Tips for Flying with Kids
Let’s face it, flying these days can be a little stressful with all the craziness in this world. Add your kids into the mix and it can be enough to make you consider a stop at the airport bar before the flight! I’ve always dreaded flights with little kids…my own little kids that is. Will their ears hurt? Will they scream and cry? Will they kick the seat? Will people around us be annoyed? It just stresses me out. I see so many other moms asking on Facebook how to make family flights less stressful too, so it’s apparently not just me! Here’s a list of tips to make flying with your “littles” more tolerable for you (and hopefully everyone around you too)!
Don’t book early flights. While there is less chance of cancellations and delays in the morning, little ones often have a lot of energy early in the day. Booking afternoon flights gives you time to wear your little ones out before the flight. Later flights are also a good option because kids are more likely to sleep on the plane. You know your kids best, so consider their daily routine when planning your flight times.
Book direct flights. This one is a no-brainer. You’re already potentially suffering through one flight, if it doesn’t go so smoothly, you will be big time stressing for the second leg. It’s worth the extra cost to know that once you land – you’re there! If you can’t book direct flights, pay attention to the layover times. Pick ones that have layover times of 45 minutes to an hour and a half. This allows you time to use the restroom, grab a snack, and stretch your legs for a bit without having to sit around the airport forever. You don’t want to be running through the airport in a panic trying to make your next flight.
Pick seats in advance. Seating issues have affected us quite a few times even when traveling with very little kids. Just because some airlines assign seats when you book doesn’t mean you can’t be reassigned. While airlines often try to keep families together, sometimes it is just not possible. On one flight we had only one child sitting next to a parent, one parent alone in another seat, and our 5-year-old in another seat with neither of us around. The airline didn’t really seem to care about their age. If you can pick seats or purchase a seat upgrade, it’s wise to choose that option to have the family sit together. It’s very frustrating to be split up and you know you’ll need something from the other carry-on bag when that seatbelt sign is on!
Apply for TSA pre-check. I wish I had applied for TSA pre-check sooner than I did! Not only do you go in a separate and much quicker security line, but you also don’t need to take off your shoes, belts, or light jackets and you don’t need to remove your laptops or 3-1-1 liquids from your carry-on. The bonus – children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA precheck. Once you pay the $85 to apply online, attend your appointment, and get approved, your pre-check status lasts 5 years. It’s money well-spent, especially when traveling with your kids. Here’s the link to apply!
If you bring a car seat or booster – make sure it’s FAA/airline-approved. I’ll be honest, we never fly with car seats. They are not required by the FAA and I personally don’t want to lug them around or risk them getting damaged. I once witnessed baggage handlers break a car seat into PIECES! The other issue is that only some car seats and boosters are FAA and/or airline-approved. To be FAA-approved your seats must have two labels on them:
- “This child restraint conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards.”
- “This restraint is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft.”
Keep in mind that each airline has its own rules so be sure to check with your airline before you book if you plan to bring one along.
Consider travel insurance. Many people don’t think it’s worth it to get travel insurance, however, many people can’t afford to lose the thousands of dollars they paid for their trip either! Things can happen not only prior to your trip but during your trip as well. If you or your children get sick or injured, there is severe weather, travel delays, lost baggage, etc., you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you won’t lose your vacation investment or incur any additional costs. Some travel insurance includes travel medical insurance since many US insurance carriers won’t cover you overseas unless in a true emergency. If you get sick or injured overseas you will likely need to pay cash upfront. Those bills can add up fast! Two of the travel insurance companies I recommend are Allianz Travel and GeoBlue. You can also check your credit card benefits as many cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance if you booked with that credit card.
