’s mastered the "upgrade game," using elite status perks and credit card tricks to score upgraded seats more often. Her airline loyalty pays off in upgrades and perks that give her extra comfort without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to dive into the world of travel rewards, consider an airline card and look into the best loyalty program for your family’s travel style—it can make the skies friendlier, one upgrade at a time!
Prepping for the Plane: Must-Have Essentials
Comfort Items
Red-Eye Flights Home!
Blanky, Teddy, Sweatshirt, Airplane Pillow & Travel Blanket: Bring familiar comfort items from home to help your child feel secure in a new environment. A small blanket or favorite stuffed animal can be calming for toddlers and older children.
Sweatshirt or Light Jacket: Airplanes can get chilly, so dress your child in layers and bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.
Carry-On Bag Tips
First, let’s be real: carry-on-only life ends once you have kids. You’re not going to fit your stuff and baby’s gear into one little carry-on for a Disney trip. My sister, a former carry-on-only world traveler, had her first baby a year ago, and that minimalist life? Gone. Now, I have seen one creator manage to do it with two carry-ons, but they don’t bring a lot of extras—no matching shirts, no princess dresses, just the essentials. So, technically, it’s possible, but for people like me, checking two large suitcases and taking your carryon is the way to go.
Pack strategically so essential items are easily accessible:
Diaper Bag: Pack extra diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a plastic bag for any messy situations. And remember, babies need entertainment, too! Bring along a few favorite toys or gadgets to keep them occupied. Keep all these essentials in a separate, easy-to-reach section of your bag for quick access.
Mini First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, and any necessary medications.
Electronics: Tablets, smartphones, and headphones are lifesavers for screen time, but be sure to pre-download content (like movies and games) in case Wi-Fi isn’t available.
THE FAMILY CARRY-ON: If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I swear by my carry-on method. Most of the time, we pack everything into two large checked bags—even for a family of six. Occasionally, if it’s a longer trip (more than a week and a half), we’ll add a third, but two usually does the job. And whether we’re flying or driving, we always have a designated carry-on with our essentials.
Our carry-on is a “just-in-case” lifesaver, packed with everything we need to start the vacation if checked bags are delayed. Inside, I include everyone’s medications (I’m asthmatic, so a nebulizer is a must), plus essentials for each person: a change of clothes, a swimsuit, a pair of pajamas, underwear, socks, and mini toiletries—think toothbrushes, toothpaste, a small bottle of our go-to shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and any must-have items. We typically wear Crocs or tennis shoes on the plane, but if anyone opts for sneakers, I’ll toss a pair of flip-flops in the carry-on for the pool.
This way, we can kick off our vacation worry-free, with the peace of mind that we have all we need. Extra items are just bonuses! Plus, we always pop AirTags into every checked bag so we can track them. But even if something goes off course, we’re set for a solid start to our trip.
Work Bags: I typically bring a work bag, and my husband brings his own as well. That is where you find the mini accesible First aid Kit, all of our charges since we do not let the kids carry them.
Kids’ Backpacks: Each of our kids has their own individual backpack. For our trips to Disney, we use adorable Disney-themed bags, making it easy to spot our crew.
Responsibility: Each child is responsible for packing their own activities, and I do a quick check before we leave the house, especially since my toddler loves to pretend they’re a big kid. When she was a baby - she did not have a bag, her bag was the diaper bag and I would let her carry a tiny little backpack with one of two toys to make her feel included.
Packing Essentials for Kids’ Backpacks:
Disney Backpack
Snack Box: I pack a snack box for each child.
Reading Material: One or two books or a chapter book for entertainment.
Creative Workbooks: Options include Sudoku, coloring books, crossword puzzles, or Water Wow for my toddler.
Travel Blanket and Neck Pillow: Yes my bougie kids all have special travel blankets that come in a pouch and neck pillows.
Organized Loose Items:
Crayons, markers, and pencils are stored in a pencil bag.
Any additional snacks not in the snack box go into Ziploc bags.
If they bring a game with pieces, those are also kept in a separate bag.
To keep everything tidy, I strive to keep their backpacks as organized as possible. Additionally, in the front pockets of their backpacks, they each have:
Travel-sized Wet Ones
Clorox wipes
Hand sanitizer
Airport Navigation with Kids
Food at the Airport
Snacks: Airport food can be ridiculously pricey, so I always pack snack boxes for myself and the kids—no exceptions. There’s not a single scenario where I willingly go to the airport without food. Being stranded with hangry kids and no snacks? Absolute nightmare fuel! And while I haven’t yet experienced one of those epic three-hour delays on the tarmac, I’m not about to tempt fate. So I load up on favorites beforehand. If you’re caught snackless and short on time, grab healthy options like fruit, granola bars, or cheese sticks right after security.
