The Ultimate Guide for Traveling with Kids On Airplanes

Flying with kids can feel like preparing for a small expedition—equal parts excitement, logistics, and a dash of chaos. But with a little planning and a few clever strategies, you can turn a potentially stressful travel day into something far more manageable. These are the tried‑and‑true airplane travel tips for kids that helped me keep my little travelers happy, occupied, and comfortable from takeoff to landing.

Pack a Variety of Grab‑and‑Go Snacks

Snacks are the universal travel pacifier. Stock up on a mix of familiar favorites and a few new surprises to keep things interesting. Novelty alone can buy you several minutes of calm curiosity. And while you may normally limit sugar, having a small stash of candy for emergencies—or as a reward for great behavior—can be a lifesaver. Think of it as your in‑flight currency. Also, it’s best to buy these ahead of time to avoid overpriced airport shops.

Bring Inexpensive Toys (and Wrap Them!)

A quick trip to the dollar store can set you up with a treasure trove of inexpensive toys. Handing out one new item per flight segment keeps kids entertained and gives them something to look forward to. If you want to elevate the excitement, wrap each toy like a tiny present. I recommend taking the toy out of it’s original packaging, then wrapping it to save space. The unwrapping moment becomes an activity in itself.

Just be sure to avoid toys with lots of tiny pieces. Anything that can roll, bounce, or scatter will almost certainly end up lost under a seat at 30,000 feet. Things like small coloring pads, figurines, small hand held games (think tic-tac-toe) are great options. Usually the dollar store has lots of options.

Screens Are Your Friend on Travel Days

Even if you limit screen time at home, travel days are the exception. A tablet loaded with downloaded shows, movies, and games your child already loves can make a world of difference. We like the Amazon Fire tablet, it’s inexpensive and easy to use for kids. Don’t forget child‑friendly headphones—and let your kid practice wearing them before the trip so they’re comfortable using them in the air. Nothing is worse than having a tablet all ready to go but your child wanting nothing to do with wearing headphones (been there, trust me!).

Consider Small “Gifts” for Fellow Passengers (Optional but Thoughtful)

If you’re traveling with a toddler who may cry or struggle during the flight, some parents like to bring small tokens to hand out to nearby passengers—think candy, snacks, or even a small coffee gift card. It’s absolutely not required, and no parent owes anyone an apology for having a child on a plane. Still, if it eases your own stress or guilt, it can be a kind gesture that sets a positive tone.

Pack an Extra Change of Clothes

Accidents happen—spills, diaper mishaps, or even unexpected delays with checked luggage. Keeping a full change of clothes in your carry‑on ensures you’re prepared for whatever surprises travel throws your way.

Help Their Ears During Descent

Changes in cabin pressure can be uncomfortable for little ears. Older kids can chew gum, while younger ones may find relief by sucking on a pacifier or drinking from a bottle. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing mid‑descent meltdowns.

Keep Emergency Fruit Snacks Within Reach

Tuck a few packs of fruit snacks into an easy‑access pocket of your bag. These are perfect for those high‑stress moments—getting through security, waiting in line, or navigating check‑in—when you need a quick distraction or mood‑booster. Putting it in an outside pocket that you can easily grab is key, you don’t want to have to dig through 7 layers of other items in the diaper bag in an emergency.

Bring a Water Bottle to Fill After Security

Kids become mysteriously thirsty at the most inconvenient times. Bringing an empty water bottle to fill once you’re past security saves you from overpriced airport drinks and ensures you always have water on hand. Remember – fill it AFTER security, not before.

Choose Direct Flights When Possible

If you can avoid multiple legs, do it. Direct flights reduce the number of transitions, potential delays, and opportunities for meltdowns. Of course, sometimes connections are unavoidable. For me, this is where I start my vacation planning (making sure there are direct flights available to the destination first).

Give Yourself Grace

Traveling with kids is hard, and it’s easy to feel like every eye is on you when your child cries or has a tantrum. The truth is, most people have been there themselves, and far fewer are judging you than you think. You’re doing your best. And before long, you’ll be at your destination, the stress will fade, and the adventure will begin.

Hope you enjoyed these airplane travel tips for kids! If you’re looking for some inspiration on small gift ideas for your kids, check out this post on the Ultimate Kid Gift Guide.

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