Flying With Kids: A Real Mom's Guide After 25+ Flights

Q: At what age can a baby safely fly on an airplane?

Most health experts suggest waiting at least until a baby is a few weeks old before flying, and many parents wait until around 2–3 months for their first trip because it reduces the risk of exposing a newborn to crowds and germs.

Q: Should I use a car seat on the plane for my child?

If you buy your child their own seat, using an FAA‑approved car seat can make the flight more comfortable and safer for them. Always check that the car seat is airline‑approved and fits the plane seat you booked.

Q: Do I need extra documentation when Traveling with my child alone?

If you’re flying with your child without their other parent , many countries (including Canada) require a signed permission letter and sometimes a birth certificate to prove guardianship or consent to travel.

The first time I tried flying with kids, I was sweating before we even got to security.
I had snacks, toys, backup outfits… and absolutely no idea what I was doing.

Somehow, we made it through — but not without a near meltdown at the gate, a sprint through security, and me questioning every life choice that led to that flight.

If you’ve ever wondered how to survive flying with kids without losing your mind (especially with a baby or toddler), you’re in the right place.

After 24+ flights with my kids — including long-haul, red-eyes, and chaotic layovers — I’ve learned that flying with kids isn’t about perfection.

It’s about preparation, flexibility, and knowing what actually works.

I’m going to walk you through what actually makes a difference — from what to pack, to getting through the airport without chaos, to the little things that make the flight itself so much easier.

Let’s make your next flight feel manageable — maybe even fun.

Start Here: Your Flying With Kids Game Plan

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry — you don’t need to figure everything out at once.

Here’s where to start depending on your situation:

✈️ Flying for the first time? → I walk through exactly how to prepare and what to expect

🧳 Not sure what to pack? → I use a simple carry-on system that keeps everything organized

🛫 Nervous about airport chaos? → There are a few small things that make security way easier

🎒 Need entertainment ideas? → See which travel toys I keep on hand

😴 Crossing time zones? → A little prep can make jet lag much smoother for kids

Or keep reading — I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step. 👇

What Flying With Kids Is Really Like

Let’s set expectations for a second.

Air travel days with kids are not:

perfectly calm
perfectly timed
perfectly predictable

But they also don’t have to be chaotic

You might have:

a skipped nap
a snack spilled everywhere
a moment where your kid refuses to sit

And still have a completely good travel day.

That shift alone changed everything for me.

👉 The goal isn’t perfection — it’s feeling prepared enough to handle whatever happens.

If you Only Remember a Few Things, Make it These

When people ask me how to make flying with kids easier, this is what I always come back to:

Choose flights that match your child’s rhythm
Bring more snacks than you think you need
Build extra time into everything
Let kids move as much as possible before boarding
Stay calm — your energy sets the tone

These aren’t complicated, but they make a huge difference.

A toddler boy leaning on his big sister while they are both looking at a plane through the glass of the airport.

Choose Flights Your Kids Can Actually Handle

I once booked a late-night flight thinking I was being smart.

We landed past bedtime. Everything was closed. My kids were exhausted, I was starving, and the whole end of the day felt like survival mode.

That’s when I realized:

👉 The “best” flight isn’t the cheapest or most convenient — it’s the one your kids can manage.

Now I prioritize:

earlier flights when possible
fewer connections
reasonable layovers

And I always check the airport layout ahead of time — especially for play areas or open space.

That one change alone made travel days feel 10x easier.

How to avoid airport Security chaos

Security is one of the most stressful parts of flying with kids — especially if you’re not prepared.

I learned this the hard way at Charles de Gaulle.

We were rushed, everything felt chaotic, and in the middle of unpacking snacks, liquids, and random toddler items… I forgot my Canon camera in a bin.

Didn’t realize until way later.

Gone.

Since then, I follow one rule: 👉 Everything you’ll need at security must be easy to grab — and easy to put back.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

Keep liquids and meds together in one pouch
Put snacks and electronics near the top of your bag
Be ready to remove:
- liquids
- tablets/laptops
- sometimes baby items depending on the airport
Wear shoes that are quick to take off (for you and your kids)

And most importantly: SLOW DOWN!!!

Even if the airport feels rushed (looking at you, CDG), take a second before you leave the conveyor belt and double-check everything.

Kids, passports, bags, random items.

Because once you walk away, it’s much harder to fix.

🚨 All of my airport security tips are broken down in this guide!

Toddler playing with a rocket-shaped structure in an airport play area. Play areas are the best spots where to hang out in airports when flying with kids.

Toddler playing at the play area of Lisbon's airport.

How to Keep Your Kids Happy Before the Flight + Boarding Strategy

👉 What happens before boarding sets the tone.

We don’t rush to get on the plane anymore.

Instead, we:

walk around
let the kids move freely
find space to burn energy

There are many fun ways to keep your kids entertained before boarding!

Because once you’re seated, that’s it for a while.

Giving kids that movement beforehand makes a noticeable difference.