Hydration: Bring empty, spill-proof water bottles and fill them after passing through security. For babies, bring their favorite sippy cup or bottle for water or milk.
Baby wearing and Car Seats
Traveling with Babies and Toddlers!
Baby Wearing: Using a baby carrier in the airport keeps your hands free and allows you to navigate security and boarding more easily. Baby Wearing is also comforting for infants, especially in busy environments.
Best Airport Stroller: When traveling with infants, it’s usually easiest to check the stroller, especially if you have one with a car seat attachment. For trips where we need a car, we love the UPPAbaby Vista. I’ve owned over 17 strollers, from Bugaboo to Graco, and after having twins, the Vista became our top choice—hands down.
Since most airlines allow you to check strollers and car seats for free, we usually check those items and wear the babies through the airport, which makes things much simpler. As the kids got older, and even now with my four-year-old, we still rely on a stroller to navigate the airport.
When we’re headed to Walt Disney World, we typically rent a stroller once we arrive from Kingdom Strollers, but sometimes we’ll pack and check our double stroller if we know it’ll be essential. For trips where we want the stroller right at the gate, our go-to is the GB Pockit+ All-City Ultra Compact Lightweight Stroller. It’s collapsible, fits in the overhead bin, reclines, has a hood, and a decent-sized basket—everything we need in a travel stroller. This little powerhouse is our top pick for any family travel!
Car Seats: If you’re bringing a car seat on board, go for a lightweight travel car seat, and make sure it’s FAA-approved if you plan to use it in their own seat (which, yes, you’ll have to pay for). And know your kid! I still remember flying with our twins at eight months—once they started crawling, our boy twin made it clear that he was not a lap kid. We learned the hard way that even though babies can technically fly free until age two, sometimes you didn’t give birth to a “lap baby”!
Carry On Stroller and Luggage
Kid Checklist Before Boarding the Flight
Fill Up Water Bottles: Get bottled water to refill their empty water bottles for hydration.
Bathroom Breaks: Ensure everyone goes to the bathroom; change all diapers to avoid surprises during the flight.
Wiggle Time: Encourage kids to get their wiggles out before boarding—play and move around!
Limit Device Use: Keep devices off until you’re on the plane to help them enter the flight ready to chill.
USO for Military Families
For military families navigating air travel, the USO (United Service Organizations) lounges at airports are an invaluable resource. They provide a comforting and welcoming space, offering a bit of calm amid the chaos of travel. With complimentary amenities like snacks, internet access, and cozy seating, USO centers make long travel days much more manageable. Whether you’re traveling with young children or juggling multiple flights, these lounges are designed to support military families, creating a much-needed haven during layovers or delays.
USO lounges are located in major U.S. airports, making it easier to find one wherever your travels may take you. Some popular USO locations include Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta (ATL), where you’ll find designated family areas; Los Angeles International (LAX), which provides a spacious environment with various seating options; and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), which has comfortable napping areas and hot drinks to refresh and recharge. You can also find USO centers at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Denver International (DEN), where you’ll find activities for kids to help burn off some energy before boarding. Other airports with USO lounges include Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), Miami (MIA), and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), each offering a range of comforts tailored to meet the needs of military families.
These centers can also provide quiet rooms for naps, family rooms with toys and games, and even complimentary toiletries. With the support of the USO, military families can find a little bit of home while on the road, knowing there’s a place to unwind and recharge before the next leg of their journey.
In-Flight Entertainment for All Ages
Keeping kids entertained on a flight is essential for a smooth journey.
Here are activity ideas by age group:
Babies and Toddlers
Nursing, Suckers, Pacifier, & Drinks: Bring plenty of drinks, pacifiers, and snacks that encourage sucking or swallowing during takeoff and landing to help relieve ear pressure.
Small, Non-Noisy Toys: Simple toys like soft books, rattles, or finger puppets can keep babies entertained without disturbing others.
Travel Blanket or Airplane Pillow: If you’re traveling with a baby, a small, cozy blanket or a soft airplane pillow can make nap time easier.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Coloring Books & Workbooks: Mini coloring books, sticker books, and age-appropriate workbooks can provide hours of entertainment.
Small Toys: Bring toys that don’t have a lot of parts or pieces that could get lost under seats. Magnetic toys or small action figures are great for this age group.
Tablet with Headphones: A tablet preloaded with kid-friendly content and kid-friendly headphones with volume control can keep preschoolers entertained with videos, games, and educational apps.
Older Children (Ages 6-10)
Trivia Books & Puzzles: Kids in this age group enjoy trivia books, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku.