Take advantage of family boarding. Many airlines have some form of family boarding or pre-boarding. This allows families with kids to board the plane before most passengers. If you hear them say “Now boarding for those who need additional assistance” …this also may be you! While each airline has its own policies and age limits, generally anyone traveling with children under 2 or those with strollers will get to board either first, or after the 1st class/military, etc. Southwest has the most generous age limit of 6 and under, although this is likely due to them not allowing seats to be chosen ahead of time. Check with your airline directly to see if you qualify for the early boarding process and get your kids and gear on the plane with less of a hassle!
Utilize “TSA Cares” to help family members who have special needs, disabilities, or medical conditions. If needed, TSA Cares will assign a Passenger Security Specialist (PSS) to assist those who may need additional assistance with the security screening process. Some of the passengers they may help are those who: have difficulty following instructions, have mobility limitations, are transporting medically necessary liquids/gels/supplies, have a child with a disability or medical condition, are traveling with a service animal, have cultural items or are wearing religious headwear/clothing, and so much more. You can submit a request for assistance by using the link below:
Please note:
*TSA recommends you request assistance at least 72 hours in advance.
*If you need wheelchair assistance, please contact your airline directly.
Use the restroom right before boarding. This one is common sense and also important, especially if you have potty training kids. Sometimes the boarding process can be long, or you may have to sit in the line of planes waiting for take-off clearance. If your little one suddenly needs to use the restroom and you get up, they won’t move that plane! Make sure you are aware of your boarding time and get to the bathroom right before. It’s also a good idea not to load your kids up on fluids right before your flight as well.
Bring a travel stroller. Depending on the age of your kids, you may have to take a stroller along whether you want to or not. I’ve seen people lugging these huge travel systems or wagons around and if that’s you and you prefer that, great! Remember, you can gate check the strollers when you board but be advised you risk the potential for damage during the flight. I’ve seen it happen! If you prefer something easy peasy yet functional to take along, bring a travel stroller. People generally think of umbrella strollers which are okay, however my favorite travel stroller is the GBPockit+ All Terrain. This is one of the few strollers that is allowed ON the plane. Yep! This stroller folds down so small you can fit it either under the seat or in the overhead bin. It’s also sturdy, lightweight, has a 5-point buckle harness, a shade canopy, some storage underneath and also reclines if your little needs to take a nap. I love it. If you travel a lot – this stroller is a must have! Learn more below.
Help relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing. This is one I was always afraid of since I had a bad experience myself. Their little ears are sensitive and sometimes takeoff and landing can hurt adults ears too. Here are a few ideas to help relieve their ear pressure:
- Keep them awake.
- Have them drink liquids.
- Give babies and toddlers a pacifier if they use one at home.
- Give them snacks, gum (depending on age), or a sucker to encourage swallowing.
- Give them special ear plugs. (EarPlanes is a good brand)
- Give tylenol or ibuprofen about 45 minutes prior to the flight.
- Have them yawn if old enough to do it on command.
Pack essentials in your carry-on. There is no packing light when traveling with little kids. The good news is that diaper bags are generally allowed and not counted as your carry-on. Kids are also allowed a carry-on just like adults (if they have their own seat). So whether you pack the essentials in your bag or your kid’s bag, make sure to include the following: diapers, wipes, diaper baggies (for trash too!), earplugs, pacifier, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, snacks, meds, cup/drinks, extra set of clothes, bib, books, small toys, comfort items, device with games/movies, headphones, new items or toys to keep them entertained. While this is not an exhaustive list, these are the basics you will generally need on the flight depending on their age.
Relax and ignore the rude people. Rude passengers are inevitable. Kids have just as much of a right to fly as adults. Frankly, adults can be much more annoying anyway. I’ve had people move to another seat when they saw they were sitting next to us even when my kids were so quiet and well behaved. But let’s be real. Kids cry. Kids fuss. They aren’t always the most pleasant little things. Those rude passengers were that age at one time too and if they really wanted to be away from kids, they should have booked the expensive seats! Even if you get comments or glares, please don’t let it ruin your flight. Soon you’ll be off making amazing family memories!
What are your favorite tips? Leave a comment below!
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