Most families board early. We usually don’t.

If you board early, your kids are sitting still for an extra 45–60 minutes before takeoff.

That’s meltdown territory.

👉 Our rule: move first, board last (for long flights). So by the time we board, it’s easier for them to sit.

What to Pack (Without Overpacking)

I used to overpack like crazy.

Extra outfits, too many toys, things “just in case.”

It made everything heavier — physically and mentally.

Now I keep it simple.

Each person has a role, and everything has a purpose:

Each kid gets their own carry-on backpack with only what they can manage themselves: a surprise snack box for the plane, comfort item, our favorite travel toys, their tablet, and headphones. That’s it.
My bag holds the real necessities: extra clothes for everyone, snacks, meds, mess supplies, chargers, and emergency backup everything.
Dad’s bag? Entertainment. (Not for the kids — for him. We all cope how we cope.)

That’s it.

If you want a breakdown of exactly what we bring (and what I stopped packing), I put together the packing list I use before every trip.

flying with a Little One and not sure what to pack?

Get My Printable Toddler Carry-On Packing List!

It breaks everything down by bag — theirs and yours — so you never second-guess what to pack (or realize too late you forgot the snacks).

I NEED THIS 👀

The Family Aboard free printable carry on packing list for toddlers

When things fall apart mid-flight

Because sometimes they will.

And that’s normal.

The biggest shift for me was letting go of the idea that everything had to go smoothly.

Instead of reacting with stress, I focus on staying steady.

We use small things that work for our kids:

turning snacks into a game
giving them simple “jobs”
switching activities quickly
allowing more screen time than usual

One thing that surprisingly works every time is giving them a role.

Something simple, like choosing snacks for everyone, can completely shift their mood.

It doesn’t have to make sense — it just has to work.

Bring your best travel baby carrier when flying with a baby - it can help the baby fall asleep on the plane

What Sleep Actually Looks Like on a Plane

I used to stress so much about getting my kids to sleep on flights.

Trying to time everything perfectly, recreate routines…

Sometimes it worked.

Sometimes it didn’t at all.

What I’ve learned is this:

👉 Rest matters more than sleep.

If they’re calm, comfortable, and getting some downtime — that’s enough.

We bring small familiar things:

cozy layers
familiar pajamas
a simple routine
something that feels like home

And then we let go of expectations.

That shift made flights feel so much easier

Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Overpacked everything — couldn’t lift it while also holding my baby and giving snacks to my toddler
Booked 45-min layovers — nearly missed our flight
No backup snacks — nothing onboard our kids liked
Boarded too early with a toddler and sat on the plane for 40 mins pre-takeoff
Forgot my own spare clothes — flew home in stained shirt

Now? I lift my bags before we leave. I triple-check snack variety. And there’s always a clean t-shirt for me.

Toddler boy looking through the window of the plan while flying over the ocean.

What parents really ask me about flying with kids

How do I Avoid Ear Pressure Pain for My kids on the plane?

Ear pressure during takeoff and landing can be tough for little ears. Try offering drinks, snacks, a pacifier, or sippy cup so your child can swallow — swallowing and sucking help equalize pressure.

At what age can a baby safely fly on an airplane?

Most health experts suggest waiting at least until a baby is a few weeks old before flying, and many parents wait until around 2–3 months for their first trip because it reduces the risk of exposing a newborn to crowds and germs.

Should I use a car seat on the plane for my child?

If you buy your child their own seat, using an FAA‑approved car seat can make the flight more comfortable and safer for them. Always check that the car seat is airline‑approved and fits the plane seat you booked.

Do I need extra documentation when Traveling with my child alone?

If you’re flying with your child without their other parent, many countries (including Canada) require a signed permission letter and sometimes a birth certificate to prove guardianship or consent to travel.

Is it worth buying a separate seat for a toddler?

If your toddler is over 2, you must buy a separate seat. If their younger, you know your toddler! If it’s a long flight, buying an extra seat gives you more room to let them move. Especially if it’s a long flight. Check out my guide to fly with a toddler for additional tips.

What’s the hardest age to travel with?

It varies, but many parents find the early toddler stage the most challenging because kids are mobile, curious, and don’t want to sit still for long.

You’re not doing it wrong. You’re doing something brave.

Flying with kids won’t be perfect.

Something will go wrong. A snack will spill. Someone will get overtired.

And you’ll still get there. And once you do, you’ll realize it was all worth it.

That’s the part no one really tells you — the hard parts fade, but the memories stick.

So don’t wait until it feels “easy.” Just start.

And if you want to make your next flight feel a whole lot smoother…

👉 I put together the exact carry-on packing list I use for my kids so I never forget the important stuff (especially snacks, backup clothes, and the things that actually keep them calm).

It’s simple, practical, and takes all the guesswork out of travel day.

You can grab it here and feel ready before you even leave for the airport.

Flying With Kids: A Real Mom’s Guide After 25+ Flights