Activity Packs: Consider creating a small pack with coloring supplies, a mini notebook, and some fun pens. This age group often enjoys drawing, journaling, or doodling.
Movies & Audiobooks: Load a few movies and audiobooks on a tablet. Audiobooks can be particularly soothing and great for resting time without screen glare.
Snacks & Drinks on the Plane
Snacks are essential to keep children’s hunger at bay and their moods in check. Here’s a list of snack ideas that are easy to pack and eat:
Favorite Snacks: Bring tried-and-true snacks that you know your child enjoys. Some great options include crackers, fruit snacks, pretzels, and mini sandwiches.
Healthy Options: Include fresh fruit, veggie sticks, cheese sticks, or nuts for healthy variety.
For Babies: Small jars of baby food, pouches, or cereal can be convenient and mess-free.
Reusable Water Bottle or Baby Cup: Bring a water bottle for each child. For babies, use their favorite sippy cup or bottle to make sure they stay hydrated and comfortable.
Know TSA rules for breast milk and formula
Traveling with breast milk can be a concern for nursing parents, but TSA has specific rules that make it easier to bring it along. Here’s a breakdown of the TSA rules for traveling with breast milk:
Quantity: You can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). There is no limit on the amount of breast milk you can bring, but it must be declared at the security checkpoint.
Packing: Breast milk should be stored in clean, spill-proof containers. You can use bottles, bags, or even ice packs. If you have a cooler or insulated bag to keep it cold, that’s a good idea, especially for longer flights.
Security Screening: When you arrive at the security checkpoint, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying breast milk. They may need to conduct additional screening, which can include opening the containers or using additional screening methods.
Ice Packs and Coolers: You can bring ice packs to keep the breast milk cool, and they are not counted against your liquid limit. However, if the ice packs are fully melted, they will be treated as liquids.
TSA PreCheck: If you have TSA PreCheck, you can keep your breast milk in your carry-on bag while going through security, which may make the process quicker.
Traveling with Infants: If you are traveling with an infant, you can also bring formula, baby food, and juice in reasonable quantities, following the same guidelines as breast milk.
It's always a good idea to check the TSA website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before your trip, as rules and regulations can change.
TSA PreCheck
Eligibility and Application:
First things first, TSA PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents. The application process is straightforward but does involve filling out an online form and scheduling an in-person interview. Yes, an interview—because they really want to know you before you can keep your shoes on at security.
Benefits:
Once you’re in the club, you can skip the long security lines like a boss. Parents can keep their shoes, light jackets, and belts on while their kids race ahead (with the subtlety of a herd of elephants). You also get to keep laptops and compliant liquids in your bags, which means fewer meltdowns over whose juice box is where. Plus, families can breeze through together, which is a lifesaver when you’ve got a couple of kids with a limited attention span and an infinite amount of energy.
Using CLEAR
Overview:
If you’re looking for an even speedier way through security, CLEAR is your go-to. This service uses biometric identification, meaning you can skip to the front of the line like a VIP. Sign up online, and you’re on your way to security glory.
Benefits:
Families can use CLEAR together, and parents can activate it for their kids at no extra charge. This means less time standing in line, staring longingly at the pretzel stand while trying to keep your children from doing cartwheels in the terminal. Plus, it’s all about using your fingerprints or iris scans, making you feel like you’re living in a sci-fi movie—just without the intergalactic travel.
Reserve at MCO
As a Disney mom blogger, I can’t skip this tip that might save you hours in line at MCO if you don’t already have TSA PreCheck. I’ve resisted getting TSA PreCheck myself because my husband has it, and that’s his designated time with the kids! (Though my time for that excuse might be running out.) In the meantime, Reserve powered by CLEAR has been my go-to for frequent flights in and out of Orlando. It’s been a lifesaver!
Overview:
Then there’s Reserve at MCO, a service that allows you to book a specific time to go through security. It’s like scheduling your own fast pass for a ride, except instead of roller coasters, you’re just trying to get through a metal detector without losing your mind.
Benefits:
With Reserve, you can plan your arrival at the airport, ensuring that your kids aren’t racing against the clock—or the boarding time. This is particularly handy for families with little ones who need snack breaks and bathroom trips. You get to stroll through the airport at your own pace, allowing for those all-important detours to the gift shop or ice cream stand without feeling rushed.
So, whether you opt for TSA PreCheck, embrace the speedy magic of CLEAR, or schedule a smooth passage with Reserve at MCO, these services can transform your airport experience from chaotic to calm. With less time spent in line, you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying time with your family, not stressing about whether the toddler is still attached to your leg or has wandered off to try on pilot hats.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey
Plan for Extra Time: Factor in more time than you think you’ll need for check-in, security, and boarding. With children, it’s better to have extra time to manage any unexpected situations calmly.
Pre-Boarding: Most airlines let families with young kids pre-board, so take advantage! It gives you a calm moment to settle in, store carry-ons, and set up comfort items before the rest of the crowd piles in. Some parents like to send one adult ahead to get everything organized while the other lets the kids burn off energy until the last call—you know your crew best, so pick what works. My kids like to get on and settle into “their” area right away. And on budget airlines like Allegiant or Frontier, where seating together isn’t guaranteed, it helps us claim our spots early!
Seat Selection: When booking seats, try to sit as a family if possible. Window seats are ideal for children since they offer a view and a bit of extra room on one side.
Ear Pressure: Ear pressure can be a big challenge for kids on flights, but there are some tried-and-true tips that can help. For babies, nursing or offering a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing can relieve pressure by encouraging swallowing. For toddlers and older children, drinking water, chewing gum, or using a cup with a straw often helps with ear discomfort. Teaching them to yawn can also be effective, as it naturally opens up the Eustachian tubes to balance the pressure. And remember, having backups on hand—like extra drinks or snacks they can sip on—is a good idea just in case. Even with all the preparation, it’s normal if they still struggle a bit. With a few of these options, you can help them feel more comfortable and get through those tough moments.
I Promise You will be fine!
They were so rambunctious on this flight, I was ready to spank all of them! This picture perfectly captures just how naughty they were! I could not help but laugh!
Let’s face it—traveling with kids is an Olympic sport. You can plan every little detail down to color-coded snack boxes and a full arsenal of entertainment, but somehow, something will still go wrong. You’ve got the perfectly packed carry-on (complete with change of clothes, because let’s be real, someone’s going to spill something or need a wardrobe refresh), you’ve loaded up on snacks and games, but the baby’s still going to wail when the cabin pressure changes, your toddler will suddenly lose all sense of personal space with your seat neighbor, and there’s a decent chance someone’s going to get sick. That’s life in a flying metal tube thousands of feet up. And you know what? That’s okay. You’re doing your best, and no one else is walking a mile in your travel-weary shoes right now, so don’t let any eye-rolls or side glances make you feel like you’re failing.
Kids are going to act like kids. They’ll be antsy, loud, sometimes downright unpredictable—there’s no avoiding it. Even my kids, who are seasoned little travelers, have their moments where I think, “Am I really related to these people?” It’s normal to feel exasperated when they’re cranky or restless; that’s part of the deal. You’re not alone in that feeling, and it doesn’t make you any less of a fantastic parent. Airplanes are tight spaces, and kids are used to moving freely, so of course they’re going to struggle. But here’s the thing: children belong in all spaces, too—yes, even on flights. They deserve to be there just as much as anyone else, even if they’re not the quietest flyers. Sure, you’ll get a few glares, but you’ve got a ticket, they’ve got a ticket, and you’re just trying to make it through the day like everyone else.
So, deep breath. Remind yourself that this flight will end, that this is just one small moment in your travel journey, and that the memories you’re making are worth the bumps along the way. You’re giving your kids the experience of seeing the world, and they’ll get better with each trip, I promise. And if not? Well, that’s why they make noise-canceling headphones. Just know that you’re rocking this whole travel thing, tantrums and all.
Arrival Tips
After landing, your little ones may feel like they’ve just emerged from a long hibernation, bouncing with energy from sitting for so long. The excitement of being on solid ground is palpable, but let’s be real: they’ve just spent hours strapped into a tiny chair, and now they’re ready to run. If you’re renting a car or relying on airport transportation, make sure you’ve arranged it ahead of time to avoid the dreaded waiting game. Nothing can turn happy kids into whiny gremlins faster than standing in line with tired legs and nothing to do but stare at the back of the person in front of them. It’s a quick path to chaos, and you definitely don’t want to unleash that energy before you've even hit the open road.
One of the best-kept secrets to keeping your sanity intact is opting for a car service that can pre-arrange car seats. This simple step eliminates the hassle of dragging your own bulky car seat through the airport. With a reliable car seat ready and waiting, you can hop in, buckle up, and enjoy the ride without the stress of managing extra luggage while keeping an eye on your little ones.
By planning ahead, packing thoughtfully, and keeping comfort and entertainment at the forefront, you can transform air travel into a memorable and positive experience for the whole family. Think of travel as a grand adventure rather than a series of logistical hurdles. These moments—whether it’s a sticky candy found between the seat cushions of the rental car or a spontaneous dance party in the terminal—are all part of the journey. Happy Travels!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
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